Darren.

Why not spool up your spinning reel with 10 or 15 lb braid, then fish leaders rather than straight spooling with FC....? Eliminate line issues that way, and you can buy a spool of the Sunline and use it sparingly (i.e., as leader only). That way it'll last a very long time depending on your leader length and number of times you have to change it.

So many options to choose from in that price range. Curious as to why you didn't pick a St. Croix Premier for $10 more than the Mojo? I'd pick a Premier if that were an option. If money is an option, the Triumph is a decent rod, sure to keep you and the CFO on good terms

Totally agree with RW on this. Think simple. I've spent a lot of money over the years on multiple techniques. The technique I've settled on today is "finesse", as in lighter line, smaller baits. You can finesse a 2oz jig, but that's not what I'm talking about. I don't fish tourneys, I fish because I love to. I learned that I didn't need an entire toolbox, or golf bag, of tools/clubs in order to enjoy the sport. I primarily use two spinning rods and one baitcasting setup. I have more, but don't need or use them. I catch fish. I use soft plastics because they work for me. You don't have to break the bank to enjoy the sport. When you see a dude on TV doing a dramatic hookset on an awesome baitcasting setup with a big ol' spinnerbait (etc), don't imagine that is you. Resist what we call the baitmonkey :-). There are times I will even drop back to ultimate simplicity and fish long poles with no reel. Just a length of line, a slip float, hooks, and live worms.

Quite true. I mentioned it for the "hey you never know" factor . It doesn't really matter to me, personally. I just want something that is accurate and water proof. But I would like to know how close to x pounds a bass is, though, which is not as easy to read on lip-grip scales -- at least not mine.

Boga grips can be sent in to IGFA and rated for accuracy. While they may rate, as mentioned above, in 1/4 oz, or 1/2 oz increments, they are the best for lip gripping. I still don't have one, is on my Christmas list. I use a knock-off which I periodically test with different dumbbell weights in plastic bags and it has proven very accurate so far. I used to have a digital scale until it went down to Davy Jones' Locker. I liked it a fair amount, but it was not as easy to use as a lip-gripper/scale. The Berkeley lip-gripper/digiscale is attractive, but I've seen some negative reviews on them which has kept me away. I've dropped my current gripper in the drink a number of times, but thanks to my float attachment and the lack of digital circuitry, it has remained undamaged. But I'm also a kayak fisherman, so a little "closer" to the water than bass boaters, with no deck to speak of. I'd probably have both if I were a bass boater.

WOW. I'd definitely look at a great rod/reel combo that I'd never be able to buy otherwise. But that's me :-)

Don't worry about it, you'll get used to it in short order. A reel-down, sweeping set will become second-hand in no time.

Soft plastics here. Mostly Zoom Finesse, Senkos, BPS Stik-O's.

I can attest to that. While it is lower than what you're shooting for ($$-wise), I am supremely impressed with the reel. Throws light lures with ease. Have it in 7.1:1 and love it. My initial review is here.

It is all too common a problem. I've experienced this where a guy and, presumably his father or g'pa in the back. This was on a nearly 300 acre reservoir. Buddy and I were fishing the docks and this dude, who arrived after us, decides he wants to as well. So he motors inbetween us, within 15 yards of me, and about 8 of my buddy. I caught a lovely 3lber right in front of them, then moved to the other side. They decided to follow me. The young doofus thinks he owns the spot even though I was there for nearly 10 minutes already, and casts within feet of my yak. I could almost feel the splash of his bait. I kept giving them the stare of death hoping it would work, but the dummy returned stare. Finally I looked at them and said "ever heard of fishing etiquette?!" The kid mumbled something, I said I was there first, blah blah, and I paddled off. Idiots are out there. Since then my buddy has experienced very similar rudeness from other guys. BUT!! There are PLENTY of decent fishermen out there, but it is frustrating to encounter the few jerks. Some guys on another forum suggested I carry a nice 2oz weight and cast it over at them... LOL. But then, like Sam said, you never know what kind of people you're dealing with. And my wife is a nurse who deals with psych patients sometimes. She told me of research that suggests we'd be very surprised how many people in "normal" life have psychoses, i.e., significant mental imbalances, not just the "I'm on antidepressants" kind. A lot of the people who come in to the hospital ER for quick mental "fixes" over breakdowns, etc., are everyday people you'd see at the mall, on the road, etc., but have these mental issues. They may not be taking their drugs, or such, and have "episodes". Point of it all is to confirm/add to Sam's comment that you never know what kind of person/people you're dealing with. Are they just rude, or have other issues which would make them snap if you confronted them. My wife is urging me to take the "shut up and move on" approach. And even though I'd rather throw a few choice words back at the dudes, I am seeing the wisdom of her counsel more and more to take this stance.

Ever since I found these years ago, I can't remember when I last had a Hostess product.... http://www.littledebbie.com/products/swisscake.asp

Nice!

Welcome, JW!

What I know about the Hobie is all good. I've seen them on the water, talked to owners, but never tried one myself. That said, if I could afford a Pro Angler 12, I'd be all over it in a heartbeat. And, being a "very tall and large person", have you looked at the Pro Angler 14? May be more comfortable. Both are all wicked stable, far more than a canoe. Even my Native Ultimate is more stable than any canoe I've paddled.

Not sure braid-only is an issue in muddy water; however, I always use a leader where I fish, which is in greenish-clear-ish water. I have fluoro, but prefer using either P-Line Floroclear or Yo-Zuri Hybrid leaders with braid as a mainline for management issues. I'm currently downsizing leader size to 6 lb for my spinning gear. Throwing 10lb on my baitcasting gear, but likely downsizing to 8 there. Just find the downsizing lends to a better fall/winter bite for me. Your mileage may vary...

They're out there, probably. Cali's deep water may have the biggest, though there may be yet another one in Japan's Lake Biwa. Those 3 buddies in Cali (who foul-hooked probably the biggest bass of all time) might just be the hunters who'll find the large, lurking lady. Think they were featured on NatGeo, Science, or Discovery a year back.

Hmmm. Good idea. "Here hon, advanced tickets for that Twilight movie thing...you can even take your BFF!" That's money in the bank, man. If it ain't Twilight, there's gotta be something. A 30 minute massage, facial, bottle of her fav wine. There's always something that lets a dude out of the dog house.

Great stuff, Cap.

Welcome!

No experience with an inflatable, though I did look at them. Would probably be a lot of fun. I'd look and see what Black Friday holds, say at Dick's, local shops, etc. DSG's spring sale usually has some aggressively priced yaks for sale. There are inflatable fishing vessels, so not unheard of.

Fantastic vid.

Welcome, and wishing the best for you! May fishing be the exact therapy you need. Many happy days on the water.

Assuming you mean baitcasting? Either way, practice, practice, and practice some more in the yard, the drive way, etc. I like to put "targets" (often what stuff the kids leave around the yard) in various spots and cast at them until I can hit them consistently. For flipping and pitching I'll put a coffee can, mason jar, or something out in the yard and work at hitting it consistently...

Indeed, excellent Bond movie, one of the best, IMO.

Sounds good, Silas! Your trips sound a lot easier than mine, LOL. Practice the knots, double, triple, quad check them on the water, use plenty of spit and you *should* be good to go.