Darren.

I don't do much of any cooking save breakfast fare... My wife is a phenomenal cook though. And even tho I have 4 sons, I'm the designated dishwasher like @nick76...

Welcome aboard, Ken!

You're already settled, but I'm another Stradic fan with 4 1000 series reels for all my bass fishing needs. Super quality all around.

You've got some great answers, allow me to simply welcome you to the forums!

Yes, an anchor would be better in deeper waters, but the OP was talking shallow water, so I think @J Francho is spot-on.

Welcome aboard, @Bassyaker319! I'm going to second @fishnkamp's suggestion of the Daiwa Exceler. I used a Daiwa Lexa and found it to be a fantastic reel for beginners (sons). I have given it to one of my boys, in fact. The Exceler is basically the same reel save some bearings, I think, as the Lexa. I've used cheap combos (Bass Pro's Tourney combo) for casting - and as a gift for another son - and it was a disaster! Needless to say, returned to BPS! So IMHO, it is hard to go wrong with an Exceler and at $70, a steal.

I use a Chronarch 50e 7.1:1 and actually have no problems casting in the wind, even very light lures. Skipping is a different animal altogether and requires a rod that will load up properly for skipping with a BC. I can skip with my ML and my MH casting rods, but I simply prefer to use my spinning gear for it. Less to think about, less coordination of thumb and such for skipping. Nothing against casting gear. Been there, done that and found I prefer spinning after spending hundreds on reels and rods. My sons are all about it, think casting is the coolest thing. They'll learn it's just a tool, not the end all. My plan was to use nothing but casting gear for everything...found I could *almost* do it...

Welcome aboard! Good luck at your new place, figuring out the new lake, and may you find a honey hole soon!

Yes ^^

It is a great knot. If it works, no reason to change. I switch between Mod'd Albright/Alberto and the super simple uni-to-uni and have no problems even going through micro guides. I've tried the FG numerous times, practiced a lot and it is simply not a knot I care to use. I have no issues with well tied and lubricated knots mentioned above that I need a long knot like the FG. Let alone having to tie it while on the water in my kayak.

I did not know this about the Rx lenses. Interesting to know! I have 580G and can attest to their clarity and quality...

Welcome aboard!

Not so sure the OP is helped or put off by this thread, LOL. His/her first and last visit was Jan 21st. Then again, we can be a tough crowd My biggest problem while fishing is not enough time to stay out on the water. Always need more.

The Spring Classic used to be so much better, but the last few years has largely been on BPS brand products (save for the trade-ins) and with each year it seems less is offered. Darn shame, really because it was *the* event to find early deals.

I use 1/0 to 3/0 for TX rigging, lighter wire hooks, but I have 4/0 and 5/0 for heavier TX rigging. Gamakatsu O'shaughnessy bend is my preferred TX hook. For wacky and drop shot, I normally use a 1/0, but I vary from as small as a size 4 up to a 2/0. Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse and Split shot/Drop shot hooks.

Well...another non-tobacco user here. Know plenty who chewed, smoked, etc., never liked the stuff, tho have had a rare cigar or flavored cigarillo... Personally, I hate the aftertaste of those things, let alone spit cups I've seen left around, spit stepped in, and all that. <shudder>

Welcome aboard! Any of those three are solid rod series. I personally found my 6'3" MXF Avid a tad tip-heavy with a Stradic 1000 reel. The rod broke and I ended up doing the Gold upgrade to a 6'3" MLXF Legend Tournament Walleye rod which balances better, and is absolutely a fantastic rod for a range of fishing. I use it for everything I do. The ML fishes closer to other rods' M. FWIW, I'm mostly a soft plastics guy, between wacky and drop shot, then TX/mojo. I'll also throw jigs. I use M and ML spinning rods. I'm one of those guys who is proficient in casting, but prefers spinning. Actually down to one casting reel with 2 rods to interchange. @J Francho has Eyecons, I believe, he can comment on them.

I see @Bluebasser86 beat me to it. Hat tip

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

No question about it. Spot-on.

He must have! Hasn't posted here since!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Bruce!

I don't have much at all other than extra bags of my favorite Yammy Shad Shape Worms because they go quickly on the drop shot. Same for some of my fav wacky worm colors, but that's about it... I think.