FishTank

I am still pretty green at things in the kayak world so don't take this like I actually know a what I am talking about but here you go..... He couldn't get the two in their shop to stay connected to the remote. He said they hadn't got the bugs worked out yet and it may have to do with the kill switch. Also, he mentioned something about the seal on either the motor or the kayak tend to get fowled up especially if you bump into something. He didn't give much info on this. The other thing was the foot peddles for steering, and this is more me than the kayak, but I have broke a few on my kayak landing fish. I was just pushing too hard. It made me worried that I might do the same thing even though I could steer with the trolling motor. Last thing, in Indiana if it has a motor, you have to register it as a boat. Not a bid deal but it wasn't something I had thought about. One thing I didn't consider when I was looking is the placement of a transducer. How is the Old Town set up? I also noticed at the other shop I went to that has Hobie kayaks, that there were a few 360 drives behind the counter that were either in for repair or warranty. So that pushed me to the 180 instead but the ones I saw looked abused. This is what made me look at the Old Town. I have yet to see one on the water. Most of the kayaks I have seen have been the traditional kayaks or the peddle ones from various brands but none with the built in trolling motors.

So I have made up my mind to order one of these tomorrow. I have had my current kayak for 5 years and it has been just OK. I have learned to pretty much paddle and fish at the same time. This new Hobie will be a huge step up. I did look around at different kayaks, including the Old Town peddle and autopilot and I also looked at what BPS offers. The sales guy for Old Town kind of talked me out of the autopilot I was looking at (kind of the opposite of what he was supposed to do). My only concern for the PA 14 is the price . The Hobie, I think, is way over priced for what it is but it has everything just the way I want it. I guess, is there anything I should be aware of before forking over the cash? Is the 360 drive worth almost $1000 more? My thought is to save the $1000 and invest into electronics or eventually a trolling motor. What do you guys think?

For $125, it's worth it.

My guess, the yoke is upside down.

I wouldn't swap all your Mets. Its not, to me, that kind of reel. It's just a reel that has that "It factor" to it. Kind of like a Rolex or a Rolls Royce> a pleasure but not practical (it could be though). For a more practical, I am going to fish the same one on every setup in a tournament reel, I would look at the Steez SV TW or even the CT (almost BFS). I like these just slightly better than the Met for everyday use but not by much. Each one of these reels is special in its own way> Each having their own sort of personality.

I've tried both and I don't think it matters. But in my mind, I think that tail up looks correct

Just the one with the foot peddle (Mirage 180 drive or maybe the 360). I like the idea of the remote controlled trolling motor on the Old Town but I like the layout of the PA14 better.

I have rods from Shimano, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Quantum, Megabass, 13 Fishing, and Abu Garcia. If it feels good, I will fish it.

My stuff on my kayak is sort of organized like this. I have two, two sided Plano boxes so four sides for four seasons.

Yes. It runs about $400-$450 compared to the Met at $300-$350 (JDM prices). Is it worth the extra $100> maybe, I have yet to find a flaw with it mechanically. It's perfect on every cast. The only thing that bugs me is that when it's cold, the reel is like picking up an ice cube but that has always been true of the Antares line. It is a little heavier than the Met but not much. Both reels are great though.

Nice. I have been debating between the OT Autopilot 136 and the Hobie PA 14. I will make up my mind before the end of the month. Two places here in Indy actually have stock on both but they are going quickly. I just can't figure out which will be better for me and all the stuff I want cram it.

If you can swing it, I would get the Antares 70A. I like the my Met but the Antares is on a different level.

Just received an email from Tackle Direct that Shimano will have an across the board price increase starting Feb. 1st. Partial screen shot below.

Freezes easily, some baits like jerkbaits and soft plastic loose their action in cold water > braid makes it worse. Also, water gets displaced in the reel and on your hands, not a good thing in cold weather.

Looks like one the Mag Drafts was removed but here you go.

There went $70 to thr monkey. Can't find Megabass stuff that cheap anywhere.

The Shimano Curado rods aren't too bad but my favorite and a little over the op's price point is the St. Croix Legend Glass.

I have used 1/2oz lipless cranks to 1/4 Texas rigged soft plastic and of course weightless Senkos. As far as a range goes, 1/4oz to 3/4oz lures. The rod handle is shorter and it has a Wynn Grip. Both help on a kayak. The Mojo is not as sensitive as the Avid in general but for the money this Mojo does fine for kayak fishing.

I don't know much about the Victory rods but I have several Avids. It sounds like you are looking for a fast tip instead of an xfast if the Mojo M xfast is too stout. I would pick the 7' M Fast Avid. I have used it for Trick Worms with an 1/8oz bullet weight and for weightless Senkos with no issues but the reel can also make a difference. I also have a St. Croix Mojo Yak 7' M Fast. It has a soft tip and a stout middle. It's great for just about anything.

I have used both and both are just OK but in Sunline's product selection, Shooter is the way to go. Personal opinion, I like Invizx better than Assassin and Sniper but Shooter is just a slighter better line than Invizx. Invizx is the better value out of all of them, if you can find it on sale. To compare it to Trilene mono lines ..... Assassin is like XT in a way and Shooter is like XL.

I go to the barbers chair in the kitchen. My wife cuts it for me. I might tip her but she would think I was up to something. For the hair I have left, anything over $15 is a crime.

Sad thing was he had about $5000 worth of electronics on it as well and neither one of us caught a single bass that day. Some days it doesn't matter how much gear you have, the fish may not be biting.

For a Red Eye Shad (lipless cranks) > 2X Crankbaits > Regulars unless they are the bigger cranks Jerkbaits > G. Finesse Personally I like Owner ST-36's the best. Sharpest hook I have found that stays sharp. My only complaint, it's easy to stick yourself with these. I always use a pair of pliers when handling them.

Senko And a few others

What reel is it? Got a pic of what you are dealing with?