Jrob78

Get a video of it in the water if you can.

Awesome bait, there is no waiting list though. You have to join the Huddleston mailing list and they will send you an email when they open sales for the 68. They've been doing it once every 2 or 3 months here lately. They just had a 68 sale a couple of days ago, so it might be awhile before they do it again.

It depends on the bait. I try to buy at least 2 of everything. If it's a proven bait that I know I will use a lot, I might have 4 or 5 of them. To help offset the quantity of baits I carry, I try to limit myself to just a few colors that will cover all water conditions.

What hooks did you put on them? Jerkbaits are very sensitive to weight change, especially balsa baits. Going to a lighter wire hook might be an option. I'm not sure that changing the split rings will make enough difference.

I'm waiting for the Type R to be released before I buy one. It has a lighter spool, which should help it cast lighter baits better.

Awesome HPH! I should have gotten on the waiting list.

I finally got a chance to check out the Tatula at BPS tonight. I came away very impressed. The reel felt solid and the crank was very smooth. I also like the new knobs on the Tatula. There's only so much you can judge in the store but the reel seemed like a great bargain at $150.

What kind of hook are you using? An EWG hook is generally going to be the easiest to rig straight and weedless.

I'm a big fan of CX too. I've tried many different lines but like you, always come back to CX for my non fluoro needs.

I like the Bio-Silk a lot. I mix it with regular silicone, I think it adds a little more life to jigs.

The Bio-Silk looks like regular silicone and is the same basic size as regular silicone. It isn't really anything like the flatline rubber as the strands are much thinner. The Bio-Silk does behave like rubber in the water though.

These are fun, count me in. Pm sent

If you're really serious about about cleaning your bearings, get an ultra sonic cleaner. If your bearings are really gunked up with grease, soaking alone probably isn't going to get them completely clean. I bought my cleaner on the auction site, it was right around $125 and works great. I know they make some cheaper ones ($20-$30) but I've never used them and don't know how well they work.

That's a good idea.

I would never use a swivel on a crankbait. You can use a snap if you want or tie direct to the split ring. Either should allow the crankbait to swim freely. My favorite shallow flat sided crankbaits are mostly wooden, aside from those, the Lucky Craft KJ Flat is a really good one.

I like just about any color with "green pumpkin" in the name.

They actually apologized in today's email for the long wait on that last batch. I've ordered from 4 or 5 different 68 releases and have never had a long wait. I think they are usually pretty good about getting the baits out quickly.

The Advantage reels are great work horse type reels. I have a HSTA that I absolutely love. Even though it is wide, it palms nicely. My work horse reels are Zillions and E Series Curados. If I had to choose one reel though, it would be a Daiwa Fuego. It gets used on just about every trip.

To me, flat sided crankbaits and longer, shad style baits usually have a tighter wobble. I like bulbous square bills for a wide wobble bait.

You have a solid budget, that should get you something really nice. I paddle a Ride 135 and like it a lot. Don't forget to put some back for at least a paddle and pfd to get started.

This model is very popular with kayak fisherman, I know several guys that run the Elite 4X.

You need to go to Mariner Sails in Dallas. They have everything you need. My buddy carries his kayak on his little Kia hatchback with no roof rails. There are several different systems that will work for you. Also, I believe Academy carries the Perception Pescador, that is probably about the best bang for your buck on a less expensive new yak. Like gallowaypt said though, you can find some smoking deals on used boats if you're patient. That website I mentioned earlier has a "classifieds" section in the kayak forum, start there.

Yeah, I just meant braid has a longer usable life span. I've had braid on reels for 2 years before, I wouldn't do that with fluoro.

There are a lot of reasons to spool with straight fluoro. Fluoro sinks so it isn't effected by wind. You don't get bows in your line, which helps you stay in better contact with your bait. Bite detection is better on a slack line. Fuoro stretches so you're less likely to tear hooks out. It bowls down to what you prefer though. Fluoro can also be a pain to deal with and you have to respool more often.

I see your in TX. You should check out the TX Fishing Forum. It has a kayak section with 100s' of DFW area kayakers and info on how to demo yaks locally. By all means read what you find here too.