Darren.

Welcome aboard!

Maybe so, but it really works. Quote from another forum that might help:

Welcome aboard, Snake!

Impressive, indeed! She's so proud of her catch. My dogs wouldn't know what to do in that situation.

Wow. Big ol' pike!

Hi Brent- Welcome back!

Here in SE VA, it appears the bigger bass may have spawned. Areas I usually see beds either had nothing, or "old" beds. But then yesterday I found those same areas with freshly made beds males guarding (for the most part.) None too big by what I could see. At least not like I've seen in years past.

Hmmm. I'm not a real "search bait" kind of guy. Probably should be, but I don't tend to use any. I might suggest smaller single hook swimbaits like these in 3 or 4": http://www.stormlures.com/storm/soft-baits/wildeye-live-series---saltwater/wildeyeandreg-swim-shad/WildEye+Swim+Shad.html The "experts" will chime in on search baits soon, I'm sure.

Wow, nice gift! Braid and leader sound fine, but don't be afraid to experiment with the leader, either up or down in pound test depending on the circumstances. I think as far as "best", wacky, shaky head and TX would suit it well. For jigs, I'd throw lighter ones. Not sure you'd want to punch grass mats and such with a M rod. For that you'd want to go heavier. Treble hook baits might get ripped out of the fishes mouth with an XF tip. For that you'd want a more moderate to moderate fast tip that is more forgiving.

Strange indeed, but the more I think about it, I suppose it would be like Scottie getting his ashes sent out to space - the place he loved. Or someone getting ashes spread in the ocean... Hey, I'm trying to rationalize it...

Norman speed clips can actually be very quick, quicker than snaps if you know what to do I forget where, but I learned to place the clip sideways on the lure and press it into the eye rather than try to open it and thread it with either fingers or pliers. This way, the pressure opens the speed clip and you work it onto the eye. I can do it so easily now. Is easy to get off, as well. This, of course, providing you're not trying to get it over a thick eye like on a jitterbug or such.

180lbs, boilies (bait) infused with ashes of dead friend. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/27/anglers-use-ashes-of-friend-as-bait-to-reel-in-monster-180lbs-ca/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Very cool. I like catching fish that aren't supposed to be stocked! For me it was a 14# striper! And she's been spotted since, but not caught, that I know of.

I would pick a MXF spinning rod, or a MHF. If you're throwing heavier weights, the MH, but if you plan on throwing no heavier than say, ¼ the MXF is fine. I've got a 6'6" MXF Carbonlite that is currently set up with a TX rig (weighted) and a 1000FI reel. Works great with ⅙-¼ oz or weightless.

That's a chunk! Nice catch!

I agree with @K_Mac's assessment. I'd also add that if your drag is set too tight you'll likely have line snapping, especially if the line is brittle due to over exposure to the elements. Respool with some quality mono or copolymer line, and you should be fine.

Welcome aboard! If you live near any local fishing shops, they'll probably have some gear to get you started. Often times locals know the spots to fish and that sort of thing. Or you could go to a Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Gander Mountain and find a lot of beginner combos, some even have gear and lures to start with.

Welcome aboard!

I tend to go smaller when drop shotting. I'll use a #2 Finesse Wide Gap or a #1 or #1/0 Split Shot/Drop Shot hook (Gammy).

While I can't night fish on the local reservoirs, I used to when I lived in upstate NY, and yes, my best up there was caught on a full moon night brining a jitterbug across the middle of a local "lake"... I'm sure @A-Jay will chime in here as he does fish at night when he can.

Really up to you since none of us have used or tested the 2016 (that I know of). I bought my Stradic FI reels when they were still at full retail. I bought my FJ models at discounts once the FK was released. So you could probably find a good discount on the 2014 model once the 2016 is released... Actually, you can find discounts on the auction site now...

Welcome aboard!

I'm going to wholeheartedly agree with @A-Jay to wear your PFD 100% of the time you are on the water. There's more reasons to do so than to not.

Welcome aboard! My reels of choice are Stradic FJ models. Of the reels you mention, I'd opt for Shimano, obviously, the CI4+ if weight is a premium. I hear good things about the FK. Don't think you can go wrong either way.

Beautiful!