Darren.

Well. Yes. I do, especially dependent on the material on the other end. Which is why I've settled on copoly or pure fluoro. I feel each transmits vibrations and hits just fine. Take my opinion for whatever it's worth, LOL. I know several will say a leader is absolutely unnecessary. I've tried that in my waters and found that I've had a much better catch rate when I tie one on. That's my experience and nobody can pry it from my fingers! As well, line behavior is one thing when it is spooled as the mainline. Another thing if it is tied on as a leader. Braid behaves so differently from the nylon lines that for me, it's a no brainer to use it for mainline. Just manages so much better. And I prefer to keep my braid as long as I can, hence a leader. I retie hooks fairly often after catches, snags, etc. So on the one hand, a leader saves my braid mainline. On the other hand, when I've used a leader, my catches have increased.

Welcome aboard, Pat!

No you don't need to use a leader. But I do all the time. I've said it before, if you re-tie lures a lot your braid mainline will dwindle down faster than if you used a leader. So you tie a leader on, say 6-10', that's a lot of reties before you have to tie on another leader. As to whether it matters to the fish, heck if I know. I like to think it does, LOL. I carry a spool box with 6 spools of different lines in it. I use anywhere from 6-15 lb test lines in either copolymer or pure fluorocarbon. That's something else a leader on braid lets you do -- experiment with different line types w/o changing out the spool. All this is my opinion based on my experiences. YMMV.... (Your Mileage May Vary)

Welcome aboard, Gene! I used to enjoy bank fishing a lot, but once I got a kayak, that all changed -- I still enjoy it, but not as much. Now I can hit spots that are so much more productive. BUT!! I do like to walk banks occasionally, or fish from docks, if I don't want to paddle. If I take my 4 boys fishing, shore is the best bet.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Keith!

Wow! I think you might have just made up my mind!

I'll be the first to say you don't need a large reel. Honestly. Unless you want one, and it makes you feel better about your fishing. I use two Shimano Stradics - 1000 size and have caught dozens of bass over six pounds on them. I also have a Lexa 2000 which is a darn fine reel. I've got a Sahara 500 for light stuff. All that said, you don't need to go big. It is more in how you play the fish, what your rod power is, etc. I also use 10 pound braid on my spinning reels, and up to 15 pound test leaders. Again, no issues pulling big bass out of sticks and salad. My .02. I know I'm not among the majority.

Boga is on my wish list, but I never pull the trigger. I have an econo-scale from BPS which actually is quite accurate, so that combined with my digital scale and I've got things pretty well covered. Still want a Boga though. I do check the econo-scale quite often with dumbbells and comparison to the digital scale weighing same things.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

LOL. Weren't we all!

Welcome aboard, John!

I've got two older Accurists, circa 2009 or 10, I believe, and a Lexa 100. Not even a close debate -- in my opinion. Lexa hands down and then some. Vastly superior in just about every way.

Welcome aboard, Phil!

Welcome aboard, Mark!

Welcome aboard, Carly! Great place to learn.

That is curious. I wonder if the Exceler is taking its place (the 100 series) Or a new version is coming out. Read elsewhere speculation as to why Daiwa has those three (Tat being third) so close in price range. No answers given, but quite curious.

Welcome aboard, Paul!

Daiwa Lexa, though you can get them now closer to the $99 mark. I don't have experience with some of the others that will be recommended (Abu, Lews, etc.), but Daiwa is really hitting a sweet spot with some very good quality reels in the Exceler, Lexa, and Tatula lineup.

Agree with Dave and Felix. Both ways work and catch fish. If you're concerned about rips and such, you could also buy some glue for soft plastics to mend rips.

Absolutely beautiful, Fish...

Welcome aboard, Todd!

Welcome aboard!

Call Shaggy and Scooby and the Mystery Machine. That's an interesting "object" there.