Allen Der

heavier mono (or fluoro) cuts down on pike bite offs. not as effective as wire but I rarely get bit off on moving baits when running 12lb or heavier mono. if I do catch a pike,I retie immediately because there will probably be nicks in the line. I'd avoid tying a leader because the knot will catch the green slime. just run the heavier straight mono with a weedless bait like a soft plastic boot tail swimbait (keitech fat swing impact)

I like 40lb 832 which I believe is 10lb diameter. I use 50lb on some rods. 30lb is a little thin for my liking.

have you owned a PD? the stow and deploy is awful compared to the terrova. but you're right the motor is fine

I bought mine from Amazon years ago but dont see it available now. It's not worth it IMO to upgrade the PD to autopilot. you lose the foot pedal. better to sell the PD and buy a terrova with ipilot. ebay is probably your best bet if you really want the upgrade

1650 Rebel XL or Adventure would be ideal with the flip up jump seats.

power drive can only use one or the other. the terrova, ulterra and ultrex have remote and pedal. The terrova is worth the upgrade over a power drive, the stow and deploy is much better and you get the pedal. get the longest shaft available 54" or longer.

30 size Pfluegers match well with medium light and medium bass rods. 35 for a medium heavy

assembled. I dont think there are any guides made in USA Premiers are made in Park Falls and start around $140.

5" kalins for largemouth 4" kalins for smallmouth

Did you end up getting a trailer? Illinois raised all trailer fees $100 so we got screwed on single axle boat trailers, It used to be only $18 per year. There's a bill to repeal that law and change it to a one time fee for single axle trailers, but wont go into effect until at least next year.

if you really need it totally weedless, try the tiny child rig instead

medium is really too heavy for a true ned rig. If you can swing a little extra, this looks like a killer deal for $129. 6'9" ML rod and 2000 reel https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-signature-seriesfenwick-hmg-spinning-combo or pflueger president and fenwick eagle combo under $100. 7' ML rod and 30 size reel https://www.pfluegerfishing.com/pflueger-combos-spinning-combos/pflueger-president-spinning-combo/1513173.html#specifications

30 size is perfect for bass fishing. I run straight 8lb mono or 10-20lb braid with a leader. pay a few extra bucks for the president XT or supreme; the weight savings are worth it and your rod will balance better.

my goto smallmouth rod is a 7ft ML St Croix Eyecon (mostly ned rig and grubs). A 6'6" M St Croix Premier is a good all around bass stick. pair either with a 30 size pflueger president XT and you're set for under $200.

another vote for the VMC Neko. almost 100% hookup ratio. used to use the owner wacky hooks

the kastking rack is the way to go

either you're trying to anchor in too deep of water or the bottom is too rocky to penetrate. the stake should go in the bottom at least a foot to hold you.

I havent been out yet this year but the reports I've seen are people catching on jerkbaits. seems to be a small feeding window each day.. you're probably just fishing in the wrong place at the wrong time. I've had good luck using very small mepps #1 spinners very early in the year for bass and panfish.

for that size lake, it's not going to matter much what you get as long as it is the right length. 240CM should be sufficient for your height and kayak width. If you have an elevated seat you could go longer, 260 is probably overkill. With the 15% off code you could get this one which has adjustable length https://www.austinkayak.com/Bending-Branches-Angler-Classic-Plus-Telescoping-Kayak-Paddle/ACK24603P.html

If you have any shoulder or rotator cuff injuries, get a bent/ergo shaft paddle. I picked one up on closeout last year and it was a game changer. the bent shaft also doesnt roll off your legs either, so you can lay it down and fish without having to put in in a paddle keeper

the only lakes that are closed are ones that have access controlled by the IDNR. Lake County forest preserves are still open with the exception of bathrooms, playgrounds and indoor facilities. I'm sure it is the same in other county FP and town parks as well. any navigable river should be open as well as long as you have an access point. wisconsin lakes are open as well. catch and release bass season is open year round now in wisconsin with a few exceptions

I think the OPs premise is misguided. A senko is about the same weight and can be fished as fast as his lightly weighted plastic. I don't like fishing senkos much either unless I'm in a spot I know has fish and a target to cast to. 90% of bites come on the initial drop, so most times I just reel up and cast again if the initial drop doesn't get bit.

I've done well with a St Croix 68mhf rod with mono. I've yet to catch anything with the mojo glass chatter rod I bought but I haven't used it much yet

Yeah but it weighs twice as much as a comparable bait caster.

I burned through my stock of shroomz and restocked with the eagle claw Lazer sharp pro v finesse jigs. Definitely better and stronger than the regular zman and works well with elaztec. Also cheaper than owner and others. Wasn't impressed with the nedlocks either