Crankin4Bass

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere.

This is the best quote I've read in a long time! I have remember this when I am tempted to buy cheap gear on sale.

Yes. Aluminum frame with graphite or composite side plates. Feels solid for $60.

The Fuego CT I have is made in Thailand. Don't know about the tatula.

Fuego CT is a solid reel for the money. It's surprising how good it is for the price. I had a BlackMax as my first baitcaster. The Fuego is miles better. There is also the new Shimano SLX at $100

Berkley Lightning ($40) or Berkley Lightning Shock ($50) are popular sub $50 dollar choices. Both are available at Bass Pro Shops. Walmart has the Lightning Shock in some lengths for $40. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-rods/#prefn1=ZZSERIES&prefv1=Berkley%20Lightning%20Rod I have both in spinning rods and prefer the handle on the Lightning spinning over the Lightning Shock. The regular Lightning feels lighter to me and I prefer the hook keeper. I do not like the hook keeper on the Lightning Shock as sometimes the line gets caught. I'm using Pflueger President 30 size reels on both. Good sub $100 combo.

KTP should be able to order one for you too.

I've noticed this noise too on many Shimano and Pflueger spinning reels that I have when they were new. I pulled the spool and put a drop of oil on the spool shaft and the noise disappeared.

It's tough finding lead free options. Thanks for pointing me to these two options!

Have you found a non-lead weighted swimbait hook for the fat impacts?

No you don't want the ones that mushroom. They can pull out. I like these rivets: https://yakgear.com/product/tri-grip-rivet-kit-10-per-pack/ They have a rubber gasket and flair out into three parts for strong grip. Here's a good video that shows how well nuts and tri-grip rivets work. Enjoy your new kayak!

Ocean Kayaks use riveted handles. Seems to work fine. Here's some handles: https://yakgear.com/product/handle-kit-2-per-pack/ You can get a rivet gun for $5 from Harbor Freight. https://m.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-riveters/hand-riveter-set-38353.html Marine goop: https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/amazing-goop®-37-oz-marine#repChildCatid=500052 Instructions: Here's a great video on how to install just about anything on a kayak:

Any of those reels will work just fine. Whichever one feels best in your hand is the right one.

Nice score!

That looks sweet! Thanks for the feedback!

Welcome aboard! I would go with 8 LB Trilene XL. The Pflueger President is a great real. I have 4 of them and they are rock solid. A great tip I learned here was when the line gets twisted just let it out behind your boat or kayak without anything tied on and troll for a few minutes and the line twist will straighten out. Did it this weekend and worked like a charm! Enjoy fishing with your kid! Some of my best childhood memories are fishing with my dad.

Which model St. Croix Legend Glass crankbait rod do you have and what weight crankbaits do you throw on it? The baitmonkey has been telling me I should buy one of those but there aren't any stores that have them around me to check them out.

Awesome! Congrats!

Same here. I've had good luck with the Rick Clunn ones. Copper Perch, Green Copper Shad and Green Ghost colors are my favorites.

I have an Academy Ethos HD cranking rod I just received in the mail that has a tip just like this. It fishes fine but the OCD part of me does not like it. I'm in Massachusetts so it's not like I can go to a local store and swap it. It got it on sale for $56 and they shipped it 2 day fedex for free so I'm hesitant to complain. This is why I hate buying rods online. I'm tempted to heat up the tip with a heat gun and clamp it between two 2x4's and see what happens. Probably a bad idea...

Do those of you who use the Trokar TK 130 flipping or similar hook use a snell knot?

Been wondering the same. Anyone know?

I use Plano Elite Crankbait Organizers. They come in 3600 and 3700 sizes. Each slot is angled to make it easier to get the crankbaits out. http://www.planomolding.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Crankbait+Organizers

I've had some problems with trebles with small bass and trout. Stuck one in my thumb once. I also read about Siwash hooks being used in the Pacific NW so I ordered some. I found the eyes were too small and turned the wrong way so they didn't allow the hook to swing freely. I just got some Owner single replacement hooks in sizes 2, 4, and 6 to test out. They have large inline eyes like the ones on the prop bait James posted. https://www.ownerhooks.com/product/single-replacement-hooks-x-strong/