Darren.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Cool looking hook...

Bills baby! C'mon Coach Sean McDermott!! No more Rex n' Rob show!! Yeah, Super Bowl dreams still alive. Dreams, I said, dreams!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Daniel!

Welcome aboard!

You should make this the official Ned Rig Update thread So let me give mine! Got out for a couple hours, wind out of the west, then it changed to NNW... No bite on spinnerbait, dropshot, wacky, or Texas. But good ol' Ned got me three, including a nice 2.89# fighting machine. I lost a really nice one, too, didn't keep it under pressure. Almost changed from a ML to a M rod because of that, but I stuck with the ML. So first trip with Ned gets an A. Not quite an A+ yet, but close.

Welcome aboard, Mark!

Love it. Been a fantastic ride. It is lighter than a standard yak since it's a hybrid, so hull isn't doubled, but the downside is it lacks scupper holes, so it can get water over sides during big swells/wind. I really like the FX models. If I were in the market today, and didn't have the $$ for a Pro Angler, I'd strongly consider an FX or a Slayer.

Nothing to be ashamed of with an inflatable! As for length, there's a reason 10' yaks are still being sold!! They sell! Even Native made a 10' version of the Slayer Propel because people want a smaller version! No big deal. As they say, different strokes for different folks.... But as for the Malibu, you could ask one of those guys on the lake next time if you could take their yak for a short spin - and do so within 50 feet unless he says have at it. Just get a feel for it, and when you test standing, do it right near shore.

James- I started out with a 10' kayak, and we still have it. I think it is fine for a starter, and even a permanent if it is what you like. Eventually, I wanted standing stability and decided to upgrade to a Native Ultimate 12. Now there are 10' kayaks you can stand in, there weren't when I bought mine. Also found the 10 got cramped with gear, but that's a matter of whether I took too much with me. And that answer is "yes". Use a crate and you'll have a maneuverable fishing system. Upgrade later if you feel you need more room. Oh, and have you tested this Malibu yet?

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

I do not, but the Slayer is a great kayak. Has a good following. Native is a smaller player on the market than Wilderness Systems, but they make great yaks. The Slayer was basically modeled after the Ultimate, but with scupper holes, etc. So it's a little deeper than a typical SOT, but super stable. I'd strongly consider one in the future if I couldn't afford a Hobie Pro Angler

Sounds like a rod you can learn to baitcaster-skip with. Should load up well with a 5" senko or such bait for dock skipping, drop shot, and lighter bait techniques. Otherwise, I agree with @RoLo. You say you regret buying it, so that says a lot. Can always try to sell it on the Flea Market.

Welcome aboard!

Well said! Loaded with truth. I, too, want to have fun when on the water, hence, have minimized what I take, and what I buy anymore. Though the baitmonkey does still jump on my back, it is far less than before.

Sorry to hear. Link doesn't let me see his FB page...

"Yet to master" .... I resemble that remark...

Nice job, little man! And how about that! A wacky rig! Hey @A-Jay!!

You can go either way. If they're biting w/o a leader then your fine going straight braid. I'd start there, with caveats. If they only bite with a leader on, then you can really use whatever length you want. I personally use somewhere around the length of two full arm stretches. But not always. Point is, there's no hard/fast rule as to leader length. Use what seems best in your mind. My caveat to going straight braid is that it can be an expensive buy and I want to keep it on my reel for as long as possible. This is a main reason I always use a leader. I can do multiple hook reties during an outing and never cut into my braided mainline except to tie a new leader.

I use 20# Power Pro on my baitcaster, regular version. I have no digging issues, though it is a distinct possibility given the smaller diameter. That said, being aware of that issue and taking measures to avoid it (like pulling off a measure of line after a snag or big fish fight) will help alleviate the issue. This is how I roll with 20#.

Welcome back!