Darren.

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!!!

Hi James, and welcome to the forum. I just want to give you kudos on your direction of study. Marine biology is a great field, maybe not a big-money field, but rewarding in so many ways. Good on ya, lad.

I haven't done much frogging this year. Keep forgetting to bring the right box. But I agree with Stinky that they're hitting stick baits, Zoom Trick and Finesse worms... Haven't had a spinnerbait bite at all. And I rarely throw cranks. I've thrown flukes but haven't had any luck on them. Everything has been Senko/style and the Zoom baits mentioned. As well, all have been on weighted weedless wacky rigs.

H'wood's and NNPK are my two main fisheries. If you come down this way, you might also want to hit Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg (if you haven't already). No toothy critters there, and they stocked it with Stripers back in the 70s or 80s. Never caught one myself, but the bass there are good quality. Another place is Beaver Dam Res in Gloucester...don't get up there often myself, but a solid fishery.

Nice cat for Harwood's Mill... Lots of big'uns there.

Is that last picture brown lipstick from the brown bass your son must've Jimmy Houston'd?! LOL... Awesome time, man. Always remember.

Welcome back, Josh!

TW did a great review, fair from a perspective much broader than mine, considering I only fish a few BCs. But I can say the Lexa is my favorite. It is palmable, easily adjusted, can throw light weights, has more than enough drag, built like a tank, weighs less than a tank... Paired with a Premier M 6'6" rod, I do have a rod balancing kit on the butt end which brings me a slightly tip-lite combo, which I prefer. For me, personally, the Lexa was the answer I was looking for to get a quality BC w/o breaking the bank. These days I'd rather "break my bank" on a rod than a reel especially with Lexa BC and spinning reels out there. I'm sold. Have one of both now and am super happy.