Darren.

There are ways to get in a "boat" on the cheap. My first canoe was (still have it) a used 16' Grumman aluminum, picked it up for $75. Was advertised in someone's yard! Today there's Craigslist, etc. Deals can be found, tho you may have to be patient in order to find one. Bought some wood paddles, life vests, inexpensive cartop carrier blocks, and so began my ability to get off the shore... Since then I've moved on to kayaking. Still do shore-bound fishing from time to time, but I take my yak out whenever I can. Definitely opens up a new world as GeorgiaBassBros said.

Sweet, Hooligan.

Holy smokes guys, all this Mendon Ponds talk is bringing back memories for me. Visited the park a LOT for winter sledding as a kid, can't recall ever fishing there, but I did sail a time or two as a young teen. Sorry, just reminiscing, not helping out much...

My Stradics have been dunked. No problems with binding, although I've read of issues with older models...

IMHO, Compre for lifetime warranty, and it is quite nice to fish with. Would also consider a Rage seriously, given quality of St. Croix. Or I'd look for a used Avid at the $150 range.

That's great! I've got two Spirex reels the kids mostly use in salt water now. No problems to report.

Need you to transport some of those monsters to Virginia for breeding purposes. We need a "Virginia-strain" in addition to Texas, Florida, and California strains of bass.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome, Soxpac!

Good answers. I'm an "always use a leader" guy, just because it's served me better than straight braid. Plus it keeps my braid going longer since I retie with leader line far more than braid to leader ties...

Senko skills!! Great day!

Splendid day!

Welcome, Jake!

Welcome!

Welcome to another Virginian!!

Welcome, Patrick!

Welcome, Gordy! Virginia, in general, is a great state to fish!!

I'd say Senko/senko-style worms first, Zoom Finesse worms second...

Another fan here of 1000 size reels. I also like 2000, as I've been using a Daiwa Lexa 2000 on my ML Avid. Braid eliminates line management issues for smaller spools, so not a problem there. Never had a bass, catfish, etc. spool my 1000 reels. And I use M powered rods for the 1000s.

Welcome to BR, Matt.

1/8-1/4 probably. Sometimes a little longer. Zero tag for braid to leader Albright...

Hey that's pretty awesome!

Welcome, Dan!

Welcome, Jack!

Lunkercity Fin-S 1/16oz crappie jig head, and 1.5" Panfish Assassin minnows in various colors, dipped in JJ's Magic.