JimT

I got the scupper mount kit from Navarre and installed it that way instead of on the yak's factory mount. Gets the transducer up against the base of the yak and pretty much out of the keel line when dragging. Transducer works perfectly and the kit is a very easy install.

something like an Old Town Bigwater might do the trick if you want to go the kayak route

I think maybe the smallest Garmin echomap unit does? it's a 4" screen and is in the $300-$350 range

if I'm going solo that's how I do it as well, but if we've got two kayaks I find the trailer is easier, plus I usually need more stuff in the truck bed for two people. But agree about the truck bed making things quick and easy. And I don't get shut out when the boat launches are crowded or full.

curious what people would recommend for Yo-Zuri hybrid line. I've been using Palomar but is there a better knot for hybrid?

on the rudder stability question on the Old Towns--I got the bolt kit from Navarre that has nylon washers you can tighten down (you could also just do the same thing with a trip to the hardware store, but I was buying other stuff from him at the same time). You can dial in the tension on the washers without having to constantly use the Old Town knob. Works great. I did find one day I was fishing in really calm quiet water and the rudder bolt made a god-awful squeal. When I got back I gave it a good shot of Boeshield and it's been fine ever since.

thanks--I've got a fairly clean original Mark 10 that is slated to go on it at some point if I can ever get it tuned up right. But for now I'm just using a nice light 6hp Suzuki 4-stroke on it. Which is nice too.

I finished up a 1950 Pen Yann cartopper last year and have fished out of it, does that count as a bass boat? ?

we started with an Old Town Predator MX and have been very happy with it. usually around $1300-1400

the Native kayaks seem to be pretty popular, the FX 12 is 60-ish pounds but no closed storage hatch. for some folks that might be a plus.

loved this. I know exactly what you mean

on the other hand . . . https://youtu.be/lmG87t_6-Mk

Chuck Earls sells various 'keel armor' kits for different brands of kayak. Another option. https://lakeeriekayakfishing.com/shop/ols/categories/keel-armor

using braid for the first time, reading this thread and stuff online as well. Lew's says to tie to the holes in the spool of Lew's reels, for what it's worth:

hello from the Ithaca area, and welcome!