Darren.

I should also add that I have done the reverse mod, too! Shortened two BPS Carbonlites from 6'6" to 6'3" by lopping 3" off the butt end. Nicer to fish from a kayak with the shorter ends.

Yes and no. I have a 6'3" MLXF Legend Tournament rod that was pretty sweet at that length. Then by stupid mistake I lopped about 3 or so inches off it. It was still sweet, but it lost more since and is a bit stiff for what I like. Still use it, but for heavier stuff. Mod'd a 6' ML rod (BPS MicroLite) to 5'9", same with a 6' ML St. Croix Premiere. That one is probably my fav rod of all now (the Premiere at 5'9").

I've used a number of attractants over the years, and the one I think you're referring to is Bang. I actually have a spray can in my kayak. I do like the stuff, but to be honest, I don't know if it ups my catch rate or not. Caught so many bass on stick baits I didn't put attractant on that I'm not sure it matters. And yes, I have used Megastrike. I do like it a lot and perhaps it really does help. I can tell you one thing, it helps slick the worm through weeds and grass!

Welcome aboard, Dustin!

You're absolutely right, that's why I couched it with "est", and "if you can't get the girth". It'll at least put it in a range. I've caught bass that did not match the chart, as well, which is why I try to always bring a scale or two. Interestingly, there are many other charts I found on the web years back when I was looking for one, that were for bass in specific states. They varied a bit from the more general one I posted (can't remember where I got it from).

Welcome aboard, Andrew!

http://www.bigindianabass.com/

Another "help" is if you can't get the girth, you can get a reasonable estimate with a measuring tape, or you can even carry a collapsible bump board like this from Frabil and Plano. They're more durable than the Hawg Trough many of us use for kayak fishing. I happen to have one of each. Get the length and est weight with the chart below. https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/frabill-expandable-bump-board-16fbluxpndblbmpbrfac/16fbluxpndblbmpbrfac?camp=CSE:DSG_pg53132_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjw7tfVBRB0EiwAiSYGM3uCIiXQyun4pumk0F3wmXDgJ0SBFAJmPixp0k41_8qqK8J81AScYhoCIOMQAvD_BwE

Welcome aboard! Great advice through all the replies. Even though I don't fish out of a bass boat (kayak for me), I have always found that politeness gets the best response....

Holy cow, Brad! What a catch! Congrats, man!

He definitely has some fantastic videos. @Team9nine, has put up his series on structure fishing over the past week or so, on his site, which is where I was intro'd to Dickson.

Welcome aboard, Miro!

Hey, catching a dink means you didn't get skunked!! A great day, IMO

Welcome aboard, Larry! We've got a big Florida representation here, they'll soon chime in.

Welcome aboard! Interesting first post...would definitely help to have more information. Information is good. No information is not.

Welcome aboard! Lots of Hoosiers here that'll chime in and give you some help.

I have always wondered about bail-less reels, but never tried to fish one. Guess I need to watch a YouTube video with someone using one in order to wrap my head around it, LOL.

Welcome aboard! Love the name That's what @Sam means by not having time for a lot of research...it's still more complete than much of what the rest of us would have put up WITH a lot of research, LOL.

Welcome back, Chris!

He lived a loooong life. RIP, Lefty.

6# leader line attached to 10 or 15# braid mainline.

Works everywhere for me Just in weeds, it'll need cleaning ....

Wow, expensive. Can't help you there. But welcome to BR!

In addition, I use my 1000 Stradics in salt. And like @desmobob I just rinse them well with fresh water afterward. I caught a 3# red in a creek of the York River here. Can't wait to sink into a big 'un. Caught some nice striper as well (all on 1000 Stradics)

@Sam knows the drill here in VA! From him I learned about the dogwoods and spawn.