Darren.

Welcome aboard!

Can't help you with pouring your own plastics, but just wanted to welcome you to the forums! You'll get answers here.

Well, spinning is much better when it comes to skipping baits under docks, low bushes/trees, bridges, etc. For lighter baits, spinning is better, but with the way my Chronarch 50e reels are rigged, I can cast some very light baits. If I had to choose one over the other. Spinning.

I use both spinning and bait casting for wacky. Setup is all braided mainline (10, 15 or 20lb) and a leader from 4-15 lb test. Typically use either Gamakatsu Split/Drop hooks in 1, 1/0, or Wide Gap Finesse hooks. I tie on my own weed guards. For worms, anything from Senkos to knock-offs to Trick and Finesse worms to minnows, etc. Will also use weighted wacky hooks, usually 1/8oz.

Thanks, Sam! And likewise to you!

So I've heard. Doubt I'd recognize it at all. Used to stay with my sister in Plano. That place is nothing like I remember. The fields surrounding the old JCPenney complex, all housing. Crazy how much TX grew and grew and grew. Haven't been back since 92 or 93, so would be a shock to me, for sure.

Welcome aboard! UNT grad myself. Lived in the DFW area in the mid-80s to early 90s.

Absolutely the case!

Welcome aboard, Brian!

Ditto. Don't really care about the tourney trail, though I don't mind them using electric motors (since I do ) ... Only thing I have to say about the motors, it is a huge advantage to those with 40 lb thrust and above. My 30 lets me keep pace with my buddy who paddles, LOL. Yeah, eventually he'll tire, but he can beat me full out... And for those with Hobie's or pedal yaks there's an advantage there, too, as leg muscles are bigger and don't exhaust as quickly as arms... Anyhow, doesn't matter to me, really, because I don't fish tourneys.

Welcome aboard, Brian!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, David!

Welcome aboard! Since your handle contains "budget" I'm going to assume you don't want to spend a ton of $$. So let me recommend the BPS Ascend (tan) fishing PFD. I've got one and it is plenty good. Believe it's modeled after the Stohlquist. All that said, I was going to post a link to it for you, but it isn't on BPS' web site. If you have a BPS you can go to, check it out. Solid for about $80.

Welcome aboard, Scott!

Welcome aboard! (Again - believe I already welcomed you in your first post)

A 3-fish day is a success no matter how you slice it! Nicely done.

Welcome aboard!

I can speak for the Stradic models. Excellent reels period. I've got FI and FJ models and can say that the FJ models are superior. When researching the FJ and new FK models, some forum guys (elsewhere) said that there's not too much difference between the two. That said, if you can find an FJ on the "cheap", I'd grab it. Personally, I like the Shimano feel over the Pflueger, but that's in my hands. You may love one.

Clean design, good fonts. Smooth. I like it. Will take a little getting used to stuff, but not a big deal.

Welcome aboard, Mike!

Thanks, Long Mike! And good luck, Ghoti!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Taylor!

Nice!