LionHeart

I Don't have anything significant to add but will echo a few things. It is highly unlikely that you have the power to keep fish from biting your lure that results in this many skunk sessions. What I mean to say here is that unless you are doing something crazy, it likely ain't your fault. I suppose trying a wide range of lures couldn't hurt but if it were me I'd try different water. When I have a bad run of trips, I'll go to a pond where it's a pretty sure bet I'll catch fish even if it means driving for an hour and having less time to fish. Getting validation that you actually can catch fish as long as there are fish to catch can cure lost confidence like no other. Hats off to you for sticking with it this long. If it makes you feel any better, I have come back empty handed many days after fishing for 6+ hours. In fact, my last 3 trips (3-4 hours each)...... nothing.

I don't get too excited about weight or balance. I'd say most of my reels are around 7 oz. And rods just under 5 oz. If I get fatigued from fishing, it's from standing in the sun and wind for 4 + hours, not because of a few ounces on a rod and reel. Oh well, maybe I just don't know any better. As for balance, a rod has to be pretty tip heavy for me to care.

Not sure exactly what you are describing here. Could you explain it a different way?

Easy fix man. Set the hook, but use a sweeping motion. After the fish has the lure, give the rod a good sideways sweep (just enough to put a good bend in your rod). The hook set need not be massive, since you are using treble hooks, but it has to be there. This alone will make all the difference in the world.

I've got a couple of 8 speed reels (35 ipt) that I mainly use for jigs, worms, lizards, etc. You can use them for anything you like but something like a big blade spinner bait or magnum crankbait, and you will notice the difference in strain required to turn the handle. To answer your question, yes, yes you should own at least one very fast reel.

So you bought a baitcaster on Wish and it seems to be giving you trouble? Lol, come on dude, toss that junk where it belongs.

My last 4 reels have been MB, MB, MB, the OG Tatula. The Tatula in my experience does have noticeably better braking but the size is not as comfortable so I'll still lean toward the MB. The CT-R may be the best of both but personally I do not like the red color. I know that may seem silly, but I just can't stand it. Otherwise I would definitely check one out. For now I say the MB is a tough reel to beat for 100 bucks.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/boa/d/17-lowe-hunting-fishing-boat/6683174989.html This would be tempting

Have not had this experience. Every tungsten weight I've used loses its paint after being fished for couple of hours (if I Don't get snagged and lose it first). I will usually touch them up or color completely with some of the Mrs.'s nail polish

I get what you are asking about, but I'm not sure there is a name for it. Basically you want a rod that the bendy part takes less force to bend. A good worm rod comes to mind. If there is a term for what you are referring, I Don't know it. Plenty of rods will have the same action (How far from the tip a rod bends before hitting the meat), but take different force to make the tip bend. Unfortunately, that just kinda gets lumped in somewhere between power and action, but is really neither. As suggested, I'd look into the Falcon Bucoo SR rods. They are known for being on the softer side, and I think a lot of that has to do with the tip.

Mine was a 1432. Once you go wider the price goes way up. If you're on the smaller side, and relatively nimble, 32 works fine but if you're a couple of bigger dudes it would get sketchy real fast. Honestly, around here a Jon wider than 32 is kinda tough to find used. I wound up getting one of those 8 ft plastic bass buggy type boats. They come in a 10 foot length and while it may sound unorthodox, they are extremely stable and light weight. You could probably find a new one for a grand or so. Not sure if it could go one your roof rack but I think the 10 foot only weighs 140 lbs. Google Pelican Bass Raider 10e Heck, I used to strap a 10 foot Jon to the roof of my Grand Cherokee. It looked ridiculousl but I cared not.

Honestly then, I gotta recommend a 16 footer with the biggest motor you can afford. We're stepping into a pretty big price difference between the Jon and kayaks but in my opinion, well worth it. I had a heavy gauge welded 14 footer not long ago. Thing must have weighed 300 lbs (probably more). I had a 15 hp Johnson that would push me plus gear at 20 mph in somewhat calm water. Add a fishing buddy his gear and it was more like 15 mph. We both weigh about 180 though so IMO, I'd shoot for at least a 20 hp. If you guys plan to stand up and fish, the boat cannot be too wide. A 1432 ain't gonna do the job. Again, really gonna jump up in price though. Still, if your primary intent is to fish, Well, the thought of having to paddle does not interest me.

How bigga' Jon boat are you looking for. Personally I think a 12 foot Jon boat can fish 2 dudes, and gear pretty easily. If you look around, you can easily find one ready to go with a decent outboard and trolling motor (likely even trailer) for under $1500. Plus, if you wanted, you could just put the Jon in the back of a truck. To me, it's an obvious choice. But I'm bias. I can't see myself owning a kayak

Don't have any experience with your specific gear, but personally I think the rod length would work great, especially from a kayak. I find it difficult to work a top water lure if a rod is too long. I fish from a Sun Dolphin, so even while standing, I'm pretty close to the water. I also like a fast reel for top water. I think a 7 or 8 speed would both work great, and for the small bit of difference, I wouldn't find myself regretting going with one instead of the other.

Power Pro braid with mono leader for everything. I use super cheap Academy brand flouro for backing on my reels.

I have the original Tatula with the t-wing. Not sure if the opening for the line guide is the same size as it is on the CT (the wing itself is narrower on the CT). I use 50 lb braid and a 20 lb leader with the FG knot, and every so often, the leader knot will snag on the way in. It doesn't stop me from being able to reel in the line, but it is a noticeable 'tick.' Doesn't really bother me now that I know what it is, and really has no impact on performance. Absolutely wouldn't stop me from getting the reel. As for the t-wing, I could take it or leave it. The Tatula braking system is very nice though.

Original Diawa Tatula rod 7'2" Med-Heavy Regular action on line if you dig for $99 and Lews Tournament MB 7.5 speed reel on EBay for $99. Done. Very good quality setup that will be versatile, sensitive, and last a long time. 2 bucks left for a cup of coffee.

I only own one round reel. It's a Shimano Calcutta. Nice reel, but I prefer low profile personally.

Island, thanks for the thorough explanation. I now understand. ?

3 times casting distance? I have questions. Let's say your max cast is a modest 35 yards. Your leader is over 100 yards? What do you put on the rest of the spool? And why?

I use hi vis yellow braid and a 6-10 foot mono leader and love it. I seem to catch just as few fish using it as any other line type or color. Give a leader a try. I am one of those nuts that thinks it makes a difference.

The best way I know to catch bigger bass is to use bigger bait. Try a double whopper instead of hot dogs. Seriously though, try throwing some jigs or swim baits.

It is never a bad idea to go fishing good Sir.

A good "pitching" ( I presume that's what you are actually asking about) setup would be a baitcaster. I know that's not the answer you are asking for, but it is the answer you need. Seriously, just learn to use a baitcaster. Not trying to be dismissive, but it would serve you much better for what you are looking to accomplish. It would be like if you asked me for the best hammer for driving screws into wood.

I have 3 Lews Tournament MB reels in different speeds. My next reel may another MB. I own other brands, but to me they seem the best bang for the $ ($100 on Ebay). The Tatula reels are also excellent. (Better braking then the MB for sure), but don't palm as well in my hands. Rods? I toil much more over rod selection than reels. None of my rods are from one manufacterurer. It is impossible to try ever model of rod and reel but if I find something that works well for a good price, I tend to stick with it.