Darren.

Style. Different sizes are up to the angler based on whatever their preferences are for particular baits, or confidence level is. If I was throwing a 6" senko, or bigger, I'd up to the 2/0, but a 1/0 would still work, just probably not best tool for the job. I remember the first time I tried 2/0, I thought "gosh these are HUGE", but I used them and caught plenty of bass! Experiments with different sizes has been fun. I have been out some days using a 2/0 and caught nothing in an area. Perhaps the fall was off with the heavier hook, so I switched out to a 1 or 1/0 and the bite was on. Conjecture, obviously, not scientific, but interesting to me nonetheless. For years I used the #2 Split shot/Drop shot hook. I caught tons of bass using them. I still have some and will use them on drop shots more now than wacky....

Welcome aboard! That's a really nice bass there!

Opinions are like ... you know The 1/0 hooks I and others mention are made specifically for wacky rigging. You could use any type of hook, but these are dialed in for the technique.

That hook will work fine. Like @J Francho, I use the Gammy Finesse Wide Gap in 1/0 frequently, and up to 2/0 occasionally. I used to use #2 Gammy Split/Drop hooks for wacky on 4 and 5" senko-style baits. It worked, and I caught a lot of bass over 4 pounds that way for years. So a small hook, a soft stick bait, will hook the bass. I just changed it up to the stouter hook and have had continued good hookups.

You can buy bungie straps that you can lash to the sides, will require drilling to your yak, as would just about any type of strap. I'm only listing from Austin Kayak because they have a large selection. Amazon, eBay, Dick's, BPS, etc., all have things like these (some). The strap: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html Things like this: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/1180/Yak-Gear-Deck-Mount-Paddle-Holder.html which is a Taco paddle holder. And these: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/13671/Native-Cam-Lok-Paddle-Holders.html More here: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html Yak Gear, YakAttack, and a number of other brands all have paddle keeper products.

Braid is the best for spinning reel line management, I'd stick with it and simply add a leader of varying poundage, similar to @ww2farmer's thoughts. I used to have 10# Power Pro yellow on all my spinning reels, but I came across a killer deal on a 1500 yard spool of 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8 and that's gonna last me a while. On most reels now. So for simplicity and versatility, one test of braid on all reels and varying poundage for leaders.

I use 15# braid with an 8 or 10# leader for my buzzbait setup right now. That's on a spinning rod, too. I'll likely go up to my baitcaster with 20# braid + leader if and when I buy a heavier buzzbait. I'm not usually throwing a treble hook topwater, though I've done it, and usually on spinning gear.

I have done it, and will do it again, likely, especially with thicker wire hooks like those on a swimbait. But it is not a common thing for me, I usually get the bass, or striper, on a single set. But as they say, hook sets are free. Do be wary of allowing slack tho, in between, as @Bluebasser86 said. That's a sure fire way to miss a fish. I've had fish make it all the way to the kayak and literally touching the edge of my net only to have the hook pop out after a momentary lapse of keeping the line tight.

Sure, why not? Give it a fresh start

And funny you should mention how small it felt. It does seem that these reels are getting smaller than they used to be at a, say, 3000 size. They are basically a 2500 with a deeper spool, up from there it's larger size altogether, albeit smaller than what I remember. At least for some brands. Really it's a very fine reel, I think you'll enjoy using it. I know my son does and he's caught a lot in fresh and salt with his.

Don't overthink it. A 6ft M would be great for a lot of different techniques including soft plastics with wacky, Texas, Mojo, Jika, smaller jigs, cranks. It's a loaded tool. As for the reel, IMO, a tad on the large side for bass fishing, and I don't go over 15# for bass, but you'll be plenty fine with 20. 2500 is generally regarded as the standard size for bass, but I say "generally" since there is no true standard. Some use 4000 size, I like 1000 size. So the "IMO" is my opinion. It's a fine reel, and I bought one for one of my sons this past Xmas. He uses it in fresh and salt. So good to go for ya.

Carbon (graphite)-based fishing rod = Lightning rod, and I don't mean the Berkley ones. I get off the water ASAP when I hear thunder.

Welcome aboard! Since you're keeping rod/reel prices same, I'd also recommend a Shimano Stradic CI4+, and if you want to balance better, I'd probably look at the 3000 range. Personally I'm a 1000 Stradic user, but I also like shorter rods...

Welcome aboard, Alex!

Holy Cow! That's a monster crappie. Dang! Congrats to the guy.

Welcome aboard! Sure that will work for bass fishing. A little on the heavy side with a MH and a 4000 size spinning reel, but certainly doable. You could throw things like jigs, Texas rigs, Caronlina rigs, and so forth with it. Could even throw wacky rigs, but the rod may be a tad over powered for it. You'd want to make sure the drag is not too tight. Just keep in mind what weight lures your rod is rated for.

Welcome aboard, Rahlow!

I use from 6-10 normally, and will use 15 on occasion. Generally a full stretch of my arms out is the length of leader I use. I change it out only when it's gotten mangled, nicked, or cut down too far from changing out hooks, etc.

You really don't want to know A rather controversial line in this forum. @J Francho hates it. I love it. And were not the only two with differing opinions of it!! Buckle up!

All my spinning reels get 15# PowerPro Super Slick 8. One or two may still have 10# PowerPro regular. Either is great, I got the 15# on a deal, so got a lot of it to use. Their 10# is equivalent of 2# mono diameter, and the 15 is 4# diameter equivalent. You'll get plenty to spool on. Both are yellow, helps me with line watching. And I use a leader for every one of my setups.

FWIW, I would also recommend braid to you. I switched years ago and have never once wanted to go back to a mono/copoly/fluoro line (except for leaders).

Dang. Sorry, man. I lost quite a few hundred in cell phone, camera, gear in a capsize many years back. Hurts....

I use my thumb on my casting gear, but on spinning I simply palm the spool if I need more. I keep my drags fairly light and have increased hookups, as well.

Welcome aboard, Rob! Sounds like an incredible plot of land you have there. Awesome!

No real effect on me that I can tell, either. I do have Gulp baits for saltwater, but I have yet to experience success with them that will make me want to buy again... And I did buy one of my boys a Pflueger President spinning reel for Christmas, the previous model, which I got at BPS for like $30 or $40... So no real loss there, either.