Darren.

Welcome aboard, @npl_texas! As for the OP, and while I rarely throw cranks, I like fast ratios. When I did a lot of baitcasting, all I'd use was 7:1.1. Like @Onvacation, I just slow down when using a spinnerbait or crank.

Welcome aboard! I'll just recommend a Medium Xtra Fast (MXF) or Medium Heavy Fast (MHF) rod. I'll leave length to you, suffice it to say, 6'6" is the max I use but I prefer shorter rods anyway. For reels, tis the season for sales. Tatula is a beast according to just about everyone. I think you'd find it to your liking, especially Daiwa's braking ability. Personally, I use Shimano now, but I've used Daiwa and still have one. Great stuff. For Shimano, have a look at a Curado 70. Rods, lots of great brands, but the sale @new2BC4bass suggests, look at @Grantman83's post as the Aetos are great quality rods and a steal at $80. Do you already have spinning gear and are looking for casting?

I usually go lighter wire hooks with mojo, as I tend to use it as a light-line technique. However, I will use it with up to 3/0 hooks in either O'Shaugnessy bend or EWG, whatever I've got around, usually the former. I like to use smaller minnows in the 3" range and Zoom Finesse Worms. For the larger hooks, I go with Zoom Trick worms, 4" senkos, and so on.

Sure

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Wow, you are a rod/reel addict! I'll second what @A-Jay said and let those who fish a broader variety of techniques chime in on your question. I've been fishing a long time and prefer to keep things simple

Have a look at Craigslist for your area and surrounding areas. As well, Texas has Austin Kayak, which has a great reputation. austinkayak.com Oftentimes kayak shops will have used or demo'd kayaks that they will sell at a steep discount. As well, they often have demo days, or if they are located near a body of water they can take you out to demo a few kayaks then and there. Always best to get some time in a kayak to see how it feels for you.

What is your budget? That'll help us a lot whether we push you toward new or used, or cheaper-made kayaks. Native Watercraft, Wilderness Systems, FeelFree, Hobie, Jackson, Ocean Kayaks, are several names among many brands that offer great kayaks at differing prices. Also, is standing in your yak a priority, or can you live w/o it? That'll also narrow down the field. Me? I use a Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. Stable enough to stand in, light enough to portage, but no scupper holes so maybe not the best for rivers, though some use them. Used they can be found in the $500-800 range. Heavier craft but better in rivers, Wilderness Systems Ride, Native's Slayer, FeelFree Moken and Lure, to name a few.

Agree with others, smooth drag is quite important. I use 1000 size Shimano Stradics for everything.

Thanks for the encouragement!

No idea, but much fewer than last year because life. I.e., sons getting older, travel soccer weekends, travel for mountain bike races...seems to take up more time every year.

Was just answering your original question. As for these: I rarely throw hardbaits these days. Just not as productive. Jigs are in my tackle box, throw occasionally. Spinners not often. No drift sock; yes Stick-It Anchor Pin 7', and rarely use an anchor anymore other than the pin. Trolling motor keeps me on spot usually. Have a cheap depth finder - if I had money, I'd get something with down scan to give me better image of contour. I bank fish sometimes, otherwise I yak it. Lakes/reservoirs. Primary is bass, but I'll take anything that bites.

Hawaii bass!! Awesome!

St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye MLXF Spinning Shimano Stradic 1000 FI or FK, take yer pick, they're both awesome.

Welcome aboard, Jack!

Mostly finesse here. Pretty sure that'll surprise @A-Jay Reason, it catches me more fish. Started out power fishing back in the day before I fell in love with the ol' Senko. Since then, it's fish in the net more often than not.

1) Get out more than I did this year 2) Add saltwater to my repertoire seeing how I'm surrounded by it, and my boys have a lot of success. 3) Use my depth finder more, don't think I used it at all in 2016 4) See #1 !!!

Welcome aboard! Wow, some awesome bluegill!

Merry Christmas in November from your favorite lake!

You can actually buy kits at Dick's Sporting Goods and other stores like them that are for carrying yaks on your roof. They come complete with straps and instructions.

As far as keeping a yak strapped on a roof, yes, it can be done. I believe you can buy locking mechanisms to keep it secure. Yakima, others make some very good racks, but they can be expensive. Personally, I go the DIY route. And in that vein, I bought a truck and it's a perfect transport, easy on my 47 year old back... I'd suggest you look for used Native Ultimates, Wilderness Systems Ride, Commander models in your price range, or close to it. These provide very stable platforms for standing and fishing. I suggest these as they've been around a while and you should be able to find reasonably priced used models on Craigslist or such. At least I hope you can.

Welcome aboard, Charlie! At a $500 price point, you will want to look for used kayaks from Wilderness Systems, Native, Moken, etc. What are your requirements for yakking? Is standing a must-have? Almost all of us would recommend going with a SOT - Sit On Top kayak. Better for fishing, by most standards. Best to get yourself to a local kayak outfitter and "test drive" some yaks they have. As far as transport, how much are you able to lift? Reason for question is you can go light or heavy depending on what you're looking for. Being in college, I assume u can lift a bit Storing while at school? Does your college have an area for storage?

Overthinking is your enemy. It will cripple you and keep you from experimentation and building confidence. Starting simple is the best method. Trying to progress from "newbie" to "seasoned" too fast will lead to overthinking. So as said, enjoy fishing! Just get out there and throw baits. If something doesn't feel right, change it up. Try the lure on a different rod combo.... I've been there (overthinking) and done that. And I've gone back to the simple because I'm interested in enjoying the sport, not competing with others. This doesn't mean I don't experiment! I simply cannot afford being a technique-specific angler. Even if I could, I'm not sure I would... .02 cents.