Darren.

Man, that stinks! And I just posted in the BPS/Cabelas thread that their deal is on shaky ground, which I would like to see fail, honestly. But I hope it doesn't mean bankruptcy for Cabelas either.

I used to have an Avid spinning rod and though it was very sensitive, I was not happy with the tip-heaviness when paired with a Stradic 1000. The Avid was a 6'3" MXF model. A 2500 size would have balanced better. Now with the BPS trade-in coming up, I would strongly recommend you look at the BPS Carbonlite models. Lighter than the Avid, and equally as sensitive by my sense of feel. I've got 3 Carbonlites now. I still like St. Croix, but I upgraded from Avid to a Legend Tourn rod which is super sweet. But honestly, you do not need to spend the money on a high-end rod thinking it will make you a better fisherman. Plenty of the $100 range rods (like the Carbonlite) are equally as sensitive.

I second the uni-to-uni which I've been using more lately even over my other fave, the Mod'd Albright/ Alberto. My Legend Tournament spinning rod has micro guides and the uni-to-uni flows fine through them. No issue with reduced casting distance (as compared to a short leader being cast w/o being past first guide). Realize I'm using 10# and 15# Power Pro and SuperSlick8 which is very thin. Fluoro leaders in 6, 8, and 10# test does not increase the knot size enough to cause issue with the micro guides either (with uni-to-uni).

Zeeter, as yours and other experiences prove, you can catch fish with straight braid, no leader. My reason for always using a leader, and I've stated this numerous times in other threads, is because braid is an expensive line (at least for me) and I prefer to keep as much of it on my spool as possible for as long as possible. That said, a leader allows me to make numerous lure/hook changes during an outing before I have to cut in to my braided mainline to tie on another leader.

I'll bet your kayak tourneys require the Hawg Trough? Though I don't fish 'em, I believe some locally do. I use one and though awesome, it can break easily. Have had to use zip ties and super glue to keep it together.

I'm tellin' ya, Blue. Ya need a longer bump board!

I don't need to use no casting reel to be a good bass fisherman. Spinning gear gets the job done. Period. Disclaimer: I have and use casting gear, and am quite proficient in said gear. But my blasphemous statement stands.

I lived in Texas for 9 years. Got my BA degree in Texas. I was granted citizenship thereby and to this day say, "don't mess with Texas".

Nice setup! I tend to keep mine in a slightly larger tote... No room for that much stuff in my house, tho, LOL! I'm in trouble for the room I already take up with fishing gear!

I had 2 Chronarch 50e reels. Upgraded both to 7.1:1. Sold one, so down to one (I simply use spinning more). I can highly recommend it. Love it. Cast light baits a country mile, and so forth .

Welcome aboard! Definitely want to make sure you're allowed to fish it. Are there any "no trespassing" signs? If nothing is in the way of fishing it, I second the wacky rig recommendation, and go with a Bass Pro Stik-O, or a Yum Dinger if an actual Senko is too expensive for you. Another color that works great is watermelon magic.

Welcome aboard!

Beside losing to snags, I dispose of hooks, usually, by simply tossing in the trash. I've never heard of trashed hooks being a problem in the same way discarded line can be... Not to say they aren't a problem.... And I am a recycler, but our area has strict rules on what they will and will not recycle. I.e., bottles, cardboard, etc., but not recyclable plastic bags, not recyclable tubs of butter and so forth. Confusing stuff.

Welcome aboard, Dennis! There's a lot of Indiana guys here that will chime in soon!

Welcome aboard!

Well, not news to anyone who knows me, but I'll throw the same stuff on a tough day as a good day. I pretty much do "finesse" all the time. Senkos/knock-offs wacky rigged Trick and Finesse worms wacky/TX/mojo rigged Various soft plastics drop shot rigged

Welcome aboard, David!

I dunno, don't wanna corrupt this young generation

And if you record it, play it at double speed, then add Benny Hill music. Especially if it is Bill Dance's outtakes. Hilarious No really, good advice. I've done it with one or two shows back when I used to get them. Now I get zero shows with basic cable.

To be honest, not much. I did put stock into some for a while, but after spending $$ on their gear hawking I came to learn those things didn't seem work for me. I find more help on this forum than from the pros.

My apologies. I'll tell the Great Weather Maker to tone it down... Although the thundersnow is pretty sweet.

Man, Hootie, you are churning these out like a man with a mission!! Love it!

Welcome aboard, Patrick! Being a MH and St. Croix, it'll probably suffice. I find SC rods to be a tad stiffer than their ratings. If you are worried, return it and get the fast.

Usually I rig up when I'm sitting in my kayak but before I've pushed off the launch. Sometimes I've rigged the night before a planned trip, but not usually.

Welcome aboard!