In reply to Post #1
Don't know if you purchased yet, but here's some things to consider. Long story, but I've had quite a few and it would have saved me a lot of hassle if I had known or thought about some of the things written below.

First decide wether you want one with a fishfinder mount attached. Pros: less cables lying around and only one item to carry. Cons: its always going to be at the back of the boat, kind of forcing/limiting you to sit in a certain position (you can always take the screen off, but then prepare by having a fishfinder mount or an echo sounder bag). If you decide on an integrated fishfinder mount, make sure the attachment holes allign with those of your unit.

Then look at shaft length and maximum transom thickness it supports. You won't be the first to buy one that does not fit (I did). Another thing to consider is weight. Everyone wants a custom one these days, but these are often needlessly heavy.

Check whether it has the possibilty to arrange your wiring properly, albeit through the mount itself, some tube, or pre-drilled holes for tie-wraps. Last thing you want is having your transducer cable ending up in your engine (happened to me). As said before: its also nice if your mount is not too rigid for it to survive accidentally hitting the shallows (although your transducer is usually not installed that far below your transom to be damaged). Last thing: check the clamps: often they come with these bumpy ones (or really small ones) that will damage your transom over time. If so: also buy some glue-on rubbers for protection on both sides. Most ribs have crappy transoms that will rot from under you or will start to release glue over time (I had).

For carping I like Tite Lok best. Simple, affordable, lightweight, easily adjustable, can handle shallows, the shaft is thin causing less interference and allowing you to neatly tie-wrap your cables. No fishfinder mount attached, but for ease of movement I prefer an echosounder bag anyway. Don't worry about interference. Check your user manual for instructions on proper installation and make sure your mount will allow you to follow these.

One last advice: take proper care of it. Its always exposed to the elements, so make sure to regularly check all screws and hinged parts for proper functioning and fix things when they do not. Its that bit of kit you never knew was so vital until it breaks down.

In reply to Post #1
Tossed my Ridgemonkey cookware long ago. Probably had something to do with having watched Dark Waters, but their non-stick coating was a joke - regardless of what oil I used. It fell off immediately and looked awful. Now they went with the granite look, supposedly because it looks more premium, but I don't know.

In reply to Post #1
Never pre-tie anymore. I can stack as many as I want, but once on the bank all hooks seem to have gone blunt (not sure if that's true), they're either too short or long for the circumstances and all putty is smeared all over my rig box. Freshly tied is the only way to go for me.

In reply to Post #15
Sure, I get that and I respect it too. Don't mean to slander him or anything, because I did enjoy his early writings. That wasn't the question though.

In reply to Post #1
Ridgemonkey Multi Lite does it for me.

In reply to Post #1
I'm still to find a wide that doesn't sag disproportionately, but the Emperor must be the worst bedchair I have ever owned. And I've had quite a few.

In reply to Post #1
Fox Pool, Bazil's Bush and Tiger Bay. To me, everything after that (especially those with "Rob Maylin and Friends" in them) felt like he was publishing for the sake of it.

In reply to Post #1
I use various lengths and use two per rod. I'd like them, but I'm not buying 18 of them. Cheap ones for me. Never had any issues.

In reply to Post #2
The last ones kind of ruined his next book for me. Its like Dave Lane does on Patreon, but the wrong way around.

In reply to Post #55
Don't mean anything by it, other than that it may just change your perspective. I think you may be selling Dave short unintentionally. I would have a difficult time choosing a favorite between the two tbh, although I do recognize that 'same old, same old' feeling.