Darren.

I use 10lb PowerPro on all my Spinning reels, exception being one of my larger reels normally reserved for saltwater... That "larger" reel is a Shimano Spirex 2500, LOL. My bass reels are 1000 size Stradics and one 2000 size Lexa. On that 2500 Spirex I believe I have 30# PowerPro which is no problem.

I'd consider myself a finesse angler.

I've got these at BPS on sale for $20 a few years back. They're excellent, still quite operable, exception being the cutters broke. I need to get replacement blades for them. http://www.basspro.com/Offshore-Angler-Aluminum-Pliers-with-Nylon-Sheath/product/10209891/

I haven't done much in the last few weeks. And before that, only some bank fishing with a bud. All the ice is gone off our reservoirs, some nicer, warmer weather down here, but I've not hit out in the kayak. Plan too soon, tho. Been biting at the bit to get out!!

very cool

Wow! That's a hawg!

I may be in the minority but I spool my Chronarch 50e reels with 20# PowerPro and add a leader. I find braid so much easier to deal with than nylons. Including picking out professional overruns!

Kevin you can also look at the new white Carbonlite rods at BPS. They are really nice and super light...

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Greg, and thanks for your service to our country!

In addition to those, I also recommend looking at some Daiwa models like the Lexa. Solid reel for the money. Started out over $100 but it's under that at many shops now.

LOL, congrats to the fisherwoman!!

As a "not an Eagles fan", I've respected Kelly for a while now. He's a thinker and a difference maker. This is a class act by him.

Joe, I've done the vertical storage thing on my kayak, but I have since resorted to laying down my rods in front of me. Keeps them out of the way for bait casting (and spinning) which can be nightmarish if you have a lapse in memory casting forgetting they're behind (or wherever) you. But to each his/her own. I know rod holders are a popular thing, but I am simply not into them anymore. But I'm also always on the lookout for a better setup!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Scott!

Well that can explain a lot. Very tough to deal with suicides and keep feelings inside, wondering all along about if you are prone to it, too. Glad he's looking for help from a doc, too. And good you're there for him, also!

First, welcome to the forums! Second, it is hard to go wrong (IMHO) with Shimano. I absolutely love my Chronarch 50e reels. But there are plenty here that will sound off in the positive about Diawa's Tatula reels, Lew's reels, Quantum, and others. So my best advice, if it is possible for you, is to head to your local Bass Pro -- or if other sporting goods store call and ask if they do this -- and take your rod(s) in and ask to try several different reels on them to see how they balance out and "feel" to your hands. I may love Shimano and sing their praises, but you might take a deeper liking to a Pflueger, or a Diawa.

I've only crushed barbs a few times. Fortunately, I haven't yet been stuck past the barb on treble hooks, maybe because I don't fish lures as often as soft plastics.

Agree with professional help suggestions. I applaud you wanting to take him to your church for help, but sometimes the best "medicine" is real medicine to get his head straight, or at least to a place where he can think more clearly.

Good luck. What Shimano rod was it?

I think the difference between the two is enough to make the jump to glass. But this is MY feeling having had poly style lenses and dealing with scratches and such. My Costas with 580G lenses have been the best glasses I've ever owned. After 3 or 4 years now, no scratches. I do take better care of them which is probably a byproduct of their cost! Which could be the same if I had expensive poly glasses. But I'd still pick glass if I were to buy another pair...

Welcome to the forums!

Welcome aboard, Bobby!