LCG

One piece rods are said to be more sensitive and stronger as the blank is a solid piece. I find my two piece equally sensitive, but I like not having the tip come off or twist while casting. I also usually keep the combos rigged up with a lure tied on, which can create a nightmare with a two piece when broken down. The braid line gets tangled and its more frustrating that simply sliding off a rod sock. Just my opinion though. Two piece rods are a great thing when traveling or have young kids. Your kids are older so that's not a consideration. My 7 year old has now learned not to mess around when the one piece rods are in the trunk and though the back seats of my sedan. As for length, I would recommend that your sons each try the different lengths and see what they are comfortable with. 6 inches is really not a huge difference, just preference.

I did use a cheap pair of sandles so that when I walked in the water it was no big deal. Then I got the planters fasciates... Last time I ever wear cheap shoes. So painful

The Pflueger president 30 is a great reel that will last a long time. As for the rod, I would say 6 1/2 - 7 1/2 ft rod would be ideal. I prefer shorter rods myself 6'6"-6'10" is my sweet spot. I also fish from the bank, so overhanging trees and mobility are concerns for me. I am thinking your sons may be in the same situation from a row boat, limited space I have both one piece and two piece rods. Prefer one piece, two piece used for when space is necessary, ie family trips. Medium rod power should be good but if there is alot of cover then maybe a medium heavy, but without knowing the water it's hard to say for sure.

Regular o rings have worked fine for me. Cheap and readily available.

I just picked up a St Croix Avid X 6'6" Mh-f casting rod that might fit what you are looking for. I think they are on sale on the st Croix website for $140 right now.

Neko and Ned rig produced well for me. Even caught a good size catfish on a ned rig which I was really surprised with. Picked up a baitcaster this fall and started pitching jigs. Lots to learn this winter but I will definitely be keeping the jig on my go to technique list. Next year I really want to catch using top water poppers and Frogs, I have had zero luck so far.

?? Represent ?? ?

I like their baits but they really should be kept in their packaging. I kept some this year in a Plano 3500 box dedicated to elaztech baits, out of the packaging. The box is badly warped, but they only cost a few dollars. No melting or deformation, sometimes they stick together but that's it. Were your bags subjected to extreme heat?

I am in the process of cleaning my equipment and I tried cleaning the cork handle of one my rods with a magic eraser as mentioned here. Wow, unbelievable how well it worked. The amount of dirt and grime that came out was kind of gross but the rod looks brand new again. Highly recommend to anyone looking to clean up their gear.

Ontario, Canada Zone 16. Must be nice to have a year round season. That being said we get some cold weather up here. I fish for other species from about late March - June.

I just received a spool of 50 lb yellow braid from kastking. Hopefully it's as good as I have read. Really hoping the colour last longer than my current braid has. Unfortunately bass season has two days left and doesn't open again until the end of June

I just bought a baitcaster this year. I figured I want to be a better fisherman and learn more techniques. I have a lot to learn still but I definitely see the benefits of using both styles. So far I find pitching a jig with a nice soft entry and pinpoint accuracy is something better suited to the baitcaster. I have tried for awhile with spinning gear but it was awkward. Regular casting I am far more comfortable with spinning. I enjoy learning and that's part of my love of fishing, always more to learn.

MH-F would give you more versatility in my opinion. Good luck.

I played with one in the stores and it was not near as comfortable as the avid x. That's a great price for a new avid x that should last you a long time. I just picked up a used one and it is very nice. Haven't fished with it yet, but can't wait.

I think length should be what you're comfortable with. The 6'6"-7'6" is simply a ballpark range. Longer rods help with casting distance and line pick up. Shorter rods gain you accuracy and maneuverability. I am 5'10". I have four rods ranging from 6'6"-6'10". Any longer does not feel right to me. Just preference.

X2

I would recommend watching a few YouTube videos from bass resources. Start with the simple techniques and then progress. Some ideas include Texas rigged weightless plastic worm, ned, neko, drop shot, and in line spinners.

I have only been fishing for about 5 years but I have grown to love it. I started with a very cheap Walmart combo and over the years I have bought more terminal tackle and plastics than I could fish in another 5 years What I have learned is that if you are serious about fishing and have a strong passion for the sport, then buy the best gear you can afford. It's not that it necessarily catches more fish but the user experience is nicer. Quality over quantity. Buying used higher end equipment is a great way to to save as well. It's taken a lot of trial and error finding the perfect rods for me personally. I now have three rods but only bring two with me at a time. Which two depends on the conditions. I prefer shorter rods for control, accuracy, and comfort. I fish from shore 99% of the time. 6'9" Fenwick HMG ml-f spinning, Pflueger president xt 30, used for drop shot, neko, ned, two piece rod good for family vacations. 6'8" St Croix Mojo Bass m-xf spinning, Pflueger president xt 30, used for Texas rigged plastics, wacky, ned, pretty much anything soft plastic and in line spinners. 6'6" St Croix Avid X mh-f casting, daiwa tatula hsl 7.3/1. Jigs, Texas rigged plastics in heavier structure and cover, top water Frogs.

We have all made mistakes and most of us learn from them, but how do you know your making a mistake unless someone helps you learn. I say be helpful to others, not confrontational or judgmental and certainly not violent.

Fellow Canuck here where did you get a deal like that? Looked on Amazon and a 550 yd spool of kastking was $30. Which is still a decent deal but 2600 yds is a lot better.

How does the colour hold up? Debating to pick some 50lb yellow braid for pitching jigs or 12lb yo zuri hybrid.

Rod and reel choice are very personal decisions, comfort and feel are unique to everyone. You should go get a feel for what you like and don't like. Some rods look great but are uncomfortable and awkward.

Ugly sticks are a great way for kids or adults to get into the hobby of fishing. They are affordable and durable. Sensitivity and lightness are not their strong suits, but they get the job done. As others have mentioned everyone seems to have had or still has one. I started with one but no longer have it. I did however, recently pick up a ugly stick youth for my son to learn on. If he enjoys the sport then I will get him higher end rods. Think of it this way. My first car was a pos mercury topaz. Not my first choice today, but it got me to where I needed to go then.

I use 10lb yellow braid on my spinning set ups. Straight braid for reaction baits, but I do use a leader for more finnese applications. Seems to work well, but the color will fade eventually.