Darren.

I've been fortunate to have had by and large excellent experiences buying on eBay. I typically buy from established sellers with ratings over 97% as a rule-of-thumb. Years ago I did inquire about a MacBook Pro for sale, they emailed me back that they were out of the area and would send the MBP upon receipt of a bank check...Yeeeeah, no.

Sometimes doing a google search of bassresource.com actually reveals more info than an actual forum search.... It's all good. Ask away, as Dumbledore said, "there's always help to be found at bassresource.com to those who ask." Or he said something kinda like that. If you have some spare change, get a couple/few spools of 4 and 8 strand braided lines and test them out for those techniques.

I bought a fly tying kit from BPS, contains an AA Vise. It suffices, but if you can afford something over $20, then I'd say go for that. I'd love to splurge for a much easier to use vise. Not sure BPS still sells it, can't find it online. Was maybe $30 or $40 for the whole kit - bobbin, scissors, vise...

There is discussion on this topic on a weekly basis. Best is entirely subjective, but here's some favs on the forums: Power Pro Power Pro Super Slick Sufix 832 Daiwa J-braid, Samurai Sunline SX1 Seaguar Smackdown To name a few. Some like 4 strand others prefer 8. I use Power Pro and SS8, would try more but it's expensive.

I have no plans to ever live up north again. Kudos to all y'all that love it, do the ski thing, snow mobiles, dog sledding, etc. Living in the Rochester, NY area in the 70s, early 80s and mid- late 90s was enough for me. Not a wus, just prefer to be in weather that is more friendly. And I like year-round fishing that doesn't involve drilling holes in ice.

Welcome aboard! I'm on the Peninsula, we've got several places up here that are good for bass year-around including Big Bethel, Harwood's Mill, Newport News Park, Waller Mill Park, and more up the peninsula. Others will have to chime in for the South Side as there are MANY places there for great bass. I know of Lake Prince, but that's the about it for me. Never fished down there.

Welcome aboard, Scott!

Gammy split shot/drop shot hooks. Sharp till the day is done.

Welcome aboard! Personally, I'd opt for an electric motor over pedal... Saw Blue Sky's stuff via videos during Icast last year. Some really neat stuff, to be true.

Hey, its S.C.U.D. Norwood! I did mean '91, '92 was the Skins. Yeah, my internal dates are messed up. It's just a 4 year blur. Once had a break in my senses and rooted for Dallas...at some point in the mid-80s when I lived there. Never gave up the Bills tho.

mhmm I don't talk about '92. B.I.L.L.S. .......

I get it. Really. I do. I got it for 4 years straight. So I'll be nice and spare you cheap shots at the 'boys, since you crushed us in '93. Oh the pain. Still fresh.

Ok, NOOOOW I get it. Cowboys fan. Uh huh.

Welcome aboard!

I just can't figure you out, Francho... LOL.

I'll be pulling for the Chiefs, no doubt!

Welcome aboard! Wish I could help ya, but others will have good suggestions.

Yup.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Nick!

Welcome aboard, Mike! Both rods will suffice for those techniques, just set drags appropriately. That said, I agree with @NHBull that the MF will be a do-all/most rod. I've got a MLXF St. Croix Legend Tournament 6'3" (now about 5'9 or 10") and it is a little stiff at that length for Ned, but I've used it. My Premier is also at 5'9", MLF and a sweet spot for me doing Ned, Drop, wacky, etc. An older Compre is MXF, but is more like a MF in Croix's lineup. Suitable for many techniques.

Welcome aboard! PLENTY of FL guys here to give you some guidance.

Welcome aboard!!