Mooch and others:

The following has served me well for many yrs.

1. ROD--10.5' Shimano OR Shakespeare rod, can be bought at Sportco for $69-$79. They work very well for summer run and low water winter run OR for my fishing out of a small jet boat.

2. REEL--Shimano Spirex 2000 OR Shimano Symetre 2000. Have both, and both work well, with a super drag system.

3. LINE--Ande, ENVY...8, 10, 12 pound. It's soft, lays correctly.......bought at Sportco, spools cost about $5.00 for 600+ yards.

4. I do use leader material from the bobber down to the jig BUT I have caught many fish, just fishing direct.

I think its crazy to spend $150.00+ for a jig rod, when there is something available that will get the job done.

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"