Darren.

Interesting! Dick's Sporting Goods carries or used to carry a lot of their lures. Wonder if they will carry these along side their own Field and Stream branded items.

Red label makes a good leader. Just ask @ww2farmer, he likes it. I would say it isn't too light, just tie a solid knot like the uni-to-uni or the Modified Albright/Alberto. Well tied, they won't fail. I use 4-15# leaders on 10# and 15# braid. Wouldn't have a problem with 30# + 10.

Welcome aboard! 0% Pflueger (but respect!) 100% Shimano for me 2 Daiwa used by some of my boys.

A key reason for leader use among those of us who want to save our braided line I have stated such in many threads on the topic of "to leader or not". Straight braid clearly works for many, but for me, I fish a lot of snaggy areas and do not have to lose much braid when I'm snagged thanks to a leader. It just saves braid!®

These are what I use. Love them. My hook up ratio went up after using both EWG and round bend. Not sure why, but O'shaughnessy is my choice. I'd say buy a pack, try them out and see if they work for you. If not, then you can eliminate them from your list of "gotta have" hooks .

Well done! Congrats!

I, too, normally use backing, but I haven't been of late since I bought (last year) a great deal on a 1500 yard spool of 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8. Given the 165 yard spool, definitely use backing on it. Are you hoping to use the spool on more than one reel? And I'm also using smaller spooled-reels, 1000 size Shimanos....

I found the drop shot at a pond just like you describe was moderately successful. The scum on the bottom will inevitably make its way to the worm, LOL. Using a baitcaster you'd want a heavier weight, and like @Crestliner2008 said, the pencil/cylinder weights are great for this. But if your Gremlin works, there ya go. Leader length. I don't change length for bank fishing. And btw, are you talking inches? You use the full quote symbol (") which signifies inches of your leader so a 4-6" leader leaves me scratching my head. Just clarifying... So for me, I would say 4-6' is fine. But there's no reason not to try a longer leader. 15# leader is definitely heavy for DS, but use what ya gots. Been where you are with determining what you can/can't do with a baitcaster. I was able to replicate almost all of my spinning use, but ended up back with spinning (mainly) because it was simply less fuss than a BC.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard @jonny m! As @NCbassraider said, they work in all temps. Slower in colder, and patience is key. When you think you are slow enough, slow down more.

Perfect for throwing wacky rigs... But you already knew that

Welcome aboard, Jake!

Welcome aboard!

Very cool!

Welcome to the forums!

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

We know it is here in SE VA because the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, our cars are about to turn yellow with pollen. And I actually beat out a bald eagle for a 1.21# bass this past week. No, wasn't a real competition, but he flew over me at about 40 feet, give or take, and landed in a tree to watch this here amateur try and catch bass. I sure showed him.

I have only held Sustains, I own 4 Stradics, one FK, one FJ, and two FI -- all 1000 size. Take that back, I gave a 2500 FJ to one of my sons, so we have 5 Stradics in the house. I have read reviews and evaluations that the Stradic, among the Shimano upper echelon, is the "best bang for the buck". Sustains are smooth, but some have said they are not worth the extra $$ for what you get with the Stradic. So take that for what it's worth....

Waller Mill has a very small "bank" fishing area. And I mean small. We've caught nice bass there, though! Paid entry, and you have one spot to fish from shore. No permit required. Warhill has a small pond, small bass, FWIW, more areas to shore fish than Waller Mill.... Most areas around here are either city/county owned reservoirs, and you must have a permit (not just a license) to fish them.

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

Welcome aboard, David! Assumed the kid was one of yours

Stradic 1000 fj/fk Chronarch 50e

That's really good, Hootie! Yogi's sidekick Boo Boo!

Yeah, I knew you'd show up once I mentioned "wacky" LOL... Soon your ice will melt and you'll be back on the water in no time !

Not survival, and for bass: a real GYCB Senko