Darren.

Most of my fishing is spinning. I use shorter rods from ML through MXF along with 1000 size Shimano Stradics for my main rigs. Both fresh and salt for striper. Braid + leader for 100% of the rigs, mainly 10 and 15# PP and PP Super Slick 8, with leaders (majority) in 6, 8, 10# fluorocarbon or yo zuri hybrid.

It is done. Nate Peterman is no longer a Buffalo Bill. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-release-qb-nathan-peterman

Welcome aboard, Ray!

Imma gonna assume (uh oh) that Buffalo lets go of Peterman Monday. I mean, after Barkley's performance today, which happens to be the best performance by a Bills QB this season, LOL. Yeah, was the hapless Jets. But I guarantee the Jets would'a had a couple pick-6s if Peterman was in.

Gassy Malamutes, eh? A barrier is definitely a good thing. For us it's wet dogs. When my wife and I drive to a local trail for a lovely walk with the pups, there is always water.... When we get back to the parking lot, dread, as we have no barrier in our little RAV 4. Oi vey. Not sure this URL / vid will work, but reminds me of Monsters, Inc. when they shared deodorant... Wet dog... Low tide... https://y.yarn.co/54a1fccf-b562-491a-a878-3b47f7e6ab43.mp4?1541871005220

It definitely looks cool, but not for me. I prefer either no cover or a tonneau, which is what my son's Tundra (used to be mine) came with. Tho that is so old and decrepit we're about to take it off. Same son told me, when I suggested a cap, "Why, Dad? What's the point? They make the truck look like an SUV, so why not just get an SUV?" He has a point, LOL, though I do understand and appreciate their use. Too often I haul stuff that wouldn't fit, alas.

Yeah, Bills Mafia started that earlier in the week, LOL.

Congrats, that's a hefty smallie!

Welcome aboard! You are correct in that many swear by a brand, either because they are sponsored and need to pump the brand, or simply came to love it either way. I cannot speak to the kayaks you mention, but as you are unable to get to a demo days given distance, you can certainly find a kayak at Cabelas or Bass Pro that will allow you to stand and fish. The kayak I've had for many years now is a 2008 Native Ultimate 12. I have outfitted it with a DIY trolling motor setup (like a BassYaks.com setup) and absolutely love it. However, I can say that because I have come to enjoy saltwater fishing recently, I would prefer a kayak with scupper holes for drainage. I'd likely still motorize it, unless I got something with a pedal drive. But @flyfisher is right in that you want something that will paddle well enough if your battery were to die. Good luck with your research!

I appreciate "new" knots, the creation of knots and all that. The AG is no exception. Looks to be a great knot. But I'm about simplicity, and ability to quickly tie when out on the water in my kayak. So for terminal knots, usually a uni or palomar work for me.

Welcome aboard!

(Hey @J Francho, Monday Bills rant below) What's more disturbing is McDermott's completely baffling response to a question about Peterman after the game. Asked if Nathan Peterman is an NFL quarterback: "I believe he is. I believe he is." He's either lost, or is about to lose the locker room entirely. Even Shady left the locker room before the press arrived. What he and Beane have done with the roster is eerily similar to how Chip Kelly dismantled the Eagles' roster before he got canned. I have zero confidence is McDermott's "The Process".

Welcome aboard!

Wish I could help. Not many cures other than coming to your senses in one way or another. Wives can certainly help with that.

I do use spinning with jigs, but lighter jigs as I don't fish a MH spinning rod (at this point).

Welcome aboard, Russ!

Welcome aboard, Shane!

I get the workout thing... But I prefer to fish when I'm going out, and I use a trolling motor setup which helps immensely in battling the wind around these parts. Sometimes I supplement the motor and paddle.

Welcome aboard!

Aaaand here's my morning-after comment. Boy I was wrong. Pats didn't score 50 points.

Welp, the Bills D showed up for the first half.... Queue 2nd half. And salute to Squirmin' Thurman. He was awesome.

ESPN. What the HECK are you doing having APPLEBEES wings in BUFFALO???!!! Could not believe what I was watching. SMH....

Welcome aboard!

You'll be hearing from me on Tuesday AM.... Gonna be a humdinger of a game tonight. I predict the score goes over 50 points.........for the Pats. I'll be tuning in just to see how bad the beatdown is gonna be. Not even holding out *any* hope for a close game. But who knows? Nope. Not gonna happen.

Agree with @Scott F, in your price range, lots of great options. Personally, I like 1000 size Shimano Stradics, above your $ range, tho. Daiwa is putting out some impressive reels these days like the BG.