Darren.

Welcome aboard! Lots of kayak discussion here on the boards. Have you looked at the boats subforum? That said, your budget will limit you the most. However, you've got a solid option already. Bass Pro's Ascend models (some) can be stood in and are within your budget. Other option is to look at used kayaks online and in-store, assuming you are near any kayak dealers. Craigslist is great, as well. Good deals on good yaks can be found. Native, Wilderness Systems, Feel Free, NuCanoe, among options to look for in used. EDIT: Added forum links

Nice catch!

I wish that were the case with me. Have had successes and failures getting big bass out of the sticks. However, I do try to run my fingers down the length of my leaders more often to see if there are any nicks or abrasion spots. If so, I'll change it out, or cut it back. Lost a nice bass a few weeks back that I caught "near" a fallen tree, it was strong enough to dive under said tree and get stuck. As I tried to work it loose, it kept pulling until the line was sawed off by the tree.

Posted this vid in another thread, sweet lightness! June 14 is approx date of availability.

Welcome aboard!

Big fan of "light tackle" and "smaller" baits. My PB of 7.5 was on a 10# leader in thick slop. While not what I consider "light", it isn't heavy either. Regularly use 6 and 8# leaders in fresh and saltwater.

Welcome aboard, and good luck solving the riddle of getting the big gals out of heavy cover Some can do it with light line even, just ask @earthworm77!

The man.... The men!

Wow man! 2005 has GOT to be a thread resurrection first

Welcome aboard!

Looks like June. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMNORODS.html?from=basres

Have a look-see at these:

Welcome aboard, Matt! Good luck with your pursuit! Sorry I can't help as my most expensive rod is a MLXF St. Croix Legend Tourney Walleye.

Welcome aboard!

14 pounder where they don't even stock striper. Was first known catch of one at the reservoir. Buddy has since caught another, shorter one. Took me for a nice ride over 75 yards before I could even see what was on my line.

Welcome aboard! I will sight fish mostly during spawn, when the water is clearer. Don't really have an issue with it, the folks I've encountered during such times have been mostly courteous, but there are knuckleheads out there. Granted not really the same as sight fishing from a higher boat platform....

If you are young, then a metal paddle may not matter In my late 30s/early 40s I used an aluminum paddle, but upgrading to a carbon paddle was a wake-up call and SO much easier on my arms. You can snag a fiberglass paddle for $100-110 for around your price range. Aquabound is what I have used for the past, what, 10 years? I've lost count. It is there as a backup in case my trolling motor goes out. i bought the Manta Ray. https://aquabound.com/categories/kayak-paddles/recreational This is just one brand and it has served me well. Plenty of others out there to try.

W/o question my fav would be the 1000 CI4+ on the spinning side, and the Chronarch 50e on the casting side....

That's a negative. Seriously.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! A number of folks here who fish the Southside will chime in soon. But do check the VDGIF @RSmall linked to above. Lots of good info there.

Welcome aboard! I was fortunate to have no issues with a Lexa 2000 with line lay. And none of my Stradics needed any adjustments. Only spinning reel I have that needed a spacer is the Pflueger Supreme. As said above, try putting the spacer on top of the bearing. And def be sure to watch the vid from Tackle Advisors above. He'll help.

Have to say they definitely scored with OBJ. Be a very interesting team to watch this year.

Wow, sweet. And all are 6.2:1 gear ratio, too!