anderb54

Small lipless crankbaits are a good option. I've been teeing off on walleye and the occasional suspended smallmouth with Ultralight Rippin Raps this year. Tip the front treble with a small minnow head and hold on.

Northern MI. You could fish Grand Traverse Bay, Burt and Mullett Lakes, Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix... the list goes on

I use my FMJ for basically everything you've just mentioned, and I can tell you that you'll love the rod if you decide to get it. Although I know a longer rod would be better for deeper water, I have no complaints about using mine for that purpose. I found myself using the FMJ for deeper applications more often than my EMTF, even though I bought the EMTF for deeper football jig fishing and worming. It's just a great rod. I can also confirm from posts and the *** review that the FMJ also makes a pretty decent chatterbait and spinnerbait rod too

Look into either the Megabass Destroyer Daemos, or the Orochi XX Diablo Spec R. I use the Spec R for big jerkbaits (Pointer 128, Balisong 130, Kanata) and I love it. The Daemos is supposed to be a higher end Spec R, and ever since i bought a few of the USA Destroyers, I've had to talk myself out of getting one.

I love my FMJ, but I'd look into the Valdivia if you're wanting something for deeper ledges and Carolina Rigs. The USA Destroyers are awesome rods, and I'm very happy with both of mine, but the NRX is the more sensitive rod. I'd say the Destroyers are on par with or maybe a little above the GLX in terms of sensitivity, but the ergonomics and feel of them are better than any rod I've used before. My buddy who has a NRX 854C swapped his rod for my FMJ for a day and asked me if I wanted to trade, based on how well balanced and good it felt in his hand.

Smallies seem to love my Jointed Claw 178, so a Vision 110 will be fine . That said, I've had better luck on the Ito Shiner than the Vision 110, so that may be another one to consider. Elegy Bone or Ito Natural ftw

East Grand Traverse Bay is picking up near Acme. If you're willing to travel inland Burt and Mullett were on fire this last weekend. -Brett