Originally Posted by
deathb4disco
I'm very familiar with the Hooch, so I know you're not exaggerating.
As a general rule, I don't like using lures with treble hooks. I like them even less with really light line. A couple of years ago, however, I experimented with a very similar set up: light rod and small crankbaits for bass. I used braid. I forget the details, but it was something like 10/2 PowerPro. I didn't want to use 2-3# mono and have a bass break off with a crankbait (and an expensive one, at that) stuck to his face for the rest of his life. Braid prevented that.
If you set your drag light, I think you could do the same with a JDM rod.
Just a thought ...