Darren.

Why did I read this thread? Now I feel an urge to send my CH50e to DVT for upgrades...but the kids need presents first. Perhaps a "to do" item for 2014 since I added a swept Hawg Tech handle to the 50 this season.

Avid spinning rod... Yo-Zuri Hybrid... Fat Ika (though I only have 1 pack, and have some left, hasn't been as productive as I'd wanted it to be)

I have always tried to be friendly in suggesting a search, while in the same reply offering an answer/opinion to the topic at hand. I've found the search function invaluable, while at the same time, not always bullet-proof helpful. Early on (and sometimes even now), I was a little trepidatious to ask certain questions because there's always "that guy" who will make you feel like an idiot because you didn't look before you leapt. Now I pretty much ignore that sort of response.

Welcome aboard!

Fantastic! Congrats to you and the one who actually did all the work

Well deserved, IMO, and totally agree. Has to win a second ring...

Welcome aboard!

I've never bought soft plastics of ebay, but I've bought line, reels, rods there. That said, tis the season for overstockbaits to be offering lots of softies for cheaps!

If I had the $$ laying around, I'd probably opt for a Daiwa T3 at TW given the sale... Red or yellow, that's another decision to make That said, you *might* be able to find even a Shimano Chronarch on eBay for in the neighborhood of your $150 number. I picked my 50e up for a tad more $$ than the $150, but dang if I haven't been happy with the purchase!!

A typical spinning rod will do fine. It is simply a closed-face reel that rides under the rod like a spinning reel rather than on top. So a spinning rod that feels right to him (or you), should do fine. For crappie, I'd suggest an Ultra Light, Light, or even Medium Light spinning rod in whatever length he likes. Crappie specific rods tend to be a lot longer, but not absolutely necessary for the task at hand.

Texas + Cold & Uncomfortable DOES NOT garner one sympathy from those of us where it is actually cold and uncomfortable. And yes, it is cold and uncomfy down here in SE Virginia right about now.

Not sure if it matters, OE, but based on everything I've read, and photo comparisons I've seen, the Tatula will be quite a bit larger than the 50. I was looking at the Tatula (and the R) but when I saw a side by side comparison with the Lexa, I was a bit put off. That said, both my Chronarch 50e and Lexa fit my hands perfectly, with the 50e probably a bit moreso.

Doesn't look too bad to me. I like the current model best, the muscular lines are more...muscular, to my eyes. Will have to see if the 2015 grows on me when I see 'em on the road.

Everyone's got great advice so far! I'll add one more that I've not seen, or maybe I skipped over it: 1) think outside the box (i.e., big does not always catch big bass; why not rig that thing backwards, or change orientation of the bait; etc.) 2) be patient 3) goes with 2, slow down

When my house is empty (i.e., boys in college and with jobs), I'll try to convince my wife to either let me go, or go with me. It's on my bucket list. Although, by that time, I bet the 8-10 pounders will be too smart to be caught. That'd be just my luck. 00mod, A-Jay, you, and the rest will have ruined it for me, LOL.

Yeah, and how about those guys who go to Lake Baccarac in Mexico and show all the 8-10 pound bass they catch every. single. day.

I will!!

Got mine for my Chronarch 50e! Installed it as soon as I had a free moment. Went fishing the next day. Nice to have a slightly faster retrieve now over the stock handle, not that is is much, but it was around 28-29" after the swept handle install in a non-scientific test. While I had nary a bite that day, the retrieve was just fine. Think I'll be able to give a better opinion when the bass here are going after what I'm throwin'...

Agree with tomustang to read the feedback of the seller. The deal looks pretty darn good, and may very well be an awesome deal, especially if it is free shipping to an airport!! Yaks cost a lot to ship otherwise. Personally, I try not to buy from any ebay seller that has a rating under 99.7%. That's me. You're about to drop a lot of cash and want to be sure the seller is straight up and honest. That said, the Ride is a great yak from those I know who have/have had one.

Max weight of the yak is up to your lifting capability, and since you lift, you should be able to handle a heavier yak But as others have said, if you can try out the yaks you listed, that's your best route. Even if you can't test them in water, see if a store will let you sit in them. I sat in several, including Commanders, and liked the convex pontoons of the Native Ultimate better. But that's me. You may like the concave (coming into the boat rather than down and into the water) pontoons on the Commander. The Ride is a fine yak, as are a number of yaks on the market today, including the Native Slayer, which is an Ultimate but with scupper holes... Very personal decision a yak. Only you are the best decider of what will work for you.

Sick. In the way kids say "sick"... as in awesome.

Whether this matters or not, and it is just my experience, bedding bass are not a guaranteed catch. Sometimes they're impossible to entice with a succulent worm or jig, or whatever.

Congrats!! I remember my first bass on dropshot. And one of my boys will always remember his. When I was teaching him how to drop shot, I had him toss it off the end of a dock, his very first drop shot cast, mind you, and he caught a 4 pound bass. Will never forget that.

Consider also the fact that there are probably hundreds of bedding bass that you cannot see that'll remain on their nests protecting thousands of spawnlings. This has been discussed on the forums a number of times, and the pendulum swings both ways. I for one will fish spawning bass, but I'll be careful to CPR (Catch, Photograph, Release) ASAP.