First, thanks for all the great responses. I have several cranking setups (Dobyns 684cb, 704cb, 705cb, 705cb glass etc) for the various size cranks and I get along really well with all of them for their intended purpose and bait sizes. It's just the 0.5 size 1/4 oz. sq bills that I am struggling with, especially with smallmouth which we have a lot of in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. The reel part is fine between 51E series Curados and a Calcutta Conquest. But too many pull off after getting a good hook and playing them as aggressively as I can knowing that those little #5 hooks can't take too much pressure. I back off the drag midway to the boat and take my time as I don't use a net much, if ever, when by myself. I have an All Star Broken Back Special saltwater rod that is more forgiving than anything in my arsenal and I will try it and let you guys know how it works. It keeps soft mouthed speckled trout hooked up well and it may be what I need. Again, thanks for all the suggestions. Here are a couple from this year so far 'spoon

Let's try this agin on the pics. Here area couple from this year so far along with a pic of a tournament in New Mexico the last weekend in April during a blizzard. Enjoy

I throw baby cranks on a jerk bait type rod. I prefer mono on crank baits, but I never throw under 10# test.

Those are some good 1 pounders. Haha nice fish! What did they weigh?

Top 12.73 middle 10.84 bottom 34 degrees