As usual, great tips chuck! I am a lot like you too, in that no matter what I know, or think I know, I don't know everything. Although I am rarely ever skunked, fresh or saltwater, I always like to learn from others. I am pretty confident with catching bass in general, but trying to get a trophy (to me 8lb or better) is where the overwhelmed feeling comes in. To me, the jig is my confidence. Just like spin fishing is my confidence. However, I don't want to be a one-dimensional fisherman. So I took up fly fishing, tried bait casting but too many birdnests. So I don't want to only jig. I would like to do some topwater, some crankbaits and some carolina and texas rigging. However, with that want comes a great overwhelming feeling as you walk down any sporting goods store and look outside your comfort zone. So many options.........just trying to narrow the options I guess......