roadwarrior

Hmm... Been recommending the color for a few years now.

https://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Grid-Iron-G2-Jig-471.htm

What? I fish the BIGGEST bait I can buy.

My bigger fish have, for the most part, been caught between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Start with an inexpensive monofilament like #12 Trilene XL. Once you have mastered the baitcaster you may want to try a braided line such as #30 Sufix 832.

That's my goal, too.

Green Pumpkin is a staple for most guys, but any color can work. Green Pumpkin/ Red Flake is VERY popular on the Tennessee River lakes, but I have had good luck with Okeechobee and PB&J, too. Blue/ Black Flake and Watermelon are always in my bag.

Welcome aboard!

#12 Tatsu or AbrazX

I suspect he will be the same mild mannered man he is now.

#20 braid (Smackdown), #6 Tatsu.

Depends on your specific situation. I fish both 12 and 15, but generally prefer 12. I rarely (never) break-off on fish, just hang-ups.

Red Eye Shad

The St. Croix Avid series are great rods. If you go with this line, I suggest Medium Power/ Fast Action. St. Croix "Medium Power" is more like MH in other brands.

High 70's and low 80's here. Welcome change!

Rage Tail Baby Craw, Craw and Lobster.

Alabama Rig

https://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Cosmic-Double-Colorado-Spinnerbait-486.htm

Welcome aboard!

They're bigger than the 100, run a little deeper, but not as deep as a 200. The rattles are a bit louder too. I'd have to put them side to side but I don't think they're quite a big as a 2.5, more like a 2.0. The Rackits are not the same as the old Bandit squarebills though, much better baits imo. There is a Tennessee Shad but no Rootbeer.