Pavlooskin

The uni-knot works best for me, but when I fish a drop shot rig I use a palomar knot. Also, I never tie braid directly to the hook. Instead I use a mono or fluorocarbon leader.

Yep. Or, just get the type of reel opposite to your hand (e.g. I'm right handed, so I'd get a left-handed reel).

I guess I should use a wire leader then.

I feel like this video explains it pretty well. Right or Left-Handed Fishing Reel: Which One is for Me? | SportRx - YouTube But in reality, it's all a matter of preference. Which side is more comfortable for you?

Medium action, medium power, and the line rating is 6-15lb test. Could I catch a pike on this?

Oh, I just go medium on those

The Booyah Blade is actually the exact one I was talking about! It must be very popular

You probably won't be able to detect the bite as easily on a heavier rod with a lighter lure. That's why they make rods specifically for panfish.

For me, I like to go with lighter gear for more finesse tactics, and heavier for times where it's easy to detect the bite--like topwater or cast-and-retrieve lures.

Thanks for the advice! I have a gear ratio of 5.1:1 and 8 pound line. Also, the spinnerbait I had in mind is 3/8 ounce. Would this be a good setup?

No, but I have climbed trees and pulled small logs out of the water to get them.

I got a spinnerbait recently, but I'm confused on whether I should use baitcasting or spinning gear. I've seen people catch fish with it on spinning gear, but some articles said to use baitcasting instead.