Darren.

Welcome aboard, Steve!

Welcome aboard!

Looking forward to the series So what's it like in your tube, finning around in that stuff? Do you get "stuck" or stay at the edges of the slop? Looks like you get right in it.

That's some serious slop, and great bass!

Welcome aboard, Austen! You'll get plenty of help from folks soon. I haven't fished RR (lived in TX in mid-80s to early 90s). Sailed on Lavon But was not fishing much in those days.

Welcome aboard, Joe!

Welcome aboard! I'll let the Abu folks give you the advice you need. I'm more along the Shimano/Diawa line .

No can help, but welcome to the forums!

Welcome back!

And what a difference a few hours make. Latest has Dorian missing the OBX and heading out to sea.... Anyhoo, here's Levi's Thursday PM update:

Was gonna say Home Depot or Lowe's will have what ya need

Yup, he's good. Uses Levi Cowan's stuff, too. Models are all early...so anything possible.

Levi Cowan's GFS hurricane runs for Dorian show it making landfall in Florida, as expected, then turning to the north through Georgia, then out to sea and regaining strength making landfall again Sep 9 in the OBX, then moving straight up the coast hitting Hampton Roads, on up the entire Eastern seaboard.

Welcome aboard, Chris!

Welcome aboard, Randy! I only wish it were common we all had wealth in the Commonwealth! Fish to your heart's content!!

Unless the dimensions are really different, 1 foot increase in length shouldn't be much of a deal breaker. I fish smaller waters with a 12' yak, my sons fish out of 10' yaks, but I have seen plenty of longer ones out there, as well. So really a flip of the coin for you based on what you want.

Welcome aboard, Anthony!

Welcome aboard! I agree with @LCG, you seem to have some choices laid out. I don't have experience with either, so no help there. I can also recommend BPS Carbonlites. I have earlier versions but would have no problems recommending the 2.0 as they've maintained their reptutation. As for braid, 10# is fine. I use 10 and 15# Power Pro and Super Slick 8. Leaders are your choice. I'll go down to 4 and up to 15, but tend to go with 6, 8, 10 pound tests on average. The FL is getting solid reviews. I love my CI4+ 1000 (I use 1000 size for all my bass fishing). Tackle Advisors absolutely loves the new FL....

Welcome aboard!

I hate you, John.

If you are someone with money to spare, then rock on and buy the rod of your dreams. But if not, buy affordable, and stay w/in your budget (oh if only I'd have listened to this advice years ago, LOL) you'll be happy and catching some beasts to hang on a wall!

Welcome aboard! Do you have a Bass Pro/Cabelas nearby? And I'm asking as I assume, if you do, you've been there already. I really don't think you need to go much over the $100 mark to find a great rod. Brands are really in the eye of the beholder. I happen to like St. Croix Premier, BPS Carbonlite, etc.... I also happen to like shorter rods, so....

My advice for any new fishing kayak is to fish out of it for a while and determine your own preference as to what should be where in terms of mounts, etc. A milk crate is a great DIY which you can mount PVC to for rod holders, etc. Definitely consider dual (both sides) anchor trolleys. While I don't have dual at this juncture, it is something I've always wanted as it would make for much better anchoring in wind and such. Bottom line is your layout is personal. It's yours. Fishing kayaks come with mounts and all that that may not necessarily be in the best positions for YOU. That's where fishing for a while and tweaking thereafter will make it YOURS.

I'm 100% behind Luck on this (love the "Adam Bomb" reference). Dude finished college knowing full-well of the gladiator mentality and limited lifetime of players in the NFL. Smart. Fans disappointed? Heck yeah. I hope they can step outside of their "fan"atic-dom and put themselves in Andrew's shoes. But what do I know!? I'm a Bills "fan"atic.

^^^ 100% this (highlighted in bold/red)