Darren.

Welcome aboard!

It seems like a "take your pick" decision. If you were deciding between Richmond, VA and Hampton, VA, I'd say Richmond because, unless it has changed, Hampton is the smallest BPS store they have. But unlike shopping at TW, I can at least get my hands on rods before laying down the cash, and for me, BPS has a much better selection of rod lengths than TW...

That's a fatty! Nice catch!

Nice chunks! Well done.

Hi Chase, welcome aboard!

If only! Definitely don't think that's legal in my local reservoirs, but if I had permission...and a budget... Maybe add some freshwater prawns to the mix...

My youngest has a gorgeous male bumblebee, waiting for proper weight to mate with two het-pied ghost females my brother is taking care of for us! Some unreal genetic combos out there. I still think it'd be really wild to catch bass in those combos. Rare colors, etc. One can fantasize, eh?

WOW! 8 Years! L&LC still working...well, I don't use it much these days, with braid and all that. Though I do have a bottle still. S'pose I could use it on my braided main line....

WELCOME ABOARD!

Welcome aboard!

Hi Zach, welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Bill!

Welcome aboard, Brandon!

Look great! I was expecting something a little more crayon-ish for a "early attempts", LOL. Better than I could do, that's for sure.

Congrats!! No better way to christen a new kayak!

I love my sons, but when school is out! (I work at home).... The quiet that was September to early June is gone!! LOL C'mon NFL season!

Looks fun to me! Have a gander at the ball python breeding world. This bass reminds me of a bumblebee ball python. Other than that, I have no idea except for @Glenn's article reference. Maybe we can start breeding different bass sub-species!

Dude! Wow! Awesome catches. Only caught the babies - croaker - up here in VA. Though I'm told by all the saltwater fishermen that giants are out there. VA Beach is a primo spot for many species.

Time to engineer a DNA-specific virus that dissolves the Asian Carp in under 10 seconds with zero harm to the surrounding environment and water species! Commander Data, make it so!

Of the closed face, I've always preferred underspin models as they balance better...to me. Like a spinning rod with the reel hanging down. That said, I've used some tiny closed face reels in both top and underspin. Haven't used mine for many years. They caught me a lot of bass and panfish. Drag is the week spot, IMO, agree with @Boomstick on that.

No kidding! I've stopped reading Buffalo Rumblings as much these days, LOL. Things are different under McD. Discipline, and I doubt we'll see dysfunctions like we have over the past 17 seasons under his leadership.

Hmmm. Not sure I'd put the Bills at the "very bottom", but they do have work to do. McDermott is, so far, making some moves that are smart, conservative, and much much better than Rex Ryan's circus moves. Guess we'll see. Another report I read this week has the Bills challenging the Phins for 2nd place and playoffs. All speculation...can't wait for the season to start. Dead time of year for major sports.

Welcome aboard! Here's a search across the site for "Virginia Beach" which should give you some ideas. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?&q=Virginia Beach&item=192395&sortby=relevancy

Interesting if state mandated. I never did so when I trolled with my canoe. Usually placed the battery in a mid-forward location to balance better. T M was mounted behind me on a 2x2 hollow aluminum square my Dad got me from a local aluminum welder.

Time on the water. Lots of time.