Darren.

Longest rod I use is 6'6"... I like the Bass Pro Carbonlites *a lot* lately, using them the most because they are so darn light and easy on my elbows for a day of fishing. I use Shimano Compre down to 5'9" which I love, as well as a St. Croix Avid which was 6'3" but is now about 5'9". I love shorter rods, but love my Carbonlites more these days. That said, of the rods you list -- based on my hands-on in store -- tells me the Veritas and Rage are the lighter models. Not sure you really *need* to spend a lot on a rod with Veritas quality, Carbonlites, etc. They are plenty good and sensitive for fishing wacky. I'd put them up against my Avid any day. But that is ME! As for the reel, take your pick based on your preferences. Me? I'd go with Shimano or Daiwa because I prefer how they feel in my hands. It's all subjective anyway.

P-Line Floroclear has very little memory. One of my favorite lines.

I've rigged them wacky, and mojo. Actually haven't used them in a while, though. They were "fairly" effective, but not enough to displace my Zoom Finesse worms...

I use Norman Speed Clips 99% of the time -- on a particular rod I use for lures. For worm fishing/soft plastics, wacky/TX/Mojo/Jika, I tie directly to the hook. The speed clips are a slimmer profile than duo lock snaps (which I have, and have used, but don't now). The trick to the speed clips is to not squeeze them open, that's too tough. Just turn the looped section sideways and "slide" it onto the eye of the lure. Easy, fast, "speed clip".

Big fan here. And rumor is that J. K. Rowling is going to pen another Harry Potter book.

Sorry to hear! Best to his wife and family. Enjoyed his posts.

Nice fish!

I just prefer using a leader to keep from cutting down my braided mainline, among other reasons. Braid is expensive, and I don't have a money tree in the back yard. Front yard, yes, but the neighbors keep taking the money off it before I see it ... LOL Anyhow, like it has been said, do what you feel most confident in. For me, I have 100% confidence in braid + leader.

Welcome to the "club"

Welcome aboard, Greg!

Welcome aboard!

First, welcome to the forums. Second, I trust the uni-to-uni, but I use and trust the Albright/Modified Albright more.

Welcome aboard!

I've got previous-generation (cork) Compres and my buddy has a new model. Mine are definitely lighter in tip. I've completely crossed the current-gen Compre off my list for the weight. Same money and I can get a super light Carbonlite, or other brand. My 6'6" Carbonlites are lighter than my 6'3" Compre.

As you can see, there are SO many options for a kayak anchor. I have tried many options, and will use either a 3 lb dumbbell on a 26' retractable dog leash, or (more commonly), a 24" section of heavy anchor folded in half, to another dog leash. I used an old inner tube to cover it, would rather shrink wrap. Neither one of these will hang up much at all, unlike hook anchors. The Bruce is a good option as well, though I've not used one. But what I use most of the time (in fact, I hardly take those anchors with me any more) is my 7' Anchor pole. If you were looking for one of these, you can make your own out of a retractible golf ball retriever. Google that and you'll find a guy who does it. You can buy them up to like 15' long if you want.

Welcome! I'll let the other guys speak, very good advice here, as always.

Congrats, and some great looking smallies there!

Hey rip- I just returned my broken 6'6" Carbonlite MXF to BPS and exchanged it for a MLF of the same rod. LOVE it with my Chronarch 50e. Well below your price range, but I'll say ML is excellent for the PX68.

Welcome aboard, Tom!

Welcome aboard, Scott!

Welcome aboard, Sean! Lots to glean from the forums here. You'll enjoy it.

Love love LOVE my 50e reels!!

Welcome aboard, Bob!

Dang, glad you're ok. Yeah, I bet that's used for ground aeration... riiiiiight. Implement made by a make-shift wannabe mafia/gangster knucklehead.

I will often rig my setups the night before with leaders and hooks and that's about it. No baits, usually. One rod will be weedless wacky, another may be straight wacky hook, or Texas, or Mojo rigged. Then once I get on the water I will adapt to what conditions (like WRB, water, wind, etc.) dictate.