Darren.

I actually really like the Premier spinning lineup -- in the shorter and ML range. Probably one of, if not my fav spinning rod. It's a 6' model that I shortened to 5'9". Almost perfect And yes, I'd rank it above the MicroLite....

I did that to two of my Carbonlites. Basically took off three inches of the open split grip away. Both rods are now 6'3" with short butt ends that are perfect for kayak fishing. However...I need a better way of cleaning out the cut section inside the cap. Probably could have ordered new butt caps at mudhole, but wanted to keep the look.

Yes, that's the rod series I'm talking about. Sorry if below is too long-winded. Balance is subjective. What I meant above is how the rod balances when you have a reel attached, and in this instance, assume no lure is on the end. Just the rod, reel (and line spooled on). When you hold the setup with your hand (loosely) on it as you would when you cast, reel, work the bait, does it balance horizontally? Does the tip fall to the floor, or does it raise slightly, or too much? And so forth. Can also find the balance point by simply balancing the setup on one finger. Is balance point close to reel, above handle, etc.... So when I talk tips, for me, I'm not talking softness as in Extra Fast, Fast, Moderate, or noodly. I'm talking balance as described above. St. Croix, with my 1000 Stradics, usually tend to be tip-heavy. I.e., tip falls toward floor. The BPS stick tends to be a tad more tip-neutral (i.e., horizontal) to tip-light depending on the length. I personally prefer tip-light. Some like tip-heavy. That's why it is subjective. As for length, that's up to you. Shore-bound/wading you may want a longer rod 6'6" to 7' to reach areas you can't get to. I prefer shorter rods, and I am in my kayak 95% of the time, and just like them better than longer rods. Simply my preference. In terms of tip speed, I like Fast and Extra Fast for single-hook setups. Hook setting is nice and crisp. Sensitivity? In the hands of the rod holder. I was surprised at the MicroLite's sensitivity. On par with the Avid, LTs? Close, in my hands. Materials used are lesser quality, but again...subjective.

My personal feeling on the St. Croix rods I own is that they all tend toward tip-heaviness. I was surprised by that when I got my 6'3" MLXF Avid, replaced/upgraded to a 6'3" MLXF LT Walleye MLXF. The BPS Micro Lites are quite nice rods and balance a bit lighter in the tips than my St. Croix.

I have a 6' and a 5'6" and the Stradic 1000 balances well on them. I'd think a 2000 would be great.

Go graphite. More sensitive, less noodly. President? Probably a 20 for me. I do like smaller, lighter reels, but if you go with a longer rod and want a better balance, you may opt for a larger reel like a 25 or 30. All of them will have more than enough capability to handle a large bass.

I'd go light, personally. Though UL would be fun, too. What's your budget? BPS MicroLite rods are very nice and quite reasonable price-wise. I've got a couple and was pleasantly surprised at how nice for the price.

Same here. Although I've tried a lot of different retrieves and had a lot of success on just about everything tried.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Have a merry one, Michael!

Merry Christmas to ya, Raul.

I'll let others answer the question, but let me welcome you to the forums!

Welcome aboard!

Likewise, Mike!

Sounds like the salt is calling you back. And I don't mean El Salto! The striper bug has bitten me but not enough to chase 'em up n' down the coast...yet. Thus far, 15# braid and 8# test leader tied with a the tried-and-true uni-to-uni have held up to all the varieties I've landed in the Chesapeake/York River area down here. One of those knots that "just works", is easiest to tie, so why change?

Dang. Almost looks like a modified FG to me! Easier to tie based on a video I watched on YT. But I'll stick with the Uni-to-Uni for most stuff. Might give this "new" knot a try, tho.

Merry Happy Christmas Holidays!

Not sure I will make it (family party preps notwithstanding), I have wife approval to fish, if time allows, given the lovely temps predicted for Saturday. So we'll see what happens. I'd love to swing up there if poss.

Bills bros always stay together... through thick and .... well, though 17 years of playoff drought. Here's to the end!

I have at least 6 of the 600 yard spools laying around. Good stuff.

and a Merry C back to you!

First. GO BILLS!! With that out of the way, I like to use 6 and 8# Yo Zuri Hybrid or Gamma Edge copoly.

She's a beaut! Congrats!

Welcome aboard!