Darren.

Lived in the Dallas area during my teen years. Don't recall much flooding, certain there was some, and most definitely recall the fire ant menace.

Flooding does present a whole other set of circumstances when it comes to wildlife. Thinking of not just snake dis- placement, but fire ant colonies (islands). *shudder*

Totally agree with @J Francho that weight does not equal stability. Similar to his Commander is my Native Ultimate 12 which weighs 55lbs empty. Serious stability, and the most important, secondary stability - when you go past the first point and suddenly you feel stable again. Both our yaks are hybrids, part canoe, part kayak. Probably two of the lightest-yet-stable fishing kayaks out there

Welcome aboard!

Absolutely right. I've seen boaters get all tied up with a snag an unable to keep from drifting to the trees... But two snakes, eh? I have a grove of cypress trees which have a number of bushes around them. I love to look for snakes there and have come across so many there. Fun to get pix.

Yeah, not gonna share it with my buddy, either. He'd probably give up kayak bass fishing and stick to the shore if I did.

Wow, really nice haul. A great spawn for ya! In years past I smoked em during the spawn, but it really is a hit-or-miss for me. Some years not a single spawner, other years a few, and some are awesome.

In case southerners don't realize the dangers out there, here's a tale straight from the "Worst Case Scenario" files. Hope he recovers quickly. https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/rattlesnake-falls-from-tree-bites-sc-man-in-kayak-twice/101-556842775 I've encountered so many snakes in trees while kayaking, but I'm also keen-eyed looking out for them because I'm a snake guy.... Funny, its spiders that get me, not snakes. But blowing wind and close proximity to trees and bushes can be dangerous. Buddy of mine was fishing a hot spot when he was blown into a bush...that happened to house a big hornet's nest, unseen. He had to purposefully capsize to avoid a full-on sting fest.

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

What size braid, and what size leader(s)? My St. Croix Legend Tournament (spinning) has micro guides, and the larger the leader, the bigger the knot, (All Hail Master of the Obvious!! ) , and the more contact it will make going through the tip. I've never worried about it striking the eyelet in terms of damage. Another thing that'll catch it is tag ends that are a tad too long. Oh, and while I use the Alberto, more often I'm using the uni-to-uni. With 10 or 15# PowerPro and 6-8# test leader I'm not having much issue with micro guides. 10# and the tick on the cast is a little more prominent. You'll get people suggesting the FG knot, but since you are just getting into leaders, it is probably not best for you, tho it is the thinnest knot, it's also the longest for bass fishing. There are YouTube how-to vids for it....

Style. Different sizes are up to the angler based on whatever their preferences are for particular baits, or confidence level is. If I was throwing a 6" senko, or bigger, I'd up to the 2/0, but a 1/0 would still work, just probably not best tool for the job. I remember the first time I tried 2/0, I thought "gosh these are HUGE", but I used them and caught plenty of bass! Experiments with different sizes has been fun. I have been out some days using a 2/0 and caught nothing in an area. Perhaps the fall was off with the heavier hook, so I switched out to a 1 or 1/0 and the bite was on. Conjecture, obviously, not scientific, but interesting to me nonetheless. For years I used the #2 Split shot/Drop shot hook. I caught tons of bass using them. I still have some and will use them on drop shots more now than wacky....

Welcome aboard! That's a really nice bass there!

Opinions are like ... you know The 1/0 hooks I and others mention are made specifically for wacky rigging. You could use any type of hook, but these are dialed in for the technique.

That hook will work fine. Like @J Francho, I use the Gammy Finesse Wide Gap in 1/0 frequently, and up to 2/0 occasionally. I used to use #2 Gammy Split/Drop hooks for wacky on 4 and 5" senko-style baits. It worked, and I caught a lot of bass over 4 pounds that way for years. So a small hook, a soft stick bait, will hook the bass. I just changed it up to the stouter hook and have had continued good hookups.

You can buy bungie straps that you can lash to the sides, will require drilling to your yak, as would just about any type of strap. I'm only listing from Austin Kayak because they have a large selection. Amazon, eBay, Dick's, BPS, etc., all have things like these (some). The strap: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html Things like this: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/1180/Yak-Gear-Deck-Mount-Paddle-Holder.html which is a Taco paddle holder. And these: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/13671/Native-Cam-Lok-Paddle-Holders.html More here: https://www.austinkayak.com/products/196/Kayak-Paddle-Keeper-Kit.html Yak Gear, YakAttack, and a number of other brands all have paddle keeper products.

Braid is the best for spinning reel line management, I'd stick with it and simply add a leader of varying poundage, similar to @ww2farmer's thoughts. I used to have 10# Power Pro yellow on all my spinning reels, but I came across a killer deal on a 1500 yard spool of 15# Power Pro Super Slick 8 and that's gonna last me a while. On most reels now. So for simplicity and versatility, one test of braid on all reels and varying poundage for leaders.

I use 15# braid with an 8 or 10# leader for my buzzbait setup right now. That's on a spinning rod, too. I'll likely go up to my baitcaster with 20# braid + leader if and when I buy a heavier buzzbait. I'm not usually throwing a treble hook topwater, though I've done it, and usually on spinning gear.

I have done it, and will do it again, likely, especially with thicker wire hooks like those on a swimbait. But it is not a common thing for me, I usually get the bass, or striper, on a single set. But as they say, hook sets are free. Do be wary of allowing slack tho, in between, as @Bluebasser86 said. That's a sure fire way to miss a fish. I've had fish make it all the way to the kayak and literally touching the edge of my net only to have the hook pop out after a momentary lapse of keeping the line tight.

Sure, why not? Give it a fresh start

And funny you should mention how small it felt. It does seem that these reels are getting smaller than they used to be at a, say, 3000 size. They are basically a 2500 with a deeper spool, up from there it's larger size altogether, albeit smaller than what I remember. At least for some brands. Really it's a very fine reel, I think you'll enjoy using it. I know my son does and he's caught a lot in fresh and salt with his.

Don't overthink it. A 6ft M would be great for a lot of different techniques including soft plastics with wacky, Texas, Mojo, Jika, smaller jigs, cranks. It's a loaded tool. As for the reel, IMO, a tad on the large side for bass fishing, and I don't go over 15# for bass, but you'll be plenty fine with 20. 2500 is generally regarded as the standard size for bass, but I say "generally" since there is no true standard. Some use 4000 size, I like 1000 size. So the "IMO" is my opinion. It's a fine reel, and I bought one for one of my sons this past Xmas. He uses it in fresh and salt. So good to go for ya.

Carbon (graphite)-based fishing rod = Lightning rod, and I don't mean the Berkley ones. I get off the water ASAP when I hear thunder.

Welcome aboard! Since you're keeping rod/reel prices same, I'd also recommend a Shimano Stradic CI4+, and if you want to balance better, I'd probably look at the 3000 range. Personally I'm a 1000 Stradic user, but I also like shorter rods...

Welcome aboard, Alex!

Holy Cow! That's a monster crappie. Dang! Congrats to the guy.