roadwarrior

Topwater: PopMax, Sammy & Spook Jerkbaits Rapala DT6, Bandit 200, Wiggle Wart Squarebills: Norman Fat Boy, LC 2.5 Small Swimbaits: Keitech Swing Impact fat, Berkley Hollow Belly, Shadalicious Swim Jigs with Rage Tail Menace & Shellcracker MegaStrike StrikeBack Spinnerbait, ShakE2 & MegaTube Craw Rage Tail Cut-R And above all, The Rig

I hope you are able to fix what you have, but for your next purchase give htr StrikeBack from MegaStrike a try. There is nothing out there quite like these spinnerbaits. http://www.megastrike.com/#!products/vstc2=strikeback-spinnerbait

Shimano is introducing the next generation I Series, it's as simple as that. As the leader in the field, Shimano will continue to introduce new products and improvements.

For the most part BASS = largemouth, smallmouth and Kentucky bass (spots). We have a seperate section for smallmouth "just because". Actually fishing for smallmouth can be quite a bit different than largies and a big part of the country doesn't have the species. Stripers and peacocks are "Other Fish".

What a surprise, eh?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/03/10/big-guns-army-soldiers-to-get-powerful-new-swedish-made-tank-stopper/

Well, there is always going to be something marginally better so you have to decide what you want to spend. I don't fish IMX anymore, my Loomis are GLX. From what I am told NRX takes it to a completely different level, but I don't own one (yet). "Value" is in the eye, or hands, of the beholder. I have been VERY impressed with the Pinnacle Tournament Series at a $160 pricing point. I have two and another is on its way. There are just a lot of options to choose from. I hope these observations and suggestions have helped.

Pinned at the top of this section: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

The topic is "Rod & Reel Suggestions". I think you are better off sticking with spinning gear and saving some money for a little higher level baitcaster.

My recommendation is the G.Loomis IMX MBR 844C. This is the standard at it's pricing point. If your want a fine rod at a much lower price consider this: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html

A few more dollars...$160 MSRP http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128588-pinnacle-review/

Pretty cool! http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/project-z-3.html

I think most outdoorsmen are HUGE fans, I have been since it first became available. My Guideware is more than 10 years old, but it looks brand new and keeps me 100% dry! GOR-TEX is magic. http://www.cabelas.com/assets/collections/stitchedin/guidewear/guidewear.html

Welcome aboard!

Rage Tail Lobster on a 3/8 oz Moaner Weighted Hook (Rage Rigged)

Curado G for $90 -$100 is a no brainer.

Try the Rage Tail Toad and you might not want to go back to hollow-body frogs. http://www.ragetail.com/news/color-charts/rage-toad-color-selection/

The OP said he likes St. Croix so I posted the AVC70MM which ilike a lot. However, if you are open to another suggestion take a look at this Pinnacle: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html

Invest in a lure retriever if you fish from a boat. I rarely lose hard baits. On the otherhand, I never fish expensive lures or anything I am not willing to lose from the bank.

1/4 oz Stroker from Moaner Hooks http://www.moanerhooks.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_66&zenid=5ae82c7adcc7ecbbeebcbbdbaf8b3b14

I think the line will be fine. Fluorocarbon is an inert crystal and never deteriorates. However, all lines have other components, resins? So I don't know how long these lines will last, but I would guess several years.

Spinning tackle: #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Baitcasting gear: #12

AVC70MM for all medium weight treble hooks and especially square bills!

MegaStrike

Red Eye Shad, Jerkbaits, Squarebills, The Rig and apparently Rapala DT6.