MAMan

I think the trout fishing has been better lately, just not in the river where I normally fish it. The water seems real low early, maybe this rain will help out. I need to get out in the kayak in a couple local lakes and look around a bit also.

It has been real slow for me around Sturbridge lately. Not much luck for bass or trout.

Thanks for the replies, sounds like I should stick with shorter rod and maybe step up to a better real. I do do know when I fish in the yak now I prefer my 6' rods overall.

Hello, I am looking to buy a baitcaster setup for using in my kayak and from shore. I was thinking an abu black max reel. I'm questioning what size rod to buy. Thought about 6' because of the kayak I like shorter, or would a 6'6 be a better choice. I'm looking for something heavier than my 6'6 mf spinning combo. Any suggestions? Looking for all around use, no real one particular lure style. Thanks

How about a Shimano Sahara FD for 79.00? Thinking of buying one myself also.

I guess I am going to buy a new spinning reel for a 6.6ft m/f action rod. My question was if anyone has either reel yet and should I spend the extra 20.00 for the Sahara?

So would you say I should stick with a spinning combo while kayaking? I didn't know if you use your baitcaster while kayaking as well? Thanks

I have been kind of thinking the same. I keep thinking about trying a baitcaster set-up, but enjoy my spinning combo. I was wondering if I should just get a 2500 size spinning reel and new rod for heavier rigs or a baitcaster. Right now it is tough because of so much vegetation and weeds. I use 6 lb yo zuri now. I also fish small lakes from my kayak as well and wondered how a baitcaster would perform in that setting!

I went out last night after the rain came thru. Wasn't getting any hits for a while. About 8:15 I put on a Jitterbug and wham. Caught a smaller bass. Next cast wham, off the hook. Well I got three, one about 16" like 6 feet in front of me. Got to love how fast they hit. Well after that I got a little too close to a chain link fence end post by the spillway. Bam, nice bent blade on my jitterbug. End of fishing with that one i guess..... But boy they were hitting it hard last night!

Forgot to mention I used a 1/4oz white and silver rooster tail for the above fish. If the rain ever stops here I hope to hit some more!

I caught a nice chain pickeral this afternoon about 20" long. Ran the drag out on my reel a bunch of times, spooled with 6lb mono. Wanted to insert a pic but it is too large, will have to resize. Caught in Sturbridge MA. Got to see how well my newer rod and reel performed with a larger fish on, nice to have a better quality set-up than in the past.

I too liked the look of the rod and bought a combo this spring. I have caught many small bass and a bunch of pickeral and pumpkinseed on it. I'm used to fishing with 6' spincasting rods so to me it seemed pretty flexible at first. Now I am used to it and fish even from a kayak with it. It has held up for me all summer so far. Hope this helps, I'm not a pro with many rods for comparasin though!

There is a small area I use to launch the yak by the spillway. I also fish from shore at the same spot for bass and pickeral. I also believe a larger boat can get into a gate near the Oxhead Tavern. I know they used to let you get thru, but not positive anymore. The last time I was on Big Alum though I saw a monster bass underneath my kayak about 10 feet from shore near some large rocks. But I suppose it didn't get that large by being stupid...lol

Thanks, I forgot to mention it is a spinning rod. I wanted something a bit stronger than regular 6 lb mono, but didn't know if 8lb was the answer. I was also thinking of the yo zuri hybrid.

I have a Tourney Trail IM7 6'6" rod. 1/4-5/8 weight med/fast. I need to respool the Skakespeare Dimension 5030 reel. I have 6 lb mono now. Any suggestions on something better for all around bass fishing. Stick with 6, or move to 8lb mono? Or any other suggestions? Thanks

Well I went to try my luck today again. Caught a bunch of pumpkinseed but thats about all. I think the trout must be down deep this time of year, and no luck with bass today either. Still a good morning though!

Thanks for the welcome, and the info. I only hooked one today but lost it about 4 feet from the kayak. Not sure what it was but it hooked probably in 12-15 feet of water. I will try again later on this week in the morning. I usually have good luck at Cedar Lake in the yak with lmb.

Went out this morning to find a geocache and fish along the way. I wondered if anyone has luck there this time of year? What do you catch? I fish from a kayak mostly.... Thanks