Reel

Ultrex MDI with iPilot link Helix 12 Chirp Mega DI + GPS G4N Cho Mega 360 Imaging Ultrex

Deep cycle Lithium battery - lighter and can be used for a couple of days without recharging.

All that was said is spot on! If you buy two units, put a larger one in front. You can get by with a 7 inch model for the console but I would buy bigger in front. In order of importance, get GPS first, then DI and finally SI if your budget permits.

Something like the first one on your list. Put it in the back next to the battery. You can also buy a new power cord from MinnKota that has waterproof plugs that you can disconnect.

SLX. I like the VBS system

Pro blue red pearl

When it gets colder than that, the drop shot still works.

I'm using exactly the same set-up ( 7,6 Shimano Intenza and Stradic Ci4+ 2500) to throw Ned rigs and it's ideal. Even if this rod is labelled LIGHT, it's got some backbone and will let you throw that light ned rig the right distance. I fish the St-Lawrence river for the same large smallmouths in clear water and have no problem with them. I use 10 pound braid with an eight pound leader.

Shimano SLX DC

Jackall I Shad

You can powder coat with a clear finish. Powder paint is available in clear. Very hard.

Really nice

That's it Norman, not Mann's

I go against the grain. I use a football head jig in grass and in brush. The large head pushes the grass away and pivots on brush. No more hang-ups than with other jigs.

I have one like that, I thought it came from Mann's but not sure. Should be put ahead of a large topwater.

I don't know if this applies in your situation but the Ned rig is great for Fall smallmouth. When the water temperature drops under 60 degrees, the smallmouth here go on a goby binge. A heavy head ( 1/5oz) with a brownish soft bait like a Jackall Yammyfish on the bottom gets you bit.

I like the Shimano Zodias. I don't have the new model yet but I've got a couple of seven footers of the old model that I really like. Go with M/H for an all around rod.

What is it you want to test by dragging a sinker on the floor ? Sensitivity ?

Jackall Rythmn Wave

I have a 7 foot 6 Intenza that I really like for Ned rigs

Jerkbait, crankbait, but again, mostly dropshot.

Same one, Jackall Kaera

Shimano Intenza

The advantage of a Shimano DC reel is that you get distance and you don't have to pay as much attention to your reel during the cast. They are really good when you use a regular size lure ( crankbaits, spinnerbait, jerkbait) that you cast and retrieve continuously. They are very forgiving. I have a Curado Dc that I use for jerkbaits with an Expride rod.

Like you are, I'm using a 6' 10 Shimano Crucial in MH and have not found anything better yet for big ( 5 inches or more) topwater walking baits. My Shimano Expride in 6'8'' MH comes a very close second.