Darren.

Yes. And I was VERY skeptical at first, too. I was watching Gary Senft's show on Amazon Fire TV when he was detailing his method and fishing with it, catching some really nice AZ bass. Did some googling on it to see if others used it and some had, everyone with success, that I recall. So Gary recommends the black bobber stops because they're better with the light line. I have use light line with long poles and used yellow and red stoppers but they were way too loose (meant for thicker line), so they would be a problem. Probably like me, you guys just oughta try it as an experiment. Another tip, I am using regular DS pencil weights and some teardrop, to properly do this I have to open up the eye so I can tie a regular knot like a uni, or palomar. Otherwise I fear the pinch would cause an issue with the pressure of the hook and fish pushing on it.

Lovely markings. Nice catch!

For one, there's no line twist with the bobber stop method. The hook spins freely. Granted, you can buy spin shot hooks, but bobber stops are cheaper. Another positive that I've found is adjusting the hook - you have more options than simply changing where the weight is located. If you have the spin shot hook with the ability to snap in a new length of line-to-weight, then that's a solution; however, this is ultimately less work. As well, when walking a shore, or in a kayak and you want to stow the rod for another technique, or to move locations, you can slide the hook down to the weight and not have the weight swinging around getting hung up on your rod, or other rods. Yeah, you can take off the weight, then reattach, but with this, you can have your cake and eat it, too... It's just another rigging method that some will like, others may not.

Agree with @J Francho, switch out the line and see if it goes away. Try a straight mono like Trilene XL, or a non-fluoro coated copolymer.

Not that I have seen. I ordered a batch of 100 off Amazon the other day, and they are *supposed* to be cylindrical instead of oval like most that we find in stores. They are supposedly thinner and go thru guides better. Oh, ordered them in black.

Been there, done that. Yeah it's dead sticking, but combined with a birdsnest, then whammo FISH ON! It's pretty fun My youngest caught a nice 3 pound bass the other year while learning to use my baitcaster...and this very thing happened.

Great bass, one and all!

Actually...I don't know. The folks he went with are quite good at Striper fishing, so I'm gonna assume an eel... Funny though, I never asked. But I'm guaranteeing it weren't no wacky rig

My youngest hauling in a 28+" striper on Saturday by the James River Bridge. Was fishing with soccer buddy's family. And yes. I'm well aware (after I rec'd the pic) he wasn't wearing a PFD.

Hi Mark, welcome aboard! Second pic is a largemouth. First looks to be a warmouth. Looks like a tiny largemouth. Puts up a nice fight.

Micro guides on my Legend Tournament Walleye rod do fine with leader knots, specifically Uni-to-Uni and Alberto in 6-10# test. It is a small, compact knot when tied well.

Agree with @RoLo, drop shot weights offer the advantage of not losing the entire rig... But they are not required. In fact, I've been testing out a method from Gary Senft (AZ bass pro) in which he slides a bobber stop on the line first, then his hook, then another bobber stop (no knot). Then at the bottom, you actually tie on a weight - this can be any weight, honestly, but some are better than others at coming through rocks, and so forth. The bobber stops on either side allow "infinite" adjustment of the distance from hook to weight. My testing has been 100% successful thus far. Once the bass takes the bait, set the hook as normal for DS (reel down and lift, or sweep). The bait slides down to the weight and you bring the bass in, unhook, reset hook, done. (I don't use barrel swivel).

Details! Good stuff. Thanks for clarifying.

Congrats!!

Yeah, but were they grilled or battered? The grilled are pretty darn awesome.

If you want two quality rods built on the same blank as the Avid, get the Mojo rods for both. As for reels, a 2500 size is "standard" for bass fishing, no real need to go bigger. I actually only use 1000 size for all my bass fishing. I'm assuming 6925 for Pflueger? Obviously the 30 is in between and probably fine for your desired use.

Welcome aboard! Probably go with a MHF rod, length is your call. I do not fish a buzz frog, so can't really offer more.

True, but he didn't take the phone, it was the act I was referring to. But yes, it'd be a costly proposition with a person in a questionable mental state to follow through handing him your iPhone/Android device. I wouldn't do it but I'd probably make the overture OP did and say you can call the police with my phone...but not let him. Say you'll make the call for him.

I've only encountered guys fishing in a kayak tourney and they were totally chill. I even gave them some tips since they'd not fished the lake before. However, this is not the first "horror story" I've heard... Handing him your phone was classic. A good way to counter his rudeness.

Welcome aboard, Todd!

Welcome aboard, Mikey!

Welcome aboard! We've got a number of folks who fish the VA Beach area that can help with your question. I fish the Peninsula, so unfortunately cannot help out there.

Awesome 4x4!!! Great mods. Hope it gets found in great condition!

Welcome to the forums! Definitely sounds like they need some TLC from a quality service like DVT....

I stand with St. Croix, wouldn't call what they make junk rods... It was a gift, you didn't spend your hard-earned $ to buy it, so spend the $ with their discounted send-in warranty service and give 'em a chance with it. @Delaware Valley Tackle builds rods. He can chime in on the blank issue. And welcome aboard!