Darren.

Welcome aboard! I just use a Uni-to-Uni or an Albright/Alberto to tie leader material. Only time I have to retie a leader is if I break it off, it gets too short or I want to tie a different leader on altogether. I know the FG is a good "knot", but unless you have found it absolutely necessary, it isn't.... My setup is light braid + leader from 4-15#. The two knots I mentioned work extremely well and I rarely, if ever break at the leader knot. Just tie it tightly, plenty of saliva, and cinch it down good. I caught my PB in thick slop with one of these using 10# leader. And there are a lot of other knots like the J-knot and Uni-to-clinch that can serve well for leader as well.

Welcome aboard, Scott. Can't help you with your area, but have you spent any time reading the articles on this site yet? From personal experience, they are very helpful and could really help you out. But there are plenty of folks that could give you advice on your area. Probably will chime in later. Good luck!

Welcome aboard, Lanier! Trying something new is always fun, but not always necessary. Tying a knot well is critical. I have no issues with the clinch, and most often tie it except when tying on a clip, or a drop shot rig, where I'll tie a Palomar, unless it is fluorocarbon, then it's a clinch.

While I'm not in VA Beach, I don't know of any bass guides. Salt water is about all that is advertised around here. That said, you could probably place a few phone calls to some local reservoirs and lakes down there to see who they know of or could recommend to you. I'm sure there are at least a few. This guy showed up in a quick Google: http://vbfishguide.blogspot.com

Don't anchor much anymore with anything other than my StickIt Anchor pin (shallow water). If I do take one, I've gone to using a chain covered in an inner tube hooked up to a 26' retractible dog leash. Past anchors have been mushroom anchors, simple dumbbells 3# and 5#. I did not go with the claw anchor as we have so many trees and heavy branches for them to get stuck on. Even if you use the "quick release" method for them. For now, if I'm in deeper water, I just use my trolling motor to keep me in position.

Actually, if you define compact by width, no, the Uni is not more compact. But by length it is. With 10# and 15# PowerPro plus 6-10# leaders, the Uni-to Uni is plenty small and compact. Just use what works best for you and don't worry about it!

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

This is the key, I believe. Thicker line works better, provides more surface area for this knot to bite into. I just don't see this knot as viable (FOR ME). As I have stated before, I've actually been tying the uni-to-uni more lately as it is a more compact knot and passes thru the micro guides on my LT rod better than even an Albright/Alberto.

Welcome aboard!

Sweet!

Holy cow! That's a BEAST! Congrats, man!

Yup, beats a skunk any day of the week! I'd have loved to catch that over a skunked outing

My sons and I have caught a few snappers. Fortunately for us they were not larger than a good 12" diameter shell. For the big ones that we couldn't use long pliers to unhook, we cut the line and let them back to their domain. Some we have been able to release w/o hook in mouth.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Can't help you with Pflueger reels, but there are a lot of folks here that can. Good luck.

Whatcha need? Or...want?

The Costas seal the deal. She's hooked! Rod/reel combo looks great.

The CI4 and 4+ were really pushed to me -- in a good way -- but I just didn't like the foam grips. I love my FJ reels more than my FI reels, but both are excellent. The thing that I loved about the CI4+ was the weight. The older I get the lighter the gear I like, LOL. But at this stage, if I were to get another spinning reel, it'd probably be an FK, unless I found another FJ 1000. To each his/her own as far as like/dislike. Opinions are like ...you know... everyone has one.

No superstitions for me... Nope. None... Wait!! If I forget to bring a scale, I always catch a new PB!!

Awesome fish!

I normally use backing on all my reels. Yes, all are braided mainline. But when I got a steal of a deal on a 1500 yard spool of PP Super Slick 8 in 15# test, I chose to spool two of my spinning reels 100% braid. Too thin for my casting reels, so in order to get more braid for my money, I'll continue using backing unless money is no object.

Now THAT'S a knife! Sword...ok, but who cares....

Welcome aboard! Almost impossible to do an analysis of that bass even with your friend's height. How far is the bass in front of him, etc., are other things that would need to be known. The bottom line is any of us will only provide a best guess. In the 4 pound range is mine. Sorry it is so wide, but tough to know for sure. It has a good-size head, probably a female and all spawned out... Just my .02. Others may have a better guess.

Wow, nice haul!

Can't help you with rod pods, but seeing it is your first post, welcome to the forums! Others with experience using them will chime in....