Darren.

Besides rod holders, I have a spare prop and spare pin, my TM battery, rope.

Welcome aboard, Sam! Having only one setup, especially as a college student tight on cash, is not a big deal, really. Multiple setups can be more of a luxury for the budget conscious. Why don't you tell us what you have now and we may offer ideas on how you can maximize its usage. In the meantime, our Fleamarket often has deals that won't break a college student's bank .

That's interesting. What test fluoro have you been using? I mainly use 6, 8, and 10# test. Lots of timber in my fishing spots. Rarely does it abrade my leaders. Fish teeth tend to do more on that front .

I just use a leader all the time. For me it is less about line visibility (or not) than about saving my braided mainline. I do like the abrasion resistance, as well. If you think of it that way, you won't really worry about visibility. Have you noticed your braid getting sliced on the brush as well?

To each his/her own. I learned to swap hands and never have a problem doing so. Much ado, IMHO. Stick with what works, don't overthink it. I doubt you will see *that* much of a wasted motion.

Depending on where, Wels are illegal to keep and must be released back into the river. Not sure if his was under that rule or not...

I tend to cast like you, thumb to 9. Though I also cast with thumb to 12 sometimes. I can say that 9 gives me far fewer backlashes than 12...maybe it is just my technique.

Hope not! Plenty of us still use 6'6" and below. Though TW doesn't carry many rods 6'6" and below based on my checking over the years.

Welcome aboard!

September 2017. Not that long, so I suppose "out for a while" is relative Like cars, the 2018 model available in 2017...

It is a nice boat and price point, been out for a while, watched several reviews on it. Good stuff.

No doubt! I was shocked at how much the weeds have grown at NNPK. I suspect they will spray some copper sulfate this year since they haven't done so for several years.

I see a bridge in the background, can't ID where you were at! Deep green water. Were you in Williamsburg? I'm glad you had success. I only had three rods with me and a somewhat limited amount of time. I felt I should have thrown cranks and spinners, but went with wacky, drop, and swim bait. Shoulda gone with my gut, I suppose

Welcome aboard, Chuck!

My dogwood buds are embiggened but not quite blooming. Still some time on the clock. Will be interesting with the temp fluctuations in the coming days, as @MassYak85 mentions.

I hope mine was a fluke, a bad batch or something. Either way, it scared me off trying 'em again. Good luck with your testing.

I tried the Hayabusa Spin Muscle, I think 2 packs, lost several to snags, but had at least one break on me. Scared me off of them for good, I'm afraid. Loved the design and price, but alas, Gammy has never broken on me so has my full trust.

Looks good!!

Welcome back, Terry!

My favorite are my own, made with Gamakatsu hooks either Finesse Wide Gap or Split/Drop Shot hooks.

Wacky drop, yes, but not nose hooked. I will be trying some 3" senkos this year on the drop, though.

I'm curious for those who have the LT and have or have used a Stradic or above with direct drive handles... Do the LT reels, which don't have direct drive handles, have any play when reeling? I have experienced play with my son's Lexa 2000, and other Daiwa reels I've played with. Again, just curious. My Stradics have zero play.

Congrats on the PB, and welcome aboard! Did you catch & release her? She's got some great genetics at that size! And can't really help with tax peeps. I know Bass Pro offers replicas, have you tried them?

Great catches!

Welcome aboard! Never fished up that way...yet.