I am seriously addicted to fishing. The smallmouth bass trumps all obviously, but when another species is biting "GAME ON!" Chasing bronze bombers has led me to believe choice in equipment is very important. This is why I trust in the following:
Reels: Abu Garcia and Pflueger. Baitcaster, spinning reel, it don't matter. Abu Garcia's Revo line is outstanding. I own an STX, MGX, and Winch. My Pflueger Trion has lasted for years and is still one of my favorite reels to this day.
Rods: Abu Garcia and I have a few old Gander Mountain rods that have stood the test of time for a $30 price tag. I prefer the Abu Garcia Veritas and Verdict, as they are very light and sensitive. My GM rods are very proficient in my pursuit of smallies on the rivers because of their action and inexpensiveness.
Baits: Anyone that knows me well enough will tell you I don't leave home without a fistful of tubes. Bass Pro Shops makes the best weighted head, and it has an EWG so you can rig it weedless. Also a huge fan of CASE plastics. KVD 1.5's are killer on just about any system that contains green or brown bass. Jonn Graham's Warrior Jigs are the same way, namely his swim jigs. I have caught more fish on his swim jigs than a regular old jig-n-pig in the last couple years. A spinnerbait ain't a spinnerbait unless it's a Terminator. I welcome anyone to challenge their design, but I do miss the T-2's. Recently,.I have tried KVD's spinnerbaits. While they catch fish, I'm not as satisfied.
Boat: 2005 Triton TR-186 w/ 150 hp Mercury XR6. Triton's ride like a dream and fish like one too.
Lakes/Rivers: Powerton, Mackinaw, Vermillion, and a few secret spots that shall remain that way... For largemouth I highly recommend Eureka Lake. There are some absolute giants in that system, but the fishing is usually pretty difficult.