Darren.

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.

You'll be fine. While I am moving away from Quantum, I still have 2 Accurists in service, and they work. I just prefer my new Daiwa Lexa and use it far more than my Accurists. You should get many good years out of the Quantum.

Yup! Always enjoyed it when it aired on Versus. Don't believe it is carried anymore since Versus changed hands to NBC Sports. <rant>Should run it over Charlie Moore's show. In fact, there are probably 10 other fishing shows that'd be more informative and enjoyable than that show.</rant>

I got my first Premier this year - a 6'6" MF casting rod - and paired it up with my Lexa 100. Great combo, quite sensitive. I also bought my first Avid spinning rod recently (I'm a converted Croix fan now) and paired it up with my Lexa 2000SH and absolutely love the combo. Amazing sensitivity, power (and it's a MLXF rod).

That's like the Chesapeake Bay during striper season, only all the dudes would be in boats.

Good stuff! Some nice smallies there.

Congrats! The thrill of a new PB. May you have many more to celebrate!

Welcome aboard!