Background info:

Our fishing consists of:

70% bank fishing
15% streams and creeks
5% wet wade fishing
5% kayak
5% boat

we have 6 (or more) Zebco rod/reel combos; an ACC Crappie Stick, and a couple of other Academy budget rod/reel combos (Lew's and the like).


we fish for everything but catfish, gar, and paddlefish

Questions:

How much difference is there in move up to a better rod and reel?

And what recommendations would you have?

After reading the recommendations here, I broke down and bought a Shimano Baitcasting Curado DC. Took me a while to get the hang of it and not end up with a tangled mess since I was used to spinning reels, but it's my go-to now. I would have to try to get it tangled now. Great advice on that thread so you might try the search.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FN7SDQ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

A good spinning reel and medium action rod with fast tip will lead to better hooksets. Haven't had a Zebco outfit in awhile but the action of the rods were slow and not good for a weedless hookset

The breakdown of location is largely irrelevant, imo.

How much time do you actually fish? What's the breakdown on presentation? Mainly Texas rig worm, mostly crankbait, top water, etc? Even across several presentations?

That will be more informative to upgrading your gear…

Historically, once a year. But it's been ticking up and I'd say in the last 12 months I have been 30 times or more.

rooster tails, some crank baits, tube baits, jig heads...some ned rigs.

occasional topwater and super dupers when I find a school of sand bass

I've fished a few shakey heads and drop shots without much luck.