J Francho

I still don't have any words other than I'm so sorry for your loss.

I throw Pad Crashers on a 7-3 HXF loaded with 50# braid. I’d say I hook 8-9 of 10 fish that strike the bait. A MH rod and 12# mono is a handicap for sure. Too much give in the system for a reliable hook set.

I'd say 90% of real fishing kayaks are designed for standing, and somewhere around 75% of the kayak anglers I know stand. Many of hem I taught in my classes, and I stand in all but the roughest conditions, so that could be an influence.

Plus, it's fun to talk about when you're taking a break from writing SQL code while working from home in your basement, no where near any fish.

Or the same age, and hatched in the same overall area?

I think you're on to something. My hands aren't huge, but they're long. One thing I CANNOT stand are tiny knobs. That's more important to me than the length of the handle.

I have some really short handled JDM reels. I notice it in about the first three thousandths of a second I use it, then forget about it. Really long handles on the other hand really feel good for cranking.

Uphill,both ways, in a snow storm, without shoes! LOL

I don't think they know they are fish.

Are you sure they're bass? This sounds like sunny behavior.

Havahart, and a bucket of water.

All that can be thrown on a fast taper. Frogs, T-rigs, topwaters I use x-fast. Spoons, lipless, cranks, I use mod-fast.

Speed craws are good, but they will never replace Rage Craws.

Anything that looks like it funnels one to the other

There's no standard to what is "fast," tho you can usually compare different tapers from the same model line. It really diverges in the extra fast department. Most of my rods are x-fast, btw. It would help if you stated what baits you use, and hook styles, and anyone can explain what your gaining/losing. This is a good chart on comparing tapers:

The benefits are in the application. A fast rod is NOT always a benefit, like when throwing crankbaits, where a fast taper is a hindrance. Your question is too general. 90% of bass fishing can be done with a fast taper.

There's a couple spots I wade for trout that you can't just get to without wading a deep hole. You really gotta watch the flows, though.

Start here: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/balanced-gear-bass.html

If I fished water that was only 3-4' deep, I might never fish a DS rig.

For wading, just one.

Let’s see some pics!

I’ve only had Mercs, that is the only brand I’ve used. I had Mark Croxten work one of my props - repair and cup - and he does great work.

No clue. I moved it to tackle. Makes most sense there.