Master Bait'r

Win! You can also delete the http: part in front if you want, it won't effect the pic unless you mess with what's inside the IMG bracket bookends.

You're attaching the http, you've got to share the IMG code instead. It should have (it won't let me add the tag, but it's a set of brackets with "IMG" inside) as a bookend at either end of the link you post, otherwise it's just a link to your hosted image. I like this idea, but I kind of have to stick with the layout I've got. Those brackets were not made to be removable and they'd block the console if I sat on the other side. I was thinking the bow would rise once I'm in it, but I'm also leaving space to put a cooler or bucket ballast up front. Also I've got plans for the seat for sure. Those plastic seats are a recipe for sufferage! Going to fab up some really nice brackets and maybe a locking swivel and would like a nice mid-back seat because my lower back is that of an 80yo man.

Durability is a big factor IMO though. Basic plastic minnows tear when you look at them but Bento Minnows can last hours or even days and multiple fish because their reflective strip also holds the bait together and on the hook exceedingly well. In that example you may be getting way more for your money from the bentos even though they're more expensive. As for for the beginning of your post, I love it when people insinuate the things I want are "needs". I have some expensive gear because I like it, not because it catches more fish or the bass care at all. I have a nice set of combos for the same reason I have custom skis... Because it feels good, I appreciate the details and it's fun to earn and have nice things. If I was a tourney guy I'd probably have a whole different setup, but I don't care even a little. Infer whatever you want, I'll just be over here enjoying every cast to the max.

I WISH mine has a square stern! That's the ONE thing I'm not thrilled about on it.

Oh, I totally hear you and understand exactly where you're coming from. To each his own IMO.

Wrong. I mock everything and everyone possible. It's a term of endearment & a litmus test for me. If people can laugh and roll with it we will probably be friends for life. If they get upset, they're too thin skinned to survive and will be dink dropped before you can say "butthurt" haha It's more than "what's best" IMO as well... Who cares if it *could* be harmful if someone wants to do it? That's their choice and they're free to make it. It doesn't have to make sense to me, they aren't spending my dough or effecting me in any way. If you wanna vape? Vape.

As a bit of a preface, I wanted to get rid of my kayak because I've outgrown it. Too much gear, not enough space or comfort... It was time for an upgrade. I didn't, however, want to break the bank nor did I want to compromise in what I got next. I considered kayaks in the $1k range, but then eventually decided that I could do and get more out of being patient and buying a used canoe to build up myself. (Disclaimer: I'm a lifelong custom metal fabricator with a full shop at my disposal) I ended up finding this 14' OT Sport canoe on Craigslist for $225, snatched it up as fast as I could and started brainstorming. The basic idea was for four ultra-secure rod holders, room for a livewell, custom brackets all over for of my growing cache of gear and that it could support a real, actually comfortable boat seat. The rest of the details I can dial over time, but these were my most basic requirements. This thread will continue to be modified as projects get wrapped up, and I'm really looking forward to getting this beast finished up and out on the water! The first order of business was rod holders. I only use 4 combos on any given day. I have a few more, but these are my 4 horsemen. I wanted to design rod holders that would keep them in front of me and out of the way of my casting, have enough room between them so I wasn't knocking them into each other all the time, keep them super safe and locked in (in case of a rollover), also I wanted the tips below the bow line and make sure they're fully supported and not just bowing out all day in the sun. I also wanted to leave enough room in the middle for a livewell cooler. This is what I came up with after standing on the shoulders of giants (Fishing Rhino, 00 Mod, A-Jay and a few other guys too) and used a few ideas from just about everybody's design and came up with this so far: The bracket itself is made from I believe 11 gauge carbon steel 2" strip, has six 3/16" aluminum rivets on multiple facet reinforcements and all the faces that touch were gobbed to the max with marine epoxy to make sure I have the maximum adhesion humanly possible. The rubber clamps are fastened securely by 1/8" aluminum rivets as well. That's the only piece I've fully completed so far today, but I am loving how it keeps those rod handles locked in nice and tight and it is really easy to use with one hand. The tips will be supported by fixed golf club separator tubes (Thanks Mod 00!) held in place by similar bracketry so they can't fall out, knock into each other or anything else undesirable. Below I've shown how they lock the handles in but the angle is a bit off, as the tip tubes aren't installed yet and they are resting really low so the butts are a bit high. I'd say it's off to a solid start in any case, but what do you guys think? I love hearing peoples' opinions, and the input of others is literally how I came to finalize any of these ideas in my head. The brainstorming power and experience that can be had here is invaluable in putting together a project like this, so thanks to everyone who posted in my other thread, as well as a 'thanks in advance' to anybody who participates here. You guys are the best. I'll do my best to keep working on it & updating as I can! Cheers!! Matt

Actually after thinking about it, I'm just going to start a new thread for this build. The first few pages has very little to do with the actual project itself.

