Darren.

Nice review!

I prefer short rods, and I'm between 5'6" and 5'7" but it's primarily because of my kayaking preference. Shorter rods are more accurate for me, and better for the areas I fish. Short is also relative. 5'9" is probably my fav length for yak fishing, though I normally carry 6'6" rods today because that's all I can get Carbonlites in for the actions I prefer. One of my boys who loves saltwater fishing uses a 7 foot rod with no problems at all.

For me, rigging my yak is a constant thing. I almost consider it a hobby now, LOL. I'm always looking for better ways to maximize my fishing experience. I'll stare at my kayak and let my brain go a stormin' on making it better. Lots of fun. Reaching around to the back is not a real issue -- since I've dropped a few pounds, it is even easier!

Salute! Welcome aboard!

4" Senko/knock-off 4.75" Zoom Finesse Worm

First, welcome to BassResource! Second. I'm going with Shimano any day of the week. Have had great success with their reels.

Nice, A-Jay. Have you used 8-strand braid like PP SS8? And if so, comparison?

Same here. I pick up several rods and carefully look them over in BPS for straight guides, etc.

Congrats! I'm going to guess 4lbs 3oz.

Ditto fly's sentiments re: standing below waterline, etc. The one thing I preferred about the Ultimate over the Commander was the Ultimates pontoons are opposite, going into the water - which to me was/is more comfy. You may feel differently. But these are amazingly stable boats.

Chris, they're both excellent rods, very light, plenty strong. I own black and white in spinning and casting and find myself picking up the white models more often than black. Why? I'm not 100% sure, but I *think* the white models are a tad more crisp than the black. I've got a Chronarch 50e on a black and one on a white. The black is a ML, the white is a MH. Clearly the ML is for lighter stuff, but I can throw almost the same stuff on my MH. Spinning - both are M and both have Stradic FI 1000 reels. Consider if buying new, that suppose your black one breaks and you take it in under warranty for a swap. You'll get a white one in return...

Congrats to the little guy!

Welcome aboard, Sam!

Welcome aboard! I'd go for 2 combos.

Shimano Sedona Shimano Sahara Shimano Symetre Daiwa Lexa

Got "chased off" local reservoir on Sunday by a park Ranger who told me there was thunder/lightning in the area. My youngest and I quickly obliged and got to shore as fast as my trolling motor could haul our two yaks. Thanked the Ranger for the warning.... Really appreciated him finding us and warning us. Actually the first time I've ever seen them do that.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Have to say that I've never used a kayak-specific rod. My Carbonlites have longer handles than some, but I simply adjust to them. That said, i've considered cutting my CLs a little shorter in the butt end so I don't bump my PFD so often. But i'm probably not gonna do it and void the warranty. I just adapt.

Braid mainline on all my setups. Leader tied to every one anywhere from 6-15 lb test line. Love it! So my vote is "leader"!

Wacky. Almost all the time. Something takes the bait. Could be a skunk, but most of the time it is a fish!

Welcome aboard!

Fantastic catches! Well done!

Nice!

Welcome to the forums!