Darren.

Yes, @Team9nine explains it best. I often fish my ML in/near downed trees, stump fields, etc.

Awful story. https://www.yahoo.com/news/7-meter-long-python-swallows-indonesian-woman-111050649.html One of those things you just don't have to worry about here in the US. Yet... Watch out Florida.

Welcome aboard! I don't get enough smallie action as they're not down in my neck of the woods, though I do love to fish 'em when I'm in their neck Will leave the guesses up to the experts. Any way you slice it, that's a really nice catch!

That is awful news, Blue. Very sorry to hear. I know and have known many officers and first responders. You all deserve so much respect for what you do. Thank you! I wish their families peace in such an awful situation.

Well done. The fun is just beginning !

A hairy Ned rig of sorts Looks fantastic!!

Beside the Ned, my favorite would be the Yamamoto Shad Shape worm.

Can't help with NJ waters, but welcome to the forums!

Welcome aboard, Ricky!

Reminds me of jiggerpoling for bass!

Very true. Agree with your upgrade suggestion. I've not used Big Game, but have XL, which I liked for spincasting (prior to braid). But agree with possible damage to said equipment.

I've done it myself with spin cast reels over the years, in fact, have a couple Abu under spin reels spooled with braid right now for guests, family to use. First review for the combo mentions how great it performs with heavy braid. It really depends on what he's willing to pay. http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/shakespeare-combos-spincast-combos/shakespeare-amphibian-spincast-combo/1373064.html

Welcome aboard! I personally prefer braid over regular mono, line management is so much easier for one thing. Fewer line twists, etc. I also use a leader on all my reels. Spinning reels get 10 or 15 pound Power Pro, and i always tie on a leader with a uni-to-uni leader knot. Simple knot, easy to tie with practice. Like @new2BC4bass suggested, have a read of the articles on the forums. Some excellent material here, you probably have read some already.

Welcome aboard!

I'd go with ML especially throwing a lot of Ned rigs... Better choice, IMHO.

Welcome aboard!

Nice! I have one bag of these new wacky worms, but a bad back has kept me off the water for too long. Been a fan of Stik-O worms for a long time. These should be good, too.

Yessiree, the Ned Rig rescues another angler

Wowsers. A beauty, Mike! Congrats!

Sorry, I missed your question. But answered above by @Bassin' Brad.

Yup. I've wacky rigged most of the plastics I have at one time or another. Caught some beasts during spawn several years back wacky rigging a lizard.

Handy charts, but it will vary by manufacturer. The second one is from TFO rods... https://tforods.com/quick-guide-rod-actions-rod-powers/

I'd take a dink EVERY day over a skunk!

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you need a vacation to Lake Baccarac. There's a few here on the boards who have been and have had amazing guided trips. I'm not one of them, sadly. But perhaps one day. As for your water, I have to agree with @Bluebasser86 regarding whether there are bass there. And what kind of techniques are you using?