RipSomeLips

If you want to do it on the cheap, one suggestion I have heard is to get foam pool noodles and run the straps through them to hold them snug to the kayak. I have never done this but read a few people who where very happy with this route.

I have read about 20 threads on BR so far about most recommended braid and the consensus is always either Suffix 832 (what I currently use), or power pro. Also, don't forget to check manufacturer rebates to save a few bucks.

Weightless fluke

I use 15lb mono, this helps keep ur line floating and in better contact. Also lets be honest, it may not have been ur fault. Somedays they got but dont bite the buzzbait. So then ur options are to try a popper, or better yet put on a trailer hook. You could also downsize your buzzbait, or switch to a different color buzzbait because sometimes they can see a particular color better than others. My last tip is to try adding some pops and twitches in your retrieve, sometimes this helps trigger a more accurate bass strike. Oh yeah, one last thing u can try is slowing down ur retreive, and if that still doesnt get them then right after a missed strike throw back to the same place with a soft plastic or jig.

I would work a fluke for sure. Especially since you mentioned they were hitting your crankbaits as you started cranking down, I love that you can work a fluke just about anyway that is needed, and you can mimic a baitfish very well. It also would glide pretty decent thru your vegetation issues if you texas rig it weightless and weedless then it's money in the bank.

Ummm, you told me where pond x is on the second Tuesday of last week, but you were in a hurry so you probably don't remember. Any-who ....could you give me THE EXACT GPS coordinates again, thanks. Muhahahahaha

That was kinda what i was thinking, makes sense.

I have had that happen before, last time it happened i noticed it was hooked pretty close to the brain. Could just be coincidence.

Also, the code to verify if it has a factory HD transmission cooler is KNP. The codes are listed on a black and white GM sticker and if memory serves it is located in the glove box on this truck.

Although the 5.3L is definitely a more commonly found engine in the Chevy you are looking at, the 4.8 is a good engine and has nearly the same power as the 5.3. 5.3L has 295hp and 330 ft. lbs of torque 4.8 has 285hp and 295 ft. lbs of torque With that said I think you are more than ok pulling your boat with it.

Yeah man, you nailed it! Their house brand is legit. I got a crank bait on clearance from them a month ago for $.98, I caught about 25 bass before I snagged it and lost it. I haven't tried their rods yet but could use a good spinning rod, maybe I will look into them.

www.academy.com Most sporting good stores (Dicks, Sports Authority, etc) seem to have the retail philosophy of ask inflated prices and do lots of sales. Academy however does an everyday low price approach, and in the hundreds of things I have bought there after price checking against the other major retailers only 1 item was more expensive. I have gotten to the point where I feel comfortable buying things from there without even doing competitive shopping.

At least you got o see the bass, I always feel better personally about getting skunked when I got to see a few fish. I get that feeling like I am doing everything wrong when I get skunked and don't see a single fish.

Baitcaster is right handed, spinning is left handed. I am glad to know that I am not alone, I do it because that is all I had growing up and was never taught different I suppose. I tried going left handed with a baitcaster a few years ago and it didn't seem worth it to me. But who knows...maybe I will try again this year.

One thing I would recommend if you don't already do, is to keep your rod tip low and to the side, at a 9 to 10 o'clock position. This is something that has really helped me, when I have it to the side and I get a strike the fish practically hooks itself because the action of the rod loads directly into my line. When I have the rod tip up in the air, or directly in front of me I find that I take away the rods ability to flex and snap back to help with the hookset. Hope this makes sense and helps.

The one thing I have learned about the BR crowd and flourocarbon is what NOT to buy, Berkley Vanish. I hate to say it but this is what I use because I got some on super clearance. Now that I have my drag set and am mindful of not stressing it to much I have had zero problems, but had a few break offs in the beginning. I will opt for something different next time.

I think you may have something there with the Landscaper theory, especially when sod is involved, that stuff is crazy heavy. What a lot of folks don't realize is that a towing capacity is not derived just from what a truck and it's engine/powertrain can pull, it has much more to do with how the truck can safely handle and brake with the load.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/136917-fishing-kayak-help-buying/ Scroll to the bottom of this other thread to read my advice. The only other thing I would say to you is that I thing the SOT is by far the way to go...but because of your unique snake/safety issue you will have to do what you feel most comfortable with. But for $200 (If you buy the one I recommend from Academy, you won't lose much money are maybe none at all selling it used on Craigslist if the SOT style doesn't work out for you).

It's kinda like when I was a kid and got a new box of nightcrawlers, I would put big 'ol fat worms on the hook because I had plenty. But by the end of the day if the fish were biting and I was catching them on tiny worm nibbles.

I agree also that I would not normally use glue for this application, but alas dark was coming soon and it was the quickest solution for me at the time. I already had a texas rig tied on and knew the glue would dry while I walked from my house to the nearby pond. That being said I don't ever see myself spending the extra money for a screw on florida weight, not when I can use a bobber stop etc.

Then you should look into buying it by the gallon...and im being serious. It was like $64 or so last i looked for a gallon. If u have a few friends to split it with then it gets super cheap.

I used some super cheap super glue gel tonight and it worked great. I wanted to peg a texas rig weight and turn it i to a florida rig.

Kvd line and lure gets my vote. It is just a crazy good product. Apply it the night before fishing if possible, it gives it time to soak into the line. Then you dont really need to reapply, but some folks do every few months.

That is a solid choice, I had a Padron Maduro the other night that worked quite well.

I have always been told that not tying direct inhibits the true and important action of most baits. I think this would be most true for crankbaits. But I am Kinda hoping to hear that people have lots of success while using them because it sure makes lure changes easier.