Darren.

Beautiful bass, Shane! Spawn is just around the corner here in the Hampton Roads area! Put your iPhone in a Lifeproof case and a Lifeproof Life jacket. No worries, no water, no sinking! Let's have a mid-Atlantic visit one of these days, Big-O! We've got some 12 pounders in our reservoirs, and I could use your help/expertise finding them. Heck, I'll even let you take a ride in the ol kayak, LOL. Good for the 'ol bones.

Daaaaang! That'll be sore for a few days!

Welcome aboard, Bob!

Welcome aboard!

At barely shy of 2#s, that's a beast of a crappie.

That'll be P-Lines line up of extra strong lines. http://p-line.com/line/copolymer/cxx

Welcome aboard, Cory!

Back in 07, a guy that goes by the handle VHawk (Vince Hawkins) did some extensive testing. Believe he re-did his results in 2010, but I didn't have that bookmarked: http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/336481/page/1/nt/8/fpart/1 Actually, here's his latest stuff: http://www.oregonfishingforum.com/showthread.php/17966-Had-it-Fishing-line-testing-discussion-on-changing-lines-and-a-Hello-Oregon!

I've started throwing cranks the past few weeks. "Caught" two fish, but lost each at side of my yak. One was a pickerel (not sad it got off), but the other was a hefty bass I caught cranking above weeds with a Strike King SX1 sexy shad. Had it all the way, but she got off just as I saw her throw a fit and shake it off at the boat.

If he prefers a lighter rod, the Ugly Stik (assuming the black-handle?) is going to be quite heavy. As well, sensitivity will increase the lighter/better blank you can go to. The Graphite Series is going to be a lot more sensitive for him. Plus they offer a 5'6" Medium powered, and they're on sale for $30... http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Spinning-Rods/product/1204170505228/

What are you looking to spend, Rich? Not selling, but I have an previous-gen Shimano Compre at 5'9" and it is a fantastic rod, MXF, has handled many 6# bass. Here's a Bass Pro spinning rod search for 5' rods. You'll have to look at each to find the length you want. http://www.basspro.com/Fishing-Fishing-Rods-Spinning-Rods/Length-5-/_/N-1z0uxb1Z1z0x7t7 Several are quite good for beginners. Microlites, Berkley rods, etc. I'd suggest you look for a Medium powered rod, which will likely put you in the 6' range as most shorter than that are UL. Unless you have $$ to spend.

First, welcome to the forums! No, I've not seen it in the wild, but I've seen a video of a guy use a rattlesnake to catch a big bass. Crazy, wouldn't do it myself....

Welcome aboard, David!

Welcome aboard!

Nice! That'll serve you well. They're nice little boats.

Nope. No outboards on the reservoirs I fish. Electric only, so pretty quiet!

No music. Just the amazing sounds of nature all around.

Fantastic! Awesome catch!

Clash of the Titans! Good info all around!

Welcome aboard, Levi. There are some KC area folks on these boards that might be able to give you some area-specific pointers. Maybe give a little more info, like your setups, whether you're throwing cranks, soft plastics, jigs, etc.

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

I switch reels / rods at times. Paired the 2000 with a 6'6" Carbonlite I just picked up, fantastic balance. But I switched it out for one of my Stradic 1000FI reels simply because it was an even lighter combo. Currently got my Lexa on a 6'3" Compre which also balances out fantastic.

A paddle.

I do not horse fish in like I've seen some tournament anglers do on TV, I don't know why, but that bothers me. I fight/play the fish until I can net it, or get my hand on its lower lip. I never "play" a fish for the fun of it. The other week when I caught the 14 pound / 32 ¼" striper in local waters, I didn't time the fight, but the beast pulled me over 100 yards in my kayak. My tackle was fine for the task, as I was able to let the fish run until it was basically done. Then I netted it, took pix, and let her go gently. She swam off quickly. My PB was pulled in fairly quick as it was in a short distance in thick slop.

Welcome aboard, Brandon!