Darren.

I only use leaders connected my braided mainline. Normally that means one of three brands: 1) P-Line Floroclear - mist green (fluorocarbon-coated copoly) anywhere from 6-15 pound test 2) Yo-Zuri Hyrbid - green - 8-15 pound test 3) XPS fluorocarbon - 8-12 pound test The 15 pound YZHybrid is crazy strong, and even a 6-foot leader has curls in it even after fishing it for a while. It is good, strong stuff. Of all, probably P-Line Floroclear is my favorite. I think their "green" blends into the water better than Yo-Zuri's "green".

Welcome!

Welcome aboard!

I mostly fish alone, so I'll vote this. But I enjoy hitting the water with a buddy yak-angler when the opportunity arises.

Very interesting. Island/latino/etc. Cool instrument.

Welcome aboard!

Fantastic info from everyone. I agree with most all of it. I'm actually starting to debate with myself the necessity of a paddle leash, as fly mentioned, it's another thing to get caught/tangled in. After a weird situation tonight, I almost lost my brand new Chronarch 50e and BPS Carbonlite rod if it weren't for my other rod's jitterbug hooking the braid and saving it from Davy Jones' locker. Point is that it caused me to re-evaluate my current kayak layout (something I've put a LOT of time into). I hate leashes to anything. This is the first time I almost lost a rod/reel combo in my yak. This event didn't make me think I needed rod floats or rod leashes. On the contrary, I want less around me to hook onto, accidentally knock over, etc. Whether or not I can figure out the particulars is an entirely different matter. Ramble over. 1) Always wear your PFD 2) Always let someone know your whereabouts 3) Get a Lifeproof case + Lifeproof Lifevest if you have an iPhone 4) Know how to get in your yak following a capsize 5) Be smart, know the weather ahead of time as best you can, and always cast an eye to the sky for cloud changes, etc. 6) Carry a knife or knives. I carry two. One sheathed on the back of my yak seat, the other Spyderco is hooked on my PFD.

Welcome aboard, Zack!

Welcome aboard!

I've been using Strike King RE Shad with the Lazer Trokar hooks, and boy do I like it. The fall is fantastic...heck, everything about it is fantastic so far. Also use Cotton Cordell, Rat-L-Traps. Eyed some Excaliber at DSGs the other day. Great paint job and price.

If you have the time and patience, check out Craigslist or local adverts for kayaks in your area. Sometimes there are excellent kayaks (over $1000) that sell for far less. Otherwise, you can also visit any local kayak stores and ask what they have in the demo area (like scratch-n-dent). Not sure why I'm suggesting used other than some really nice yaks can be had for used dollars. Otherwise, what do you want to do? Stand and fish, or planning on sitting and fishing. Standing limits your choices unless you add stabilizers. Bass pro has some really nice offerings that fall under $700. My Native Ultimate was a previous-year model and just a little more than your target. The Ultimates retail in the $1000 range. FWIW.

Haven't fished either of these, but by looking at the two, I like the layout of the D10T better for fishing. Not a big fan of the foot stops in the Perception. My old yak had something similar...

Welcome aboard, Danny!

Welcome aboard!

BEAST! Awesome, man!

6'6" MF Carbonlite - current model, casting. Paired with a Chronarch 50e, light, excellent feel. Only problem. One of our dogs (10 month old lab, knucklehead but we love her) stepped on the tip yesterday, broke about 4" off the top. Grrrrr.

Well done!

Welcome aboard!

The line-to-leader knot, if tied well, should hold up until you need to change the leader. That's been my experience. I'll use a uni-to-uni, and an Albright - 7 up, 4-7 back down. Moisten, tighten, clip ends, FISH!!

Interesting, if not common, topic. I have XPS fluoro, and I'm a guy who only uses it as leader material. Mostly I use P-Line Floroclear (fluoro-coated line) and love the stuff. I find pure fluoro a little finicky. I have confidence and then I don't. Glad I spool with braid and use leaders. Easy to change a leader out than it is to respool a reel.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Boone!

Welcome aboard, Wayne!

Chronarch 50e - I've got two. Fantastically smooth. Excellent reels. Curado I looks good, as well, but I've not used. Chose another 50e over the I when I was in the market for another.