Darren.

Well, some people will enjoy fishing remote spots that's for sure. Crazy, but awesome at the same time.

Variety is the spice of life, they say...and variety is the spice for catching bass, too.

My most expensive gear would be my Avid rod and my two Chronarch 50e models. Next would be my two Stradic 1000FI reels.

Welcome aboard!

I read somewhere, and it could be only marketing-speak, that the closer to the reel your handle, the less torquing there is in your hand. Do I feel that? Well, perhaps if I had a swept handle the same length as the stock, it might be really noticeable. As it stands, the longer handle took a little to get used to, perhaps for fact that it was longer, and not the Shimano designed spec of 90mm. Oh, I was hoping for more inches per turn with the longer handle. I really wished Shimano made a 7:1.1 Chronarch.

The stock handle is 90mm, the Hawgtech I bought for one 50e is 102mm and the swept model. It took a little getting used to at first, and I'm actually okay switching between the two I have - one 50e is stock... The intangible for me would be overall feel of the product. Dang. I didn't think it would be this hard to put a pin on the intangible donkey tail. Tangible are the lightness and build quality. It both looks and feels good in the hands.

My nephew has caught fish. That may have worked, LOL. Family can be good bait depending on the species....

I see this is your first post here, so welcome aboard! I'll let other crank fisherfolk chime in on recommendations...

I'm going to take a guess the lassie completely ignoring my attempts to catch her off her bed was around 10-11 pounds. I caught her hubby and he weighed in somewhere in the 4+ range. The sow was impossible to get. I caught my PB off the same bed a couple years earlier, but this was easily the largest largie I've seen in my waters. As for other fish I've *seen* and failed to catch... Carp in the Oatka (between Caledonia and Scottsville, NY), were absolutely huge, probably between 20-30 pounds, and from a bridge in the same area, 36-40" northern Pike. All I can think of for now.

Welcome aboard, Tim!

John's suggestion is spot-on. I actually went with a Pelican which I bought for $300 at BJ's Wholesale Club - as my first kayak. It was rigged with rod holders, and it got my creative juices flowing as to what I really wanted in a fishing kayak. From there I moved up to a Native Ultimate 12, not pre-rigged for fishing and have made that boat my "ultimate" fishing rig. It is a blast to rig a kayak just for your preferences. I actually bought my Ultimate at the end of season for several hundred $ under full price. x2

Agreed with previous year inventory price drops. I was going to suggest the same thing once the price range came into view.

You want to make sure to give a good look-over of the BPS models if you go that route. Some of them are warped as I've been told due to thinner plastics used for hull molding. But some really like their yaks, so definitely worth a look if you're interested.

This. So many variables affect the fall rate. I actually saw the practical result with this once, by changing out the hook size, thus changing the fall rate, my catch rate increased that day.

Wow. The Curado I or Tatula of kayaks, eh? That's quite the loaded question as there are no definitive Curados that are agreed upon. That said, I'd say those reels are Above entry level.... As for kayaks in that range, you may be looking in the $700-900 range. Maybe... So give us a price range of what you want to spend on a yak and that'll help us help you more.

I can speak for the Lexa 2000 and Stradic reels. Both are excellent quality reels and worth the prices, respectively. Both can be had for less on auction sites. You definitely want to test each reel in your hands at a store if you can. By each I mean any and all suggestions you get which appeal to you. I say this because I was convinced I wanted a Pfleuger due to all the fantastic reviews I read. But once I got my hands on them I didn't like how they felt. They are fine reels by all accounts, but they just didn't do it for me. I liked the feel of Shimano reels the best. Point is our opinions are just that. To make an educated decision go hands on. Only then will you find something YOU like.

A lot will say absolutely yes. Since you have enjoyed Croix, I'd say no harm at all in upgrading to an Avid. Personally, though, I've got one Avid, but I find my BPS Carbonlites are pretty much equal IN MY HANDS sensitivty-wise.

Started out as "sometimes" and has evolved into "rarely if ever".... No big deal, though. She likes that I have a hobby and encourages me to keep doing it. I let her do her stuff, she's great with the way things work out. Except when fishing interferes with the "honey-do" list....

These are on my radar. Local kayak store has begun to carry them. Love the leverage of using your forearm.

Beside the normal staple of Stik-O, Senko, Zoom worms, I've also been having success with swim baits.

Not necessarily, but yes

Agreed. If 30" isn't enough, they make 'em longer (obviously) and if you still have trouble and want a telescopic net, you can opt for the kind carp fishermen use, up to 20+ feet: http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Landing-Nets.htm

I have, a couple times only, mashed the barb on my wacky hooks. It works, but obviously you have to keep a tight line at all times. That said, I don't often gut hook bass when wacky rigging. It does happen, especially on days where the bite is really "soft", and not detectable. But yes, it would be much easier to get the hook out of a basses gut if barbless.

Don't overthink your time on the water, enjoy it, relax, and fish.

Agreed. I've got two Chronarch 50e reels, one with a Hawgtech, the other with the stock handle. Hawgtech really does feel better.