Darren.

This is what I look for in reels given I live with both fresh and salt water fisheries. Though I only recently started fishing salt, because I live here, I chose to buy Shimano Stradics (and a couple other models and brands over the years). Had a Daiwa Lexa 2000 in the mix for the same reason. So big respect for Daiwa and Shimano. FWIW, you can take any reel into salt fishing, just needs extra TLC to keep it in good shape.

For me, the logic behind using a palomar and/or uni knot for terminal connections is ease of tying on the water in my kayak. Both knots are solid when tied well, cinched slowly and carefully. Then I always test pull the knot and hook to make sure it's a good connection. As mentioned, uni and palomar are my go-to for terminal connections. Palomar might be the easiest to tie which is a possible reason why it is one of the most popular knots.

For me, it wasn't the "weakening" of the knots, so much as slippage. When I tied a solid knot, there was no "weakness" in the sense that I *rarely* broke there. But you can consider slippage a weakness, I suppose

Spot on with Floroclear sizes. That gels with my usage. Though I've had very good results with it. As for knots and Floroclear, yes, you need to tie a good knot, and for me that means adding wraps for the lesser pound tests. It's much slicker than YZH.

Mudhole. Got a buddy who uses 'em. And welcome to the forums.

We have folks here who use circle hooks, octopus hooks, Texas Rig-style hooks, all for wacky rigging. I like to use hooks designed for the presentation, namely Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse and Split Shot/Drop shot. Offset hooks, at least in my experience, do hook up very well, but gut hooking seems to go up, especially when the take is virtually unnoticed. I.e., no tap tap tap or obvious hit to the bait. You lift the rod or start to reel in and "DOH there's a fish on my line!" type of reaction.

Congrats! Nice catch!

Welcome aboard, JC!

Great report, Tim!

Welcome aboard!

I have used both ratcheting straps and cam-lock straps. Bought some new cam-buckle straps at Harbor Freight and they are fantastic. The lock is very tight, actually a bit tough to get the strap in it. But once done, these are solid. If you are concerned of slippage, once you've got it tight, take the extra strap and tie an overhand knot up to the cam-lock.

Welcome aboard, Brandon!

Welcome aboard, Jason!

Good one!

For a combo setup there are a TON of options you have before you, as many options as there are subscribers to Bass Resource! You can stay in the $100 range for a rod and do very well since there are so many in that $ range which are equally light and sensitive. Bass Pro Pro Qualifier 2, Carbonlites; St. Croix Premier; Abu Veritas; Duckett Fishing Ghost; Fenwick HMG; among many others, and that is just what Bass Pro offers. FWIW, the PQ2 are currently on sale for $79, reg $99. If you spend say $100, I'd personally look at the Stradic FK and Daiwa Tatula LT, maybe upping to the Stradic CI4+ and Daiwa Ballistic LT reels.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Can't really help with regard to your "pet" bass, but @WRB is right, predators likely to blame...

Wow. Nicely done. Congrats!

Great stuff, Brad!

They didn't work for me a couple years ago, so I put 'em in a bin. Decided to dust 'em off this year. Now to find a time to get the heck out on the water!!!

For me it's more of giving some *colors* a second chance. I plan to use Merthiolate and bubblegum Trick worms during the spawn. Now that it's started, I just need to find the time to get out on the water!!

Nice outing and solid catches. Awesome that he's so passionate about fishing. I notice he doesn't wear a PFD. I know it isn't required to wear, just have in the boat, but it'd sure help in a sudden accident.

Welcome aboard, Mike! Spawn is on in VA! But I have yet to get out

Welcome aboard, Paul!

Welcome aboard, Steve!