Hanover_Yakker

Sorry I was on the water for a Heroes On the Water event all day yesterday. When choosing a seat, you have to take into consideration the pfd you will be wearing. Some seats can cause the high back pfd to ride up or sit oddly while paddling. Just something to keep in mind.

Not an issue at all. I have baitcasters, spinning, fly and conventional lever drag reels and cast them all. I will say that skip casting and dock shooting is way easier though since you so close to the water. I typically use a side arm or 3/4 overhead cast and avoid snagging rods behind me just fine.

Need pics man!! You have to show us the goods!!

I use two full arm-to-arm lengths when I tie mine on (that equates to about 10-12'). Once I get down to less than 3' of leader, I tie on a new one. I use a modified alberto knot so that the leader knot is seemless and passes through the eys without resistance.

I can give you a little insight on this one. Bob's is a well known spot for local anglers - most notably crappie and perch anglers. They hold several tournaments out of there, so unless you are in the know or have done your homework, you are not likely to get many tips from them. I wouldn't shy away from it, but you might find better options at other places. Have you ever considered chartering a saltwater trip? That might be an option as well.

I also second the Columbia branded pants, but if you are in a pinch for money, the Worldwide Saltwater Sportsman pants at BPS are affordable. Also, WalMart has started carrying a line of fishing pants by Berkley for $15/pair. Not sure of how they fit or perform but that may be an option for you. Lastly, on the Columbia, if you have a Columbia Outlet near you, you can find them there sometimes. I just purchased three pairs at $17/pair.

The major advantage of a SOT (Sit On Top) vs. a SINK (Sit INside Kayak) is actually safety. SOTs are designed with scupper holes to allow water to freely enter end exit the kayak. Very important when you fish areas like I do - ocean, saltwater bridge complexes with waves and boat wash. Also handy in areas like tidal inlets and rivers where you may encounter moving water. If water gets in, it channels itself to the scupper and out. With a SINK, you need to carry a hand operated bilge pump, perhaps a couple of large sponges or chamois cloths. If you are fishing calm smaller waters, either is fine. If you are fishing moving waters with a chance of waves or water entering the kayak hull frequently, then a SOT is the best and safest option.The SOT also affords you the opportunity to egress out of the kayak in the event of a "turtle" or flip. You might lose some gear but you'll at least be able to right the hull and get back in. With a SINK, once a large amount of water enters the hull, you will have a harder time getting the water out. Most people I know end up beaching the SINK and turning it upside down unless it has a drain plug. As you mentioned, the SOT also affords you greater range of movement and ease of entering and exiting the hull. Once you figure out which water types you will fish 70% of the time, you will be able to hone in on which hull style works best. If you are considering a SINK, don't forget to look into the hybrids like the Wilderness Systems Commander 120/140, the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12.5/14.5 and NuCanoe Frontier 12s.

Why not mothership your kayak to the same spots, drop anchor, yank they key and paddle the yak from there?

Yeah. Most of Charlies outings center around the Northwest River and Back Bay. He has a YouTube channel as well.

Welcome aboard!

Harwood Mills, Lone Star Lakes, there are plenty..... here's a good place to start and do some research: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/?type=1&region=1

If at all possible, get some seat time on the water in the kayak you are interested in. Check around your area for some kayak forums or kayak outfitters/specialty shops. You might be able to find someone that has the model you are interested in. Don't overlook comfort, even when you are sitting in the kayak in the store. If the kayak doesn't feel comfortable after you adjust the seat and foot placement, then thank the attendant/clerk politely and either choose another model or just walk away. Don't forget the second part of the purchase - a class III PFD and a paddle. You need to budget anywhere from $100-400 in addition to the cost of the kayak itself. Many newcomers overlook that part. When selecting kayak lengths, here are some "general" guidelines.... *8-10' hulls are normally wider and more stable, but are easily affected by wind and can be difficult to maintain a straight track *11-12'' hulls are considered a good small water hull with better tracking and paddling behavior/manners. *13' hulls are generall accepted as the most flexible in how you can use them (small waters and big waters) *15-16' hulls are considered to be the quickest of them all but are also the least stable (traditionally a big water boat like major reservoirs and off shore salt) Many newcomers pick a short hull just from a transport and toting perspective - these same folks often times end up selling their first hull and end up buying or at least wishing they had opted for a longer hull. Remember, the shorter the hull, the less usable space you have for items you will need whne you try to fish. Just something to keep in mind. With that said, the F&S, Future Beach and Ascend options are decent but can all run a tad heavy. You may also want to consider the Perception Sports line (also available at DSG) and don't forget West Marine. They carry a line named the Pompano 120. It is actually the pre-2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 mold and is one of the most popular hulls on the market. You can sometimes find the Pompano 120 around holiday time for a steal at $379 , but it currently retails for $429 and can be drop shipped to any West Marine at no additional charge. Here's a link and pic: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=1000321&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50596&subdeptNum=50620&classNum=50621 http://content.westmarine.com/images/catalog/large/12972444.jpg

First girl, second child - plus three dogs. Sleep? What is this thing called sleep you refer to?

If we're talking soft plastics, then it would be the PowerTeam Lures 5" Sick Sticks or the 5"/7" Finicky Ticklers - they are neutrally bouyant and are killer.

