curtis9

I also picked up a yak yesterday. I got a malibu pro explorer. Looking forward to getting out in it this weekend

That's my strategy.

I use an eco extreme waterproof speaker. It's small, waterproof and relatively inexpensive.

How wide is the boat? If it's too narrow the casting deck may be rather unstable and not worth using. My first boat was a 1432 and it was tough fishing with 2 guys sitting on the seats. I couldn't imagine getting on a casting deck in that boat.

I the Croix 6'8" MXF is a great rod. If your budget allows the NRX 822S or 852S are fantastic.

Gander mountain has a st croix rebate going on now. $50 rebate on an avid or higher

I have the same rod with a 50mg7 on it. It's a sweet combo. Never used the Abu, so I don't know how it compares

Bowen can be a nightmare in a bass boat. I went out there last weekend and it's warm enough for the pontoons and jet skis already. You can try Berry's Pond in Duncan. That's a great spot for canoes.

I mostly fish lake Bowen and a pond near my house. I've also fished greenwood and jocassee a few times.

Welcome to the site. Good to have someone new from the upstate.

I have the 6'8" mxf ltb in both spinning and casting. I have a stradic 2500fj on the spinning and a scorpion 1000xt on the casting. Both setups are very light and I think both are balanced well. I've never thought they were tip heavy

If you like the stradic you should try the stella. Awesome smooth reel

i use Trokar worm hooks. It's a standard offset shank round bend hook. I prefer these over the EWG hooks for flukes.

Some of the elite series guys have full time jobs outside of fishing. Our local pro Marty Robinson is a plumber when he's not fishing.

Do you know how this compares to the 843? I've been looking at these two rods and can't make up my mind. Planning to use it mostly for moving baits with some Texas rigs

I had the same rod a few years ago. I had a curado 200E7 on it. You have a lot of good options at $200. I like Shimano reels, so I'd try to find a new curado 200I.

I like split grips because I think they look cool. I don't think either offers a significant advantage

I had the same debate with myself last year. Ended up buying a 743 and 744. I use the 743 for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and small texas rigs. The 744 for larger texas rigs and jigs. The 744 should be a great rod for what you want to do.

I use hair rubber bands. Cheap for a big pack and doesn't require anything special to put them on

I agree with this. If I would have saved and spent wisely I have a lot better rod collection these days. Instead I bought anything that I found a good deal on, and end up selling most at a loss as I finally bought better gear.

I have my Ci4 on a Dobyns 735 and only use it for frogging and big jigs in heavy cover. I've never noticed any flex in this reel, and haven't read any reviews from anyone who has.

Ci4 is a perfect reel for heavy stuff. I can't think of any bass fishing technique that will over power this reel. What are you afraid us going to fail?

Composite reel is just fine for frogs and jigs. I use a ci4 for this and haven't had any issues.

This I'd my setup, but I use 50 lb suffix 832 instead of power pro.

I have the same rod with a stella and use 6lb tatsu on it. Tatsu is fantastic on that setup