Darren.

I personally prefer the 4"(+) model of Stik-O over the 5 3/8" version, but both work. Just that I catch more on the 4...FWIW, .02, and so forth.

Beastly lady, for sure!

Both copperheads and cottonmouths/water moccasins are prevalent in Hampton Roads. A Ranger at NNPK was bit on the elbow by a cottonmouth in the last 5 years when doing surveying... And I've got video of a huge cm at the docks at Harwood's Mill. Belligerent snakes, best to get out of their way, as they own whatever ground you happen to be on at the time. My brother took my (then) young sons and I out snake hunting at HWM and he caught a juvenile CM. Copperheads abound, too, but they're much more shy.

Congrats!

I have not used Sniper, but I am using Gamma Edge in 6, 8, and 10# tests for leaders and have been very impressed with it. Strong as all get out. Went with the 100 yard spools since I do leader-only, and the cost was much more do-able for me.

That's a great tip, @Crestliner2008. I imagine for those who want to run perpendicular, you can loop two of those bands on similar to how they do with the O-rings. For me, I have used shrink wrap but don't even do that much anymore. I just right straight through the worm. Guess it doesn't matter too much to me. But I might try the tip from @Crestliner2008 one of these days.

Heh. Yeah, those good ol' bird's nests. While I had my share, most often while learning the craft of baitcasting, I got pretty darn good at it...but by no means have I eliminated nests, and they always happen at the worst time... The only way I've found to eliminate nests completely is to use spinning gear

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Nice read. Interestingly, and by my experience, his comment on the FG (bold mine) for braid to mono/FC: "Note: Only use this knot if tying a braided line to a stronger mono/fluoro leader." This would obviously make a more consistent tie. I think we sometimes shun certain knots as "less strong" but forget that rod and reel drag are also key elements in the fight. Drag too tight and you will of course put more stress on the leader knot. But if there's give in the drag, give in the rod, the fight to land a large fish may last longer but, I believe/IME, reduces the stress across the system.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Well done, and congrats. Something to hold near to your heart.

Where will you be interning? Hampton Road? Plenty of great spots to catch some really nice bass.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Hopefully it'll heal up, otherwise, it happens...

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Jay!

Welcome aboard! Good luck finding one Have to admit, this is one of the strangest first posts I've seen yet! Is this a bass your friend caught before her stroke you'd like for a mount? Maybe this can get you started: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=bass+mount+replicas&*

A perfect start to the season, Hootie.

Welcome aboard, Brett!

I have a M/F 6' casting stick that I used for everything, but especially wacky and TX. I caught my PB on it with a 5" Senko wacky rigged. But each manufacturer will be different on the power. I.e., Croix a little stiffer than say Field & Stream....

How "ultra light" do you mean? My Stradic 1000s are considered by some UltraLight/Light duty bass reels, but I use them exclusively for everything freshwater. Our 500 size Sahara is what I consider UL reel-size, not the 1000. So with a UL reel, you will have to use the palm of your hand as extra drag. People "mistakenly" catch big fish on UL gear and land them. So it can be done, probably not the best tool for the job.

I've got the Legend Tournament Walleye in 6'3" MLXF and it's nearly a perfect rod (except for the 4" missing from the tip now ) .... So can vouch the LT series is stout and well rounded for a lot of techniques.

Goodness gracious, what a day for ya! Sorry 'bout the impaled thumb. Boy that had to hurt something fierce. Hope you recover quickly.