Darren.

I'm gonna venture it's an either/or choice. I've only held the new Carbonlites and Duckets. The new CL2 are about as light as prior models, of which I own several. They're solid, sensitive, and a good buy. I'd take one of each rod to the reel counter and ask to put a NASCI on each and see how it feels. I've done this and it helped me decide between rods in the past.

Welcome aboard, Kevin!

Thanks for posting this. Very good, easy to follow instructions.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Went to the Hampton, VA store today with one of my sons. Deals...meh. But I did pick up 5 3600 size boxes for $10. I like the BPS boxes. Son picked up a sweet Gerber knife, I picked up some hen hackles for tying jigs. Other than that, was fairly busy, but nothing like I've seen in several years past.

I have fished cranks on MF spinning rods...

Welcome aboard! Your lower profile pic is too large and messing with your post layout, FYI.

That weed guard is part of the reason I make my own now. I feel mine come through cover much better than the very thin stuff Gammy puts on, with no less hookups. And yeah, our reservoirs do get the green snot so bad during certain times of the year. There's also the black crud of death that knots up on your lures in certain areas...TX, jigs, etc.

I actually would prefer a Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hook in 1/0 or 2/0. I've made a bunch of my 2/0 weedless and they are fantastic for bedding bass. Stout hooks, these are. If you need weedless but not tie them yourself:

Welcome aboard!

Imma gonna go with a 4" Senko or Bass Pro Stik-O. Watermelon Magic coloration.... Maaaaaybe

Agree with @Team9nine, it's a risky conundrum. I was looking for mountain bike parts and some of the best deals for "Shimano" gear came up out of China for paltry $$ compared to US dealers. I passed, too risky for my blood.

Welcome aboard!

If you're on a limited budget, Floroclear is a great option, but beware it is a love it or hate it line on this forum!! I am among the love it people, but I haven't been using it a lot in the past year as I've got so much Yo-Zuri Hybrid laying around. I will use it occasionally now, when I feel like a change, but for the most part today it is between YZ Hybrid and Gamma Edge fluorocarbon. And Floroclear is simply a hybrid line with a fluorocarbon coating, not pure, so won't give the full refraction a true fluoro line will.

For the light linked, it does look interesting, not something I'd probably use. Would opt for YakAttack or other brand, or end up doing a DIY. As for mounting, that light could be DIY mounted if you are so-inclined. Headlamps: Yes and absolutely we use them. I require my son #3 (who during striper season goes out with his buds) to wear one and always pack extra batteries. The drawback that I've experienced is that headlamps, even LED models, can get hot on your head after long periods of use. I've dripped sweat using them in the summer working on projects at night, or in dark spaces (crawl space).

Congrats!

This! Would love to see the same.

Yup, what @Sam said. Pretty much clockwork with the dogwood trees...and the plastics.

Yup. If they're deeper or you want to drop it faster, use a wacky jig head, or crimp on some weight. The fall is slow and enticing.

I've never used an Ultegra, but my experience with Stradics has been great. I like my FK and love my CI4+. So if it were me, I'd probably opt for the Stradic unless it was just out of my price range, then I'd certainly check the Ultegra. Need to get my hands on one to get a feel of it some day.

Wacky rigged lizards... The males and females alike hate 'em with a passion.

Love it! Great work!

Yeah, I try!! I'm not really liking the thread I bought for it. Don't think it is a coated thread like I use for tying weed guards. I'm not near my tying stuff right now, so can't tell you what it is, but was recommended to me by a guy who ties bucktails...

Plecos are so cool. I traded a big one in to a pet store for some other fish back when we had aquariums. But talk about an unexpected catch!