I got the first rod holder bracket finished up and mounted today (don't mind the grubby paw prints). Ended up going with multiple facet tie-ins for extra strength, used 3/16" rivets and epoxied the whole contact area behind the brackets before I riveted them on... They ain't coming off unless something catastrophic happens. Really like the rubber clamps too, they hold the handles super securely and are very easy to use even one-handed. There's also plenty of space for each combo so I'm not banging them together or catching handles, etc. I am very glad that there is so much space left in the middle too, I can put a livewell cooler easily between the 4 combos and have room to open the top, etc. Now I've just got to do the other side like this and fab up the bow mount tube holder brackets and the rod holder will be all set. What do you guys think about it? I know it's overkill but that's kind of my M.O.

Build a 12 or 14'er. It's fun!

My philosophy varies with the wind, but I basically always have to feel like I got a good deal and/or value- and that is wholly personal. I work hard and I buy what I want. I have both MB Destroyer and NRX rods and both are worth every penny of the great deals I got on them. My En-vee rods I paid full retail for and would again in a heartbeat.

It's a vicious, terrible, horrible, beautiful, wonderful and amazing cycle.

Honestly, the rig I'm using Gliss on used to have nanofil on it, so the negatives are still fewer than Nano IMO. I've only had it out a few times, but it does everything I liked about nanofil, and has negated a lot of the things I didn't like about it as well. The fraying... Well, let's just say I'm willing to deal. @ $20 a spool, it isn't super expensive line and it does what I want enough to be "worth it" for me. No line will outcast it though, that's for sure. Never seen anything like it for super light baits, even nanofil can't come close.

Shimano 2500 HGS (I'd lean Stradic or Complex at your price range) Thurteen En-V Black 7'1" MF Done and done.

I just did almost the same. Upgraded from a 3600 soft-sider to a 3600 guide series and it let me add a few trays... Maybe should have gone with the 3700 though, it BARELY fits it all! (Maybe that's a good thing for now though?)

Only specialty shops can hang on, and even then only in markets with enough demographic to sustain profits. Even then you will likely have to market online in a big way to be successful.

The irony isn't lost on me when I see some tatted up hardo blowing clouds of honeydew melon like it isn't the lung version of wine coolers.

I'd congratulate you but it may be more of a condolence haha

Vaping has it's use, but I will never in a million years understand why people continuously do it unless they're using the vehicle for sneaking a puff of the magic dragon sauce. That said, I'll take second-hand cherries and coconut over cigarettes any day. Different strokes for different folks, and it's definitely better than butts.

The bait monkey has sworn me to secrecy Got a good stash of trick darters and 110 Jrs tho. Picked up some backups of a few of my favorite patterns and a couple new guys too. Sticking to just my absolute favorites though- I can't mess around, I'm outboard motor shopping this week!

Gah! He got me again with that 40% off!! I don't feel bad though- anytime you can pick up 110 jrs in those sexy limited hakusei glitter patterns for ~$12 you just do it and don't ask questions haha... And of course you HAVE TO buy a couple to capitalize on the cheap shipping

May want to check out the Ugly Stick Elite. I picked up one in MHF for my son to use for frogs and it's actually pretty good! It's a bit dead and heavy but it's got tons of backbone and a springy tip section that really casts well. Just my .02 but I believe it was right around $50 and was a good buy IMO. Well that or try to find a nicer rod on closeout. I've picked up a 13 Ohmen MF for $65 before and those are crazy nice for the money even at retail.

Non pro opinion: I would fry up the bass with some lemon and leave everything else. If you're catching dinks every cast, it could use a party cull IMO. I am more of a BBQ and beer lover and less of a stocking expert fwiw tho haha

Hey don't say I never did nothin' for ya Really though, I've bought from them several times but I've never seen such an awesome sale! I mean I just got a straight eye mossback shad for like $8. What planet are we even on right now??

Hey if they don't catch the fishermen they will NEVER catch a fish though!!