Darren.

It really depends. I have a Garmin setup for my kayak, but I honestly don't take it out much now. Probably because, like you, I've been successful without it -- in the reservoirs I fish. There are times I want to try a "new" area out in the same reservoir and I'll find it useful for bottom contour, etc.

I'll be one to tell you that you do NOT need a ton of baits. I take a couple 3600 size boxes of soft plastic worms both senko style and thinner worms like the Zoom Trick and Finesse worms. Then I'll have at least one box with a few jigs, some drop shot stuff, etc. I'm primarily a soft-plastics fisherman and have plenty of success (by my reckoning) doing things this way. Where you get to have a "ton" is when you try a new bait here and there and get another color, etc., to try out. Over time they add up and can become a "ton". But you don't need a lot to catch bass.

Good gravy! Crazy!

So sorry to hear. Prayers offered.

Wow, that's fantastic!!

You're on the right forum! Lots of great advice from the gang. And welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Hi and welcome aboard!

Good advice all around, so I'll just say welcome to the forums!

Yeah, I almost posted this a while ago. But I've been digesting it ever since. Have to see what the Bills will do (or not do) with regard to his contract (or new contract). He might dig his heels in on this trade. But don't know if he has much choice. Last time the Bills had Marshawn Lynch. He didn't want to be in Buffalo. And look what he's done since. All that said, Chip gets one he** of a linebacker in Kiko. Whom he knows well. The dude can ball, that's for sure.

On the other hand, the Hampton BPS is the smallest Bass Pro Shops in the nation. Might explain not carrying certain models...

The only high-end rods I've ever seen at the Hampton, VA BPS are higher-end Loomis rods.... Don't see many of those anymore either. I'd agree with BobP, probably too many clumsy hands-on demos.

Welcome aboard, Andy!

Geeez. He'd be a candidate for the Darwin Awards....

Yeah, that's 4.5 years away for me, LOL. I've watched 3 of my elder siblings go thru it!

Welcome aboard!

Well, "defeats purpose" is sort of an opinion as opposed to absolute Not all of us use a leader for visibility purposes.

Another vote for braid + leader. For me, all my spinning gear has 10 pound yellow Power Pro + varying size leaders. Never a problem in thick slop, either. 10# is thin, but much stronger than rated by my reckoning. Just find braid to be so much easier to manage than nylon or fluoro lines.

Wow, congrats!! Good luck finding stuff for 'em

Lexa can be tuned very nicely for casting light-weight lures and such. I have one and do like it, although I've since upgraded to Shimano Chronarch 50e reels and don't use the Lexa as much.... FWIW

Awesome fish, Paul! I like your rig, too. Might have to try adding a skirt to some soft plastics one of these days (non-jig).

Glad she's doing well.

Wow. Ridiculous amount of fish. That's a lot of $$ in restitution to pay back.

Welcome aboard!

Hi Spencer, welcome aboard!