Darren.

You know I'd have something to say! Yes, yaks that let you sit higher definitely help. In fact, my Native Ultimate 12 -- I sit on top of the gunnels with a simple two-1x4's platform I made that allows me to sit up higher. I fish from the high position most of the time, but do stand a bit as well.

Tough to get hooksets with jigs, etc.? Nope! You adjust and learn how your yak will rock when you set a hook, etc. If you buy a yak that you can stand in, then you can do most anything you could do standing on the bow of a bass boat. Even from your seat you can walk a spook or other top water, you just may have to adjust how you do it. Consider buying something stable enough to stand in -- there are a lot of kayaks to consider these days including the Native Watercraft Ultimates, Slayers, the Wilderness Systems Ride, ATAK, Commander series, the Feel Free Lure series, are just a few. Wide, stable. But you need to learn the intricacies like secondary stability and such. Which isn't hard.

typing at the same time, I suppose, LOL

Welcome to the forums! Are the waters you fish clear enough to see the grass growth? Where I fish, the grasses grow to the surface and the edges are easy enough to spot. As for a fish finder under $200, you can pretty much go with a Garmin, Lowrance, or Humminbird as they're close (by my reckoning) in terms of what they offer at that price range.

Welcome aboard!

Hi Cody, welcome aboard!

I've got some Abu underspin reels. Like them a whole lot better than the spincasters that sit on top of the rod. Great casting ability, I did enjoy them when I used them. I do not use them anymore, but I caught some very nice bass, and some rather large pickerel with them, not to mention plenty of panfish. Believe it is the Abu 276Ui. Solid reel spooled with 8 lb test.

The vast majority of the time I fish them weightless and wacky rigged. Personally, the 4" variety have far outfished the 5" and up varieties. And for wacky, I mostly let the worm do the work on the fall - then I'll lift, sometimes I'll twitch/lift to give the bait more action. For brands, obviously the Gary Yamamoto original is the standard bearer, but I mostly fish Bass Pro Stik-Os now.

Yep. You do look about 48. Sorry. LOL -- Just kidding

Agreed on the braid, though, for spinning I choose 10lb test. You can use a rod like that for quite a few techniques. I use M power rods for most of what I throw (which is soft plastics) and recently added a MH Carbonlite for other stuff like heavier jigs and plastics.

Dude. DUDE! your AVATAR! Holy COW that's a big alligator gar! Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread...

Wow, that's a big lake to yak in. Stay clear of the boaters, wear your PFD 100% of the time. And let us know how it goes. Yeah, sorry, I'm in VA, not FL, but I'd put my yak in the big O, too. I'd just keep it near shore and not venture into the big waters. Other than that, I'm no help, sorry...

So you're down in the VA Beach area? Have a look at this site - the Tidewater area: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/?type=1&region=1 I've driven by several publicly accessible lakes in the VA Beach area when on the way to soccer tournaments. Unfortunately I'm on the Peninsula and don't know the names or sites.

Beautiful beastie! Next purchase: a scale!

Lexa is a good reel, I've got one, but had some problems with the anti-reverse pawl. It got mangled strangely. A number of casts I would make would abruptly stop mid-cast which is what caused the problem. I've straightened out the pawl and it still works well. Casts light lures well. Is a good overall reel. That said, I hardly touch it anymore thanks to my two Chronarch 50e reels One of my boys is learning bait casting with the Lexa though. I have no problem suggesting the Lexa.

This draft hasn't wowed me at all. That said, I'm not overly impressed with my Bills' selections. But hey, the moves they made this off season WERE impressive to me, so the draft is naturally a letdown, LOL.

Ah yes, happens now and then. Good strike and good fight to get you all excited, then that empty bait to rip your heart out Have had a number of those myself. The worst are when you almost have them in the net, or by the lip only to have them spit the hook back at you.

If you can get to a Bass Pro, try out the new white Carbonlites, I've become a big fan. They are light, strong, and very sensitive. As well, a Bass Pro will have a ton of rods you can try your reel out on. Yep, bring it in and they will let you try it. Ultimately, you are the final arbiter of what feels best to you. We all have favorites, but what will become your next fav is up to you. Good luck.

Welcome back to the forums and fishing. Agree with you that this is "the greatest collection of bass fishing wisdom on the planet"

I'm not really a boxing fan, but I've enjoyed a few bouts over the years... That said, I'm pulling for Paq if for nothing else than Mayweather's abuse toward women, and the fact that I'd like to see him finally lose. Both good reasons, IMO. Hope Manny has one win left for tomorrow. Oh, and I'm not paying for a fight. Never have, never will...

I've heard the 50e series is sticking around. Just checked GM, only the 200e is $159, the 50e was still listed at $199. Maybe Bantam1 could tell us what's up.

First, welcome to the forums. I'd second the Curado I, but I'd also recommend the Chronarch 50e which lists at $200, but can be had for less.

Congrats, and good luck with that.

I saved up for a 15lb Boga Grip. Worth the money, IMO. I also have with me a Field & Stream digital scale that I paid $25 for at Dick's Sporting Goods. It is good, and quite accurate. I've compared it and the Boga and they have been spot on with each other - though obviously the digiscale gives more specific weight.

Yup. Nothing exciting at all. Already changed to the NBA game.