Smirak

US Army 93-04. USAF 05-14. Served a few combat tours overseas. Screwed up mentally and physically now and have been retired/disabled for about 3 years now. 100% service connected disabled through the VA and disabled according to the SS Administration. When people thank me for my service, I’ve tried to respond in a way that’s more than just “thank you.” A good one I heard recently was “my honor”. I think I’m gonna start using that now. As an aside, please, please, please…if you see a Vietnam vet, please tell them welcome home. They were screwed so badly that they had to change into civilian clothes before coming back into the US. One vet said to me one day “you too” to which I replied “thank you, but we were given all of your welcome homes”

Well, not only is it multicolored, it’s colored camo. That way, the fish can’t see it. 😂😂

It’s nearly always on sale at academy. It’s the only braid I throw. Like $15-16 for a 200yd spool. And if it even matters, it comes with maybe 5-10’ of 20lb flouro leader.

I have an SLX DC. I had two, but ones at the bottom of the TN River…I like it, but I find myself still thumbing a little bit. I guess that’s just because that’s what I’ve always done. I had purchased a Curado dc, but honestly, to me, it wasn’t worth the extra $70 over the mgl, so that’s what I have instead. Took the DC back.

I didn’t fish out of it, but yes, I have tested the stability. It’s the same exact model as the SS127 only 2 ft shorter. Width is the same. My SS127 is VERY stable… I stand up fishing in mine very frequently. I do sit a good bit but that’s because I’m lazy (and thanks to the army have a crap knee).

I know you said you wanted opinions from those that have upgraded, but I’ve never been a rule follower. A few observations from my boat. I paddle an SS127. I would NEVER think of putting it on top of a car, but that’s me. Naked, the thing is like 78lbs. I don’t use a trailer, but transport in the back of my truck. Transport ready, it’s like 90 (anchor, blackpack pro, etc…). I would seriously consider looking at the SSS107. I don’t have experience with the other brands, but… The differences lie in the front and back area. The main “standing/fishing cockpit” is nearly identical in size as the SS127. I wanted the longer boat for stability and tracking, but honestly, I’ve paddled the 107 of a friends and do not notice any difference. As for the Nucanoe unlimited, that thing is really nice. I was over at KBF headquarters a week or so ago and Chad was showing me the boat. I was going to take it for a quick spin in the river, but ran out of time. He seems to really like it.

Look up the reciprocity laws. For example, I can fish the Georgia side of the chattahoochee (sp?) river but am an Alabama resident. There’s a few more border rivers like the elk river up in N Alabama where I live that border Alabama and TN. I can fish Pickwick lake in MS. And if I want to, I can fish three states in one on the TN river (MS, AL, TN)

So…read a few weeks back that the 110s and such were usually cheaper at JDM shops, but you have to pay shipping. 1) most of the shops I found were out of stock. Is this normal and I need to keep checking back? 2) does anyone have a “break even” point for when the price + shipping is better than USD? For example, it would benefit me if I bought 10 at a time? thanks, kevin

I’ve used a nocqua for a couple years now. I’ve run a striker 4 and a hook reveal 9 and never had any problems. I don’t fish all day, but…

Never come on this board!!! started as a bagger at a grocery chain in HS. Drank my way out of college, joined the army, went back to college, grad school, Iraq, and finally home. During that time frame, when I was working civilian life, I was in supply chain. The last job I held was as director of supply chain for a major spacecraft supplier. I recently “retired” from work and draw 100% disability through the VA and disability through SS. I now fish, umpire baseball and woodwork…

FishUSA has EVO ChatterBait a on sale for $7.99

Depending on how “small/compact” you want, the Plano edge terminal box is pretty good. It’s a 3700 thin.

That rage hawk in the lake whatever color with the pink “claws” looks killer. It looks like WR with some pink claws…

Didn’t purchase anything, but was driving back to N Alabama from the Atlanta area, and my truck veered off the road in Acworth. I figured since I had already veered off the road, I might as well stop by Bass Pro and see what people are throwing at Lake Acworth… it appears not much when you drive by the lake on I75 and realize it has to be down some 20’. Any local Georgians confirming that?

Where are you guys buying spare spools? I need a couple of Shimano, lees and Diawa. When I search, most of the results I get are for bearing upgrades… thanks!

I used one for just a bit, then turned it into a regular box. The issue I had is that they are a hair longer than a typical 3700. Made my blackpack pro a little “bulgy”. I still have my edge terminal tackle boxes, but honestly moved away from them for the $8 triple latch academy house brand boxes…

I ran a striker 4 last year. This year I upgraded to a hook reveal 9. My eyes thank me.

Any ideas of best places there to fish?

Indeed there are. I have a new grandbaby at my daughters house, so my trip advice was pretty selfish to begin with 😂😂

Where do you fish? I can’t remember if you’re east or west TN. I’m assuming the TnRiver stands for the TN River, which leads me to the Knoxville/Chattanooga area? East side? I’m much closer to Chattanooga than Dale Hollow. Wife works in Knoxville some, so I’m going to try some places there next time she has to travel…

I heard that about the river (trout). I want to get on some smallmouth. I’ve never caught one and am itching to do so.

Wondering if anyone here kayak fishes Dale hollow. My daughter lives fairly close and I want to make it there this year. Also center hill lake and candy fork river.

No pics, but ugly. Just got a new lexa 300 to throw some larger swim baits with. Took it to a lake Friday and started adjusting it. Well, slam - biggest I’ve seen. Finally get it all undone without having to cut it, but by the time I got to the spool, I had to cut it because it had somehow wrapped itself around and tied itself in a knot. This took a good 45mins. I had tied on a 6th sense 6” trace. It was hanging in the water the whole time. Once the hour or so was up, I started reeling in. And about 5’ from the bank, I got hung up. Nah, that ain’t happening son…rolled up the pants legs and waded out and got my lure. Was fortunate enough to be throwing on a 7’10” so I had that reach advantage…

No drift fly. Was actually looking for those…

This was in Cullman, AL. The picture above has too many teeth…