J Francho

50 is plenty for me.

The Semi-V are actually more stable than a deep-V hull. I don't have any problem standing in them, but I'm 5-7, 160 lbs. I don't like two people standing, as it's easy to throw one another off balance. The back bench is the prime spot for standing.

Most of the pads up here are in 3' or less. I'm describing just one particular application. There's other ways for other waters. As far as deeper, the fish will tell you. I usually go from 12 to 30".

That's a 8 wt. rod, not a fairy wand. Similar to a MH. Very nice catch!

It's easiest just call Shimano directly.

There is no standard for reel sizes, so really there is no substitute to handling them in person.

They look cool, but I feel like they over complicate the idea of solo fishing. I'll stick with my simple Commander 140. 65 lbs., unlimited configuration options with bow to stern gear track, two comfortable seating positions, can stand easily, huge amount of storage.

I throw those baits on my old LTB70MF.

You might want to test drive it, and see. You may worrying about something that isn't a problem. That might be a real conservative weight cap. My 15' Sea Nymph was rated at something north of 800 lbs. I actually bet that spec is for "person capacity" not total weight capacity. Total includes the motor, full gas tank, and gear.

Typically, I'm going for the bait to be almost at the surface, so I can shake it, and make a commotion, so about as long as it is deep.

There isn't really anything you can do to increase capacity. What does the US Coast Guard plaque say is maximum? That seems low for a 13' boat.

Not with bass or spinning reels, but with a centrepin (I use for steelhead and salmon), you have no choice. You kind of use your finger as the drag.

My Avids with any reel 8 oz. or less float without any devices.

The base, two or three vertical slices before the tail, so it kicks better.

You'll know when you run out of space. Just use postimages.org. It's really easy. I've been using them for about a year.

For that, I just use a Uni to Uni. Not a knot I usually recommend for braid to fluoro, but it performs well with the tie-able leader. Any terminal knot works well at the end, so pick your favorite.

I got this tip from @ww2farmer , I think? thread a bullet sinker upside down on the tag line, and tie a split ring to the end. You can leave it like or use a rubber t-stop to adjust the drop lendth. Tha rig shoot straight through the slop.

That's food for my smallmouth's food...

Interesting....

Yep. Works. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/power-drop-shot.html

I've never had one puke up a perch, but often time crawfish, alewife, gobies, and little true bass which I can only assume are white perch; around 3" long.

I was gonna offer a similar solution. Toothy Critter from Cortland is readily available locally. Just tie it to the mainline. 20# size works great!

Just get out and fish!

Put a couple vertical slits in the tail portion to get better tail thumping.

Yes, Paul Roberts: https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/profile/11958-paul-roberts/