Darren.

Ooo. @Catt! Sorry about the Crucial. I've got a cork (early OOs) Compre with the finger cutout in the cork. Actually have two, but "gave" the other to one of my sons so he had a rod to fish with at college. I dread the day they break since they're not made anymore.

Welcome back, Rich!

Welcome aboard, Dan!

The kids would really enjoy it, I bet An elderly Korean gentleman got me into fishing long poles in the early 00s. He was always sitting at the end of the dock with about three to five long poles out, thin Asian-style floats with bottom rig hooks. He'd just sit there until a float started moving off...one day gave me one of his floats and got me started his way. Found allfishingbuy.com and sent pix of the floats, and they were able to order some. http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Pole-Floats.htm

Personally, I find the thinner wire hooks penetrate and hold better than thicker hooks. I have a lot of Z-man Shroomz and really like them. Recently bought a pack of 1/16oz hooks off ebay, they have a wire weed guard and so far I'm mixed on them. I've caught and lost fish on them. They use Mustad Ultra Point hooks so says the description.

I'll take any fish over a skunk! Haven't done it in a while, but I really enjoy using a long pole (no reel, fixed length line) and catch all sorts of fish. It is a lot of fun, used to do it all the time when my sons were wee lads. We caught everything from white perch, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, bass, pickerel, eels...and turtles. One of these day's I'll break 'em out again and just have fun.

Welcome aboard, Joel! (Good name, 4th son's named Joel )

Welcome aboard!

You need to do a video of tying 8# leader to braid via FG!

Another great analysis, Brian! What size leader are you using with the 14# braid and FG? While it may be a great knot, I prefer using two appendages to tie mine

Regarding first cast catch. Had one on Thursday. Very next cast, right into a tree, LOL. And to be honest, I did think of the "bad omen" thing. Fortunately I was able to catch several more fish that outing

This is what I typically do, even when I'm in my kayak I'll do similar casting as far as I can and running line through my fingers slowly so as not to get burned.

Not superstitious, just a little stitious. (Michael Scott) Just kidding. I'm not such a person who has to wear the same underwear during the entire football season after my team wins.

Welcome aboard @mtneer99!

Use what you feel comfortable with. I'm 5'7" give or take and I prefer short rods with 5'9"-6' the sweet spot for me. Just my preference. One of my sons has a 7' rod and it's fine, just not my cup of tea.

A great outing and a new bass fisherman! Well done!

2 piece rods are definitely a thing, especially for those who are limited on transportation (i.e., no truck or SUV) and have to shorten a 6'6" or plus rod to fit. I personally prefer 1 piece, so I get where your frustration is at....

Welcome aboard, Dave!

Appears problem solved! I was going to recommend a much cheaper alternative... Foam blocks and straps!. Thank God for Step-Fathers, tho

I'm a big fan of M power Carbonlites. My casting rigs are MH and ML, spinning are both medium. I love the action (though not my fav rods in general) and highly recommend them. Have only handled v2.0 in store. They feel just as good as prev. Assume they fish as well, too.

Another fine job, Brian. Great tutorial. Thank you!

Used to use it in the 90s when I was playing tennis. Pretty good stuff then. Assume it is the same formula, but haven't used it since then. Lasted for hours on end. Not sure that helps but FWIW.

Patent that for fishermen and you'll be a billionaire!

Welcome aboard!

Dinks = NOT A SKUNK day !!! So therefore, I welcome our Dink Overloards, as long as I have a day with a catch.