Darren.

Awesome haul! Sure wish smallies were down here in the Hampton Roads area. Love catching them. Yeah, I could go to Richmond, but easier said than done.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

You could also look at the Bass Pro Carbonlite rods. They're very nice at $99, and currently on sale for $79.

Hey, at least it wasn't a skunk day! Bluegill are plenty fun to catch. Congrats!

For me, I tend to stick with "finesse" gear these days. I used to buy "power" baits but always caught the most on "finesse", so I stick with what works. I want to catch, not fish a tourney, etc., just enjoy the sport, so what works best is what I tend to use. Wacky continues to be my number one method, followed by (this year), drop shot. Now I wacky with up to a 15# leader, but mostly 6 or 8#. Today was a day of regret for me as I neglected to reset my drag on my Stradic after changing my leader to 6# from 15#. The lovely bass I had snapped my leader midway on a turbo surge after she saw me. Would have been my biggest this year, I believe.

So if I may ask, not to hijack @iabass8's thread, but perhaps add to the discussion, because I'm curious about them as well. Are sun gloves and the sort "cool" in the summer heat?

I stayed at the spot for about 30 minutes, fishing around the cluster of cypress trees there. Was a perfect spot in the "calm" of the wind swept water. Alas, she wasn't interested anymore. I *may* go back out tomorrow, but we have t-boomers forecast. And by fish of the year, I mean *so far*... As every year, I plan to best my PB!

Good stuff, Jeff. I got out, too. Wind was a bear, but I hit a grove of cypress trees. Caught my bass of the year (most likely) but had forgotten to adjust my drag from tighter (with a 15lb leader) to looser for my current 6lb leader). As soon as the beast saw me, broke the water, she dived and hit turbo and my line went "SNAP".... Stupid mistake, but at least I caught two dinks to prevent a skunk.

Welcome aboard! My advice is similar to A-Jay's. Roamers I have encountered were simply uninterested in anything I had to offer. They'd be better caught in low-light situations, and maybe even then it'd be tough. I encountered about 8 or 9 big bass roaming in shallows around beds, though none of them were on beds, and they were all together. It was fun watching, but that was it.

I actually really like it. Enough familiarity but with plenty of new pizazz!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Very nice catch!

At that price, it's a good deal.

I would go with a SOT. If you shop around, you can find a better yak. Hit your local Craigslist or even look at yak stores for used models. austinkayak.com and paddleva.com sell used, also... Guy on another forum scored a huge win on the kayak I use, the Native Ultimate 12. He paid $250. They usually sell for $1000+ ....

I'm reliving Stargate SG1 on Amazon Prime!

I agree with all the "UGH's" here. Can't see this being a good deal for the consumer.

The other question is what size leader are you using? My Legend Tourney spinning rod has micro guides and I've found 15# YoZuri Hybrid doesn't work too well thru the guides. I have little issue with 6#, 8#, and 10....of course

Johnny Morris and the team have hired Goldman Sachs to help with the Cabelas bidding/purchase. http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/04/19/bass-pro-teams-up-with-goldman-for-cabelas-bid.html

Welcome aboard!

Good report!

Now that's called click (link) bait! The subject, that is... And it worked Congrats on the hoss!

Well then, hello Justin!

You have your answer, so I'll just welcome you to the forums!

Agreed! I'm also wondering how @SirSnookalot is doing. (Not to hijack your thread)... Just been wondering if he and @Long Mike are ok.