Try a glass/composite rod for your topwaters. Your hook up to land percentage should go up. Additionally, you can really bomb those walkers on a glass rod.

In my opinion for pitching you don't need to go all out and get some 9.0 gear ratio reel. A 7:1 gear ratio is suffice in my opinion. With that being said, a core 50mg7 will do the job fine or a zillion. If you absolutely need a faster ratio look at the metanium xg or even the tatula type r.

The revenge blades are great baits. For myself at least, it's the only brand spinnerbait I throw after seeing better results with them, then anything I have used in the past.

My goto technique would have to be a soft plastic Texas rigged with a 1/4 ounce weight. Rod to match would have to be a 7'0 MH

this rod is a super versatile rod in my opinion. I have even caught a 7 pounder flipping tullies on the cal delta with this rod. Its a great rod for topwaters.

One of my buddies told me that this is the new line that is supposed to be released by Powell. Does anyone have any info on the specs and such?

Here's basically my basis (for the most part) extra fast action for single hook duties, moderate to moderate fast for treble hook baits

Powell max 703 or 733 would be my choice

The only reason I'd get a core 50 over a met is if you are a huge fan of the platform and want one before they no longer make them. That being said I'd get a metanium first because it's probably gonna be out for a while and then pick up a core when they become a sale item. Aldebarans and Scorpions ...

I think hollow bodies are superior just for this fact. You can throw a hollow body anywhere basically. Soft plastic not so much. And I've had just about the same amount of success throwing a hollow body in water with no grass as in water with grass

The only reason I'd get a core 50 over a met is if you are a huge fan of the platform and want one before they no longer make them. That being said I'd get a metanium first because it's probably gonna be out for a while and then pick up a core when they become a sale item.

I have the same issue with strike king. A lot of the cranks I have bought are hit or miss. Poor QC in my opinion. It got to the point where I just don't risk it and buy strike king anymore. If I want a crank in that price range I buy speed traps for square bills and for round bills bandits

Revenge in 3/8 black widow and craw is killer in stained water

The 7 inch senko is great rigged weightless and wacky. I've never used it with a weight seems like overkill to me

Metanium !