MasonV

I actually just bought one at that price from Cabelas. Definitely a good buy. It's going to do everything you want.

I definitely go heavy for those long hooksets.

Why would you wanna do that?? A little dirt gives it character haha.

I use to use Gamma's copolymer. It's a good line.

I've got a Z7 and love it. It's obviously not small but it's not a big boat either, but to me it fishes big. Stable nice deck on it. Pretty smooth ride too. I've always heard skeeters are fast but skip like a rock.

I use to use a lot of XPS FC when it was cheaper. I thought it was good line but now that it has KVD's name on it it's about the same price as Sunline Sniper so I switched to Sunline.

Bone

Sunline Sniper or BPS XPS in 8lb.

I plan on keeping a crankbait and jig wet in the shallows.

My favorite may have to be the Hart Justice Jig. I haven't tried one that I really disliked.

I can't speak to those rods, but I use a 7' H rod with 50lb braid. You could use that set up for jigs or big swimbaits.

Great baits! That's the primary brand of crankbaits that I buy.

You gotta find a brand and model you like and stick with it. You get that same feel every time you pick up a different rod. I'm kind of obsessive about having as many things as possible the same.

I'm another Falcon rod guy!

I usually throw a Zoom trick worm but you can get creative and throw about anything. I'll throw it anywhere except for thick grass.

I prefer at least 2' of visibility. Less than that I don't have much confidence and feel there are better options.

Never done it but a split shot might not be bad either.

If I'm adding weight I use a little jig head or a swimbait hook.

I'm pretty fond of a speed craw type trailer most of the time. If not that, a standard chunk. Maybe even a twin tail grub.

I'd also try a shaky head out deeper and maybe a silent crankbait for heavy pressure.

Yeah I'm more a fan of fluoro main line and a mono leader.

I like rods with a little more backbone so I'd say a 6'6 MH MF or F. I only say 6'6 since your rod will probably be pointed right at the water a lot with the jerkbaits and poppers. Don't wanna be cramped with a 7'...

Fishing VERY slowwww. Fishing when the water temps hit the upper 80s. Getting the most out of my electronics.

I use mono without a snap.

Same