Darren.

Welcome! Quite the hog in your avatar :-)

Welcome Florian!

Welcome aboard, Tanner, and Merry Christmas!

Some good fishing in that area, Brian. Welcome to the site!

Everything said is legit and optional to start spooling line onto a BC. If you're spooling braided line, IMHO, put some mono backing on first. You don't *need* all that braid on there and can save yourself some money by putting maybe 80-100 or so yards of braid on. Only a couple times have I reached the knot joining braid to mono backing, and that's because I didn't have enough braid to begin with. This is what I do. If it doesn't matter to you, or you don't want to put down mono backing, then use any of the methods above, including starting with tape on the spool.

Greetings, Rick, from SE VA... Nice to have you aboard.

Hi Robert, fellow Virginian! Welcome to the forum. You'll learn a LOT here!

I would agree braid will last for years. Currently going on 2 years on my Stradics. Although I have spare spools with different types of line, I use the braid 99% of the time. In fact, I plan on buying another couple spools of yellow PowerPro soon, for other reels in my arsenal. But fwiw, I don't fish straight braid. I always fish a leader. Typically a copoly like P-Line Floroclear or YoZuri Hybrid. This way the braid lasts even longer as I only have to cut a short amount off when I change out leaders.

Happy Christmas!

Agree with SirSnookalot that bail wire isn't an issue. I can speak for the Stradic FI, darn fine reel. FJ is a nice reel but only held them in-store. Don't like T handles, either, which is why I bought 2 1000 FI models. I believe the 2500 FJ is paddle as well. I would say if you're looking for a possible crossover between salt and fresh you might wanna look into another Daiwa or a Shimano.

Welcome aboard!

Well... You have choices. I'm a hybrid kayak owner, it's a Native Ultimate 12 (length), loaded with storage, I've even hooked up a trolling motor setup, a fish finder, as well. Now the pic below is an older one, have a new trolling motor, and I didn't have my crate on this trip... My yak can be had for in the $800 range. For me it was the best of both worlds. I started with a canoe, migrated to a kayak, missed certain parts of canoe fishing and went with the hybrid model. Stability is incredible, secondary stability is amazing. For gear storage I simply use a milk crate and cut PVC for rod holders. Customized MY way. No extra $$ spent for a fishing kayak that may or may not be laid out well. But I'm also opposite of you, You've got me by nearly a foot in height :-) So while I think you could do a 12' boat just fine, a 14 or 16 footer would likely be more comfortable. I'm sure other yakkers and canoeists will chime in with their thoughts and other brand suggestions. I don't think you can go wrong with either, both have benefits and detractions (which is one reason I chose to go hybrid).

Cranks, jerks, etc. Although, I must say, the fact that soft plastics catch fish so well for me, I have a hard time even *wanting* to take the time to learn the ins/outs of those lures. Definitely need to learn to read my fish/depth finder better. Probably why I leave it at home most of the time now-a-days.

Last couple years I went out all year round. This year I've pretty much called it for the rest of the season. Last couple times I went out the fishes mouths were clamped shut and though the weather was lovely, it wasn't much fun. Oh, guess the other big reason is the Honey-Do list. It is long, and I've pretty much worn out any and all promises those things'll get done ... next week. I may hit local docks a few times, though, just to keep my casting fresh. Might even target non-bass for fun.

The answer is yes, sometimes, and maybe. I've tried it, and it definitely catches fish...all types.

Welcome to the site, Robin!

Welcome, and thanks for your service to protect our freedom, JD!

Welcome aboard!

Now that I own one, I've been loving the Daiwa Lexa 100 for Senkos, other, lighter worms, weightless.

Most productive brands for me: Yamamoto Senkos, Yamaminnow, and Zoom Finesse worms. Colors: Watermelon Gold Flake, red flake, magic; Green Pumpkin Magic. GP Chartreuse Tip, and a few others. Also productive: Bass Pro Stick-O worms, especially in Pepper frog.... Spent too much money on the colors of the rainbow, but only a handful actually produce for me.

An unbelievably awful, horrific event. Numb, yes, anger, big time. Just senseless. I'll be hugging my kids tonight, for sure.

I'll throw senkos mostly weightless wacky, TX, and will also throw on split shot rig. When it comes to Zoom Finesse worms, I'll use a baitcaster, but either weighted TX, or split shot. When it comes to throwing these weightless, I'll go to my spinning gear. I'm not saying I use only BC gear for the above. I bought a Daiwa Lexa 100 which allows me to throw more stuff I'd normally use spinning gear for.

What I'll do in most cases is simply reel down, lowering the tip of my rod while reeling and gently lift or sweep my rod. Thin wire hooks penetrate more easily and run the risk of ripping through if you hook like trying to set a dull nail through the mouth.

Welcome aboard.

Glad to have your experiences added to the forums, David. Welcome.