Darren.

Nice tip.

Only problem with a thru-hull mount is water temp. I made a retractable mount for mine with some square aluminum tubing. But I actually take the depth finder less and less these days... Usually doesn't matter what kind of shape transducer. There are plenty of DIY mounting links on the web. Get your finder, the. Worry about the mounting. And I agree with fly, and did it myself, using the yak for a while and then customizing it. In fact, I've done it a second time, even further simplifying my setup. It is a fun process all around.

Welcome aboard! Nice hawg in your pic...

Maybe try a TX rig, cast it out and reel it slowly back trying to determine the type of terrain, objects you are bumping into. Kind of a game to focus on bumps, logs, weeds... Tough for someone with Red Bull flowing thru the veins

Plenty of good recommendations. Shimano is hard to beat for quality spinning reels. I own two Stradic FI reels, they're excellent. But I've also become a HUGE fan of Daiwa's Lexa spinning (and casting) reels. For the money, they are incredibly smooth, and in your budget. Try to get your hands on one at a Bass Pro so you can compare reels side-by-side. As for rods, take your pick. Many available in your price range. St. Croix, Shimano, Abu, etc. I will probably buy Croix rods from here on, but I own Shimano Compre's and really like them. Hard to go wrong with Shimano's lifetime warranty on most of their rods. St. Croix Avid would be my choice, and if you buy a Lexa for $115 via ebay, your budget will allow you to buy a $180 Avid. Well worth the money, IMHO. A MXF 6'6" or 6'8" will be a formidably sensitive rod.

Well then, a belated welcome, Norm!

Welcome aboard, Preston!

Keep on posting. You make some beautiful jigs, man.

If you are young, definitely have an adult help you out with a cover letter. Difficult to understand what you are trying to say.

And as far as keeping position, you can use a chain anchor to "drag" the bottom to hold you in relative position. An anchor trolley will work, but if you go that route, consider one on both sides. I am going to install one on the other side of my yak. A trolling motor will help, but is not the end-all solution. And fly is right, check your state regulations. I had to register my kayak here in VA, about $16 for 2 years. I also use a stake-out pole, 7' long (Stick-It) and swear by it...well worth the money I spent on it. http://www.stickitanchorpins.com/

Well... If you need to get places, cover a lot of water, keep your arms from falling off, trolling motor. Depth finder second. I use my trolling motor on my kayak far more than I use my depth finder. 2 cents.

Sometimes you can throw your entire tackle box at spawning bass and they won't bite a single thing. Texas rigging is great, either weighted, or weightless, but also try wacky rigging the worms. Make sure you slow down on soft plastics. Not knowing how you fish them, you may be moving them too fast, not letting them sit long enough... 2 cents...

Awesome day! Well done, and a PB to boot!

I've gone back and forth from zip locks to zip lock BPS bags, and now back to 360-size tackle boxes. And I like BPS boxes because they're better for worms, IMO. I put my boxes inside a big box which I stick under the seat of my Native Ultimate 12. So far it works better than putting worm bags in bags....

Well said, Hanover!

Welcome to the forums, Lucas!

Loads of ticks. We've got dogs, we've got 4 boys who love the outdoors and take the dogs with them. So ticks are a part of life here. One of my boys has a reaction to the tick bites, bee bites, etc., but nothing too severe. We've caught any lyme (target-like red rings) quickly and all treated with antibiotics, nothing severe so far.

Good stuff. I went out today as well, the wind was awful. Stalked four beds, but the bass were supremely stubborn and refused any and everything I threw at them. Didn't fare as well as you, caught a smaller bass, maybe 3/4 pounder. But the wind just kept getting worse and changed directions at least three times making what were lovely still coves, frustrating....

Well, as an owner of two Shimano Stradics, I will recommend the ... Daiwa Lexa 2000SH. Not trying to sound like a Daiwa schill, but dang, this is easily as smooth as my stradics, if not moreso. I'm super impressed. Over ebay you can find it for $100-110.... .02 Lots of great reels out there. I'm just really impressed with Diawa's entire Lexa line.

As an owner of a Native Ultimate 12, I am also a big fan of the Hobie Pro Angler 12. If I had a spare ~$3k I'd quite likely buy the PA12 over any other yak on the market. But I still love my NU12. It is a heck of a kayak, and infinitely customizable. Owners of the PA 12 will tell you that you can flutter the fins in shallow water and move around just fine. Standing is easy. With my Native Ultimate 12, standing is also easy. The boat is extremely stable. I stand in it all the time. I often stand and paddle to get a vantage into the water. It is much lighter than the PA12. The NU12 is similar to the Wilderness Systems Commander. They are all great, stable yaks. If you can get some sit-in time at a local kayak shop up in the DC area, you will be the better for it. You might be surprised what you fall in love with.

x2

Don't do it!! Just kidding. All I know is your expenses will go up, taxes, trailer registration, gas, blah blah blah. But seriously, if I could afford one, I'd have one, if for nothing else than to take the family out on the water for skiing, fishing, and general fun.

Welcome Tartan! You'll really enjoy the learning bit. I would start in the articles section, lots of great info there. Personally, I'd graduate you to the wacky rig. It is easy, fun, and catches fish. Rather than lay it out here, just search for "wacky" in the forums and start reading

Fantastic beasts there, Zurg. Awesome start to the year.

Very fun day! Nice vid, Hanover.