J Francho

80 gallon livewells? Try 30.

We've always just used a drop shot for that, even before it was called a "drop shot."

Hmmm. Split grips. In the late 80s early 90s, there was a shortage of good cork. It was also around this time "trigger sticks" became popular, over pistol grips. I recall Daiwa being the first to delete the cork foregrip, using a small plastic locking fore grip, and splitting the rear grip in order to reduce the amount of cork used, keeping cost down. This was in their green line and the silver tournament line. I would not have known anything about what custom builders were doing then, but that is my first recollection of split grips.

I've done my share of donating.

Right? It's not just boats either. Almost every small engine device I've owned, I've had to add better hose clamps to the fuel lines. There's either nothing, just interference fit, or some lame clip.

Should have named it James Taylor. That way, when you call it's name, it will come running to you.

This is the Compass, their light, simple standup model. That new Outback is a sweet rig. I agree, Hobie has upped the game, and while I own a Bullet bass boat, I prefer the kayak to that lately. Haven't had the Bullet out in over a year.

For your own use? I don't see why not.

It's a rig I will never bother with. It doesn't solve any fishing problem, is not a new presentation, and only presents more complication to a rig I already use and works well for me. Buuuuut, try it, and let us know how you did.

It's the Winn Grips. They add to the cost to produce. BTW @bayvalle which Hobie are you rocking? Here's mine

You're right about this, but there's a couple that can accommodate a pistol grip. There's also a few rods that feature a shorter rear grips, with kayak anglers in mind. FOr example, Mojo Yak series.

Why would you try anything you've never had success with in a tournament?

Try either out - you never know what you'll prefer. Great idea about linking back to older threads! I do that a lot, when answering questions, instead of retyping things already said.

Sears always made good stuff.

That is exactly how a Jika rig works.

Wiping or whipping? If the latter, then no. I don't find the extra length is an advantage, and it can make controlling a fish near the boat in a seated position a little awkward. Also, I usually stand when kayak fishing, and use a tip down presentation. As for old topics, the OP's question was asked and answered. Typical forum decorum would be to open a new thread if posing a new question. By asking a new thread, it's seen as thread jacking. It's not a big deal, and not really against any rules. It's more of an online etiquette thing.

Fourscore and seven years ago... Out of what you listed, I'd use this rod for flukes. I'd prefer something shorter, though.

Put some perch stripes on that, and I can go feed the pike! Seriously though, you got some skills. Beautiful paint!

Small topwater and jerkbaits, inline spinners, lighter bent arm spinnerbaits. They'd probably be nice for Slider heads as well.

I have several micro guide rods, including a custom spiral wrapped build. One is a 7'3" heavy jig rod (production, not custom) and there is no way 50# braid and a 12# leader are passing through with issues. Sometimes the normal guides get "sticky" when pulling line out to make a pitch, but casting is fine. Not so with micros. I don't see them as ground breaking as everyone makes them out to be, and prefer to use gear that works for me. What works for you might be different. I know I'm not the only one that dislikes them, and I'm willing to offer a friendly counterpoint. I REALLY want to like the Avid X line - I have like 20 or more regular Avids, and love those. Just can't get on board with the micros.

Trolling for bass is a good technique on large waters. We'd troll Lake Ontario with cranks, at depths where we found smallmouth previously. If we caught three on a pass, it was anchor up time, and drop tubes.

I like a sensitive, moderate action, graphite rod for cranking. With crankbaits, it's all about running into things, if you really want to use them effectively. If you're hauling water, you're doing it wrong. I'm not saying you won't get bit, it's just not the best way to go. With a graphite rod, I can feel what the bait is doing, when it runs into cover like weeds, dock pilings, or laydowns. I can tell what the bottom composition is. When the bait makes contact, I can adjust my retrieve quicker, based on what I feel. Can you do that with an Ugly Stik? I don't know. It's been a few decades since I used one.

Not for bass. They work well for walleye.

On my home made rigs, I go up to an ounce and a half trolling pencil weight. Since the weight is usually in their mouth, it isn't an issue. I'd compare it to a heavy, flipping jig. I think you're right about the rigs with the longer, rigid wire with a heavy weight, though.

That's cool. I had a Fish Lo-K-tor. I still like a flasher, and I'm glad there's still the RTS view on modern units. That's as close to a flasher these days.