Darren.

Haven't had that problem on my 100...

Left me a little confused, too. At first glance, it doesn't seem too well thought through.

Welcome aboard, Doug!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome! Do use the search feature and pop some of your questions in there. A LOT of material has already been asked and discussed. But ask away if you can't find what you're looking for.

Well, really depends on what I'm doing. If I'm throwing soft plastics (which I do mostly), I'm tying knots. If I'm doing long-pole fishing (bottom fishing, float fishing, etc.) or throwing lures, I like to tie on a snap - not a snap swivel. Snaps allow for quick changes and I've not found them to get in the way of catching fish, especially when live-baiting. In shore saltwater, a little of both.

You know, the flea market and clearance sales at places like Dick's Sporting Goods usually offer even better deals on "$100" rods. I scored a $110 St. Croix Premier casting rod at DSG for $54 in the clearance rack! Talk about a great deal. If I were looking at brand new, Shimano Compre because of the OTC warranty. Hard to beat walking into your local BPS with a busted Shimano rod and have them tell you to pick out a replacement...

Welcome back!

Hi Johnny - since you're new, stop by the introductions forum and say hi! Are you looking to buy pre-made stabilizers or make your own? A couple of Scotty rod holders, some PVC and lobster pot buoys will make a fine stabilizer pair. That's how I used to rig my canoe, but now I've got a kayak that is stable enough to stand in.

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Welcome aboard, Walt!

Welcome aboard, AJ!

For $300, you will have to look at a big box store, or Craig's List. My first was about $350 from a big box store. Within a year I upgraded to a Native Ultimate 12. You should be able to find a decent sit on top (SoT) on the used market, for what you want to do. Otherwise, to get a real fishing yak, you'll need to save your $$. Also keep in mind you will need a decent PFD (life vest) and paddle. Believe me when I tell you, the paddle that came with my $350 yak was heavy and awful to paddle with. Pooped me out so fast it wasn't even funny. Now I have a graphite paddle. Much better. Just a couple things to think about. Others will chime in with more advice.

Wow, Jay, that's awesome! Congrats!

To each his/her own 95% (give or take) of my fishing is with soft plastics like Senkos, or Zoom Finesse/Trick worms. For me it is an "It Just Works" sort of thing. Fishing is a hobby, I don't tournament fish, if I did, I'd probably venture out into other lures.

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Welcome aboard, five!

Mosquito is a good hook, sticky point. My favorites for wacky are the Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse in anywhere from a size 4 up to a 2/0. I'm normally favor small-hooks for the light wire and easy hookset penetration. That said, I bought some 6" worms and decided to try a 2/0 Weedless Wide Gap Finesse (Gammy) hooks. First time using a wacky hook that big. Works fine. Other thing - and this is me - I don't like hooks that have a "beak", where they point slightly inward toward the shank. I feel I have lost a lot of fish with this style (typically Owners). The Gammy hooks I use do not have this feature. As for making a worm last longer, try buying some shrink wrap from Home Depot or Lowes, cut a short section and slide it over the worm and hook through that. Can't remember the size off-hand, whether it's 1/4" or 1/2" all depends on the worms you're using.

Welcome! Yet Another Virginian!

Welcome aboard, Eddie!

Welcome aboard, Dean!

Sweeeet.

Welcome aboard, Gavin! Never too young, or too old to learn, and this is a great place to get in on the bass game!

Agree with you that undoing braid backlashes is easier than non-braid. I love the sensitivity, and I've recently switched over to XPS Fluorocarbon leaders and wow, I have been amazed at the difference (increase) in sensitivity over copoly leaders like YZH and P-Line...