Darren.

Good haul!

Welcome, James!

Welcome aboard!

Wow! Really nice catches! Congrats on her PB.

Interesting. You mention they are shallow-cruising. In my experience, they tend to bite when annoyed rather than other reasons. And even then, they can ignore but bump into your baits, which if you're not sight-fishing, may feel like a bite. I did this yesterday, watched two HUGE ladies do nothing but "bump" into my line (over and over) which lifted the weight-end of my line. They never took. Now my son managed to irritate the male enough to get him to strike (and catch)! So that said, are you watching the bass take the bait? Normally, I just reel down and lift. But like WRB said, bedders can reject the worm very fast, instant sets are needed -- but by instant, do the same, except keep tight line and lift. Don't rip the hook out... Bottom line, if they're "nipping" as you say, they're not engulfing your bait (typical bedding behavior). Can be an extremely frustrating waiting game. Sometimes you just have to move on to keep your sanity...

Nice catches!

Welcome, Keenan!

I have not had any problems with split shots putting a weak spot in my line. But in order to ensure that, I only squeeze them between my fingers, tight enough to stay in place, but not TOO tight. That said, I absolutely LOVE the Bull-Shot weights by Water Gremlin. They're bullets, but crimp-on. Fish it slow. As for baits, Crestliner is right, about any worm will do. Let me suggest a few others, Yamaminnows, Tiny Flukes, etc. I like to fish twitching the line up, making the weight rise/fall. Imagine a baitfish going after bait...

Wow, that's slick!

Good deal for the price. I like the Lexa a lot, but I think you'll be happy with your order for the $$.

Happened to find one of the stabilizers while cleaning up the shed today:

Stabilizers are also relatively easy to build. Parts: Scotty rod holders (2) Lobster pot buoys (4) PVC pipe - that fits in the buoys. Dowels to snugly fit inside the PVC I'll post pix of what I used to use when I can find them. I don't need stabilizers anymore with my Native Ultimate, so I cannibalized the parts for other stuff.

Light is relative What you may want instead, is a good kayak and build a simple trolley to haul it. Simple set of parts from Home Depot, and wheels from Norther Tool. Like this:

Shimano 50e, Lexa 100 as well (I have and do throw light TX rigs, can throw a weightless 4 or 5" Senko on mine - not exceedingly far, but far enough to get it where I want it)...

Welcome, Michael!

Welcome to the forums, Andy!

Welcome to the forums, Mike!

I am very much a DIY guy, but on the shallow-water anchor, I opted to drop $75 on a 7' Stick-It Anchor Pin. Excellent investment, IMHO. HOWEVER!!! I just found out that some guys are using golf ball retriever sticks for anchor pins. For one thing, they are light weight, retractable, and when you cut off the ball retrieving end, you have an aluminum point to jam into muck and stuff. A great idea. As for a cart, I spent a lot of time on this project and ended up with, what I consider, the absolute best cart ever 12" wheels from Northern Tool. 1/2" Zinc-coated steel rod. 3/4" reinforced washer hose (black) from Home Depot, some grey PVC, and a boat V for trailers. This setup traverses any terrain, adjusts to roots and such and keeps you in a straight line. Pics below:

Wow! Congrats on the win! The adventure begins!!

Ah well, Jimmy Houston would still be proud of the lad!

I agree, pretty nice uniforms. Would like to see the Bills get upgraded, too...

Then maybe you and I need to have a meet up at WM. My success has been limited, used to have a yearly launch permit for the place, but haven't fished it in over a year.

He's got speed, and chops, for sure. But, Tommy Emmanuel, not quite. Great player, tho!!!