Darren.

Take yer pick. Both get the job done and both catch bass. As for leaders, mono will work, was used for years before fluoro and copolys hit the market. That said, I like how fluoro transmits bottom contact. For me it is either Yo-Zuri Hybrid or Gamma Edge fluoro for leader.

Welcome aboard!

TW doesn't cater to shorter rod fisherfolk by my checking. If I couldn't find stuff in-store locally, I've ordered from BPS, Swanson's Bait & Tackle, etc. As far as the physics go, it really is not much different than a 6'3" or 6'6" rod. I never think about that when I'm on the water. I just make sure my drag is set properly, and I've got a leader tied on my 10 or 15# braided mainline. What do you define as a short handle/butt-end? 12" from butt to top, more, less? I didn't modify my Carbonlites when new, was a few years later when I'd concluded what I like/don't like when on the yak. I like the stock handle for the 6' Premier. Works just fine for my needs.

First, welcome aboard. I fish out of a hybrid kayak/canoe, the Native Ultimate 12. And I prefer shorter rods, anywhere from 5'9" to a max of 6'6", with 5'9"-6' preferred. I've also shortened butt-ends on my 6'6" Bass Pro Carbonlites. That takes them down to about 6'3" total. But my fave rods are the formerly 6' (now 5'9") St. Croix Premier, a 5'9" Shimano Compre, and a 5'9" St. Croix Walleye Tournament spinning rod that was 6'3". That said, the Carbonlites are excellent rods, super light, very sensitive and pair well with my Stradics (FI, FJ, FK, CI4+). You can put floats on each rod like these: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-rod-buoy

I've read (not here) that there's not *that* much diff between Stradic and Sustain. True or false, I can only attest to my CI4+ being an absolutely awesome reel. I do like Daiwa, but have not experience their mid-high end reels. Looks are great, tho. Just my .02.

Looks like a solid group to me!

Welcome aboard, Charles!

Berkley Lightning rods at Walmart, Bass Pro... MH spinning at 6'6". Would suit your needs. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Lightning-Rod-Spinning-Fishing-Rod/237483006 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Cherrywood-Spinning-Rod/32928133?selected=true Had a 6' model, which unfortunately met its demise in the spokes of one of my sons' bikes as they were making their way home from a local pier. What are you going for with an outfit like that?

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Welcome aboard!

Gotta say, I was disappointed in the low score. I prefer high-flying offense, but that's me. Edelman was phenomenal, clutch. Deserves MVP hands-down. Second on my list would have been Michel. He was also clutch. Congrats to the Pats and the GOAT.

Brother sent to me. Just thought it was funny. He's still the GOAT.

A must-see perspective video on the Patriots and "underdog" status in 2018/19 https://twitter.com/IsaacHoffman20/status/1091452109277388800

I enjoyed that. insightful.

Head: Patriots win 47-30 Heart: Rams win 31-27

Welcome aboard, Bob!

Welcome aboard, Andrew!

Welcome aboard, Jay!

Dude! Welcome back!

Unfortunately that's what I've noticed over the past couple years, too. I say unfortunate, but that's because I don't want to fork out the $$ for SeaDek for my yak Hopefully soon I'll be heading down to our local shop to see what they've got for closed-cell foam, and deck padding. The pre-cut stuff they sold me before was a tad on the "too small" side of things. Would like more and piece them together.

Welcome aboard!

Not me. I'd rather be seen when on the water when kayaking. But you're on a small body of water, I'm not so sure it matters much there. But even on the reservoirs I fish - electric only - I'd rather be seen than not seen. Guess it's in-grained safety switch hard-wired into my brain .

Welcome, Ronnie!

Welcome, Jeremy!

An "alternative" to drop would be the bubba shot. If you want to do the same thing only heavier. Otherwise you could tie a jig on as the weight then something higher up the line. Spoons, etc., would also work as a vertical.