Darren.

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome back, @bigbill!!

I always use YoZuri Hybrid in 6, 8, 10 pound test, or Gamma Edge Fluoro in 6, 8, 10.... 9 out of 10 times I tie them on with Uni-to-uni, other knots are mod'd Albright, and/or Shin's Knot.

Welcome aboard, Tobias!

My wraps have varied, but typical is 7 + 7, thinner diameter leader, perhaps a few more wraps. Thicker, less. But I've also been a big fan of Shin Fukae's variant, as mentioned by @Team9nine...

I do for my Chronarch 50e. I had two, but when i went mostly spinning, I sold one and kept the rod. So I swap the 50e between a 6'6" MH and a 6'6" ML. Heavier stuff and lighter stuff. Works out fine for me .

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

I've lived/live in both worlds. Was early DOS/Windows guy, became an Apple evangelist in the 90's, early 2000s, but over time saw Apple become something other than what was Steve Jobs's vision. Was even able, as an IT Manager, to get some Apple products into an IBM/Dell-only telecom. It is now, simply a "walled garden" company returning to "not invented here" mentality. Don't get me wrong, Apple makes fantastic products. I no longer use iPhones. I can't see myself ever returning to the fold. iMacs, MacBooks, yeah, macOS is awesome. 'Nuff said. Tho I worry Apple's trajectory is becoming more and more closed as the years go by. As for AV, I've usually not had to use any on Android. It was on by default on my new Galaxy S21 (which is a pretty amazing phone), and I've left it on, though I probably wouldn't have an issue turning off. @huZZah is right, it's no longer true that Apple is "immune" (by quantity) to viruses/malware. As the rest have said, avoid "bad" places, and don't click on links in emails w/o being absolutely certain they're legit.

Great for leader, I use it in 6, 8, and 10 pound test.

My experiment, mentioned several times in previous posts, was to try and go all baitcasting many years back. Two Chronarch 50s with 10# and 15# braid + leaders 6-10lb test, upgraded to 7:1 gearing. Could do almost everything I could with spinning. Just realized one day that spinning was just better for the light stuff. My opinion, of course. Skipping is easier, etc. Accuracy? For me, I'm pretty good with both. All in how you learn/adjust. The palm of your other hand or your fingers can simulate what you can do with the thumb to slow down the line on a BC reel. When I go out, yeah, I want a big bass, but I'm happiest when I've caught a fish regardless of the species. Means I don't leave skunked.

I agree that there are a *lot* of ways to rig a live worm for bass. I've experimented over the years with different ways including a split shot about 10-15" above the hook, the crawler injected with air at the tail end and man did that action attract hits. A nice little 1 ½ pound bass took it on the fall. Great fun. You can use traditional bobbers, slip floats, etc. Experiment and enjoy the results .

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard, Chris! ??

Welcome aboard, Francis! ??

I've written before that I am a fan of shorter rods. Fishing from a kayak shorter is essential where I like to fish (near overhangs, etc.) which longer rods can get entangled in more easily when the wind is gusting and pushing me into things. My favs are in the 5'9" to 6' range. Even cut the butt end of some of my 6'6" rods making them 6'3". It's all personal preference. I can see the advantage of longer rods when fishing in salt water from shore when you want to get the bait out further. For my long poles (no reel, fixed line length), I go from 10 to 20 feet poles. Rarely do the 20 footer, but it's fun when I'm in a simple fishing mood.

Welcome aboard, Adam! ??

Welcome aboard! ?? Pannies are fun and easy to catch. K.I.S.S. method is best, IMO, and by that I mean as others have stated, worm/float (bobber). Even simpler is one of the telescoping rods you can buy at Walmart. Simply tie a length of line, terminal tackle, use a slip or regular float and when the fish hits, lift the pole and bring in the catch. No reel necessary, but a net can be handy. I've got a bunch of outfits like this for when I want to get really simple and just enjoy being out there catching fish. Simple fishing. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shakespeare-Durango-Telescopic-Spinning-Fishing-Rod/2581338

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard, Rich! ?? Great to have a new hobby to master . Good luck with your endeavors! Using a tool to tie a knot is a good idea. Another knot is a palomar, though I'm not sure if that would be any easier....

Far as I can tell it is open, though Covid 19 social distancing is required. Haven't been up there in a spell, but you can call the park to verify. https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/beaverdam-park-main-entrance/ https://www.gloucesterva.info/497/Beaverdam-Park

That's one (shingles) that I haven't had yet. 51 yrs old, probably need to get it soon. Not something I'd like to experience. Ever.

I've had flu shots in the past, but not every year. Given that I work in an "essential" business (Lowe's), I'd take a Covid vacc, but alas, I'm not sure it'll happen soon since in Virginia we're not among the phases getting the shot early ... c'est la vie. For me, masks are about caring one for another. I'd prefer to never have to wear one, but I do and I will continue. It is human decency in a pandemic. Not really concerned about shots. I don't do conspiracies, so, there ya go.