Darren.

Welcome!

Welcome aboard, Haylie!

Here's a recent post on wacky hooks. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/121446-wacky-rig-hooks/?hl=wacky+rig#entry1328869 Also Google the topic, there's a wealth of information on it. It is my #1 go-to setup, fished both weighted and weightless. Size of the hook can depend on the size worm you're rigging. Some guys swear by big hooks, I do not, biggest I use for wacky is a 2/0 Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse. I use the same brand/style down to a size 4. Most common I use is a 1. And I have caught big bass off a size 4 on a 4" Senko. For me, Zoom Trick worms, Finesse worms and Senko-style are the best. Rig them in the middle, or if they're heavier at the head, experiment with where you place the hook. Let the worm do it's job. Wacky style lets the worm float horizontally down the water column and if the worm is a good one, it will shimmy/wiggle irresistibly to the bass. On windy days, I use a weighted wacky hook, with a weed guard. Plenty more info out there.

Nice review, RW. I have moved on from YZ Hybrid and Floroclear (for now) to XPS Fluorocarbon. 3 spools in 8, 10, and 12 lb test. So far I really like it. If this test continues to work out for me, I may eventually move up to a higher quality brand.

I use braid on all my gear, no issues like this. I always use a leader, which will add some shock absorption to the equation.

Here's an example of a great stand-and-fish yak - used: http://www.paddleva.com/new/APP02026-Wilderness-Systems-Ride-135-with-Low-Freedom-Outfitting-2013-USED-DEMO

I went out tonight (before the storms hit) and had a LOT of strikes that were telltale bluegill. Rapid hits, then nothing. As I paddled over the shallows, I could see bluegill all over the place. Mostly small ones. They were, as you say, "pecking" the surface after little bugs and such. But in my experience, there can be other species that do this, but by and large (by my experience), they are mostly bluegill.

Here's a review of the Trident 13: http://www.yakangler.com/fishing-kayak-review/106-ocean-kayak-prowler-trident-13 And here: https://www.google.com/search?q=reviews+trident+13&oq=reviews+trident+13&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.3736j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 You probably already did the search, ignore the links if so. Get's good marks, but interesting take on bass vs. surf. I'm sure it could work for you, but the price you quote is close to full retail. I'd encourage you to demo any kayaks you're interested in -- if you have a kayak retailer anywhere near. You may hate the 13 and love brand X. I love my Native Ultimate, but others don't. So my word is not what you should take. Get a kayak that is suited for YOU, that YOU like, that suits YOUR style of fishing. I settled on the Ultimate after a year with a so-so yak I picked up at a big box store. It got me on the water, I customized it, added DIY stabilizers, etc. What it taught me over the year I had it, is what I *really* wanted in a kayak. So from there I narrowed down to the Native Ultimate and the Wilderness Systems Commander. I sat in both, but preferred the Native -- and bought it. Both are great boats that you can find in the $800-1000 used range. But again, they might not be what YOU need. Just stuff to think about before you drop your hard earned $$$.

I've got some, but no, don't fish 'em right now. Haven't had any success on them.

This is good info. I too fish Senkos and knock-offs in a similar fashion. Works extremely well, but not to the tune of 48 fish in 3 days! Maybe it is the waters I fish, but I haven't met anyone that catches big numbers at our local reservoirs. (Not doubting you, just not a common thing in my waters). I normally fish this "style" wacky, or weightless TX rigging.

Then it has to be an Ultimate or Commander. I've only read reviews (a lot) of the Coosa and it sure seems a well thought out yak. Actually, from what I'm reading of reviews of the Slayer, it's an SoT Ultimate. Standing is lower to the water line, if I read correctly. Either way, there's a number of choices you have Griz, if you're willing to spend a few extra bucks.

Agree with flyfisher, up your price and the field is wide open. The Tarpon is not a stand-and-fish yak. Unless you put stabilizers on it. Even then, the cockpit is not the most conducive to foot placement. I'd definitely check your local craigslist or such to see if there are any Native Ultimates, WS Commanders in the classifieds. As well, the WS Ride and new Native Slayer are stand-and-fish yaks as are the Jackson Coosa, Cuda. But unless you find a great used deal, those will all be at least $800 give or take, used.

Very nice!

Welcome aboard, Mark!

Welcome aboard!

Agree with A-Jay! Well done!

I've become a fan of XPS (BPS) FC, and yeah, it's on sale now. I use 8, 10, and 12 lb test. Have tried a few other brands, including Seaguar Red Label, and like the XPS better. YMMV, though, so don't go by my word. Haven't tried the "expensive" FC brands like Sniper. Probably won't pull the trigger on one of those until my XPS spools are near empty. Edit: Let me add that I really like P-Line Floroclear in mist green (fluoro coated copoly). I also have spools of green Yo Zuri Hybrid, if I had to bank on which of those two I'd use, I'd give the edge to P-Line based on my experience.

Welcome aboard, Mick!

For me, several between 6 and 7 pounds. PB caught on a baitcaster. Pic in my avatar was one of the 6 pounders. Gear for that fish was a 5'9" Shimano Compre + Shimano Stradic 1000FI, 10 lb PowerPro with an 8lb leader.

Dude, everyone knows its Bait Monkey venom.

Awesome! Got a pic?

No idea the value, but current bamboo poles can be bought for under $5... Cool find.

Welcome aboard, Chris!

Welcome aboard!