J Francho

It's fairly uncommon, but not unusual. Just know what's up, if it happens. Took me a couple frustrating outings many years ago to figure out what was happening. The fix was simple, thankfully.

Braid does not remove the twist, it's just that braid doesn't reveal the twist like single filament lines. Instead of loops on the spool, you end up with something called "wind knots" with braid. The fix for either is to troll out the line, with no bait on it for a few hundred yards, and then reel in using pressure on the line between your fingers.

I've used a bunch, including my former favorite, Spro. Booyah Popping Pad Crasher is every bit as good, and a little less $$$.

I would not combine those baits. Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits have a large, barbed hook. You want at least a fast or extra fast taper to quickly drive that big hook home. The good thing about this type of rod, it can usually also be used for topwater, buzzbaits, and rip/jerk baits. Crankbaits tend to fish better on a slower, moderately tapered rod. That slower action aides in the deflection of cover and the bottom elements - the key piece to getting bit on a crankbait. I personally prefer graphite for cranking, as it is light and transits information about what you're bumping into better than glass. Glass does a have a very special recovery from deflection, and for this reason, many prefer it.

Triple digits on the ol' clicker.

My advice : tons of seat time.

This stuff drives mods nuts, lol. It's all good.

I have not paddled a Wenonah, but I have paddled several Swift canoes and kayak, which are similar, in that they are both hand laid, Kevlar hull, with excellent hull design. David Yost is a local here, and most hull designs were either his, or adapted from his. The Wenonah is a superior product, and very well supported up here. If I had the budget, that would be mt choice of the two. Kevlar boats seem less durable because of the weight, but I can assure you, they are much stronger.

Nice work. Sounds like we're fishing the same type of waters., and using the same tools worked for you. I like it when a plan comes together.

I've used that exact paddle, very nice for the money. ^

Just run one or the other, and practice your knots.

Not glass blades, but glass shafts. Lots of flex. I'd rather the stiffer aluminum.

He and Cusano have been tearing it up in team opens this year, again. They are deadly on Oneida.

Fixed that for you. Just kidding. I've donated to his wallet on more than a few occasions.

I started working at my family's restaurant at 12.

Much to your point, @Catt, you've developed a preference based on your experience, the water you fish, and your ability. I wish I could get there. I still run four specific types of line, depending on the purpose.

Isn't that just an Albright? The "Special" or Crazy Alberto knot goes up then down.

I'd be scouring paddle shops for end of summer clearance deals. If you can score a good deal on at least a CF shaft, you'll thank me, and never go back.

I was in 10-12', if I recall.

Mark's work is legendary in the performance bass boat world. Prices are really reasonable, too. Repaired and cupped my Trophy Plus.

Here's how clear it is at Ontario:

I bit the bullet, and got an AT Oracle full carbon fiber ergo shaft paddle, and could not be happier with this paddle. Anything else I've tried has felt sub par. I am not nice to it, often pushing off rocks and gravel, and it shows no signs of wear after three seasons. https://www.atpaddles.com/us/products/oracle-carbon

Probably as simple as switching rods. I can vouch for light fluoro buying you more bites on Erie and Ontario. I use 4 and 6 lb. line as well. My buddy Burnie holds some IGFA line class records for walleye, trout, and smallmouth, all from Ontario, using 4 lb. fluorocarbon. Maybe not a difference where you fish, but there's a difference here, and it's so prevalent among other local anglers, it's not a confidence thing in our heads.

10 up, 10 back.

More and more, fluorocarbon is replacing what I use to use. I still use braid for a couple things, but I really don't like the stuff at all.