Darren.

My condolences. Lost my Mom 2 years ago. I understand.

Yeah, I've toyed with the idea, too, Nate, but I've played it safe and kept my TRDs in original bags and in the second (larger) compartment of my guide box. I would say @Scott F is right with the Plano box advice.

Welcome aboard! So many opinions on the matter that it is really something that boils down to you and what feels good in your hands. For reels, I prefer Shimano. I've had great experiences with their Stradic and Chronarch lines. I'd not hesitate to pull the trigger on a Tatula, either, so I think that's a fine choice. In the $100 range of rods there are an awful lot of really good rods that could fit the bill for an "all purpose" combo. You don't need to drop a few large to make it work for you (unless you want to). Get to a local store that has the Tatula, ask to put it on several different rods to get the feel of the setup in your hands.

Definitely less than previous years. Simply didn't get out as much... No numbers, don't always keep track, so they'd be inaccurate.

Yes indeed!! Hail the Bengals!

They needed a miracle and Miracle Max provided one!! Can't believe it.

Probably because they can Me? Not a chance -- unless I won a lottery

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Thanks! You, too! Yeah, Hedges should have been in the list...ah well I'll check out Reed when I have a few. These past few years I've not played much, but my 2nd eldest son who's a high school senior, has gotten the bug and I've been teaching him Open D (so easy), which became my default tuning after a lovely fingertip injury. (Lesser tension) He's enjoying it, learning a few songs here and there like Summer of 69, and some other "classics". I used to be a worship leader at various churches for 20+ years. So a lot of my stuff is "church" and not "dead" funeral dirge church, but lively. My main influence I'd have to say was Phil Keaggy growing up and learning to play. Though I'm a hack compared to him - or any of the guys on the list. Any concert I go to - especially Tommy E, I don't want to touch my guitar ever again, LOL.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Not that I've seen. It's a lot to engineer, IMO. Maybe they're running in to production issues, or such. Site says "now available" ... pre-order at some places, but no "expected" dates?

Haven't tried yet, but plan to buy a bag this year and give 'em a shot. Do wish color selection was larger, but guess it needs to prove itself as good as the Stik-O first.

Demo days is best way. For stability, you can look at hybrids like the Native Ultimate, the Wilderness Systems Commander. These'll keep you "dry" as they do not have scupper holes. My Native is just around 55#. Buy a lightweight cart (or DIY like I did). The TrailTrekker is one of the best there is for all-terrain stuff. I modeled my DIY after it, but if I had the $, I'd just buy one of theirs. http://paddlelogic.com/trailtreker-kayak-carts.html Other option is to buy one like the Feel Free Lure which has a wheel-in-the-keel which allows for "some" easy transporting, though guys who own them could let us know how easy they are for longer distances over varied terrain. Lots of diversity here on the board as to likes/dislikes for yaks. So you'll have lots of opinions to sift through. Good luck on your quest.

I play guitar, folk rock style, mostly. Not a country music fan, to be quite honest. I also sing. Love guitar jazz. As for who I like musician-wise, I'd have to go with Tommy Emmanuel, Phil Keaggy, Paco de Lucia, Adrian Legg, Al Di Meola, Leo Kottke, Satch....just too many great guitarist out there to fairly list 'em all.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! This is THE place to get your new hobby off to a great start!

No side is better than the other. Like John (@J Francho) said, it's all in what you are comfortable with. I grew up left spinning, and learned right-hand casting. It works, and I don't care to change it up for any reason other than a medical one in which I'm forced to change!

Was gonna comment on Jimmy G. I think it was a terrible mistake to send him. He certainly seems(ed) the Heir Apparent to TB12. 9'ers could be the new Pats soon enough. But I do hope the Bills can come back to the fold soon. While I like McDermott, I am leery of the draft. We've passed on far too many winners over the years, and whiffed over and over. But 'tis a new era under the McBeane team. Finger's crossed.

It'll all change when Brady retires... But he'll still be the Ring King, can't take that away.

A lovely 18º when I awoke today. Thinking of taking the fam to the beach... But I can't afford a trip to the Bahamas right now....

In a non-fishing-related resolution (which I usually don't make), I hope to actually finish several outstanding (some for YEARS) Honey-Do house projects.

Another "let it go" vote here. My wife works in the psych field and tells me the people she sees enter the emergency facility for mental treatment are "everyday folks" who simply forgot to take their meds, or whatever. But most are psychotic. The point here is they are what we would consider "everyday people", not at all obvious they have mental issues. You never know what kind of person you are angry at while driving, or on the web, etc. Best to keep distance for own safety. Just a bad idea in general, to engage these folks.