Chode2235

Absolutely it has. I went from wanting a large bass boat, to getting a nice small kayak. Its not only the gas prices, but the whole petrol-economies that go along with a traditional motorized boat. The more I thought about it, I realized that I didn't want to be putting more junk in the water, in terms of exaust etc. In my kayak I catch more fish in my kayak, get some good excercise, and can go anywhere in it.

I really like my piranha max portable. Granted it is not the best unit, but works really well in shallow water. I got mine for 100 bucks, so it is well under your range. But seriously just look at the manufactures portable offerings, they will meet your needs great. Lowrance makes a great one too. I get about 15-20 hours on 8 AAs with my humminbird.

of course they have teeth. Theyre sharp little guys too. They have a ridge of them on their jaw and toung. Similar to walleye teeth.

No, No, don't go MH. Get a 6'6 or 7' medium light. You don't need a lot of line, go light in the BWCA (I use 6 or 8 and only spool up with about 100). It helps a lot to only have the smaller spinning reel 2000 or even 1500. Light and sensitive, those walleyes will almost suck on your bait, and its very hard to detect bites. If you can get a 2 piece it will likely travel and portage a lot better. Thats what I take, my 6'6 ML 2 piece Avid. You want clear line, I recommend a florocarbon, as I like it. But the water has a clear yet dark brown tint to it. Not much algea so stay away from green lines etc. You don't really need anything too heavy, I usually use 6 lb, but you have to remember you can't just flip them over and haul them to the top. But it works well for me. p.s. most people fish too deep for the walleyes up there, you really wont need to throw a deep crank. When theyre deeper during the day (15-20 ft that time of year, usually) you will have to jig them or lindy rig them. In the evening when they come up shallow is the only time that I would really throw a crank for them, but at that time you'll be hiding from the mosquitos.

I read a really good book about Brainerd MN and how the guide services took off in that area (Al Lindner, Gary Roach, Marv Koep). Basicaly Marv had the great idea of showing people that they can regularly catch fish and give them a reason to come up and hang out in the north. Facinating book, its called Legands and Legacies but I think its a limited printing as I can't even find it on Amazon for you. But basically, a bunch of people saw a need that people had, filled it, and the rest is history. Nevermind, I found the link... http://www.raygildow.com/

10 bucks cheaper with this: (hopefully the file attaches otherwise PM me and I'll send you the coupon)

There are tournaments for them. They're usually catch and release. You take a picutre of the fish on your ruler, and then submit your digital photos at the endo the day. There aren't too many bass tournaments, as the kayak is primarily popular with salt water fisherman, but theyre catching on. You could always enter a regualar tournament as well. That would really show them, yout little plastic boat can outfish the big ones.

I have had great success with Gulp. The plastic is a little rubbery than other plastics, but it is more eco friendly as it will dissolve in water if it comes off your hook etc. I did have a jar of the grubs that I used for ice fishing, and I did get some water in the container and all of the grubs swelled up about 3 times the original size. So I wouldnt put wet lures back into the bag. I think they are a great and well thought out product. I think I actually like the sinking minnows more than the yamamoto senkos.

You should have known better than to mention ebay to me. I went out and saw a Curado with less than a minute on it for $140, and I ended up winning the auction for $150. Not a bad price. So now I am also the proud owner of a Curado 100. I feel like a little RoadWarrior with my Loomis rod, my Shimano reel, my Yo-Zuri line, and my fat ikas. Thanks for the input guys.

Yeah, I've got a 'take $20 off' thing from Cabelas that I was thinking of using. I have bought a couple of spinning reels on ebay before and have been satisfied with the purchase. Thanks for the help guys. I still don't know what I am going to buy, but I want to check some reels out in person. Is the only diff between the Curado DSV and the regular just line capacity?

Whats the difference between the curado 100 and the 100 dsv? Is it just line capacity? Are there advantages to having one over the other, or is one designed for more specific applications? Thanks.

There are a lot of really great affordable options for us who not only can't afford bass boats, but those who don't want to deal with the hassle, and those of us who want to fish overlooked/inaccessable bodies of water. Inflatables like the fish eagle seem to be great for those of you looking for something big and stable and more boat like. You can bring everything you need as well as a friend. The kayak seems to be better suited for those who want a more manauverable boat that isn't as affected by wind. Easier to go further, faster. No mess with batteries, air pumps, trolling motors, floor boards etc. Sit on top kayaks in general have come a long way, and are really designed for fishing now. The only downside is that it can be difficult to stand if thats your preferred fishing method. But Nashiem doesn't seem to have a problem with it in his small 9' boat. They also make outriggers so that can be an option too if you need more stability. There are also other options like personal pontoons and float tubes. These seem to be more application specific and less versitile than the other two options, but good options if you know what youre getting in to. I myself am planning on purchasing a hobie outback, which is the next size larger than Nashiem's boat. The mirage drive is a big selling point, but the boat in general seems to be really well thought out and laid out for fishing. I have read practically everything on the internet about the boat, and hobies in general and have heard nothing but great things from everyone. But there are lots of great options for all of us who can't have that big bass boat. I myself have bee

Thanks guys. I suspected there would be a lot of outpouring for the Curado. What really makes this reel so great. Especially when compared to the TD Adavantage etc? No one even mentioned that one, is it in a separate class all together?

