Darren.

Congrats!! No better way to christen a new kayak!

I love my sons, but when school is out! (I work at home).... The quiet that was September to early June is gone!! LOL C'mon NFL season!

Looks fun to me! Have a gander at the ball python breeding world. This bass reminds me of a bumblebee ball python. Other than that, I have no idea except for @Glenn's article reference. Maybe we can start breeding different bass sub-species!

Dude! Wow! Awesome catches. Only caught the babies - croaker - up here in VA. Though I'm told by all the saltwater fishermen that giants are out there. VA Beach is a primo spot for many species.

Time to engineer a DNA-specific virus that dissolves the Asian Carp in under 10 seconds with zero harm to the surrounding environment and water species! Commander Data, make it so!

Of the closed face, I've always preferred underspin models as they balance better...to me. Like a spinning rod with the reel hanging down. That said, I've used some tiny closed face reels in both top and underspin. Haven't used mine for many years. They caught me a lot of bass and panfish. Drag is the week spot, IMO, agree with @Boomstick on that.

No kidding! I've stopped reading Buffalo Rumblings as much these days, LOL. Things are different under McD. Discipline, and I doubt we'll see dysfunctions like we have over the past 17 seasons under his leadership.

Hmmm. Not sure I'd put the Bills at the "very bottom", but they do have work to do. McDermott is, so far, making some moves that are smart, conservative, and much much better than Rex Ryan's circus moves. Guess we'll see. Another report I read this week has the Bills challenging the Phins for 2nd place and playoffs. All speculation...can't wait for the season to start. Dead time of year for major sports.

Welcome aboard! Here's a search across the site for "Virginia Beach" which should give you some ideas. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?&q=Virginia Beach&item=192395&sortby=relevancy

Interesting if state mandated. I never did so when I trolled with my canoe. Usually placed the battery in a mid-forward location to balance better. T M was mounted behind me on a 2x2 hollow aluminum square my Dad got me from a local aluminum welder.

Time on the water. Lots of time.

Welcome aboard! W/o a weight, a hooked but not landed fish is a legend I know, I've caught a bunch of DD bass!!

Good question! Depending on where your sonar is located, of course! But that doesn't answer where to cast, methinks. I've wondered the same. Haven't used my Garmin in almost a year since I know my waters pretty well. But the thought has gone through my head when I've watched fishing shows where they ID a spot, and then fish it. How did they know the exact spot? Or is it guesswork, estimate of where to cast? Probably exposing my ignorance of sonar here... LOL

I'm with @J Francho, I just rig thru the worm and that's it. I've messed with shrink wrap, etc. but I just don't feel the tradeoff is worth the effort. Strange coming from a recent Ned rigging convert, and drop shot with bobber stops... We all have quirks and idiosyncrasies, LOL.

I don't get ESPN anymore (TV), but may listen to the first few picks on ESPN radio. Curious if Lakers will get a last-min deal and trade out of #2...my guess is not, but with the Paul George possibility out there, who knows.

Welcome aboard!

Holy guacamole! That's a BEAST! Ok, she's a GIANT!

Welcome aboard! Afraid things like this happen. What I'd do is report it to the local Sheriff and see if they have recovered any fishing equipment. You can file a report if you wish. More than likely, the stuff is gone and not going to be found easily, if ever. Sorry for the loss, hang in there.

I would suggest upping another $20 if you can and get a St. Croix Legend Tournament rod - if they carry them. I like my 6'3" MLXF Legend Tournament Walleye rod (identical to the Bass series, they just didn't offer the length I wanted in it). Great for senkos, etc.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Chris!

Welcome aboard! Congrats on the win.

Welcome aboard, Gianni!

Wow. There are a ton of various shoes to wear when shore fishing. Depending on what you want to spend, a nice pair of hiking sandals during the summer are great. Teva, Keen, make some of the best. There are other excellent brands, though. Fall/winter? Pretty much the same around my neck of the woods.

Congrats! Nice water ride!