Darren.

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!

Welcome aboard!

Went to the Hampton, VA store today with one of my sons. Deals...meh. But I did pick up 5 3600 size boxes for $10. I like the BPS boxes. Son picked up a sweet Gerber knife, I picked up some hen hackles for tying jigs. Other than that, was fairly busy, but nothing like I've seen in several years past.

I have fished cranks on MF spinning rods...

Welcome aboard! Your lower profile pic is too large and messing with your post layout, FYI.

That weed guard is part of the reason I make my own now. I feel mine come through cover much better than the very thin stuff Gammy puts on, with no less hookups. And yeah, our reservoirs do get the green snot so bad during certain times of the year. There's also the black crud of death that knots up on your lures in certain areas...TX, jigs, etc.

I actually would prefer a Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hook in 1/0 or 2/0. I've made a bunch of my 2/0 weedless and they are fantastic for bedding bass. Stout hooks, these are. If you need weedless but not tie them yourself:

Welcome aboard!