Jrob78

It (BB1) does have an anti-reverse but it doesn't have an anti-reverse bearing like most modern reels. It has an anti-reverse pawl which allows for a tiny amount of back play.

I'm a Daiwa guy so I would get the Tatula. There's a Type R with my name on it as soon as they're released.

Mine too.

I fish from a 135 with the high seat. I find myself sitting way more than standing. I will stand to stretch out but usually end up sitting back down to fish. The kayak is plenty stable to stand in but I'm not completely comfortable fishing that way. Plus, it's hard to paddle while standing up and fishing. I highly recommend the elevated seat for the Rides.

I like a MH mod fast graphite rod for sq bills. In general, I go to a more moderate rod as the baits get deeper. I never use a regular fast action rod for 1.5 or larger sized sq bills but I do use a med ex-fast rod for small sq bills like the RC 0.5, KVD 1.0, Lucky Craft Clutch.....etc.

I'm not sure where to get the #5's. You do have to be pretty careful with jerkbait hooks, any minute change in weight will effect the suspending properties of the bait.

Get the Boga's, I don't think you'll be sorry. Just make sure to put a float on them, scales don't do you any good at the bottom of the lake.

There's no such thing as "the best" of anything. What I think is the best is different than what someone else thinks is the best. Any rod action or power will work well with braid.

The line will work fine on your regular baitcaster. The main issue with heavier line is line capacity. As long as your reel doesn't have a shallow spool, you should be ok. If you're throwing smaller swimbaits, less than 2 ounces or so, your reel should be fine, assuming it's a decent reel.

By all means get the heavy then. A good 7'-7'6" HF rod is very versatile for heavy weights and heavy cover.

Yeah that's weird. TN definitely shouldn't be considered north, especially when one of the Southern Open events is in North Carolina. The Elite schedule looks great, should be a good season. I can't wait for the Classic at Guntersville, I bet it sets records for weights at a Classic.

99% of my topwater fishing is done with a shad pattern of some sort, a bluegill pattern or clear. Water clarity is the main factor, everything else being equal.

Frog hooks are big, you need a stout hook set and rod to drive those hooks home, braid or not. I use a heavy powered rod with 50lb braid for frogging and wouldn't think of going lighter. Rods don't just break on hook sets, if you avoid banging your rods into hard objects and stepping on them, they will last a very long time.

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Yep, you're absolutely right. I was basing my statement on the OP saying there were 5-7 per pack. I checked everything else but didn't check that.

Check out the Big Bite Baits Yo Mama. I believe they come 8-10 to a pack and are cheaper. Also, the Zoom Z-Hog and Yum Wooly Bug are a little cheaper than the RI.

I've been using the Bio-Silk for a few months now. I mix it with regular silicone for more color options. The Bio-Silk looks great in the water and it's much easier to work with than living rubber.

I've never heard of them before but it looks legit to me. They take Paypal so you should be ok.

InvizX is a good line. Check your guides and practice your knots. I bet that fixes your problem. The local golf course is safe, for now.

Those are split ring pliers. I wouldn't want to use those for my every day pliers. Plus, Texas Tackle makes the best split ring pliers on the market, IMO. Try these http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/MHX-X-SSORIES/MHX-Side-Cutter-Pliers

You need a mh-fast rod to cover everything between finesse and flip pitch.

I use regular, cheap needle nose pliers too. Although, I do see the benefit of well made, rust free, aluminum pliers with quality side cutters. It would be hard for me to pay over $50 for them though.

Are you adjusting your measurements for the taper of the blank?

Get a Q-Tip and run it around the inside of your guides, if there are cracks the cotton will snag them and you will know. Is your line good? What brand is it? If it's old, replace it with a premium fluoro. 10lb should be fine for cranking. Practice tying knots. Make sure you can tie them slowly and correctly with lots of spit. Learn a new knot, the San Diego Jam is really good with fluoro, so is the Uni. If none of these things work, take up golf.

I have a buddy who has a pair of P-Line pliers. He likes them a lot and they are holding up really well. He doesn't use them in salt though.