Darren.

Yeah, they're new, no they're not a whole lot different other than being lighter than the originals, and maybe a little lighter than the Ugly Stik Lites. I don't like 'em for bass fishing, live baiting is fine, and even cranking would be fine if you don't need anything but a flexible rod. So many better rods (IMO) for bass fishing. But for someone looking for a stick they can beat up and not worry about losing a cool wad of cash on, it's fine...for live baiting...

I'd imagine even I, a snake collector, would have lost control of my facilities if this crept up on me while I was bank fishing... Actually, if it crept up on me, I'd not be writing this, but more likely be in the story as "The Fisherman Who Didn't Get Away". http://www.cbsnews.com/news/engineers-in-florida-find-near-record-breaking-18-foot-burmese-python/ So SirSnook!, this one's for you! Stay safe!

Welcome to the forums! I will echo the sentiment(s) encouraging you to hit the "library" on the forum. So much can be learned there, and in articles, books, etc. I'm not discouraging you from asking, though! That's what a forum is for!

Welcome aboard!

Salute! And welcome to the forums, Nolan!

No such condition. You're delusional...

Wow. My Chronarch 50e was less than that on ebay!

Heh. I've not fished smallies many times, but when I have, I've caught plenty on shorter rods in the 5'9" - 6'3" length without problem. It really comes down to what you like. Longer rods are popular these days, but not absolutely necessary. I always try out the longer rods in-store, but I just prefer the shorter variety. Say what you will, it is just what I prefer in my hands. If you can get your hands on rods in your local sporting goods store(s), ask them to put a reel on them (or bring your own) and see how they feel in YOUR hands. You may love a 7'6" rod, or you may hate it. You've got to make the choice for yourself.

Refund? That'd be nice. Self-employed here, can't remember my last refund. We try to balance out so we come close to breaking even with what we've payed the gov vs. what we have to pay. But usually end up owing something.

Welcome aboard!

I like XF for most of how I fish (soft plastics)...

Dang. I don't get Bass Pros anymore -- that I know of. Used to be on Versus, then NBC Sports, which promptly screwed up the fishing show lineup (IMHO!!!)

If I am targeting them specifically, yes. But sometimes the very hungry ones will take a 5" Senko, believe it or not. However, let's define smaller. For me, it would be baits 1-2 1/2" in length for targeting those species. If I'm targeting bluegill specifically, I like to use live bait. For bass I'll use worms down to 3" (small Senkos), but I'd say the median size worm I use is a 4". I have caught more on them over time than any other size.

No experience using white Power Pro, as it isn't as readily available as green, then yellow. Having used green, red, and yellow, the latter is my choice based on visibility. I've got it on all my reels, spinning and BC, in 10 (spinning), and 20 (BC) pound test. Yellow will fade (as will all), but I've taken to tying my braid to a tree or fence, walking the rest off, and respooling it from the "used" side on first. Like a brand new line.

You can use a bait caster for senkos, particularly the heavier salt versions like Yamamoto's. Of course this depends on how light a weight you can cast. I use a Shimano Chronarch 50e and Diawa Lexa 100 and can cast weightless Zoom Finesse worms (not far, but I can cast them) with no problems. Senkos cast extremely well. So you may be fine. I also use spinning gear for soft plastics. Normally target bass with this type of rig, but I've caught perch, bluegill, crappie, pickerel as well.

Welcome to the forums! I don't really baby my yak, either. If it has a problem, I'd find a material to patch the particular area as opposed to coating the entire boat.

There's a ton of info on Wacky Rigging, just Google it and you'll see. Lots of us here on the forums use it a LOT of the time. Here's one: http://www.insideline.net/1999/xiques-0910-99.html That's just to give you an idea, it is but one link in a million....

You'll get a ton of suggestions! Here's my super-easy start to soft plastics. Wacky rig it. Buy some Bass Pro or Gary Yamamoto Senkos in 4" and/or 5" lengths. Stick to Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Magic, etc. In the Bass Pro, I love Hot Pepper Frog, too. Next, buy some Gamakatsu Wide-Gap Finesse hooks - start in the 1/0 size, it will work for both. You can always change to larger or smaller depending on how you like it. I use #2, #1, #1/0, and #2/0 for this. Could also opt for weedless variety if you fish sticks and such. Slide the hook in roughly the middle of the worm, or around the egg sack, perpendicular. So the worm hangs horizontal when you hold your line above the hook. Now cast out toward areas you are familiar with as far as knowing fish are there. Let the worm sink. It will dance and shimmy as it goes down in the water. Hang on, be patient, and fish SLOW. Don't fish it like a spinner bait or crank. If no hit, lift with a couple twitches in the tip and let er fall again. Rinse and repeat.

That's what I was gonna say! So I echo A-Jay's greeting in Italian, Luca!

Welcome aboard!

I've only done saltwater fishing a few times (deep sea 2x, 1x for Striper), not to mention saltwater fishing from docks. Never caught anything big from the docks, but then, Virginia waters don't have the myriad of species in Florida. For that, I suppose I'm jealous. Deep sea, the biggest I've caught were 4' King Mackerels. Great fun, but probably not as fun as your Cuda. I'm needing an education on saltwater fishing still. Got some guys who've told me "how-to" for trout and such, but I just never get out except with my boys on a local dock (brackish water). We always use cut bait, either blood worms, eel, or shrimp and either bottom fish, or use a float. Not too much else.

I can't think of any time or place I was asked to leave. No wait, my wife asked me to leave one of our kids' soccer games once. Does that count? I was a little rambunctious on the sideline...

Awesome! That'd be a mighty fun catch, I'd wager.

That's a beast!

Welcome aboard, Martin!