J Francho

I only buy local, free range tackle, basically farm to boat.

Logic doesn't prevail when financial influence and selfishness are concerned. On the flip side, anyone could argue that I wouldn't need a 425 hp OB for most of my fishing, but that's what I'd have on the back of my boat. I don't think I'd use it on a 70 acre lake though. My 18' pontoon or kayaks would be fine there.

Those Targas pack a ton of features.

The Ryobi system came out in 1998, Shimano's in 2014. My point is they have been three decades behind in offering externally adjustable brakes. I like centrifugal brakes, they work fine - as fine as Daiwa's systems. But they've been far behind in the convenience factor. I'd probably happily fish that XPS reel. Hope it serves you well.

Daiwa had external brakes long before these reels.

Looking at google maps, I see about 25 docks and only around 40% of the shoreline developed. There are a few very large homes on that lake. I'll bet they contributed heavily to have that launch built so they can have their boats. None of the boats moored look like anything I would call "high powered" but I live on an inland ocean.

There's plenty of dual purpose boats that resemble "bass boats" in many ways. The boats im looking at are just comfortable picking apart a dock on a lake and can run to the Bahamas on a calm day as well. You might look into skiffs, bay boats, and hybrids before settling on a particular bass boat.

I have no issues with the Plano boxes with all the little air flow holes. My waterproof Edge boxes get fresh rust inhibitors every fall. The Zerust boxes work for about a season before that feature runs out.

Water puppies is a new term I'll be using.

When your six pack turns into two 40s.

Is there a modifier for good looks and fashion sense? That's where I usually get a few points.

Those dates make more sense to me.

Big "Adrians" are definitely on the menu. Clean, prespawn fish from cool water are delish.

Those reels are part of drop shot set ups and I don't need the spool to full to the lip for vertical drops. It makes no sense to me to discard perfectly good line and refill. I've refilled those reels two seasons ago or so. They'll be fine this spring.