Darren.

Welcome to the forums!

Price is no object, then def the Sustains!

Assume you're just talking drop shot here? The WGF hook has become my main hook for wacky, and certain split shot situations. I haven't found it to be like a circle hook in performance -- also in actual fishing conditions.... And I use size 4, 2, and 1.

Welcome to the forum, Salbass! And congrats on the catches.

Hard to argue with the above posts. I went with the Stradic because of the spool lip design (less line twist), and reputation, and brand resale value. That said, I've been eyeing Daiwa's specs of late though I'm not in the market. I like the Air Rotor design, mechanically makes a lot of sense. They also have the Twistbuster tech, which sounds similar to what my Stradic FI has. I am not so sure the anti-twist tech is as necessary when one spools with braid for mainline, though. Could be wrong there.

Yeah. Guess there's no way these folks could put on the shows if they didn't have the money. Unless I'm in to the product being hawked, I either turn the channel or ignore. Ain't no baitmonkey gonna get me thru the TV screen. No way, man. I mean, right?

Welcome to the forums, Snitch!

I'd take a long look at the St. Croix Rage series when you go to BPS. Right at the top of your $150 range, but there's a lot of fans here. The Crucial, 6'8" model, at the same $149.99 has a good reputation. The models in between would include the Shimano Compre, TFO rods, St. Croix Premier's, Abu Veritas, etc. I own Compres, but am likely to move to St. Croix rods in the future as I've got a Premier and it's really wowed me.

Nice paint jobs!

Agreed. Picked up one of these at DSG yesterday and saw the micro guides. Decent feeling rod for the money.

Congrats, Jeff! Nice chunks you caught there.

Welcome, Andrew! Nice to have you on board.

Using J Francho's terms: Primarily, I fish cover from my kayak. I am determined to learn to fish structure better at my local reservoirs. I need to find better topo maps, as well as learning to read my el cheapo depth finder. Would love a Lowrance DSI, but that's maybe a few years, or a lottery win, away LOL.

Welcome to BR!

Went to one of our DSG's yesterday, picked up a Strike King football jig for 20% off. The sale is on, but a bit subdued.

Yeah out of range. His budget tops at $900.

Correct. I was merely saying there are stable kayaks in his price range.

I got my Ultimate 12, end of year sale, for $849, not including PFD (already had), or paddle (didn't need, but bought new one)....

On a 7.1:1 Quantum Accurist, 6' M power rod. Always tie on a leader, fwiw. Caught my 7.5lb PB on it last year. This one happens to be spooled with 10lb Fireline, so 4lb diameter. But still thin... My Lexa is spooled with 20 lb Power Pro.

12.28 lbs. That's a beast!

Could be a spool tension and break thing going on. I use 10 and 20 lb braid on two bait casters and don't experience problems you describe.

I agree with flyfisher. I own the Native Ultimate and love the stability, storage, etc. A hybrid, too, without scuppers. Not an issue to me, and I've fished some choppy waters. If it matters to have scuppers, then by all means go for it. Another yak to consider is the Moken Angler. A number of reviews on the web. It can be stood in to fish, has a built in wheel for portage. I looked at one before I went with my Ultimate 12.

My bc's are 7.1:1, I use them for everything, just change my reeling cadence if needed. Like the rapid retrieve when I want to bring it in fast. Actually, do have a 6.4:1 but hardly ever use it.

If there was a possibility that I had a state record, I'd like to have it verified, certified, etc. Bass Pro is close enough that the fish could, if handled properly, plenty of O2, etc., be released in their tank. I was told a local fisherman caught an 11+ pounder out of Harwood's Mill, had it certified at a local shop, but in the transport to BPS, the fish died. Not sure it was taken care of in the process. If one wants to CPR the fish, then by all means! I don't eat bass, strictly CPR for me, so if there was a way to keep it alive and certify it, I'd do it.

First, welcome, Adam. I hear what you're saying. Some are definitely comfortable compared to others. My Shimano Compre rods are some of the most comfortable rods I own. Love the cork, the diameter of the handle, and the notched out spot for my index finger. I suppose it is a "to each his/her own" type of thing. Perhaps it is something gotten used to.