Darren.

This is one of those things I don't have $ to try all the good/recommended brands. I wanted to try Sniper, but never could pull the trigger. I've used the old XPS, Red, and a couple others. Best so far, IMO, is Gamma Edge. And just for leader, I don't go full FC for any of it.

I actually really like Floroclear. I've got lots of it laying around. Never had issues with it for leader material that some here have. The Line BaitMonkey bit me a few years back and I bought lots of P-Line, then YZH...got lots of both.

Of course! He's "that guy"! I know a few of them, too. Everything I say probably won't work, does for them. Never ending saga, LOL.

Lots of Yo-Zuri Hybrid love on this forum! Just type it in the search and sit back n' read. I use it for leader material for everything I throw, which is mostly soft plastics, but I've used it for cranks, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. Have it from 4# to 15#. But of late I've been using Gamma Edge fluoro in 6, 8, 10# for my leader.

Welcome aboard, Robert!

Welcome aboard, Joseph!

Fish can be brutal, man. Brutal I tell ya!

Good stuff, bein' with the brother is the best. My brother is 13 years my senior. We've fished a few times, but we do more snake hunting than fishing. But I see the problem. It's that Steelers sweatshirt. I'm afraid bass do not like the Steelers, so best to change it out, perhaps a team like the Bills?

That's a negative for me @Bertmt, but good luck! Someone will have an answer for ya. Welcome aboard!

Anywhere from 4-15# But of late it has been 6, 8, and 10# fluoro.

The new version, or previous? Either way, that's a nice price.

As for leaders, I use them on every setup. There's a LOT of debate here on this topic, and frankly, it doesn't really matter if you use one or not. Here's my quick reasoning, and it's just one reason, but it's good enough for me: Power Pro and Power Pro Super Slick 8 braids are not the cheapest out there, so I like to keep as much of it on my reels as I can. I tend to retie hooks a number of times during an outing, and by using a leader I don't cut into the braided mainline as often, thereby extending its life a bit. If you learn to tie a good leader knot, be it a uni-to-uni, an Alberto/Albright, an FG knot, you can have 100% confidence in the knot. I know I do with uni-to-uni and mod'd Albright/alberto knots. That argument (leader or not) gets "religious" in nature so suffice it to say, use one or don't. The above is a solid reason for me.

That, too.

Clearly it is something we are doing wrong. Perhaps laughing every time we cast a bubblegum colored lure thinking "this'll never catch any fish" and sure enough it doesn't.

Heh. BIG swim baits, BIG cranks, BIG jigs, BIG baits in general. Oh, and bubble gum colored lures. They work for everyone but me. Everyone else.

Sounds like you got what advice you needed. Never tried the Jackall hooks, but I've eyed them quite a bit when I've visited BPS. Those along with the Gamakatsu G-Finesse wacky jig heads. Both a bit more than I want to spend at this time...

Welcome aboard! Father of 4 boys from 12-19 here! I use 20# on my baitcaster, but @Kidflex's recommendation is solid. For spinning reels I use 10 and 15#. And I use a leader for everything, but it's not a requirement. Reason for braid is that nothing really compares to it when it comes to line management. Especially on spinning reels. No coiling line jumping off the spool....

Welcome aboard! Never fished Orange, Anna or Briery. But the latter two are on my list of fisheries to hit in the near future.

I second that! OR ... worth its weight in bass!!

Welcome aboard! This is the place to find answers to your question! Jig fishing specialists abound

Daiwa definitely makes great reels. Never held a Legalis but I've owned a Lexa and handled many other Daiwas. Good stuff. Though my personal favorite is the Shimano Stradic in a 1000 size. Extra drag handled by the palm of my hand And welcome aboard, @Berta.

Yah, that's quite a bit of breakage... Would significantly change the rod. Edit: I take that back. The second guide is just missing, the rod's not broken, right? In that case, you can take it to a rod repair shop to have them both fixed.

Welcome aboard! Quite a story for your first post!

Nice little feller.

Wow, what a budget for a jig setup!! You have options and more options than I have ever considered. I like what @.ghoti. and @J Francho said. If I had your budget I would definitely look at a custom rod. Spent time drooling window shopping custom rods via Google images and boy there's some nice stuff you could have.