J Francho

Thankfully, no one was hurt, aside from the hit to the ego in being able to drive. Don't sweat that. Listen to the docs, make sure they listen to you. Ask questions. You will figure it out, and get well. We're all pulling for you!

Megastrike.

I remember my first 6' pistol grip rod. It seemed giant.

1994 called, it wants it short rods back

Don't cut it off the tip. Just deal with the 6". It's an AWESOME rod.

No, there's a production model, or you can get the blank: https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater/products/avid-series-casting

Just get a SC Avid 7' medium/moderate and be done.

That's what steelhead are for

Pickwick would probably be my primary destination, but I like fishing for smallies. Good luck, and keep us updated.

After the initial drop, I mean test, yes I did some experimentation. The lightest reels I had at the time were 8.8 oz.

All of my Saint Croix Avids will float with an 8.8 oz. reel or less.

V - Vibe Blade Bait

Usually a medium to medium fast speed reel. 6 or 7 to 1.

The 4-6 rods I take are different depending on the water I plan to fish. One day might be 4 drop shot setups and a jigging spoon rig. Another trip might be five flipping sticks with different baits. Another lake might be a spinnerbait, topwater, 2 jig 'n worm rods, and a general purpose spinner. Other times, I bring a new rod I want to review or try out. Short answer: it depends.

Ladies and gentleman, welcome RichZ! He is a wealth of knowledge. And a hell of an angler.

Heard at every single shore spot ever.

Unless it's a boat on the showroom from last year, their prices are pretty well set. You want a service department with a good reputation. It's pretty much the same with cars. Some dealers might have a particular car in stock at a discount, but they're pretty much the same for similarly equipped vehicles. It's always the service dept. you want to look at. The Z18 is a fine boat, and going with upgraded electronics, trolling motor is a good move. I see the jack plate as less important than a hot foot and blinker trim, but still would be on my must have list. Next would be shallow water anchoring system.

I don't have any plans or ideas for you, but I'd like to share this picture of pallet I made out of old coffee tables. ? https://oaklandpallet.com/images/Files/Original/635122106399409921_New-48x40-Block.jpg

@Bluebasser86 you may want to rethink your date night schedule!

Any clue as to what kinds of lines?

You want to hear something crazy? I don't wet my line when cinching knots all the time. Carefully cinched, it makes no difference, in my experience. Beginning to think it's a myth.

Not true, lol. Been playing drums for nearly 40 years. Can only cast with my right hand. I bet if I spent the time, I could learn, it's just that the tools are there that I don't have to.

Yes, RH for moving baits, LH for contact baits.

What he said, but finish up by buffing with some aluminum foil. Sounds crazy, but it works.

With any fever, the barf bucket must be handy. Hope he's feeling better soon.