Darren.

I go braid + leader on every one of my setups. Spinning shines with this given braid's lack of management issues. And @roadwarrior is spot on, you can tie a new and different type of leader on whenever you want. For leaders, I use Yo-Zuri Hybrid from 4-15# and Gamma Edge fluoro in 6, 8, and 10# test. Also use P-Line Floroclear, but less these days because I have so much dang YZH laying around. The Gamma Edge has actually been my go-to even over YZH lately.

Once when I was fishing a dock, there was a guy setup and fishing this way. I so badly wanted to go over and "help" him correct his setup, but he had an air about him that he knew what he was doing, so I kept my tongue.

While this isn't a pic of a casting rod, this is what I've seen in at least one or two occasions in the past many years.

In addition to the other comments, Austin, you might want to give the Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm a try on a drop shot. http://www.baits.com/?p=228 I've found it incredibly effective in the more natural colors and laminates like green pumpkin/watermelon and so on. Fishing it by bridge pylons is prime for drop shotting. Good luck!

Welcome aboard, Roy!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! I second the 50e size. I hear the 70 is great, too.

Welcome aboard, Kurt!

Welcome aboard, Michael!

Welcome aboard, Dave!

Sigh. As anticipated, no such luck with Shock rods for less than $39.95 at my local Wally's. C'est la vie.

Welcome aboard! Hit up Beaver Dam Reservoir up there. You'll thank me later http://www.gloucesterva.info/ParksandRecreation/Parks/BeaverdamPark/Fishing/tabid/361/Default.aspx

No help from me other than a welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, and good luck with your endeavors!

"Proper" is relative. Use what length you want/are comfortable with. I generally use about one to two stretch arms-apart lengths and go from there. Sometimes shorter, rarely longer.

Water Coffee (occasionally) Sunflower seeds Granola bar(s) Longer days will include: Chips/crackers Sandwich(es)

I think my strengths on the water would be: 1) Patience (fishing slow) 2) Wacky rigging 3) Drop Shotting 4) Soft plastics, in general Skills: 1) Skipping (spinning gear, yet to master, and likely never will, skipping with casting gear, though I can, I don't prefer it) 2) Kayak control (trolling motor sure helps ) 3) DIY stuff with the yak, though I wish I had machining skills. Weaknesses: Power fishing... Cranking Spinnerbaits Jerkbaits etc.... Done all the above, caught on most, just ain't stuff I enjoy so much, hence don't spend much time at.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Haven't been out this winter. Typically I need to spend a lot of time on the water to have winter success here and just don't have the time these days. My youngest son has the itch, though, and he's asking me every day about going fishing...I'll take him soon enough.

What the others said. Cinching down fluoro generates heat in the line and weakens it. You *must* use saliva on it and slowly cinch it even then. As for knots, Albright variants (Alberto) are great as is the tried and true Uni-to-uni. I used to tie the former all the time, but have gone back to the uni-to-uni for the most part. Just because... I tie 10, 15 and 20# braid to leaders from 4# to 15# and do not break at the knot unless I did something wrong.

Holy cow, what a deal! But my Walmart will probably have nothing like that. Always seems to be in *other* states I'll check though. Could use some extra rods for my sons and I.

Welcome aboard! We Hampton Roaders will give you RVA'ers a pass

It was possible here. I did it to my name w/o a mod. There was an option for like 3 name changes over a certain period of time.