Darren.

Saw the movie, but didn't remember him in it!

Welcome aboard! Can't help with your request, maybe someone who can will chime in soon.

I recommend the dropshot/split shot and the Wide Gap Finesse. Great hooks, the WGF is a bit thicker than the ds hook, but still thin. General size for the DS is 1/0, but I'll use 2, 1, 2/0 as well. Same with the WGF.

Good hooks, and like @Sam said, experiment on size. I also preferred their wacky hooks, but either is good. My only issue with them, is the slightly bent hook point. One of the reasons I use Gamakatsu now. I feel I get much better hook ups with a straight hook point as opposed to the "beak" hook point. Though I have no science to back it up, it may be a confidence issue. There are articles out on the web that do seem to back that up, though.

Very sad to see Bill Paxton has died due to complications from surgery at age 61. He was a lot of fun in so many roles he played. Of course, most memorable line ever is his "Game over" from Aliens (at least to me). Way too young. I'd have linked to the video scene, but there are too many F-bombs... http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/26/14742806/bill-paxton-obituary-aliens-titanic-big-love

His secret weapon prototype? A new method of electro fishing!! LOL I hate secrets @paul.!! Nice hawg tho.

Do whatever. I don't like to use spinning reels bigger than a 1000. I also like shorter rods. 6'6" is the longest I like. A Carbonlite balances perfectly with a 1000. But longer rods will balance better with heavier reels. As for casting, I have no issues with distance on 6'6" rods, I get a little less with the shorter, as expected; however, with braid like Power Pro Super Slick 8, smoothness and distance are not much of an issue. Gave my Stradic FJ 2500 to one of my sons for Xmas. Gave another son my Lexa 2000. Choose whatever size fits your fancy, says I. But unless it was a small CI4+ 3000, I'd personally pass on bigger except for salt water.

Welcome aboard, Mike!

I've done the cheap to mid-range to Costa Del Mar glass lenses. No question Costa takes the cake in quality optics. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? At least to me they are, but not everyone is the same. I sat on my Costas after 3 years of never having an issue with them. Busted a lens. Now I've got to pay to get the lens replaced under warranty. Beats buying a new pair, but for what I have to pay for the one lens + claim cost, I could buy almost 5 pair of $20 glasses. Which is one reason I have not sent them in yet...

I would not drop shot a 5" stick bait (senko), but that doesn't mean you can't! Agree with @Finesse Wayfarer about wacky rigging it. At least that's what I'd do. I prefer to stay with baits in the 4" range. All personal. As for buoyancy, yeah, a true Senko, or heavily salted worm will fall and require you to give it action every few seconds.

Welcome aboard, @Peter Eikenberry!

Welcome aboard, @ScottyA!

This is what I found, as well, with the FG. It may be thin, but it is too darn long...for my tastes, not to mention a pain to tie regardless of how many YouTube videos are posted of how easy it is. Uni-to-uni with 10/15# PP and a 6, 8 or 10# is so small that it passes through my guides just fine. A Mod'd Albright/Alberto is also fairly small and doesn't give me any headaches with my one micro guide setup.

I think almost all modern rods are fine with braid. Don't think it'd be a problem seeing Zodias is a Shimano product, as is Power Pro... Zodias description (spinning) at Shimano.au: Using Shimano’s exclusive Hi-Power X Construction graphite blanks, Zodias casting rods deliver incredible distance and accuracy. The lightweight blanks are complemented by custom shaped EVA grips, Fuji ‘K’ series Alconite guides — with a Fuji SiC tip to reduce heat buildup at a key point — and a CI 4+ reel seat for an additional weight saving. Hi-Power X blanks are really something else. Their acute sensitivity crisply transmits every tap from a snag, weed, or a cautious short-striking fish, especially when used in conjunction with reels spooled with zero stretch braided line like Power Pro. There are four light to medium spin rods of 6’ 8” and 7’ lengths, the latter in two piece, and a pair of 6’ 6” baitcasters to choose from. So whether it’s black bream in the Gippsland Lakes or barramundi in a muddy tropical creek, you’ll be impressed with the performance characteristics of the new Zodias series.

Oh yeah. Love it!

Welcome aboard, Clint!

A fun day is what it's all about. Good on ya!

Welcome aboard, James!

Chunky lady there! What kind of prototype are you testing?

Aloha and welcome aboard!

I like a rod that is MXF normally, but if I was doing all the above as you ask, I'd look at a MLXF St. Croix. I do, in fact, do all the above with my rods of choice. Their rods are a tad stiffer than other rod ratings at the stated rating. So a St. Croix ML is in between other ML and M rated rods, usually. There are no true standards, hence the wacky ratings game. You could also look at St. Croix Premiere rods that will fall in the $100-$130 range. Also great. I personally find Croix rods tip heavy, but I'm also using lighter Shimano 1000 size reels. So they'd balance better with a 2500... Last thing: I use older Shimano Compre 5'9" MXF, a BPS Carbonlite 6'6" and mod'd 6'3" MF rods, and a St. Croix Legend Tournament 6'3" MLXF rods mainly. Also use BPS MicroLite rods which are quite nice at their lower price point.

Welcome aboard, Reilly! For your purposes, at $150 and below, I'd probably look at a St. Croix Avid at the high end, then I'd look at Bass Pro Carbonlites at the $100 mark. I know there are a ton of rods in your range, and in that range a LOT are really good quality. If you can get your hands on several, say in a Bass Pro, Cabelas, or local tackle shop, and do bring the reel you plan on using. Pair them up in-store and feel the balance to your hands. I love the lightness of the Carbonlites. Lighter than Avids, and, dare I say, about as sensitive. More suggestions will come...

I'm a soft plastics/finesse guy, too. Breaking out spinnerbaits this year (and at this point, finesse spinnerbaits, LOL). Caught my first sb fish on one last weekend, a pickerel, in an otherwise dead day. Using Strike King's Pond Magic models. Will use heavier versions soon enough. Still going to concentrate on my staples of wacky and drop shot, though. I'm out for fun and numbers

If you have big hands, that could be an issue. I've not had issues with it, could also be how I hold the reel -- between pinky and ring fingers except on cast.

Welcome aboard, @Indave! I don't often fish in rain unless I'm caught in an unexpected shower. Bit of a weather junkie and am *usually* on top of things, but I've been surprised on occasion That said, I'd probably have Frog Togs on hand since they're inexpensive.