Darren.

Congrats on the new rig, but I'm left scratching my head as to the front. That's a lot in the way of fishing, especially with the net in front of you, as well. I think that'd get in the way of casting, fighting a fish that makes a run across the bow, etc. But try it since you're determined to do so . Make sure you wear a PFD 100% of the time.

Dang, what a beast.

I will wade where I can, if I am in the mood to do so, usually if there's a hard sandy bottom. Unfortunately, most of the reservoirs where I fish are mush and suck your shoes off, LOL. We also have a lot of snakes, and water mocs are common here, less-seen are copperheads, but they're around, I've seen them. Fortunately, no gators. There are river otters and beavers, too. Had the bahookie scared outta me a few times with beavers sneaking up on me and slapping their tail on the water. Otters are curious critters.

Yup, I use both regular PP yellow, and PP Super Slick 8 in yellow. Love it for line watching, and it will fade over time, but once it's past the point of (your judgement) aesthetics, simply unspool it and spool the line reverse - so the "unused" stuff that's been sitting on your pool is the "new" stuff you use.

Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot Sizes from 4 (rarely) to 2/0 with 1 and 1/0 being the sweet sizes. 99% of time use weedless, tying my own.

It all depends on you. There's a video out there in which Gary Yamamoto discusses a leader long enough (like 20 feet) to get the leader knot on the reel while fighting the fish to the boat. Personally, I typically stretch my arms wide one time, maybe two. There is no set rule to the length, though common sense will give you some rules of the minimum And my arm stretch is gonna be vastly different from say, The Greek Freak (NBA)

Welcome aboard, Paul!

Gotta give bigups to Virginia. We've got some of the best striper fishing for salt, not to mention reds, trout, etc. Bass fisheries are fantastic from Briery Creek to the Potomac to the Chickahominy River to Smith Mountain Lake to Lake Anna, to the countless reservoirs around the state. I live a few miles from two great reservoirs, and a short hop to many more. And can't forget the James River for smallies and giant cats and striper, the York River, the Chesapeake Bay. From where I live I have access to an enormous number of fisheries.

There is a difference. Actual leader material is stiffer than line. I just use regular spools of fluoro, but some use the actual leader material, especially locally in salt water, for better abrasion resistance to the oysters, etc.

I make my own from Gamakatsu bulk packs (25 hooks) of their Split Shot/Drop shot and Finesse Wide Gap hooks.

Welcome aboard! There's a LOT of rod discussion on the forum. Some links below will help. Pinned at the top of the Rod, Reels and Line forum are these:

Your best bet is to do exactly what you say, test both out then make your decision. Bonafide is the new kid on the block and from all I've seen, makes a great yak. The Slayer was once called the Native Ultimate with scuppers. I happen to rock the Ultimate 12, had it for a long time. It was really between that yak and the Wildy Commander (which @J Francho) used to rock. For me it came down to in-store time, sitting and standing in both. I liked the U12 better. Wish I could have taken both on the water for a demo. If and when I'm back in the market for a new yak, most brands will be on the table to look at which allow me to stand, easy setup for a foot-controlled trolling motor, etc., unless I go pedal.

Exactly. I almost used the nuclear waste analogy, too! LOL

Welcome aboard!

The stuff is awesome, except when it isn't....

Welcome aboard! This is what BR is all about Good luck and catch some bass!

Hmm. Might explain some things ... Makes for a great ant killer, tho.

A new "whatever" wants owner to clean it and keep it "pure". Heck with that, man! USE IT and clean it when you need to!! That said, 409 is always good,

Enjoy the kayak fishing journey.

Are you talking casting, spinning? Both? I use 10-15 on spinning, but you can go lighter. My casting outfit has 20# Power Pro with zero issues though I am aware of potential problems with dig in.

Welcome aboard, Ronald! Nice catch there

Welcome aboard, Robert!

Wind will always give a kayaker fits whether a big Hobie Pro Angler or smaller. Like has been said, anchor trolleys (both sides), stake-out poles, or anchors or both will be your friend. And I've been out in winds over 40MPH. Granted, they blew in AFTER I was already out...stayed out for a short bit, close to shore. Also go out when gusts are 20-25mph. Just have to plan accordingly and ALWAYS 100% of the time wear your PFD!!! Also, a way that helps me immensely with wind - trolling motor setup.

Welcome aboard! You'll be great with that combo. For me, my Stradics are more $ than my rods, exception being one St. Croix Legend Tournament. I find the sweet spot, price-wise, is in the $75-110 (ish) range for a great quality rod. Of course that's my opinion

Have done it with success, mostly from a tall dock and able to see bass along pylons in the clear water. Is an effective method to be sure. In terms of depth, unless you've got a graph showing depths, kind of a set-and-see as for depth. Have done it only a few times from my kayak.