GADawgs

I have a cuda 12 and I really like it. However, I haven't paddled the Kilroy. You can probably store more things in the kilroy on longer trips since you can wedge things in the hull but the cuda has lots of in hull storage. The Kilroy is probably a little faster (like I saiid, I haven't paddled it but I am basing this off of the fact that most SINKs are quicker than SOTs). I agree with fly fisher, I like the SOT for fishing. If you will primarily be fishing and only taking a few trips a year the cuda would get my vote. I have also done river trips with my cuda and it did well. It is a stable kayak and with a little practice standing up will feel natural. That being said, I don't stand and fish much since the high seat position offers good vantage. The only time I stand are if I am sight fishing or flipping and pitching cover. If possible, even if you need to drive a couple of hours, go paddle both. You are dropping a big chunk of change and looking at two pretty different style boats and then you. Can be sure you bought the right boat for you.

Rage craw and Biospawn Vile craw

crawfish soft bait, many good ones out there. I really like the Vile craw and rage craw

Cheap outriggers would help with stability. However, instead of throwing a bunch of accessories on a junk kayak I would save up for one that is built for fishing or at least more stable. Check out craigslist in the fall for used kayaks. If you think it is unstable now wait until you add more weight with a fish finder and trolling motor with a battery.

That is why I am thinking about getting one. I want to know more about the area I am fishing, depth and structure as the areas I finish frequently don't have great maps.

Not sure about TW but I pretty much exclusively use Siebert Outdoors jigs and opt for hand tied. Quality is great and I have caught some big fish on them. Prices are very reasonable and Mike is a great guy. He helped me pick colors and sizes when I wanted to get into jigs and I haven't considered any others since.

I have a 2014 Jackson Cuda 12 and I am thinking about buying a fish finder for it. I am looking at the Lowrance Chirp 5x or 7x. Would these be a good fish finder for a kayak and does anyone have any advice or experience with these or other FF that they recommend specifically for a kayak?

Green pumpkin, blue/black, junebug and watermelon for me

J, Another brand that I really like, and own, are Jackson Kayaks. They are also built in the US and have great fishing platforms. Depending on what waters you are going to be one I would take a look at the Cuda 12 or 14, Coosa HD or Big Rig. That being said, I also want an ATAK....

x 2. I wear their pants and long sleeve shirts. The pant legs do have a zipper if it gets too hot (which hasn't been an issue yet) and the sleeves rollup and have a button and strap to make them short sleeves. I always carry sunscreen with me in case I use either option. I also wear a Buff gaiter on my neck and a wide brimmed hat for sun cover from above. Hands, face, neck and feet all still get sunscreen.

I have already done that in the past. Basically I would get the following setup for a custom, or something close for about $200 shipped MHX 843 Blank, 1/4-3/4oz MH/F Fuji ECSM seat Fuji Alconite guides 7, 4.5........ & top Cork spilt grip single color wraps with trim band Off the shelf I am looking at the G Loomis E6X 834, Dobyns Savvy 733, Powell Max3D 7''3" MH, Pinnacle Perfecta 7' MH and maybe a Duckett.

I am in the market for a new plastics, light jig, spinnerbait, paddle tail swimmer and swim jig rod up to 3/4 to 1 oz tops. I bought a Powell Endurance 723 but it had to be returned due to an issue I documented in an earlier post. I am looking up to $200 for budget and I am trying to decide whether to buy an off the rack rod or have one made for me. I would appreciate any input on off the rack rods that may fit the bill and input from people that have had customs made. If I decide to go custom what should I take into account other than what seems to be obvious (length, power, reel seat, grips, hook holder, guides)?

Got the replacement rod today's and even though the shop checked it before it left it had the same issues as the first. I emailed them to let them know and the owner called me and let me know that he would take the rod back and provide me a refund, let me deal with FedEx as it left their shop in good condition and arrived damaged to me (which I am pretty sure would get me nowhere) or fish with it and if I have an issue deal with Powell which would be $100 warranty after shipping. I have another Powell endurance from purchased from another retailer that I have had no issues with and that I really like. I am wary of keeping the rod since I do not know enough about rods and the wraps to know if this will be an issue and I really don't feel like paying $100 to replace a $150 rod since they are no longer being made. What are everyone's thoughts? Also, should I choose to replace it I am thinking about a Dobyns Savvy 703, Duckett, maybe talking to Mike from DVT about a custom (if it can be done in the sub $200 range), pinnacle perfecta 7' mh, Or any other suggestions I the $200 and below price range. The rod will be used for up to 3/4-1oz plastics, lighter jigs, paddle tail swim baits (basically an almost all around rod except for cranking). Thanks for the input!

I actually just watched a BassResource video on locating fish. Check it out and it may provide you with some insight. Good luck!

Good point there J. Looks like I know what I will be doing next time I hit the water!