Darren.

Texas. Black, GP+Chartreuse tip, watermelon magic. Second would be wacky. Now for the younger sibling, the Finesse Worm, I'll go wacky first, TX, split shot...and in more colors.

Of all the forums I belong to, THIS one is the one I frequent and post on 98% of the time. Congrats BR, and thanks, Glenn (and team) for all you do to make BR possible.

You know, I have tried the C-rig, but not had a lot of success with it. However, when I feel the tap-tap on say a split-shot rig, I'll reel down and set the hook. I've heard things like "count to three and set the hook at the first tap", etc. I threw a TX rig the other day at an area (I wasn't aware it had beds on it at the time) and kept feeling the (as you describe) crunch. I'd reel down and set the hook to nothing. I knew there were some sticks on the bottom. I changed over to a weighted/weedless wacky rig and BANG there they were. As I paddled over that area to free a snag, I saw the beds (in 6-7' of water!), and then knew the bass were picking up and spitting out my TX rig. So I agree on the feel.

Yellow PP. I do use a leader (FWIW), but the yellow helps with visibility, and when it lays on the surface and a fish nips your bait, the line jumps. That and braid transfers great feel, too.

I think the connection is coincidental since the OP mentioned height as a factor. So I mentioned my height. Your point is well said. I *prefer* shorter rods on up to 6'6" simply for manageability. FOR ME. From my kayak, I found the longer the rod, the more problems I encountered (due to tight areas and such). That's how I fish, that's one reason I prefer shorter rods. If I were fishing surf, I'd be using 8-11' rods to get the bait out there. As it stands, I don't need to make long-distance casts for my fresh water fishing. I've got long-pole graphite and fiberglass rods up to 20' in length. So I'm not opposed to long rods, I just don't use them for my bass angling.

Welcome, Chris! Fellow VA (Hampton Roads area) fisherman here.

Welcome to the site! Line opinions are varied and plentiful! Personally, I'm an original Power Pro fan. I've tried some mentioned already and haven't warmed up to them thus far. My spinning gear has 10 lb test yellow and I tie on various leaders. My main baitcaster has 20 lb test yellow PP and various leader material. Other BC I rarely use has 40lb test green PP + leader...

Perhaps we need to change this to casting as far as possible (like casting contests), and casting in everyday fishing. While 100 yards is a very long cast, is that the norm in everyday fishing? Perhaps a supertuned reel, the right weight, a rod that loads up well, is long enough, you can cast well beyond (as others have said). My longest rod is 6'6". I can cast pretty far, but not near 100 yards. If the wind were behind me and I was lobbing a 3/4 oz weight, maybe I could hit 50 or 60. I don't really know. Guess my point is there are many factors that contribute to long casts. I aim for accuracy over distance (as we all probably do).

That's a hawg. Nice catch!

There's a lot of great guys on the tour... favorites? Hard to pick. I like several, Ike, Grigsby, Fukae, KVD, Evers ... As for why, I like their styles, each of which is a bit different. Ike being the most animated of the bunch, with Shaw a notch down from Ike on animation. KVD just because he's a monster. I like Evers style. I am a fan of Fukae's techniques, and he's a jovial chap.

x2, or my local 7-11 (yep, they carry live bait around these parts), or bait shop.

100 yards is a looong way....

I can't comment on the *** rods, but I can comment on the Avid. I just bought the 6'3" Avid MLXF rod and have been extremely impressed with it. Just caught a 4 pounder on it yesterday. Got a Daiwa Lexa 2000SH mounted to it, 10 lb braid + 8 lb XPS Fluoro. Fantastic feel. So yeah, Avid is all they say and then some....

First, welcome to the forums. Second, the 6' is a fine rod. I recently picked up a 6'3" Avid ML and love it. I also have a 6'6" Premier casting rod and love it as well. One of my favorite rods is a 5'9" Shimano Compre. But the Avid is beating it out for sensitivity so far. I happen to be right about 5'7" and prefer shorter rods as well. The Premier is the longest bass rod I own and it serves me extremely well.

Yes indeed! Lovely lass she be.

Welcome aboard!

Mine are budding, I expect them to pop in another few days. Already found a couple of beds and some 4 pounders! Lost two bigger ones at the net. Deep sadness ensued...but they were ferocious shakers. That's probably why they're so big!

Daiwa Lexa ... I'm super impressed with the smoothness and casting ability of mine. This from a Shimano fan, now also a Daiwa fan....

Welcome aboard!

Nope. Never even thought about it.

I included bacon ice cream on my reply!! Don't anyone forget a bacon covered cheese burger with Krispy Kreme glazed donuts as buns. Yeaaah, man!

x2 On the crapped pants.

Bacon. Bacon butter. Bacon cheese. Bacon icecream. Bacon, bacon, bacon.... The more I type "bacon", the weirder the word seems. Ever get that feeling?

Awesome outing! That's not the right kind of sucker a kid wants, though, LOL...

Belated welcome. And if you're referring to a particular kayak forum, I haven't posted there in about a year.... Far more relevant info here x2.