VolFan

I always tell people who are getting into kayaking to go abuse the stability of their boat in a controlled environment so that they know what it really is, and they know what it feels like to fall out, especially in cold water. Its like a sledgehammer to the chest and then swimming in cement.

If you havent paddled one properly set up, I cant help you. The Frontier 12 paddles great for sit on top with it's stability, and fishes like a plastic bassboat. Never had a problem mounting ram mounts on the rails for fish finders - but I dont be cause I like a clean deck for my dry fly fishing ?. Not sure what you want for hull access - the front hatch is huge.

1. Cal's is the bees' knees. 2. I think the better reel services (cough...dvt..cough) have a feel for optimum performance when putting them back together. There's a sweet spot for every gear, bearing, and screw, and I think only experience can find it every time. 3. Drive it like you stole it...and then get the next one.

Hudd 68 (not weedless), 7" Slammer, and Deps 175 or SWaver and you will catch fish as long as you know how to fish. If you're not sure, fish the slammer at night on windblown shorelines and grasslines. Go ahead and burn your wallet. CXX in 17 lb for those baits btw.

Im going to tske some flack for this - but many of these things are so far from why I got into kayak fishing that it loses me. My Nucanoe, that I could put an outboard on - weighs in at 70+ pounds. I can carry it and car top it. All of the wiring and add-ons and weight just turn these into small bassboats, not as much the simplicity and mobility that I love about kayaking. I also only fish dry flies...? PS - If you're not in a Nucanoe, you're not in the best yak.

The only thing you're missing is the boat...just wasting time now - let's start looking at colors and options.

Sign the check bud - sounds like you're in.

I think it's a very impressive boat - the only drawbacks I would see are gas consumption on it and your tow vehicle, and nimbleness in close to rocks/shore/shallow water. But you should darn near be able to cross the Atlantic in that thing.

A Curado 300E or 200/300D would be an easy get and a tank for what you're asking.

I have been driving a '06 4Runner with the small V-8 (4.7?) in it for 11 years now. Have replaced the suspension and a few odds and ends from normal wear and tear, but its a great all-around vehicle for fishing, lighter towing, and road trips with family and dog. I may have it forever.

I send mine to DVT every coupke years for a teardown. I think they're pretty indestructable.

I love my Shimano 200 Ds. And they can be used as a club or paperweight in a ponch.

I would put a Tatula reel on a Tatula rod or Curado on a Curado on a Curado and spend rest on quality supporting tackle/gear. You can pick how high end you go somewhat in both categories

I would buy the one in better shape, with the better motor.

Nucanue Frontier 12 and Pursuit - I love the huge deck space, and the ability to take my son along. The F12 is the most versatile boat out there. They can be heavy sometimes.

Ive done plenty of business from custom rods to reel service/upgrade to buying jigs and spinnerbaits - never a problem. His communication and advice is second to none.

Have you consedered Jordan near Raleigh?

I have a few swimbaits in the $150-200 range, and a bunch in the $50-100 range. I used to think it was ridiculous, but then i got on a Slammer bite.

I fish with my nine soon to be ten year old out of my Nucanoe Frontier 12. I also fish with my wife (age not determined) out of it. I have fished with both once as well. Stability is not a problem. It truly works great and is far more stable than any canoe I've been on. It also fishes great solo. It is not a bassboat, so obviously there is limited space and you must watch your backcast, but it has been a blast to fish lakes and rivers with my son in it.

Best reel service and jigs you will ever have - great stuff!

Your happy medium is probably a medium. ? If you really want to surf fish and panfish with it, get a 7'6".

Cool bait - looks similar to a Billed Shellcracker - is it wood or resin?

I have the HF trailer and use it for two Nucanoes with a rack that took about $20 and 30 min to make. Plenty of room for three, and i can fit up to 6 properly positioned. People also buy inexpensive ladder racks for truck beds and use those - its a cleaner look than mine, and i think the HF version is $60.

That should cast just fine once its dialed in - the real question is: how is the toast?

That is very true, but I have personally seen more than one fish out of Denver and Boulder reservoirs that were weighed on accurate but not certified scales that were over 8 lbs., of both species. Most of the larger reservoirs get trout stockings and the large bass will actually school on the plants, in some lakes mixed in with 10 lb+ wipers and sometimes walleye. Truly some unique fisheries. (But thanks for the verifiable fact-check ?)