GADawgs

In order to give a better reccomendation tell us where you will be using it, size of lake/river/pond and your budget. As Flyfisher mentioned, they are very different boats but are both a good choice depending on what you want it for. Either way you are gong to drop at least $1300 for the boat, and figure another $300-$700 for a quality paddle and PDF. So.....the best thing you can do is to test paddle them both and see which you like better. If you are dropping that much coin, you really should take the time to try both to figure out which you like better.

I agree with the Powell and Lews TP. I have had this setup (Powell Endurance 714 with a Lews TP 7.1:1) for about 3 weeks now and I really like it. It is my rods for jigs and most plastics. It is very sensitive with good backbone and the tip works well for me. The reel has been really smooth and the ratio seems to be just right for what I am using it for.

6'6" to 7' MF spinning for finesse applications 7' MF or MMF Baitcaster for reaction baits 7' MHF for Jigs and soft plastics - you could also do topwater with this setup unless you are in heavy slop

I don't think that .05 oz of cork and .05 oz of glue makes it balance any better, its all mental. If you think it does make a difference then tape a penny onto the butt of your rod and problem solved. That being said if you like it better and it is more comfortable then go for it, the comfort does make a difference in how you fish it.

I just spent about $600 on 3 setups and I went this route. Powell Endurance 714 (jigs and t-rigs) with a Lews Tourney Pro Speed Sppol 7.1:1 7'1" *** Black MF SPinning with a Pflueger Supreme MGX - Weightless plastics and finesse Powell Diesel 765 with a Lews Speed Spool 6.4:1 - Topwater and pitching/flipping (there isn't too much slop in most of the places I fish) I really like the Powell Endurance line and the Lews Tourney Pro is Sweet and both can be found for $150 per rod and reel if you look or wait for sales! If it was me I would do the following setup.... Powell Endurance 725 with Lews Super Duty 7.1:1 Powell Cranking rod with Lews TP 6:4.1 Daiwa Tatula 7' MXF Spinning Rod or *** Black 7'1" MF with Pflueger President or MGX reel That should set you up pretty well and it's what I would do with $800. That being said, take every recommendation you get with a grain of salt. Most of us will recommend what we like and what brands we think are the best. At the price tag you are looking at most all rod companies offer a good stick and reel companies offer a great reel and both should have a pretty good warranty. Have fun!

I use the endurance 714 for jigs and t-rigs plastics. I really like the setup

My vote would be for 2 kayaks. It is more versatile

I agree with Arv, I use a Powell Endurance 714 which is a heavy action and I have been throwing 1/4 oz jigs with a trailer and 5" senkos with a 1/8oz weight just fine. Is it ideal? Probably not but I have been fine throwing them when I need to downsize

Great bass!

I am using a Powell endurance 714 with a Lews Tourney Pro 7.1:1 and 50 lb braid with a 12lb flouro leader

I want to learn how to use jigs so I went out today and only used a jig. It was a tough day to be on the lake. 15-20 mph winds and post cold front following 5 days of rain that raised the water level of the lake to the highest I have ever seen. I paddled out and had been in a cove for about 15 minutes when I felt a tap and the line tighten. I reeled down and pulled up the rod and saw a good sized bass, about 3 lbs, jump. The bass when back under then spit the hook. I think that I needed to set the hook harder but I'm not quite sure what happened. I did not set the hook hard and really just put a light lifting set on her. I fished for about 3 more hours with no bites then I was back in the same cove and cast out the jig. I felt a couple of taps set the hook hard and reeled in a monster 9" bass haha. Tough day but it was good to have some success on the jig and I already feel more comfortable tossing one out.

Both will be fine

I prefer sit on top. There are lots of great options out there. If you tell us where you mainly fish and what type of water that will help narrow down the choices some.

Another one to check out would be a Jackson Kilroy. I saw one at my local shop and it looked pretty sweet!

This

I would either buy used or save for a new fishing kayak. IMO, its better to beat the banks this year and get a great price at the end of the year sales for the kayak you really want and will keep for a few years then to buy a cheaper one that you settled for. I saved for a while to get the kayak that I really liked after testing a few. I have ridden in budget kayaks and personally I would have wanted to upgrade shortly after the purchase. I would test every possible kayak you can to figure out what you like and what works for you.

I am glad to do it! Thank you for being so responsive and helpful when I emailed you asking for some help in what to pick since I do not fish jigs and spinnerbaits and didn't know where to start.

You are able to see it on electronics

I ordered the jig kit with wire ties and 3 spinnerbaits. I am trying to dedicate some time this year to those techniques to try to learn them. I can't wait to hit the water with them after everything I have read from everyone on the site.

Agree with the previous two guys. I ordered from them last month and am happy with my order.

Storage, ability to get to spots quickly, pretty much all of the boat is a deck and I would assume most have a smaller draft

I just did the same thing. I picked up a *** *** and a Pflueger spinning reel and I love that setup!

Powell Endurance, they can be had for $150

I would get the 3/8 because I just had this email conversation with Mike a couple days ago and he said that was the most popular weight by far.

I can't give any advice on the boat but thank you for your service. Get back home safely and God Bless!