Darren.

When I bought my yak, and ever since, I get a discount on in-store products. I got a 15% discount on the paddle. Maybe your store offers something similar? You'll want something fairly light. Fiberglass is light, but carbon is lighter. I bought an AquaBound Hybrid Manta Ray paddle. When you buy one, raise your hand straight up and curl your fingers at the second knuckle over the top of the paddle. That's a perfect length. However, if your Slayer is a little wider, you may want the next size up. The new AquaBound (and other brands) are offering multiple adjustments for sizes, so that's an option, as well.

You can stop posting pictures now. I can't afford a new yak. But seriously. It looks awesome. You are gonna have a great time in it.

Because braid is expensive, using a leader line means you don't cut off as much braid when you need to retie. Among other reasons. That's enough for me.

Welcome aboard!

Awesome! You'll love it. I've got the Native Ultimate 12. Great yaks, to be sure. I've eyed the Slayer, despite having no money for a new yak...LOL.

Welcome aboard, Brian!

The other option - or AN other option you have is to use a duo-lock style fast clip. Many pros, and many of us amateurs use them for quick changing of lures. Remove the split ring off the lure and hook lure directly to the clip. And you can use a simple palomar to tie on the clip, plenty of saliva as you cinch down the knot. As well, be sure to check your line after you catch a fish, or get snagged, come over structure, etc. I lost a beast of a bass (including my rattle trap) due to not retying to the clip. I felt it, decided to cast out instead of retie and lost a possible PB bass. Live and learn.

Welcome aboard, Matt!

Welcome aboard, Jay!

Welcome aboard, John!

Welcome aboard, Nathan!

Welcome aboard!

Normally, this is the case for me, too. I get more fish per Stik-O than Senko. But this week has been different. One bass per Stik-O this week. The bass from just under a pound to around 3 were hitting so hard they'd kill the worm in one stroke. But hey, a nice trade off. I'd lose a bait to forego a skunky day!

Yeah, it isn't just bank fishing where this happens, it's out on the water whether in a kayak, a float tube, a bass boat or whatever. There are inconsiderate jerks everywhere, sad to say. My wife has me muzzled (for the most part). Wants me to keep my cool and move on, just in case good 'ol Jerk-o-Saurus is packing. No reason to rile the doofus. Move one, live another day, LOL. Now the fact my wife doesn't fish with me is another matter. She appears in my head when these things happens and reminds me whatever is at stake isn't worth it. Sure does irritate the fire outta me, though (the jerky attitudes, that is, not my wife!! )

Awesome, Tom. I have been fishing traps this week and got a huge bass on a rip out of weeds. Unfortunately I didn't re-tie when I knew I should have, and she tossed, turned, and jumped just off the kayak and the 15lb line broke. At least I saw her. She was big.

Those are AWESOME! Love 'em, want one. But I have 4 boys that would also want one, so I probably shouldn't say anything. The less they know, the better. That would also help me buy fishing gear I don't really need, but also won't have to explain why I didn't buy them these sabres. LOL.

Congrats and welcome to the yak club! I'll be no help as far as buying racks and such. I'm a DIY guy for the most part... But now that I have a truck, I no longer worry about racks and such.

Totally agree there is still a market for these rods. I'd think somewhere in the marketing and KVD-ing of the industry longer rods became favored for casting distance, etc. I was very bummed when Shimano killed the variety for "technique-specific" rods. The only one I think I'd buy now is a 6'5" crucial casting drop shot rod. For my uses, I don't worry too much about distance. I get plenty with what I have. And a lot of what I do is close quarter stuff and longer rods are awful for that, IMO.

Based on your avatar, you have a sit inside. That makes storage a bit different. Not sure you can use a crate or not. But as a kayak fisherman myself, tackle storage is something of a continuous search for what works best. I go from zip lock gallon bags with various bags of plastics, each zip labeled. Then I'll tire of that and move to 360 size boxes with my worms layed out in the compartments, to some other experiment. Right now I'm a mix between the two above. I have my key colors in a 360 box, and other stuff in zip locks, all stored in a tackle bag. Not sure how that would work in your situation. As I like to say, be creative, experiment and discover what works best for you.

Welcome aboard, Jim, and a salute to your service! Thank you!

Use what you have, I say. Cheaper that way. 15# Power Pro is probably as high as I'd go with spinning. I use 10#. But that is my opinion. As for a leader, you can use anything. I keep a spool box with me that has from 6-15 lb test lines some XPS fluoro, some P-line Floroclear.

I am a big fan of shorter rods. 6'6" is about the longest I like. My favorite spinning rod is a 5'9" Compre with which I am quite accurate. Can't say the same for my 6'6" spinning rod. For casting it is between my 6' and 6'6".

Welcome aboard, Chris!

Welcome aboard!

I echo all the thoughtful sentiments, Ken. All the best to you, his family and friends.