Darren.

Welcome aboard, Anthony!

Very interesting. I was all set (years ago) to buy a President based on reviews I read all over the web. I ended up with a Stradic FI 1000. For me, the Shimano fit my hands better. But as I've said in other threads, what I love, another may hate. I have no beef with Pflueger and understand they're darn good reels. Just for my hands, the Shimano's felt better! Opposite for you! All good We're all catching bass!!

Welcome aboard! We have a number of inshore guys on the forum who will probably chime in on your question. That said, one of the lighter models I've used that while not slated for inshore, is fine for it, is the Bass Pro Carbonlite series. Super light rods.

I can't fathom your pain...I can only hope for the best outcome from this situation. To lose a wife and mother so young is ... beyond painful. My only relation is that my wife lost her father to a brain tumor at 42. He left behind a wife and 4 daughters. Peace will come, my friend. Maybe not for a while, but you and your children will live on. Be strong as you can for them.

My Stradic FK doesn't have an AR switch and to be quite honest, I don't miss it at all. I never back reel so it is not a deal breaker. Besides, the Stradic drags are fantastic by my experience. FWIW.

Welcome aboard! PFD that you will wear 100% of the time! Quality paddle Anchor trolley on both sides Fish in it for a while and pay attention to your thoughts like "hmm, I'd like to have a rod holder over there" and "I'd prefer to have my lures over here"... Basically you'll start customizing your yak to the way YOU like to fish.

Between those two: Senkos, no question. I've had results on Yum dingers, just not like I've had with Senkos. Now ask me about BPS Stik-O worms and I'll tell you they are quite good. IMO better than Yum. But that's just my .02.

Welcome aboard!

Can't help you with Rayburn, or any TX lakes, for that matter. Good luck, and welcome to the forums, Adam!

For a loooooong leader.... I *always* use braid + leader!!

Shaw, Gary Yamamoto both like very long leaders, and as GY described it, he likes to have the leader knot on the spool when he's fighting the fish to the boat. Personally, I don't see the need for it. I suppose it could be helpful in deep, clear water...maybe. FWIW.

Welcome aboard!

No doubt. In 10 years, it'll all be different. We'll be sending fish drones, undetectable to nature, looking for big bass

Well, TW has got a report on the drone so it MUST be *something* LOL.... http://tackletour.com/previewpowerraydrone.html

Been sitting on my desk calling me to scan through, but I've resisted so far, LOL. Eventually will get to it

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

LOL. Sure, blame me for everything Can't go wrong with a Stradic 1000! WOOT!

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

Got a 2500 FJ, but the FK I have is a 1000 I gifted the 2500 to one of my sons for his saltwater rod. I just found it to big for my liking. I prefer 1000 Stradics for all my bass fishing needs (have 2 FIs, 1 FJ and 1 FK). So take it FWIW. The FK is a great reel. I'd personally go with a 1000.

Crusty, do yourself a favor and use the search function on the site. These have been discussed *a lot* here. They are my go-to baits after the Senko, and yes, worth the $$ for the pack.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Jason!

Welcome aboard, Kate! Was in a fishing break of life when I lived in TX. Grad'd UNT back in '92. Never fished Lewisville, Grapevine, or the other big lakes down there, sadly. For your next fishing trick, enjoy the wacky rig and drop shot rigs. If you can get out on a dock, or near downed trees, etc., these rigs are killer.

You want the best? Here ya go: http://paddlelogic.com/trailtreker-kayak-carts.html I based my DIY yak on his design, but I'd buy this in a NY minute if I had the $. Much better built, floats, goes where you want it.