Darren.

Awesome brownie! Congrats on the PB!

No can help with Dobyns rods, but welcome to the forums, Wayne!

see my reply in your introductions post.

Welcome aboard! Here ya go. Those measurements put it close to 7 pounds. https://www.bassresource.com/bassfishing/fishcalculator.html

Good stuff! With the shadows, it looks like your paddle is actually a weapon ready to eviscerate the pike...or cut the line.

Awww, don't fret, @A-Jay grows 'em special up there. Yours are just fine for a birthday gift

Good question. I've definitely experienced more bites and hooksets when I canNOT see the fish than when I can. So probably when I can't see. That said, it's fun when I CAN see the bass engulf the bait and set the hook!

Shimano Stradic guy here. You can find them on sale for under $150, specifically the FK models. I have purch'd several over eBay, in addition to DSG and BPS. On a rod that long I'd opt for a 2500 or 3000 (same as 2500 just deeper spool). Daiwa makes great reels, too, as does Pflueger.

Just started and like it already! Thanks for posting, @Glenn!

Been deep sea fishing 2x in my life, both in the early 90s. King Mackerel's over 4' and lots of 'em. False Albacore, blues, and much more. Great times, though I'm not exactly built for that, as my belly needs at least 2 or 3 Dramamine to get me thru the trip, LOL. Your trip sounds absolutely awesome. Good luck on getting a Van Staal.

Welcome aboard! We've also got some reel repair guys on the forum, @J Francho, and @Delaware Valley Tackle who'll chime in with thoughts.

Welcome aboard!

Got an email several days ago from BPS on the merger and what it means, what to expect, returns, etc.

Never looked for a curve, wouldn't worry if there is one, really.

Boga for accuracy and reliability... Also bought a luggage scale off eBay based on another poster here on the forums. It works well, pretty accurate, as well.

Keep at it! Here's to speedy recovery!

Welcome aboard! There are a number of choices for you, but a key question is -- is standing to fish a priority for you? Or will you be content to sit and fish?

Welcome aboard!

Agree with @r83srock that, at least in my opinion, there isn't a huge difference. I had a similar experience when I had an Avid and compared it to one of my Carbonlites, I honestly didn't think the difference was that big. I no longer have the Avid, upgraded to a Legend Tournament and while I do think it has a little more, I'm not sure it is an order of magnitude. I also have Premier rods and they're pretty good, too. So Carbonlites, Premier, Avid, Legend Tourney, all good and transmit well -- to me. In your range, Croix is a great choice, based solely off my experience.

Ditto. No skunk since I started using it.

Please don't let this thread go down the FG knot road! If you search the forum you'll find a TON of posts about braid. Braid w/o leader, braid w/leader, brands, etc. It is a very popular topic here. Suffice it to say, my preference is braid+leader. I use Power Pro regular in 10#(spinning) and 20#(on casting) and 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8 on spinning. If I were to buy another spool today I'd go for the SS8 again. I like it. I've used several brands and just find PP best to my liking. Boils down to personal preference, really. They all have positives and negatives.

Welcome aboard! I fish Shimano Stradics from the FI to CI4+ and in between. They are hands-down my favorite reels in feel and use. I have spent time hands-on with Pflueger Presidents, and several other brands and simply prefer the feel of Shimano better. Great brand and great reel, the President, just wasn't my choice. I have also have a Diawa Lexa 2000SH (gave to one of my sons) and really like it, too. I think Daiwa makes fantastic reels. You'll find opinions all over the place. Since you want an "everything" reel, you probably want at least a 2500 or 3000 size (same as 2500 but deeper spool). My preference is for 1000 size for everything. But that's me. Best advice is take your rod to a local Bass Pro/Cabelas/etc., and put several different reels on it. Which feels best in your hands? Do you like a tip light feel or a tip heavy feel? Do you like beefier reels or small profile?

Welcome aboard! Def show to the fish and game authorities.

Welcome aboard! Used to work in Rochester, lived in Caledonia. Wasn't in a big bass-fishing-phase of life back then, but did fish Gravel Ponds. @J Francho, @ww2farmer are just two of the many fishermen in your area that can provide some great insight into the lakes there. Good luck!

Post some pix/link! Where'd ya get 'em?