Looks like its going to be a low & clear jig fishin year, but I am still strugglin to find the right outfit to use. I'm open to any and all suggestions you might have that would help me find the right combination of rod/reel/line without further hassle.

My preference is to use baitcaster (if that's possible). I have better line control. I love my 251's but they're getting tired. Is there one smooth enough to cast light lures with a heavier mendable line. I'd love to be able to match a light bobber with light lures. I've heard good things about the Curado. I will use a spin caster if I have to but I still haven't found a "sweet" winter one yet.

I'm also thinking I need a longer rod than 9' for a longer mendable drift, but which one can cast lighter weights without giving up backbone. The flyfishing blanks Ive been using are just too slow. Durability is about as important as performance since it will become a boat rod like all the rest of my arsenal.

I know the ideal jig rig combo is incomplete without mention of the line and terminal tackle. I am finding that this kind of fishing is more like flyfishing than anything else with respect to balancing all components for maximum performance but there are so few places and resources to go to in order to get such advice. Seems like some of the jig websites and the stores and rod makers out there "specializing" in this growing method of fishing would do better to offer more information to help us "lost sheep". Then again they may not have sold as much unbalanced and inferior stuff to me and others as they have.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Gettin' jiggy with it.