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Pick up a pack of 6" ones in something that starts with watermelon or pumpkin something or other and get comfy with that. While the other sizes work well, I find the 6" works most anywhere.

Darn, I was looking good till I got to this. Is this a hard qualification? Can I substitute 3-5 years of documented experience in related field? Any Veteran points?...

Ouch. I've broken ribs on 3 occasions, makes sneezing, coughing, getting up from chairs or even breathing tough. I found that wearing a tight fitting PFD around helped a lot. Feel better soon. I too can't do the 25th, as a matter of fact, work has me tied up through mid June. I'll be lucky to sneak out a time or 2 between now and then.

Yup, even more in 12 and 15 lb test since they come in 1/4 lb spools. And Wally World (as well as many other places) carries it. I get 1/2 and 1 lb bulk spools, and go through one or two of a few lb tests yearly. I use it and original PP mostly, and don't have any reason to switch from either.

12-17 lb mono or 30-50 braid.

Aren't you the same guy with the Academy "They screwed up my order" coupon? Would love a copy of those emails or phone cons, always entertaining.

I pick up the ball and you throw it to Who. Naturally! I pick up the ball and I throw it to Naturally... No you throw it to Who... Naturally? Now you've got it... Don't over think it. If you are going out with one stick, bring and extra spool for spinning (most come with one) or extra line for a BC. If you are on a boat, just reach down for the next suitable (forget perfect,ideal, best or the like) and continue fishing. You can even pull out the lash and fish with half a spool or tie a blood or double uni knot and keep fishing for the day.

Yeah, but what do I spool it with?...

The ergonomics of some reels can cause that and some other issues when casting and/or fishing at times. The options are use a different reel, or change the way you fish. I am freakishly sensitive to the ergonomics of most of my sporting equipment (I'm sure some of it is in my head), from my fishing stuff, my dive gear, my bikes, and my tennis rackets. I envy folks who just don't see or care about a difference, but not really.

Loosening the tension knob before reassembling a BC is just good practice, and crucial for some models. I too couldn't pass up an SLX combo on sale + discount for like $126 (I may need to get a plaid shirt, skinny jeans and a handlebar mustache). I like both the reel and rod a lot. Ironically, I like them better when paired with other rods and reels, as the reel is too small and light for the rod (IMNSHO). The reel is smooth, and casts well, as do most cent. brake Shimanos, I know I'm in the minority, but I find it too small for my hands, I prefer a larger more substantial (heavier) reel. The rod, while a bit too fast for my liking, is a well made solid stick. I paired it with one of my Fuegos (blasphemy, I know) and it felt better and more balanced. I've recommended it to guys that ask me what to get that's good and not too much $.

"I'm a casual golfer who spends a decent amount of time on the links, I'm looking for a single club that can do just about everything. What would the specifications of said club be? Do I want a driver? An iron? maybe a wedge? Help."

I use coiled wire to make spinners, beetle spin frames, mini A-rigs (and sometimes snaps to show off). I have a bunch from salt water fishing. What I find works (besides practice) is to cut the wire to the length you need, and then straighten it between thumb and index finger. Once straight, the trick is to bend it in 2 dimensions (flat) which can be accomplished with a jig or by paying attention as you go. The more you do it, the easier it gets, until it becomes second nature. If you are going to make a bunch, it's probably worth (ha) it to get a bender.

X2. Changing out blades and bending wire is beyond easy. I have round nose and bailing pliers, but a decent set of needle nose work in a pinch. You can change the "inner" blade by straightening the loop, or cutting it flush. I've never thought shortening the arm is an issue, indeed, I often shorten it on purpose, as I find some overly long. Maybe it's different in IL, I know pizza is (if I wanted a casserole, I'd order a casserole)...

I like 10 lb braid with 8-12 lb mono leader on a 1000 sized reel and med or med light stick. works well for a lot of things.

Another guy I want to score some cush from... Using your "system" we would need 64 lb test for the 4 oz weight. 15 lb is a bit light for 4 oz, but only somewhat. Most surf guys have gone to braid and mono leader cause casting distance is often a thing, but 20 lb mono works well too. Now I gotta go work out a formula for what line to use for eight and bait...

There are no two rods that are identical. That being said, the differences can vary from imperceptible to significant. Most quality production rods and nearly all custom rods are close enough to be considered functionally equal. I have seen some that are way off. Of course when there are changes in specs, production runs and the like, then sometimes one is looking at a completely different stick, where just the name is the same.

When I fish some local spots on my bike I take a 2 piece 6 or 6'6" 2 piece in a regular Jansport® backpack. I just rubber band the two pieces together top and bottom. I use a tactical clip to hold the zippers together, and pass the rod through the nylon loop on the knapsack if I'm going more than 10 or 15 miles.

We used to say " He can make a project out of taking a whiz" only we didn't say whiz...

Thought: bass of any size are not "smart" or line shy. That being said, I use 12 and 15 lb mono a lot, cause it suits the way and places I fish. I have caught some of my largest bass in gin clear water with heavy braid and heavy (30-50 lb) mono leaders.

If you insist on using those hooks with that line, you could tie a palomar with some 10 lb mono, trim both ends flush, and snug it over the gap, but why? Also a rod that is going to drive that hook properly might be too much stick for 10 lb braid, again, why? Matching hook to line to rod is one of the most overlooked things, and often the source of many issues.

I use bungee chords, radiator clamps, or big zip ties, or in a pinch rope, I am a Sailor after all.

I saw some slim senkos on sale for fity cent, I think it was in flo rida, that's just ludicrous!...

Use a large octopus style hook, don't hook the bait too deeply, reel down until the rod loads, and then come back on it solidly. I'm not sure what exactly goes on in there, but doing the above results in over 95% hookups.

The first rule of slim senko is you don't talk about slim senko. It's a day saver kind of bait.

I don't know about $20, but most manufacturer's lower end rods have less or "lesser" graphite, and slower actions, which makes them well suited for cranks. Assuming the guides hold up, and the reel won't fall off, you are off to the races, or NRX....