J Francho

Seems like a typical trolling motor would be a more economic, cleaner, and simpler solution.

If you like SC, there's also the Premier line. There are two 6' models for $130 and a 5' 6" pistol grip for $140.

If you're happy with Fireline Crystal, stick with it. You already know what to expect, and it has performed well for you. I used for a few years, 14# for trout, and I liked it.

Super Flukes, in whatever color you like. I go for some natural color. Main difference in rigging is to use a 2/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap, and nose hook it.

That PFD looks well thought out.

I prefer to use Daiwa with Magforce (any flavor). I use very little spool tension, and high brakes. If I'm using a centrifugal system, then I don't really change it at all, and rely on my thumb a little more. I suppose I adjust per reel.

He was referring to fishwizzard's post about his preference. He was asking if he was shorter. I'm only 5-7, and I think I know what he means, though it doesn't bother me. I have a Commander 140 as my main kayak, and sit on the captains perch or stand most of the time.

This has been debated ad nauseum already. The debate is moot, and always arguable. You can find many other threads that cover this topic already.

I've caught some nice lakers through the ice, and many as accidental by-catch, fishing for smallmouth. Nothing as monstrous as that thing Dwight is (barely) holding up!

For general purpose casting, I've been using 15# Invisx. On my vertical drop shot rods, I have 6# Tatsu. For cranking, and finesse casting 10# Tatsu. For leader material Seaguar blue label.

I've switched to pretty much all two handed casting due to shoulder and elbow strain. Sometimes, it's a little as just touching the butt grip with my left hand while do a little bait twirl to launch a bait a short distance. pitching and flipping is still a one hand on the rod affair. I've gotten pretty efficient with the process, and my palm hand is back on the reel before the bait hits the water.

Daiwa. You have to be VERY careful that this gets seated properly.

Dress sensibly, and please be careful out there!

^^^ Butt cushion truth!

What's there to have fun about? Between those two, PowerPro. There's many other brands as well. Most 4 carrier braids are over designed, and you'll be using a breaking strength that far exceeds what you need. So, really any "50 lb. braid" will do, because you're only likely to 20% of the line's capabilities.

275 lbs. capacity.

You'll be adding your own battle scars in short order. Don't sweat the superficial stuff.

Any decent 12-15# mono or copolymer line will be fine until you're familiar and well practiced with a baitcaster.

I like an inflatable in warmer months. I use a hydrostatic model By Mustang. It has never gone off in the rain. All auto inflatable jackets have a manual rip cord. I've submerged mine three times, and it never failed. My passive PFD is a Stolquist Angler model. It has a high back to accommodate fishing seated. Front storage pockets flip out, and act like utility trays. If you're going to take multiple rods, I recommend at least one more holder location than the number of rods you're carrying. It's convenient to have an extra spot to stash the rod while unhooking the fish. A good setup is a crate with 3 vertical holders, opposite your predominant casting side, mounted on a milk crate for tackle storage. Then two up front on either side, fore enough to reachable, but out of the way. The fish finder is not a must, but nice to have, if you are going to venture off shore. If you're just fishing creeks and shallow ponds, it may not be as useful. Congrats on the new vessel, and stay safe.

That was me, heh.

No pitching a tent either.

Not on my watch.

-35° Wind Chill tomorrow. Ten minutes of exposure = frostbite.