Darren.

Happens to all of us at one time or other... Just ask a mod to move it to Introductions for ya. They're pretty cool that way.

When I use it, it's a Garmin Echo 100... Would prefer to get a DSI type, want to see if anyone knows about Garmin's new 151dv model.

Welcome aboard!

No way I can compare to that!! That's amazing! Kinda like those guys who fish 2lb test for sailfish.... I'm thinking it was a 6lb bass on 6lb test line a few years back.

The unis will grow on ya. No biggie. Things change...

Looks good. I don't use a crate anymore, but it's a nice job you've done.

First, welcome to the forums! Second, it's a fine starter yak. I have a Pelican angler yak, but I did upgrade -- based on my needs, wants, available funds -- to a Native Ultimate 12. You may use your yak for years without needing to upgrade.

Yes.

One more "no" to the question. By far easiest to manage. Fantastic choice, IMO.

I'd get the yellow for safety. The one I bought from Bass Pro was only in a desert sand color... But there are so many people who yak fish in brightly colored kayaks, a much bigger "distraction" if color was to be a distraction. I'd go for visibility, personally.

Wow. Big kitty.

Ah. You know, I decided to make my own via some pix online. Was pretty easy, and with the Norman Speed Clip idea, I'll only need one split ring and can swap out different weights for different depths/presentations.

So the white box line was not Seaguar, was it Toray? I like the white box, now might have to try the yellow. But I don't really need it yet, so might pass until the next sale.

That's not a bad idea. I need to see if I have any Norman Speed Clips left... Hootie, I just started using the Jika this past 6 months or so. Caught a number of bass, but plan to use it more this year. In some ways I like it better than the TX rig, although they're different enough in action. It has a place in my arsenal now.

Those days when everything just seems to work against you. Wind, knots, waves, hang ups, etc.

Looks good. And sounds like it needs a good break in. If it came with schematics, it may have oil points on it. I don't know, as I've not done that with mine... You could also take it in to BPS and tell them it feels rough. When I bought my Stradics, they opened several boxes for me and I tested each one and chose the best feeling. My 2000 was perfect out of the box, still smooth and quiet.

Welcome aboard!

I fish wacky *a lot*. Personal opinion here, I like Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse the best of all the hooks I've tried, which is a number of brands. I do like the Owner wacky hooks, but the beaked bend of the hook is not my favorite. I still use them on occasion, though. Weedless hooks, I've tied my own, used Owner, Gammy, Hayabusa, others, and prefer Gammy's the most. Size-wise, and for a 5" worm, I use anything from 2 to 2/0. I've used them all with 5" senkos and caught on all sizes. Not sure which provides the best hookup as I've not journaled that, but I'd suspect 1-2/0.

I can speak for the Premier, it's a good rod. The Triumph is a fine rod, too, but that's based on me handling them in-store, not on the water. Doubt you'd really go wrong either way, though the Premier is a step up for worm techniques, IMO.

Whoever called that an "ultra light" combo was nuts! That's my reel of choice (next to the Lexa), same braid test, but I normally use heavier leader, tho go down to 6 at times.

Don't feel down. We were 73 here in VA yesterday, but got sleet, ice, then snow today We'll be at 60 by Saturday, so the forecast predicts.

I agree with the "it depends" votes. More is not always better, nor is it equal to quality. Just my .02.

Waiting for the rod trade-in, myself....

Welcome aboard, Mike!

Welcome aboard!