RichF

Most 40lb braids have a diameter equivalent to most 12lb mono. To me, that's the sweet spot for casting. I use 40 a lot for pitching, jigs, swimjigs, buzzbaits. I've used 30lb for topwater but it's not my favorite.

Eeeek...multiple guys suggesting a $40 spool of line to a beginner angler (and new to fluoro). It's not the easiest line to manage but you get used to it. Sounds like you're going back to braid so I don't need to suggest anything else. Good luck!

Younger guys like Wheeler cast way more and can make the transition from their driver seat to trolling motor way quicker than guys like Grigsby, Klein, and Biffle. If you don't think that makes a difference with regards to your performance on the water, you're kidding yourself. Especially within the MLF/every fish counts format.

My 7'11 H Legend Extreme. It's very tip heavy but that isn't my biggest problem. There is a huge gap between the top on the reel seat and the first guide. There needs to be an additional stripper guide to stop the line from blowing all over the place. Next would be a gen 1 7'3 heavy Abu Villain. Can't even bend the blank.

My dad uses these all the time. They don't have a ton of action but they won't slow the fall rate. Zoom big salty chunk for that.

Totally understand where you're coming from. The crowding is just something I never had to deal with back home. Thanks for providing the info. I knew better than to expect similar production to my home waters. It's all good though. Any day on the water is still better than a good day at work!

Thanks for the info! I'm still debating on Mercer or just dumping in at roaches run since that's 10 mins from me.

HereHere's a question I should've asked a long time ago... For all you NOVA anglers, what's a good day on the water, numbers/size wise?? I got very spoiled with the fishing back home in northern NY so I think I need to temper my expectations in this area.

Can't argue with those prices for no-chip tungsten!

My dad's Z-7 came stock with the Minn Kota Maxxum 70lb. He recently upgraded to an 80lb Fortrex and it is a night and day difference. Your batteries will last longer because you won't have to run on the higher speeds all the time. You also get the extra power when you need to blast through some thick grass.

Thanks for all the info! I'd love to get out there. Looks like the wind will be pretty rough this weekend. Being a noob yakker, I may just dump into roaches run for a test drive. Who would've thought I'd actually have some options during the lockdown, haha.

The state park? I just google mapped it and it looks like they have a cartop launch. Maybe I'll call tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!

Is the trail off Wagon Trail Ln easy to wheel a kayak down to Mercer on? With all the parks closed, I'm looking for a place to drop the new yak for it's maiden voyage. While I'm at it...is it worth trying to dump in around Dyke Marsh on the Potomac? I stopped at one of those pull offs next to the Mt Vernon trail and it looked like I could drop in there. The creeks arms in the marsh area look tempting.

I've had it happen with a Powell glass rod and two Lamiglas XP bass rods doing the same thing. I'm very experienced and I don't high stick. Sometimes bad blanks get through the QC process.

I'm trusting my gut...and something don't smell right...haha

Can't imagine the color matters much but I'm using the blue/green Sunline FX2 in 50lb. It looks pretty cool.

Still not listening:(

Nope. I'm really interested in the new Invoker Pro series though.

Try searching the forum for more on the Reinforcer. I know another member did a pretty nice review of one not too long ago. A flagship rod from a small, lesser know company is a tough sell for most. There are some REALLY nice rods in that $350 price range. Definitely not trying to discourage you though. I would love to see other brands gain some traction in the market. Hearing about Loomis, Dobyns, and Shimano gets old (full acknowledgement that these are great brands). If you decide to get it, please share your review on here!

50lb Sunline FX2. My absolute favorite braid. Been throwing frogs on that line for many years (and I throw frogs A LOT).

I have 3 Ark Snipers and they're actually pretty nice. They retailed for $200 but I got them all under $100 when they were on closeout on TW. Don't think I would've paid full price (could get a Zodias for the same price) but they're definitely good rods. Plenty sensitive, light, strong, simple clean build. I really like the guide size (little larger than micros). I will say, I think these rods are stiffer than their ratings so the Medium action you're looking at might be a bit too much for super finesse stuff like neds. What Ark are you looking at anyway?

Well it finally happened. Never thought I'd turn to yak fishing but it had to be done. Along with the boat, I ordered: - Accent Lanai paddle - Kokatat Leviathan pdf - Cart carrier - Yak cover - Dry Bag - scupper plugs - ratchet straps - bungees - Plano sportsmans trunk - Crate - Paracord - Cable lock and pad locks Crazy how much crap you need for these things! All this is on the heels of a Daiwa Coastal SV/Quantum Tour S3 purchase. Suppose I'm doing my part to help the economy...yeah...that justifies it all...

I guess nobody is listening;(

I've used both mono and fluoro for cranking. I don't know if I buy into the whole "fluoro sinks so your bait gets deeper" argument. May be true but I don't think I've ever noticed. I do prefer fluoro because of its abrasion resistance. I can bang a plug off rocks much longer with 12lb Trilene 100% before having to re-tie than I can with any mono I've used.

Nice! I actually got to take a few casts with the Tour last weekend. Felt pretty awesome. Super easy to tune. Casts far with little to no effort. Super smooth and the giant handle was really comfortable. Definitely glad I picked one up.