Darren.

Welcome aboard, Bill! What reel are you using? Brand/model, as that can help in diagnosing the issue. Line overfill, braking setup, spool tension, "uneducated thumb" can also contribute to persistent backlash.

Welcome to the forums!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! I haven't used them, but if you do a search on the forums you'll find a lot of discussion on the rods.

Welcome aboard, Brady! Ascend makes "descent" yaks, but one complaint on their site is that it is not very stable. If that doesn't matter, or you don't plan to stand, it is a great starter kayak. I say starter because there are better kayaks, lighter, and much more stable.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

I don't date liquid...but I do enjoy a nice red wine or craft beer. So long as I don't have to spend any money right now, send me your tired, your poor, your rarely used stick baits!

No idea, but it sure is a nice catch!

I don't have any experience with their rods, but in what you are looking for, the BPS Micro Lite comes in a 6 and 6'6" ML. I'm seriously considering the 6' version after my experience using the 5'6" Light travel rod - has more of a ML action, but the sensitivity was amazing, as well as the action. Comparatively, the Micro Lite series is very sensitive, not as light as the Carbonlites, of which I have several, but they balance well. Not quite on the level of my Croix LT Walleye ML rod ... Just thought I'd throw this out to you, ignore if you're already set on Major Craft.

4" Bass Pro Stick-O (Wacky, TX) 4" Senko (orig) (Wacky, TX) 4" GYCB Shad Shaped Worm (Wacky, Drop Shot) 1.5" Bass Assassin minnow (Drop Shot, split shot)

Welcome aboard @ColoradoSmallies and @jdavis22! Plenty of help to be found on the forum, as well. A number of reel experts check frequently.

Between 4 and 6 pounds

I don't use those baits, but I do have plenty of luck with Senkos/knock offs, as well as shad shaped worms (GYCB), Bass Assassin minnows, and so on. Mostly rigged wacky or drop shot, but I also have success on TX, mojo, split shot rigs with hooks from 1 to 2/0 in size.

Welcome aboard!

Can't help with your question, Scott, but welcome to the forums, if I haven't already given you a welcome

No experience with the Daiwa you ask about, but my old Lexa casting and spinning reels both work well in salt. I also try to buy gear that works in both fresh/salt, given that we live in the Tidewater area of VA. That said, I went with Shimano gear, but most Daiwa, I think, works in both waters as well. I use spinning most of the time now. Been moving away from casting gear simply because I prefer it. Wind is no factor, and I have no problems in 99% of situations. Down to one baitcaster now, tho one of my sons has both of my Daiwa Lexas (spinning, casting).

Welcome aboard!

Had a nice fill of 12 smallies recently with a few at 2 lbs. They sure do fight somethin' purdy!! Wish we had smallies in my area of VA.

Welcome aboard, Evan. Great nickname, BTW. We won't be messing with you...

Welcome aboard! Largie, no question.

Quite true. I bought some Daiichi hooks that I had to stop snelling because there was a slight gap, but more important, the closing of the eye was rough and cut the line.

Mike, I have had no problems tying the snell as explained in this video:

Welcome aboard! Just starting out? Live bait will certainly help you get bit Live night crawlers on a hook under a float (bobber) is a classic starter method. Often see a variety of fish hitting the bait - like bluegill, crappie, perch, in addition to bass. I would definitely start out simply. Next I'd suggest what's called a wacky rig because it is another proven catcher of bass. Simply, it is a relatively small hook (a size 1 to 1/0) at the end of your line (use a simple palomar knot to tie the hook), and you rig a 4 or 5 inch Senko (soft stick bait) on a perpendicular angle to the hook - right through the middle. Cast it near docks, fallen trees, etc. Be patient, let it fall. No bite, lift and shake gently, then reel back a short bit. Rinse and repeat back to you. Following that I like the drop shot rig. To keep this simple, I'll link to the articles on it. Good luck!