Evan K

I don't use backing but may switch someday. Braided line usually lasts longer than mono IMO. Use the Palomar knot to tie on lures- it's ridiculously simple and easy and one of the strongest knots for braid. I use P-Line TCB 8-carrier braid and like it very much so far. You'll be very pleasantly surprised how limp and castable braid is, and the low stretch is a big advantage (for many situations) as well. I don't use braid on my crankbait/treble-hook-lure-rod, I use co-polymer because a little bit of line stretch doesn't hurt in a setup such as that, but I use braid on everything else.

You can get the Lew's Tournament MB for about $110 new on ebay (MSRP around $150).

There's been a lot of hard conditions right now, a lot of cold fronts and bluebird sky days, high winds, etc. I've been working a wacky rigged Senko pretty hard and it's been performing well for me; mostly small <=2 lbs. with plenty of tiny ones but at least I'm catching fish.

No 8. Tackle company *** and a Lews LFS Speed Spool reel would get you in right around $150 (you can probably find the best deals on both on eBay, from Buy It Now sellers). I have the reel; love it, and the rod I have heard excellent things of.

I also use 4 lb P-Line fluoroclear on my UL rig. Seems to work well.

Obviously I'm not speaking from experience when it comes to the PQ baitcaster; I guess my opinion was probably influenced by Tackle Tour's review which listed it as only Fair. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewbassproqualifierbaitcaster.html

I got my St. Croix Premier ultralight rod on eBay, new, for $90. They can be had for that price if you look around a little. One thing about the St. Croix, that maybe I'm just not used to, is that it is extremely supple- it's rated as a Fast action but feels almost like a slow, the rod has so much flex. Maybe this is normal in UL rods?

I bought one of those when i bought my first ever batch of fishing tackle, at age 9 or so. It was my favorite lure; so highly prized I hardly ever used it. I still have it, but nowadays I still hardly use it.

I would love to have and wear one of those wetsuits surfers wear when the water's cold. I think that under a few good layers of clothing and you wouldn't even need to worry about hypothermia.

Lol, perfect. I will carry on!

I like the Pro Qualifier spinning reel I have. I've heard the PQ baitcasters aren't very good.

Sold some cattle on Saturday, got some extra cash... and I've already blown it on another *** Black, Lew's Tournament MB, and 150 yards of P-Line 8 carrier braid. Must... stop....

There aren't any available with the whole side scan/3D imaging/etc. They're much more basic but still super useful. I have tried both a Fish Hound and a Deeper. The Fish Hound never once managed to connect to my phone, even at distances under 6', so I really have no idea how well it works, all I know is that it never did. The Deeper on the other hand has worked nearly flawlessly in every situation for me, including a lot of towing behind a kayak, even in choppy water. I really love the Deeper and if you are in the market it is worth every penny (even though it's the most expensive one out there).

Why on earth would anyone flex a rod to retrieve a stuck lure? It's just as simple and you have a far better feel of how hard to pull, when it may be giving, etc., if you just spool out sime line and grab it with your hands and pull. If it's braid grab a stick and wrap the line around it two or three times and pull with it. Flexing the rod does absolutely zero good.

I agree that I seem to get more bites casting into the wind.

It's nice, but now you're looking at over 4x the cost.

I ran a CNC plasma cutter and did steel fabrication and welding for about 5 years. On my 5th year now as mechanical designer at the same company. I liked the shop work well enough but the design is more up my alley.

I use "The Rod Glove" as well. I have one BPS that I, like so many others, dislike very much. One of the main reasons I dislike it is because it has a squared-off end, instead of a smooth taper like the Rod Glove.

Like others have said, it all depends on your income. I've found that quality baits and gear seem to add to the fun for myself though. Keep a lure retriever handy and do reconcile yourself to the fact that you'll lose a lot of baits.

I have a Perception Prodigy 10.0 SINK that I've modified to work for fishing. I agree that wind is always a struggle. My 1.5 lb anchor and trolley has helped a lot. My current problem is the kayak is built so that I have to store all my gear up on top, which makes it horribly unstable.

That's interesting; I must say I didn't even know that was a thing (Tennessee grip). It makes more sense now. Just not my cup of tea.

...That reel seat tho...

Nice order, the Lexa has been staring at me for a long time. Let us know how you like it. I have a hard time budging from Lew's at this point, they've treated me so well.

Wow. I'm curious what state you live in, bigbill. Must be pretty rural.

I really don't like eva grips, they look and feel really cheap and ugly IMO. Cork looks classic and feels great.