Darren.

You've got enough suggestions, I'll just offer a welcome to the best bass forum on the web!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Dave! The right guy @Catt, is on the thread, so you'll get some great Cajun advice!

I like both brands, and in the price ranges you ask I'd probably go with the Stradic and the Tatula LT. The LT looks pretty sweet. The Lexa 2000 was in my arsenal for a while, now it sits in need of repair (on of my sons was using it for about a year and a half). The most impressive thing for me on the Daiwa is the bail mechanism. It feels better. But in terms of quality, Stradic is hands down my fav. The direct drive screw-in handle is better than the on the Lexas. I believe this is present in the Ultegra up on Shimano's side. Not sure this helps at all......

Welcome aboard! Five setups, eh? For many here, that's too few. For me...let's see. 4 spinning rods, 1 casting Spinning: 2 MLF 2 MF or 1 MF and 1 MXF Casting: 1 MHF 1 MLF (I'm cheating) Reels are what I have Shimano Stradic 1000 Shimano Chronarch 50e 7.1:1 Spinning mainline: Power Pro Super Slick 8 15# (or 10#) Leader: copoly or fluoro from 6-15# Casting mainline: 20# to 30# braid same leaders....

That size braid and leader will definitely be a large knot with uni-to-uni. Alberto will help with knot size. The FG will work at those sizes, good luck learning it . Smaller braid and leader and the FG will more easily slip. I use the Uni-x2 on a Legend Tournament spinning rod with micro guides and it goes through fine using 10 or 15# braid + leader up to 15#. And I second making sure your tag ends are tight.

Welcome to the forums! Nice work

Some info in this, several posts down:

Welcome aboard, Will!

Welcome aboard!

I don't think you'd be able to stand in that kayak anyway. Can't tell from the pix, but does it say you can stand and fish? To enhance your stability, you can look at either buying a set of stabilizers or make your own out of PVC and crab/lobster buoys. There are lots of tutorials out there. https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+kayak+stabilizers&safe=active&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiBifWWgLXZAhWNMd8KHU5IBboQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1043&bih=703

I will do two arm length stretches (both arms extended) sometimes, most times one stretch and maybe a few more inches then cut. Will vary, obviously, based on arm length. And 10# braid is fine. I used it exclusively until I got a great deal on a 1000 yard spool of 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8.

That'll be fine for kayak fishing.

Yes. Let me see if I can find an earlier post in which I detailed the stuff used. I also posted several videos (not by me) which show how to tie. Though my ties are my own mods.

Got a picture of it? I looked at costco.com but that's not listed among the offerings. Even so, my first fishing kayak was a Pelican bought at BJ's Wholesale Club, a 10 footer, thermo-formed, and tho I no longer use it, my sons do. It's been through some abuse and still does the trick in fresh and saltwater. Paid, I think, $299. The paddle it came with was heavy and one of my upgrades shortly thereafter. Don't forget a good-quality PFD.

Welcome aboard, Mark!

Bottom line for me... not enough time on the water. As my boys have aged, life has been more complicated. Three of four are driving, one uses my truck which is my kayak transport.... Life. I plan on getting time as the weather warms, though. I'll be forcing some time, LOL.

Personally, I have found circle hooks decreased my catch rate for bass. I haven't used them for bass in years. I'd not attempt them on a bedding bass given their propensity to suck a bait in and spit it back out. (Observation)... But if they work for some, by all means, use what works!! I did use #4 gammy circle hooks for bluegill, etc., when I was fishing specifically for them, but even then, I had a lot of gut-hooked fish.

Welcome aboard! What are you trying to accomplish with each setup?

I'm gonna venture it's an either/or choice. I've only held the new Carbonlites and Duckets. The new CL2 are about as light as prior models, of which I own several. They're solid, sensitive, and a good buy. I'd take one of each rod to the reel counter and ask to put a NASCI on each and see how it feels. I've done this and it helped me decide between rods in the past.

Welcome aboard, Kevin!

Thanks for posting this. Very good, easy to follow instructions.

Welcome aboard!