Darren.

That's a beaut!

Entirely subjective opinion, Tyler. I like a tip-light rod, but others prefer tip-heavy. I like a thin handle, others thick. I like xyz color others like zxy. Some have to match rod/reel color, others don't. Having said all that, of what I own, Shimano Compre spinning rods (previous gen) because I love the grips, the sensitivity is great, and the warranty is second to none, and St. Croix Premier for casting because it is a sensitive, comfortable rod. If money were less of an object, I'd have higher end Shimano, Croix and Loomis rods. They feel incredible to the touch, in in store testing.

I found mine at a local tackle shop where they happen to build/repair rods. If you have anything like that around you, may be a good place to check. Otherwise you may have to order online....

Can do it with an old toothbrush (what a rod builder told me, and what I use).

Was not aware they'd released one. I've already plopped down about $20 in similar apps, not sure I feel quite adventurous to do the same for yet another.... Will be curious to see what others think.

I suppose another way one could look at it is to realize each of us has different reasons to be out on the water. My "goal" isn't yours necessarily, and likewise. Maybe that's what you're saying, too. Or perhaps I should say the goal of being out on the water, the sheer enjoyment of the sport, etc., is likely shared by all of us. But the depth to which we each explore those things, be it seasonal patterns, tournaments, or just cuz we like being out fishing regardless, will dictate the lengths we will go in versatility exploration. Dang. I know what I'm trying to say, just not sure I am saying it right.

Braid, for sure. If you have to spool up with mono, fluoro, etc., spray on KVD's line conditioner. But the whole leader thing is you can tie on different pound tests, and different types of line for diff techniques. Tie on a long leader of mono for top water, for instance. Or a 6 lb fluoro for dropshot. And so on. Or, as I do, use the copolymers with fluoro coating or blend for everything.

Not this fisherman. Longest rod I have is 6'6". Favorite to fish is my 5'9" M/XF Compre + Stradic. Well, actually, the longest rod I have is a 20' long pole, but that's different, LOL. Short poles are so much easier to transport, for one (for those of us who don't transport rods in a boat). Plus, in my kayak fishing style, I do a lot of fishing in tight spots in which longer rods are just a pain.

I've been looking for Lexa spinning reel reviews! Have you considered posting a review? I've got the Lexa BC that is just awesome, so much so that I have eyed the spinning counterpart...

Pretty much, although fluoro does stretch, too.You see a lot of the pros using fluoro these days, but mono still has plenty a following.Personally I like the copolymer lines which, in the case of Yo-Zuri Hybrid, blends fluoro and nylon, while P-Line Floroclear coats the line in fluoro. Both of these lines are inexpensive, and while not perfect, are pretty darn good.

Zack, I would stick with your braid and tie on a fluoro leader. You don't have to drop a lot of money for a small spool. Actually, you'd probably be fine with mono, too. Try both! Tie on a leader between 5 and 15 feet and give 'er a go!

Loaded question, Sam! I read your piece with interest, saw some things that applied to me, some that didn't. Do I consider myself versatile? In some ways, in my little corner of the world, yes. Am I missing out on stuff? If that means that I'm not working every type of rig, then yes. In that sense I am not versatile. For me, I enjoy fishing, I love catching more. I simply don't have the time or resources to become broadly versatile. And to be honest, I don't even want to become that. I don't think I am closed minded, more that I have assessed things and ruled some stuff out. Some due to the money required to get into those areas (like the A rig)... Would feel differently if I fished tourneys, or this was my main/only hobby...probably.

I have checked the baro-pressure before going out quite a few times. While I cannot quantify it, I would say the best days were lower pressure days (on the days I was aware of the reading). That said, I'll go out anyway if the opportunity is there.

So it's really a numbers game! Dang. I stunk at math, LOL.

Should be a lot of fun. Congrats and enjoy!

Welcome!

Good gravy! That's a massive fish!

Cap, that's something that we need to figure out and bottle it! Someone needs to do a scientific, peer-reviewed study of "fishing confidence" It is so subjective. I think BoatlessBrian is right to a point that people may subconsciously work the bait differently, buuuuut.....

If I were to buy another reel right now, based on my experiences, it would be another Stradic. So that puts me in the $180 range. Will cheaper reels catch me fish? Yep. But there's something to be said about the build quality, components used, and longevity.

That's probably the best reason right there!

I have the BPS rod balancers, believe they're designed by Larry Dahlberg. They don't fit my Compre's and they didn't allow easy use in my PVC rod holders, so I don't have them on any rods, currently. Been thinking about using them again. Same exact concept that Fish Chris detailed, but they come with lead (?) quarters. Real quarters recommended if extra weight needed.

I really didn't give it a second thought. Interesting comparison to Yankees vs. Cubs, though. It is nice to see classy, quiet dudes win stuff sometimes.

Strikes me as humorous. Colors may blend with the clouds, sky, but I don't think the fish see too many super thin, linear clouds that are 6'6" long that close to the water, moving in erratic motions. Of course, the smart fish obviously see things differently...

Another Virginian and kayaker! Welcome!

You will love it! Only, and I mean ONLY disadvantage I've found so far is that because it's made of aluminum, it gets cold, so wear gloves!