Darren.

Awesome catches!

I've commented on this in several threads. You'll get a lot of "why" and "it doesn't make sense" replies, but it does work very well so long as you use a light wire hook for easy penetration into the bass's mouth. I use this method, also learned from Gary Senft, on most of my drop shot rigs. I've caught a lot of bass and saltwater species with no losses. It really works well for me. You have to use the right stops. There are colors indicating larger line use. I use black stoppers and bought a couple packs of these off Amazon.

I've got those, too. My air horn needs replacing. I like to have multiple safety items on board. Never been necessary as I fish electric-only reservoirs, but when I'm in big water I want them handy. I stick close to shorelines, too.

When I bought my setup at Appomatox River Co here in VA, the method used to determine proper length of a paddle was for me to stand straight, lift up my arm next to a paddle and bend my fingers over it. If I could do so at the middle finger joint, it was perfect. With wider kayaks today, this doesn't always work perfectly. You don't want to be scraping the sides, esp. if you have short arms. A longer paddle will help. And as for bright paddles being a waste of time, that is an entirely subjective statement. A flag is great, but if you're standing up and not being recognized, having something else to flail could be useful since you're above the flag visibility line of sight. Pick your tool...LOL. My paddles are white. I like black, too. In fact, I'm rarely using a paddle given I motor everywhere. And those who use pedal boats are not using paddles. So yeah, a flag first for visibility, but if a paddle helps you feel safer there, then go for a hi-vis color. If they're not seeing you, blow your horn. You have one, right?

Nope. Some of mine are budding....

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

I should also add that I have done the reverse mod, too! Shortened two BPS Carbonlites from 6'6" to 6'3" by lopping 3" off the butt end. Nicer to fish from a kayak with the shorter ends.

Yes and no. I have a 6'3" MLXF Legend Tournament rod that was pretty sweet at that length. Then by stupid mistake I lopped about 3 or so inches off it. It was still sweet, but it lost more since and is a bit stiff for what I like. Still use it, but for heavier stuff. Mod'd a 6' ML rod (BPS MicroLite) to 5'9", same with a 6' ML St. Croix Premiere. That one is probably my fav rod of all now (the Premiere at 5'9").

I've used a number of attractants over the years, and the one I think you're referring to is Bang. I actually have a spray can in my kayak. I do like the stuff, but to be honest, I don't know if it ups my catch rate or not. Caught so many bass on stick baits I didn't put attractant on that I'm not sure it matters. And yes, I have used Megastrike. I do like it a lot and perhaps it really does help. I can tell you one thing, it helps slick the worm through weeds and grass!

Welcome aboard, Dustin!

You're absolutely right, that's why I couched it with "est", and "if you can't get the girth". It'll at least put it in a range. I've caught bass that did not match the chart, as well, which is why I try to always bring a scale or two. Interestingly, there are many other charts I found on the web years back when I was looking for one, that were for bass in specific states. They varied a bit from the more general one I posted (can't remember where I got it from).

Welcome aboard, Andrew!

http://www.bigindianabass.com/

Another "help" is if you can't get the girth, you can get a reasonable estimate with a measuring tape, or you can even carry a collapsible bump board like this from Frabil and Plano. They're more durable than the Hawg Trough many of us use for kayak fishing. I happen to have one of each. Get the length and est weight with the chart below. https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/frabill-expandable-bump-board-16fbluxpndblbmpbrfac/16fbluxpndblbmpbrfac?camp=CSE:DSG_pg53132_ecom_PLA_452&gclid=CjwKCAjw7tfVBRB0EiwAiSYGM3uCIiXQyun4pumk0F3wmXDgJ0SBFAJmPixp0k41_8qqK8J81AScYhoCIOMQAvD_BwE

Welcome aboard! Great advice through all the replies. Even though I don't fish out of a bass boat (kayak for me), I have always found that politeness gets the best response....

Holy cow, Brad! What a catch! Congrats, man!

He definitely has some fantastic videos. @Team9nine, has put up his series on structure fishing over the past week or so, on his site, which is where I was intro'd to Dickson.

Welcome aboard, Miro!

Hey, catching a dink means you didn't get skunked!! A great day, IMO

Welcome aboard, Larry! We've got a big Florida representation here, they'll soon chime in.

Welcome aboard! Interesting first post...would definitely help to have more information. Information is good. No information is not.

Welcome aboard! Lots of Hoosiers here that'll chime in and give you some help.

I have always wondered about bail-less reels, but never tried to fish one. Guess I need to watch a YouTube video with someone using one in order to wrap my head around it, LOL.

Welcome aboard! Love the name That's what @Sam means by not having time for a lot of research...it's still more complete than much of what the rest of us would have put up WITH a lot of research, LOL.