Darren.

I mostly use 2, 1, 1/0 for drop shot. Gammy Split/Drop shot hooks. Their new AM (above) hook is pretty sweet. I've actually bent the hook point out like them on the regular split/drop hooks. Aaron Martens said he would do that (prior to the new hooks) and his hook up percentage shot up. Same for me.

Welcome aboard! 99.9% of the time I use a leader. Every setup. Saves braided mainline, helps with abrasion in areas with oysters (saltwater), dock pylons, and so forth.

Those that I've encountered in two local reservoirs are usually more shallow than deep, and if I've caught any fish, it has been on soft plastics (wacky rig).

Welcome aboard, and enjoy the experience!

Welcome aboard, Mark!

No idea what rod it is, but welcome to the forums!

Yes, I've actually seen that. I was told if I had a head lamp I'd be fine. So by the "letter of the law", yes. Opinion: In terms of the smart thing to do, no. At least not IMHO. Kind of like how you only need a PFD in the kayak at all times on the water, not on your person. That's freedom that we are allowed, but the Darwin Awards are handed out every year for a reason... After being out on the water, even the coves and places where boats come in (in daylight), I can't imagine going out at night w/o having a 360º light. Yeah, that light wouldn't save me from a drunk, passed out boater... I know I am overly cautious...but hey, I wanna live! LOL

I would go with a pole lighting system like YakAttack's or another brand. They're still pricey, and if you're a DIYer there are options out there for that, too. In VA, your light needs to be visible for up to 2 nautical miles, and store bought options usually pass this test. Since I've begun my venture into saltwater, I may do more night fishing, so I've been looking at these options, as well. No decision made yet...

Hilarious!!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Dan!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Jim! Discovering Bass Resource by accident is the best accident you'll have fishing

I won't throw temps at ya. One of my sons and I were all set to put in. In fact we did put in, salt water, today, but didn't get past the dock as the wind picked up like nobody's biz. Ended up putting the yaks back on the truck and going mountain biking!!!

I run mine off the back. Used to run side mount on my canoe, never had any tracking issues. Curious case, this.

Six and one half dozen the other. Old posts, new posts, it's all good. Some people make light of resurrecting old posts (I've done it ) while others are like, dude, do a search first. In an ideal world, we'd all do the hard searching first, right? Maybe... Search, ask. Ask, search.

Welcome aboard, Josh! Enjoy the ride You're at the best place to learn the sport.

Hoo boy. That was tough.

I'd go Medium and light line, 4-8lbs leader or mainline, and make sure the drag is not set too strong. IMO this would be ideal since it provides the backbone an ultralight won't have. Not that you couldn't use a UL, just my .02.

Welcome aboard, Tom!

No can help, but welcome to the forums!

Welcome aboard!

For me, the real test is spinning reels, and for those I prefer Shimano. I've owned both brands in casting and spinning. But I do more spinning than casting. I can say on the casting side the I prefer the Shimano Chronarch over the Daiwas I've used.

Welcome aboard! Nice fish!

I agree with the others, go with a good quality inflatable. And kudos to the Mrs.