The preparation for this day was long and stressful at times. I had thought of everything in my mind....... 1. Proper technique.........practice practice practice - CHECK. 2. Proper equipment........action, power and sensitivity - CHECK. 3. Weather conditions......check the radar, no storms - CHECK. 4. Timing........always a consideration - CHECK. 5. Patience and persistence......more critical than you can ever imagine - CHECK. 6. Tidal influence..........slack is not preferred for this method - CHECK. 7. Presentation..........can't be forced - CHECK. With preparation complete, now it came down to when. Countless hours spent coordinating schedules, re-arranging appointments, checking, double-checking and ensuring everything was ready. The scheduled window was fast approaching. The anticipation was overwhelming and almost numbing at times. Mentally reviewing the preparation I had done - checking, re-checking, doubting, questioning..............the seeds of doubt firmly taking root in the soil of my mind. Did I do everything I could? Only time will tell. I made it home after work a couple Wednesdays ago and settled in for the evening when I learned that the water conditions had changed for the better and my plans were suddenly rushed into almost a state of hyper slow motion. I had missed my chance a few times inthe past few years, but I was not going to miss this one. I forced myself to breathe and stay calm. Now was not the time to forget anything or rush and mess something up. I made my way to the prime location and waited..........the hours passed by ever so slowly......... ......6pm ......7pm ......8pm ......9pm .....10pm .....11pm ....midnight and the first signs of activity ....1 am comes and I find myself in prime position. ....a short while later and the moment finally arrives. A subtle sweep of the arms to the right then a little to the left. No time for slack now.......a steady pull and BAM!!!! A 7lb. 12 oz WHOPPER and she's a beauty. She was citation quality and definitely keeper material in my opinion!!!!!!

Mirrolure - 17, 18 and 27MR series for larger profile and the 9 & 19MR series for thinner profile baitfish.

Why venture into unfamiliar waters? Use the lake you know and trust - namely the BassResource Flea Market!!

In all honesty, it sounds like you need to budget a little more than you want - $200-300 is not realistic. You still need to budget for a decent class III pfd and a decent paddle. Those two items alone can run you anywhere from $100 - 400 depending upon what your wallet can afford. There are plenty of ways to cut costs by building (DIY) items like a stake out pole, an anchor, the anchor trolley, etc. etc. You cannot sacrifice your safety. You should probably start saving a little mor money and look at spending around $500-600 in total. Not saying you can't find a good deal on C/L or another classifieds site. Just be wary of anyone that will not allow you to test paddle the kayak you choose. Last thing you need is to find out while half way out in the middle of a lake or a tidal bay is that your $200 steal of a kayak actually has a crack or hole in it! Don't laugh - happened to a buddy of mine.

Using a kayak has many advantages. The pullage of a big fish and the subsequent "sleigh ride" is the part I look forward to the most. The thing to remember though when fighting the fish is that you have the leverage advantage when the fish is on either side. When the fish is fore or aft of you, they have the leverage. Even if they get hung up, you can get to them easier thaan a boat could. Best part about a kayak is that you don't need a manufactured launch or boat ramp. The key is to find one that is both comfortable and fits your budget. That means real seat time on the water and try as many different ones as possible. Get yourself the best paddle you can afford and a class III pfd that is comfortable.

I actually have three and will be making a fourth.....like flyfisher said, it depends on where you are anchoring and what your fishing technique is..... My three types are: An old window weight (8lb), a 2lb wreck anchor (flexible tines) and a 1.5lb grapnel anchor (small ponds with no cover to get hung up on) Each of these can be removed and secured to my two anchor lines - one is 50' and the other is approx. 20' in length. Both are wound onto cord wrap holders. The next anchor I am going to make is a drag chain. Less likely to get snagged and super cheap to build. Other than that, I use my 6' or 8' stakeout poles.

Linesiders are on my bucket list of fish to target if I ever get to Florida one day. Sounds like you hada great couple of nights on the water!

True, but I am not making excessively long casts or pitches over 30 feet, so for me that amount of IPT is really not a viable option. Not to say that someone wouldn't have a use for it, but unless they are making the Revo Inshore in that model or at least a salt water rated reel, then I have no interest. I also have the advantage of going to the fish if it gets hung up which most boat-based anglers would be able to do as well right? Unless you are working some heavy cover in which I would question why would you be making long casts that you could potentially not be able to get to if you get hung up. I guess I prefer to remain in contact with the bait regardless of technique. Even fishing worms and plastics, there is hardly ever any excessive slack in the line. In my experience, that is how you end up with gut hooked fish.

And once I hear that type of hansds on breakdown feedback and analysis on the new reels like this one and the new Morrum and the like will dictate whether I even think of grabbing one in the future!

In my experience (albeit rather minimal compared to some of you veteran anglers), the only realistic application I can see for a reel with that kind of IPT rating is one where the predator is fast moving and you need a lure that is moving super fast. To my knowledge, that formula equates to a saltwater reel throwing spoons or sling silvers chasing after fast movers like Spanish Mackerel where the boat needs to be moving at a 5-8mph clip and the lure moving just as fast. Sorry - not a real necessity in my book - just marketing hype for a Revo Premier variant from the looks of it.

Here's a picture of the differences between the stock SK Rocket Shad and the ones I have had altered.