J Francho

Different tech features have their own value to individual users. Having both a bass boat and kayak with SI/DI capable units, I don't use the SI as much on my bass boat, simply because I'm going too fast moving from spot to spot. It's when I'm in the kayak I notice more when moving from spot to spot, and often find new spots. To your point, I'm picking apart the area more by using the kayak. If it isn't as valuable to you or anyone else, matter little. We're just relaying our personal experiences to the OP, who can then form their own opinion.

Please report back, whatever your findings are

I've had several boats, ranging from 16' semi-v tiller utility boat, to a 22' Bullet w/ Merc Racing 2.5L. My favorite by far was my 18' Xpress w/115 Merc.

On SML during an Elite event, I watched Rojas skip a frog around where skipping was totally unnecessary for getting the bait out there. I asked him, and he said it was part of the demonstration. More attractive than just a plop in their face. He did pretty well that weekend, and it caused me skip just about anything that was skippable, like senkos, traps, sammies, and frogs.

The beauty of kayak fishing is when ever you're moving, your at scanning speed, so you might as well have the capability, and there's always time to progress in your interpretation abilities. No matter how short a trip I'm making, there's usually at least 45-60 minutes of paddling time. Make it productive.

I'd agree with the SI statement. I also use DI side by side with chirp a lot too. The whole SI not working in a kayak is a myth.

You need to fish the Finger Lakes. Just sayin'... ?

These are what I'd use: https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/products/flash-gill-swim-jig

We don't hit.

Usually pretty steep drops to about 20'. Most often, I'd cast parallel to the depth contour I want to fish. A 3/4 oz. bait flies a mile with an average side arm sling.

3 up and 1 down.

A 24v trolling motor would be higher on my list than a modest increase in HP. If I could have both, that's definitely preferred.

Always. Though I have an Okuma and a couple Pinnacles that do fine as well.

Because my M/XF rods handle it just fine.

I'm not too fancy - any 6-8 to 6-10 M/XF rod will do that will throw close to 3/4 oz. Just don't over do it on the back cast. You're not usually casting very far anyway.

Looks like rw moved it. Moderator discretion, but in general if it's not bass related, it falls here regardless of if the topic is for a boat, line, rod, reel, lures, or the other species. Those sections above are bass specific.

There's a big time hollow frog bite up here once the nights start getting cool.

For the most part, I'm looking for a chunky, rounded head, 3/4 oz., no trailer to slow the fall, and will down size the blades to reduce lift. There's always a lot of contact with the bottom, and you'll lose some in the rocks, but that is one of my bread and butter presentations, especially in clear lakes.

I used to use a bead a lot. Last several years, I use a jika rig instead, so no bead.

It really is a difference in how you mount the system, not which system you choose. I prefer YakAttack and RAM rail mount options over anything else I've tried.

I have been interested in this line as well, but haven't been able to try it. I've been using Invisx, Tatsu, and Blue label leader for years and recently added Gold label leader. They all perform excellent. The "trout" I fish for are not little.

Plano Liqua Bait is what you're looking for. There's a wallet system that works really well.

I'd be dying at this point.