J Francho

Interesting idea. I'm not sure we have that kind of revenue coming in.

Agreed, it's EXTREMELY useful up front. Getting a side scan of a dock is a huge advantage. I see something under there, and I'm really gonna tear that dock apart.

Nonsense. Take it back.

Usually, that's from fishing them too fast.

Who wouldn't!

I have an endless supply of lakes within an hour of me. However, not too many offer up smallmouth fishing like Great Lakes.

In fact, in warmer water, they have to eat more, because they're cold blooded animals, and with increased body temps comes increased metabolism.

We have several long running threads, like years old. What I have a problem with is digging up an old thread to ask a new question. I'll often split that off into a new topic, since long time members that might have good input might pass up that thread because it's old. But if the response relevant, or a follow up, have at it man!

My point is....trolling sure as heck beats searching an endless desert of lake to no avail. I can't think of too many times I've been skunked when using this technique. Plus, you never know what you might catch. Jacob had two big lakers on, simply trolling with his kayak, and it didn't take him long. Meanwhile, I made about ten thousand casts to scrape two bass.

The dock Out of the family open bow runabout 17' canoe 16' rowboat My father's 17' 1962 Penn Yan "Woody" Jet ski 15' Sea Nymph deep-V tiller 17' Sea Nymph deep-V tiller OK PBG kayak 18' Xpress bass boat 22' Bullet bass boat 14' Wildy Commander 12' Hobie Compass Add in all the various boats I've been either fishing with buddies, or as a co-angler in team format tournaments. Not all were bass boats. I think my favorite is my friend's 16.5' Lund tiller.

It's taught me to thoroughly dissect a spot, much in the vain of Bill Murphy. It's not as difficult, or time consuming as you'd think. And, I'm often surprised by how many fish are in a spot. I've been experimenting with reversing the Mirage drive, as well. Basically, paddling in, giving them a flick when needed. It's not 100% easy, and you do need one hand free to do it, but it takes seconds. The 180 system is easier (I've used it), but Hobie kept the price target at $2000, and 180 would have meant making a sacrifice somewhere else (probably the seat, which is great).

Anchor

That's because I'm a dummy. It's COSMIC. https://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Cosmic-Double-Colorado-Spinnerbait-486.htm Sorry about that!

It was a known issue back when Rapala acquired them. Who knows now, I just don't trust them anymore. Out of the package, you need to put a slight bend where the wire comes out of the weighted head, like 20°. After that, they're good to go.

I forgot it once, fishing with @clayton86. That's when I discovered my auto bilge pump setup pumped it as fast as it came in.

Watch the video. I love it. Recently installed an anchor trolley, and the Marine Mat. Very maneuverable, light weight, sleek, stable hull, simple, wide, comfortable seat. My only complaint is that I'd want another 8" hatch standard up front. It can be added easily, though. I don't see this as an issue to look out for in any current models. The Drive are is VERY beefy on the Compass.

I've never really found a 10' that I enjoyed. There was just no room for anything, and they seemed like a toy. There's a TON of options once you step into that 12' realm. And not all are heavy, so keep an eye on that spec. My Compass (12') is 68 lbs. without the seat and drive. My Commander 140 (14') is 65 lbs. Contrast that with other boats I've had, like a 13' Prowler Big Game that was over 80 lbs. Bottom line, we can tell you OUR favorite boat, but you won't really know until you get some seat time. Test drives are a must if your shelling out for a purpose built fishing kayak.

Hobie has the Mirage Drive 180; see video below. It is indeed patented. This looks to be a carbon copy of the original Mirage Drive that is on my Hobie Compass. So much for "We are world leaders in the design and manufacture of kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats." I wonder how their drive system will hold up. They're not known for making super durable boats. At any rate, I wish them luck with their release. At $1500, it's awfully close to the price point of the Compass. I haven't found the lack of reverse a problem, but I'm not often fishing close to shorelines. I have experimented with reversing the drive system and it works for times you're getting blow into shore. You don't even need to sit down, just grab one of the pedals and give a couple of flicks, whether forward or reversed. One of the other advantages is the the low profile the drive system has when pedals are angled away from each other. Here is a pic of my Compass, beached, drive system still intact. Next, a video featuring myself.

http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html I think it's small/medium size.

Jeez, get better!

Does this include Field & Stream as well?

This kid is pre-approved for a mortgage, and house shopping. Crazy.

Popmax, Rage Craw on a Jika punch rig, Flick Shake wacky jig, Crosstail Shad on a drop shot, any deep crank.

Nice to see you back. Time flies!

In NY, it you'd incur the wrath of hell if it was any trout species.