FishTax

This is great info, thank you!

I'm far from an expert, but from what I've gathered in recent research, hummingbird seems to have the best side imaging (mega side imaging), Garmin seems to have the best forward facing live imaging. If not looking at the highest end of those, it seems all brands are pretty competitive. Another thing to note is whether you want one that networks to an additional unit or not. For my kayak, I don't, but if I had a boat I'd personally be thinking long term about a technology platform I could continue adding to.

I'm looking to buy a helix 7 MSI. Currently $100 off at academy is the best deal I can find. This is my first time buying electronics, should I wait and expect a big discount for Black Friday somewhere? Felt like they were on sale a lot last year but I didn't know what I was looking at until recently after some research.

I have braid on 1 spinning and 1 casting rod, the rest I've moved back to mono. I hate floro and hate leaders. Agree with kiss strategy. I also hate wasting money so I'll use up the supplies I have before going to something else.

On kayak- Choco in warm weather (water temp warm bc I get wet at launch), waterproof hiking boots in cold temp. I've been known to wear Crocs as well, but my last pair warped so bad I couldn't wear them again when they were drying in the sun so that turned me off to them.

Congrats! I love a good jig bite, one of my favorite lures!

I've fished high Rock. Haven't been to the river but was just discussing with a friend. You may could get a Jon boat with a jet in there but nothing more than that.. Kayak would be better. Not sure about this time of year but I think it could be productive area

Following up to see if you figured this out? I'm considering buying the same unit for my Kayak, just not the network version as I only need 1 screen. Are you liking this unit now that you've had it a few months?

Rifle season starts Saturday here. Just fyi. I was just telling someone yesterday I'm scared to be on the water on opening day because it sounds like I'm in the middle of a gun range on a Saturday on my lake. Maybe I need to find some other lakes with less hunters in the area during this time of year.

I'm hoping to upgrade my sonar this year so that I can actually see what's happening in that muddy water a little better. Otherwise I'll just be tossing jigs, worms various ways, and spinner bait, trying to find a pattern as usual. I wonder if one of those underwater camera deals would allow you to find out if the dirty water is only surface level?

I dress for air temp, bring spare clothes, and hug the bank. If I go over it's likely I can stand in the water I'm in, or an a 1 min swim from it. I carry fire supplies as well but don't at a scenario of needing that where I fish. But better to be over prepared. I may add some hot hands to my dry bag this year, I think that'd be a great addition. Oh, I also don't stand to fish when it's cold. Not worth the risk. It'd be really hard to go in if I'm not standing. I think I'd have to get hit by a boat, and there'd be worse things than cold water in that scenario.

Awesome! What was the pattern when you were out? I feel like it changes daily this time of year.

I have the same one and totally agree with your notes here. I'm 35 and think it's heavy. I put it in my truck bed but would love a trailer. It's not unmanageable but it's certainly not light. My only complaint you didn't say was I hate the rod holder under the seat, blocks access for storing other things. I love the pedal drive. I rigged a trolling motor to run where the rudder sits and ended up just going back to the pedal drive and rudder system because it works so well and I can do it all day without getting tired. I don't know how anyone can kayak without instant reverse. I use it non-stop. Very stable, overall awesome kayak!

I have an aging old town 106 pdl and the under seat design is terrible. They put these rod holder things in there that essentially block your storage options, very frustrating. I'd love to be able to just put 2 3700s under the seat and take off but poor design prevents it. I'm going to check out some of these products you all have mentioned and see if any of them solve my storage issues.. Also need to reconfigure battery as it's contributing to my issues with where I rigged it behind the seat.

Just fyi the water at high Rock yesterday was 60 even though air temp was 30. I've heard many people say it's the water temp that matters most, which certainly makes sense. I've never been to Belews but have always wanted to try it. Please post a report after your trip! My theory this time of year is that smaller lakes are easier because you have less area to search when looking for the bait. I'm in your back yard basically, and I always seem to have success around points and pockets in our local lakes. Shaky head or jig on points will almost always pull at least 1 decent bass on mackintosh. On a hot water lake like Belews, I have no idea what may work. Good luck!

I've been interested in visiting there for a while, maybe I'll make it in 2024. I hit High Rock yesterday on a frigid morning by NC standards. Never got a great bite going but did catch a few. I plan to go back in spring, the yadkin chain definitely has some bigs in it and I plan to get one in 24!

I have one box, and just pile them in. I like to live life on the edge. I try to stack them by type, like brush jigs separate from swim, but that's about it.

I use the app or shop online. Go to fishing section, don't be too specific on filters because they generally mark things incorrectly on a regular basis and you'll miss good deals. Mark the box for available in store, whatever that's called, and then start scrolling. I will often times find things for great prices. If it ends up not available in store (curbside, who wants to walk in?), usually it'll offer to ship for free. Great way to get soft plastics cheap, and a few other things.

When this happens to me, I'll go out with a minimal setup (2 rods, no electronics) on kayak and focus on enjoying being outside more than fishing. No pressure, no expectation to catch anything. Maybe only throw a worm that day. That seems to help me, but everyone is different. Nothing wrong with taking a break either, will probably help the budget if you do, especially as we approach black friday. I've already got a list of stuff I don't need that I'm going to get

Shaky head June bug Jig black and blue Ned with half senko

I may be able to swing a trip with a Jon boat rental as well if schedules align. I have trolling motor we can use on it, you're also welcome to borrow the motor while you're in the area as I rarely use it now that I kayak most of the time. Shoot me a pm about dates you'll be here, etc. Tons of places in the area that rent Jon boats, probably 8 within 30 min of my house. You'll have to bring your own spinner baits, I don't have many 😎 . If it works out maybe you can show me what I've been missing on the spinner baits, I'm more of a jig guy especially in winter.

Caught this 5 pounder on 12/30/22 in NC. One side of the lake had thin ice on top so I had to go the other way, but it was closer to sixty degrees and sunny when I caught it off a lay down in direct sun, mid afternoon. I love winter fishing in NC on those warm days we always get intermittently.

Sorry to hear that, It's a tough lake with a lot of pressure, and has definitely forced me to be a better angler. I get skunked there regularly and am sure with it being your first trip it was tough. I like to throw shaky head on points, jig on lay downs, and rage swimmer in water deeper then 10'. There so much I'm not confident in like cranks and Carolina rig that would probably do better than what I throw, which is what keeps me coming back and learning and developing my skills further.

Bring life jacket. They provide seat cushion.

I'm having issues today with it being slow and not loading any images on the site. Anyone else?