I've been thinking for over a year now to pull the trigger on a Hobie Outback. Thanks for confirming my thoughts on the matter.

Whats the main difference between the regular and the ultra soft Hybrid? What do you guys prefer. Thats a great price regardless.

Hey guys, I just picked up a 6'6 Medium power(MBR782C) G. Loomis IMX. Awesome rod, and I am so excited to use it this spring once the ice melts. Unfortunately I have a slight problem. I am looking for a baitcasting reel worthy of this amazing rod. What are your suggestions? I plan on using this rod as a pretty all purpose rod, and don't really fish a lot of heavy baits. Every once in a while I will tie on a 3.4 oz spinnerbait, but most of the time its light jigs, plastics, cranks, and spinnerbaits. I was looking at the curados, the fuego, and even the TD Advantage ST. I have been a daiwa guy for a while, and lean towards that, but don't want to be a slave to the brand. I want the best reel for the money. I would prefer to stay under $200, unless there is a pretty compelling reason to go over that. Anyway, I would like to hear your suggestions. Thanks.

If you are leaning toward the advantage check out Cabelas Prodigy reels. They are rebranded advantages with a couple more bearings. A step between the regular advantage and the super tuned. Naturally, you do have to buy them from Cabelas. But at the $100 price point they can't be beat.

If that makes you feel unsafe check this one out. Here is where I found it: http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/sharkkayak.asp

I'm interested too.

Go to KayakFishingStuff.com and check it out. You will find a lot of information about fishing from kayaks. I am actually looking to get one myself this spring, and have been reading up a lot on them. I too recommend a SOT kayak, it will give you a lot more room to fish. Depending on your size I would think about a small 9' boat, that should be plenty of boat for fishing small lakes and rivers, even larger lakes. Its more manueverable.

They call it live bait for a reason. It does make a huge difference but it depends on the presentation. If you are doing some split shotting or another finesse technique be sure to use lively bait. However, I will leave a partially mangled minnow on there if I am doing something like pulling it behind a spinner and bottom bouncer, etc. I think the biggest problem that people do with live bait is fish it way to fast. You should never move it faster than it can swim, and with a leech that can be pretty slow. The way that I look at it is that I have spent way too much money on fishing rods, line, reels, boat, that the last place that I really want to cut corners is on what the fish actually bite.

Good for you. Please post pictures of your designs, and the finished/WIP product. I would love to see it. I don't know how marketable and attractive this is going to be for a more universal application, as the appeal of the canoe or kayak is that you grab it and go. There is nothing to worry about, and you can be on the water with a minumum of effort. But don't let me discourage you, I am very interested in what you come up with, as I would love to paddle into shallow water, but be able to stand and throw lures into tree tops etc.

The decline could also be due to shifting demographics and geographic make up of fisherman. It could be increasing in your area, while in other parts of the country people aren't taking to the sport like they used to. Also, I think the art form has shifted itself. You are seeing more boats because today's fisherman have boats, the bread and butter angler's who are out on the weekend with their kids have largely dissapeared, what is left are people like us. The obsessive angler the one who owns a boat, etc. The fisherman population has changed, and the new population is the ones who are buying boats and are out there more often. The causual angler does not really exist anymore, you either do it religously or don't. Also the weekends are packed, as the workforce has changed, you don'g go down to the river with your kids with a can of worms after work anymore. I think that pro bass fishing on ESPN etc has really ruined the art and accessability of fishing. Granted it has been great for the industry of fishing, but its really all sizzle and no steak. Most people can't, nor do they want to bother trying to compete with the pros. The NASCARization of fishing is something that troubles me very deeply. I won't talk too much more about it. Thats what I think anyway.

We used to go up to Rainy every summer. Caught so many fish and swam many a times in the dark cold water. As a child I was always somewhat afraid because I knew what lurked in the depths. I'm glad to know my fears weren't unjustified. That thing is huge.

We should start a club. I'm almost proud of myself for not dropping $100 bucks, those things get me almost every time.