Darren.

Agree with J-rob for soft plastics. I've got Shimano Compre spinning rods which I really like, but want to upgrade my baitcasting setups (rods) for the same thing since soft plastics is my primary M.O. I can comment on the carbonlite as I owned/fished one for a short while (before upping to the Compres). I liked it, but not enough to keep it. A Croix Legend Tournament is a thing of beauty. Never fished one, but if I could afford one, that'd be my pick of the three.

GYCB Senko, 4", watermelon gold flake, wacky rigged.

D.a.n.g.

I've used a variety of nets. None rubber ... yet. I've currently got a collapsible net from Walmart, believe Frabil makes it. Small, extends far enough, and I'm only out $12 if it gets lost. Last net I had, similar to this one, one of my boys tossed it to me in a moment of need, but didn't use enough arm in the throw, and it sank, just out of reach. I do like the ego nets. Guess I need to get one that floats and forget about the cost.

Welcome aboard!

It was weird buying it and it didn't have "Shimano" on the box. But when it comes to reels, Shimano and Daiwa are hard to beat,

If I were nearby, I'd let you take my 7.1:1 for a spin. It's a sweet reel. I've had it in both salt and fresh water and she's as fresh as the day I bought her. Love it.

Dude, the reel is sweet. I'm a Shimano guy for spinning reels, but when I tried the Lexa 100 I was floored at the quality. I believe it is mag-brake only.... here's the official specs: http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=632

Then don't fish the Lexa!!

Dang. Ban soft baits?! Really?!

Start with Senkos - the real kind, Yamamoto Senkos. Fish them wacky, or weightless Texas and hang on. Fish slowest in the winter, and vary your speeds the other seasons.

You could. For bass fishing, much over a 2500 size reel is overkill. But that's my opinion. This from a guy who does all his bass spinning fishing on Shimano Stradic 1000FI reels. The 6 pounder in my avatar was caught on a 1000FI. Bait casting is another story. But I'll probably never use my Quantums again, I'll be going Daiwa Lexa from here on...for now.

Don't think I've tried enough to say what's the most sensitive. Most expensive rod I own is a Shimano Compre, and I love it (them). If I had a few more bucks to spend, I'd put the money on a St. Croix.

Good job!

That's an amazing looking reel. Dang.

If those are bass beds, then WOOT! Time to get stoked. As if you aren't already...

YES! What a haul. LOL. I bet every member on this forum has been there. I know I have, a number of times smaller than that.

I enjoy MMA, but I don't do pay-per-view, just whatever's on the already paid for cable channels. Don't have a fav fighter.

Congrats! But I gave up on whistles...pain in the ears.

For one of the few Bills fans, tears for the great Andre Reed. He will make it one day. Congrats to all the dudes that made it. And go 49ers. Or Ravens.

Interesting. I've never used tungsten yet, hear good things that it's smaller profile, better "clicks" underwater as opposed to lead's thud. Only thing that's kept me from jumping in is the price. I don't fret when I lose a lead bullet, but the cost per pack of tungsten is more than I want to spend. Of course I'm fine to spend that money elsewhere ... maybe a matter of priorities.

Gotta trumpet the Daiwa Lexa 100 series. I'm in love with mine... Great for $139, or less on eBay. Can do all you mentioned, and more.

Well, from a guy right around 5'7", I opt for shorter rods. But that's primarily because I'm comfortable with them flipping and pitching. And I use both baitcasters and spinning gear for these techniques. I think it's also partly because I fish in some very tight and heavy covered areas with my kayak. Longer rods sometimes just serve to catch branches, etc. Don't tell my wife, but I'm eying a 6'6" rod to pair with my Lexa 100, but that's about as long a rod (I think) as I'd be comfortable with. If I had a 7 footer to try in my yak, I may like it, tho....

PQ for sure. I almost bit, but went Daiwa Lexa 100 instead.

That's a great point. I wasn't thinking line, but yeah, it's gear of course. Definitely changed the game.