Darren.

Ok, I get it now, BUT they could have used the actual phonetic which is hʊk - notice the U is from the international phonetic alphabet. I actually think that would have made a cooler looking logo!

I always thought "huck"...but why not use an accent character over the u to give it the "oo" sound?

Too true. On the flip side, if you have one that reads both lbs/kgs, reading the kilograms by accident will make you depressed, LOL. I know, I did it once when guiding a friend. I couldn't understand why a certain 5 pound bass was only reading 2.2lbs...then on the next fish I realized I was reading kilos, not lbs.

Pffft. Ridiculous topic. No one lies. Ever.

I use braid on all my reels, too. Fade happens with PowerPro, but IMO, not badly. My yellow PP is still in pretty good shape. Maybe try @WRB's suggestion for a non-bleeding braid...

A zero fish outing happens to all of us. Just keep at it and don't let it mess with your confidence. Try new techniques, colors, etc.

Welcome aboard!

Never used the Orvis knot, but is a good one. I actually use the uni knot and palomar for most terminal knots, even in saltwater. But excellent you found one that works well for you.

Chris, I use 10# and leaders down to 4, but you should look up some of @Team9nine's posts, he uses sub-10# braid very often for finesse techniques.

Interesting, and I appreciate your reply. I switched from EWGs to O'Shaugnessy bend hooks a few years back, and while I normally go with Gamakatsu, I believe my packs of Os are Bass Pro, and not quite thin wire, esp. up in the 4/0 range. I like your last sentence regarding larger profile of the EWG and 4/0 hitting fish's mouth. Can't really say the same for the O'Shaugnessy, but I've had very good success with them.

Excellent!

Sounds like you might be getting the knot really tight too high up then the cinch down causes the line coils. Try tying it a little loose and gently work it down as you slowly tighten the knot to the swivel eye. Unless you've already done this and it didn't help.

Nice story! And congrats on the PB!

Sounds like you're covered unless you want to spend more money on a M setup! #baitmonkey

Wow. Kudos on the brown beast!

Welcome aboard! Was gonna say to check Cabela's house rods, as @islandbass recommended, so yeah, good idea! Though I've only put hands on them in-store, they were nice feeling, balanced rods. As for Bass Pro, their Carbonlite lineup is quite nice and super light....

PowerPro regular and Super Slick 8

In the $50 price range, a great rod would be the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. Really good rod. They make 6'6", 7', and 7'6" 1-piece ML rods. Scratch the 6'6", it's a 2-piece.

Welcome aboard! I'd fish 'em, if allowed. Only way to find out

What's your hook set MO with 6# line and a 4/0 EWG? Is it a thin-wire 4/0?

My first was a 14lber that stretched longer than my bump board and took my kayak for a ride of over 75 yards! All in a reservoir that doesn't stock them. Was first on record All the rest I've caught have been in salt. Great fun.

I'd use it for inshore mostly, paired with a 6'6" or 7' M to MH rod. Would go MH for freshwater, heavier techniques. I've posted this article numerous times here for those who think spinning can't do heavy stuff. ??

Agree, solid advice, Brian. Many of the knots I've encountered have been after cast has been made, fish in, or snag. Often knot cinched down at that point. But even then, they're not always impossible to get out. Key for me is patience.

Welcome aboard! Plenty of North Easterners here, I'm sure someone will chime in to give you some suggestions.

Nice haul!