Darren.

Tip. I bought mine off of ebay and *I think* I paid $160 for them. Was waaaaay less than full retail, and they were from a reputable seller, and official, not knock off. Gotta beware those. I want to say it will cost me $11.95 for the warranty send-in and all that, then $80 for the lens.

Well, seeing this is the second time, the first was excellent! Simple replacement for a broken temple arm. I had kept them safe for years, then after I got that fixed literally like 2 weeks later I sat on them in my kayak and broke the lens. Grrr. This fix is a bit more expensive, but their service is top notch, no doubt.

Never heard of 'em. Costa is my choice, but yeah, they are $$. Had to save up for a pair, and now they're waiting to be sent in for lens replacement...

Welcome aboard! Pro Angler, eh! Sweet ride. A side-arm mount is not really a big deal, at least not to me. I've used one on my Native Ultimate with no issues. Is there any way you can DIY a way to mount it in the Lowrance Ready port?

No experience with nanofil, but I've read enough reviews that have kept me at bay. I'm also a spinning angler (mostly) and use 10# regular Power Pro and 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8. Casting is great with both. And for the leader question, I always use one and have mentioned my reasons in numerous threads. Here's one not common (i.e., visibility, abrasion resistance, etc.) Since braid is pricey, and I tend to change out hooks several times during an outing for various reasons (snag, bent hook, different size, and so on), a leader allows me numerous ties before I have to cut in to my braid main line. Otherwise I'd have cut into my braided mainline a bunch of times. For some this may not be a big deal. But I know it helps me save money - or at least stretch out my money for a longer period of time. Learn a good knot like the uni-to-uni or Albright/Alberto variants (I've got 100% confidence in my knots) and you will be good to go if you want to take the leader route.

Welcome aboard, Ryan!

Very nice...

Safe to say that most bass fisherfolk like a 2500 size reel. Me, I prefer a 1000 size. I like small and light reels and have zero issues bringing in bass. 6.6# bass in my avatar was caught in a thick brush field with a 1000 on a 5'9" M rod... Closest president to a 1000 is a 20, I believe, then the 25 series.

I don't do much of any cooking save breakfast fare... My wife is a phenomenal cook though. And even tho I have 4 sons, I'm the designated dishwasher like @nick76...

Welcome aboard, Ken!

You're already settled, but I'm another Stradic fan with 4 1000 series reels for all my bass fishing needs. Super quality all around.

You've got some great answers, allow me to simply welcome you to the forums!

Yes, an anchor would be better in deeper waters, but the OP was talking shallow water, so I think @J Francho is spot-on.

Welcome aboard, @Bassyaker319! I'm going to second @fishnkamp's suggestion of the Daiwa Exceler. I used a Daiwa Lexa and found it to be a fantastic reel for beginners (sons). I have given it to one of my boys, in fact. The Exceler is basically the same reel save some bearings, I think, as the Lexa. I've used cheap combos (Bass Pro's Tourney combo) for casting - and as a gift for another son - and it was a disaster! Needless to say, returned to BPS! So IMHO, it is hard to go wrong with an Exceler and at $70, a steal.

I use a Chronarch 50e 7.1:1 and actually have no problems casting in the wind, even very light lures. Skipping is a different animal altogether and requires a rod that will load up properly for skipping with a BC. I can skip with my ML and my MH casting rods, but I simply prefer to use my spinning gear for it. Less to think about, less coordination of thumb and such for skipping. Nothing against casting gear. Been there, done that and found I prefer spinning after spending hundreds on reels and rods. My sons are all about it, think casting is the coolest thing. They'll learn it's just a tool, not the end all. My plan was to use nothing but casting gear for everything...found I could *almost* do it...

Welcome aboard! Good luck at your new place, figuring out the new lake, and may you find a honey hole soon!

Yes ^^

It is a great knot. If it works, no reason to change. I switch between Mod'd Albright/Alberto and the super simple uni-to-uni and have no problems even going through micro guides. I've tried the FG numerous times, practiced a lot and it is simply not a knot I care to use. I have no issues with well tied and lubricated knots mentioned above that I need a long knot like the FG. Let alone having to tie it while on the water in my kayak.

I did not know this about the Rx lenses. Interesting to know! I have 580G and can attest to their clarity and quality...

Welcome aboard!

Not so sure the OP is helped or put off by this thread, LOL. His/her first and last visit was Jan 21st. Then again, we can be a tough crowd My biggest problem while fishing is not enough time to stay out on the water. Always need more.

The Spring Classic used to be so much better, but the last few years has largely been on BPS brand products (save for the trade-ins) and with each year it seems less is offered. Darn shame, really because it was *the* event to find early deals.

I use 1/0 to 3/0 for TX rigging, lighter wire hooks, but I have 4/0 and 5/0 for heavier TX rigging. Gamakatsu O'shaughnessy bend is my preferred TX hook. For wacky and drop shot, I normally use a 1/0, but I vary from as small as a size 4 up to a 2/0. Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse and Split shot/Drop shot hooks.

Well...another non-tobacco user here. Know plenty who chewed, smoked, etc., never liked the stuff, tho have had a rare cigar or flavored cigarillo... Personally, I hate the aftertaste of those things, let alone spit cups I've seen left around, spit stepped in, and all that. <shudder>

Welcome aboard! Any of those three are solid rod series. I personally found my 6'3" MXF Avid a tad tip-heavy with a Stradic 1000 reel. The rod broke and I ended up doing the Gold upgrade to a 6'3" MLXF Legend Tournament Walleye rod which balances better, and is absolutely a fantastic rod for a range of fishing. I use it for everything I do. The ML fishes closer to other rods' M. FWIW, I'm mostly a soft plastics guy, between wacky and drop shot, then TX/mojo. I'll also throw jigs. I use M and ML spinning rods. I'm one of those guys who is proficient in casting, but prefers spinning. Actually down to one casting reel with 2 rods to interchange. @J Francho has Eyecons, I believe, he can comment on them.