The Maestro

Yamamoto Flappin Hog Jackall Crosstail Shad Senko or maybe a Keitech Swinging Impact Rapala X-Pop Vision 110 Double willow spinnerbait

I'm assuming you were fishing from shore and that's why you didn't have a net? Were you not able to swing the fish in with your rod?

I'm taking a Texas rigged Yamamoto Flappin Hog with 3/8 oz tungsten weight. I'd still be able to get it through moderately thick weeds, fish it in moderate current, still be able to pitch it if it got a bit windy but it won't fall like a stone in calmer open water situations.

Up to 50lbs - Power Pro Maxcuatro 65lbs - 80lbs - Original Power Pro Maxcuatro has ridiculously thin diameter to strength ratio. It's super limp and manageable too.

It's not bad.

High wind. Though I've gotten better at dealing with it I'd rather not have to.

I think I'd take a 2020 Metanium if it's just one. If I knew the reel was specifically going to be used on a heavier setup for flipping jigs and t-rigs I'd take a Bantam. Line capacity isn't great on these reels though. You won't dump a full spool but when you lose line from re-tying and break offs it could become an issue. I don't use mine for moving baits or long casts so it's a non-issue for me. Maybe somebody who does can chime in on this with their experience.

You could say I've had "a few" as well.

I think another part of the appeal of smallmouth is the element of actually having to fight the fish and play them out which is really a skill in itself. Don't get me wrong I love largemouth but hooking a big smallmouth is a bit of a different experience in that I'm never as sure that I'll actually get it in the boat.

When you get bitten.by the smallie bug, it's over for you.

Lake Simcoe in the Fall kicks out huge bags. 31.8lbs in 2017 and 31.55lbs in 2010 with an 8lber on the same day. 7's aren't an everyday thing though. https://m.bassmaster.com/news/massive-bag-smallmouth-sets-canadian-record Not a very good picture of the 8lber (bottom pic) https://cjohn2979.proboards.com/thread/6660?page=1

I think when you first start fishing it's easier to target largemouth since they relate so much to visible cover like docks, trees, weeds etc... In most cases smallmouth are going to be found in areas where they relate more to underwater structure and features. This can make them quite a bit more challenging as it relies more on understanding seasonal movements and interpreting what you see with your electronics.

Putting a toothpick through chunk jig trailers just in front of where you hook them has the same effect in making them last much longer.

I get the point that they're the ones who offered these warranties but it's not sustainable when people were just outright abusing it to the point of fraud. I also believe the warranty in most cases specified manufacturing defects which clearly it's not after years of use.

This is exactly what I meant. Line and hook size might also be adjusted.

I have multiples of a bunch of my rods but I keep them as backups. I will have rods with essentially the same bait just in a different weight but the rods will be matched accordingly.

I draw the line at having identical setups for different baits. I usually bring 10-12 but no 2 of the same rod.

I don't quite understand. Did you have to pay for the Curado or was it free of charge? I got an Expride at half price for a broken Cumara.

I picked up a used Shimano Crucial drop shot specific rod (green blank) and it's medium heavy. Haven't had the chance to use it but it's definitely stiffer than my medium Cumara drop shot rod.

Most likely, they'd offer you the current equivalent rod at half price. This makes good business sense on their end since I'm sure they're still making money even at 50% off especially since they're selling it directly and at the same time they keep the customer happy and loyal.

A 7'6 heavy 13 Fishing Envy Black.

There's more to a rod than just sensitivity. Some rods just feel right in your hands for whatever reason. I couldn't care less that it might be theoretically less sensitive than another one

The gap between mid-range gear and top of the line gear in terms of performance isn't that big. Certainly not enough to be the difference maker in a tournament. Waiting for a bunch of replies about that one big bite you could miss because your rod's 9% less sensitive and your getting 13% less casting distance.

All braid all the time. If I want "forgiveness" I'll use a slower action rod.

You're over thinking things. The main thing is that you get enough use with a particular setup so that it just becomes second nature when you pick it up, you know exactly how it feels with any particular casting style, how it loads up on a hookset and things like that.