roadwarrior

I like and agree with your choices! However, I would make a few adjustments. These suggestions are especially for lakes and rivers where smallmouth are an option. Specific examples are Pickwick, Kentucky Lake, Bull Shoals and Table Rock. Instead of a square bill, I would substitute a Bandit 200. Because five baits is a constraint, I'm ditching my favorite bait of all time and swapping a Kut Tail for the Senko. (I don't think I would ever actually do this, but in this scenario I want a weighted worm as an option). I NEVER fish a Senko wacky or weighted. Instead of a Rage Swimmer I would opt for a RES. So, if you want to expand your "minimal box" to eight, there you have it! Oops! I guess I can't get to five...Left out the Menace... If it's just five I will have to do without the Bandit.

I will give it a try!

Well, we can't catch 50 or 100 per day, but our brown fish tend to be big. <<<--------------------

#11 Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo https://sunlineamerica.com/products/shooter-defier-armilo/?sku=60073870

Hmm... I have never seen PB&G "a brighter orange tinged brown color".

They fight too hard.

Headed to Orlando the last week in January. Suggestions are appreciated. Better yet, maybe ghoti and I could fish with you for a day!

I think I am using that EXACT reel! http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdiawaalphas.html Back on topic: The Aldebaran weighs 4.8 oz and is the reel you are looking for! https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-ALDEBARAN_MGL.html

I guess I am the odd man out. I am a HUGE fluorocarbon fan, but I use monofilament with treble hooks exclusively.

Yep, very similar to the Aldebaran.

I have good luck with this color combination, especially targeting smalljaws. More specifically, Rage Tail Structure Bug rigged on an Owner J-rig.

Come up to Tennessee and I will introduce you to a few. Regardless of current, cloud cover, wind, temperature or barometric pressure, there is ALWAYS a good rock bite!

Welcome aboard!

Your only legitimate shot at a World Record is probably a line record. Get your required record keeping in order, it's a process, but can be done.

The rod might be more important for "catching", but the reel makes the fishing fun!

Well, I have been a fan of #12 Tatsu forever, but I recently ran out and decided to run with #15. Surprisingly, I like it!

I don't like that story. The situation sounds waaaay too dangerous to be worried about a fish. If the gator was a dog I would be just as concerned.

Now that's a fish!

No snow, but 25* tonight. Way too cold for this Rebel.

Treat yourself to a spool of #15 Seaguar AbrazX.

The solution: https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/crafting-and-sewing/products/scissors-and-shears/all-purpose-scissors-8-142493-1004