Choporoz

Spit 'n Sleeve is all I've ever used

I was watching video from the Classic the other day and one of the pros was working docks with a chatterbait, using it like a jig. I use chatterbaits a lot, but I would not have thought to pitch it in that situation....he was pulling fish....where I would have used a jig or a more traditional flipping plastic....sooo versatile

I bought 7'1" last year, simply because I thought pitching it seated in kayak would be easier. Never used the 7'4", but I have to think that it is quite similar action, power, etc. As to whether it will be a good jig rod....absolutely. It is a joy to pick up every time

USCG is conducting a survey about Potomac. Mostly nav related, but it leaves room for most any suggestions. https://wtop.com/local/2019/05/coast-guard-wants-public-feedback-on-stretch-of-potomac-river/ *I duplicated this post in the NOVA thread

USCG is conducting a survey about Potomac. Mostly nav related, but it leaves room for most any suggestions. https://wtop.com/local/2019/05/coast-guard-wants-public-feedback-on-stretch-of-potomac-river/ *I also posted this in the MD who's who thread

It's been over a year since I dealt with AG CS, but I highly recommend calling them.....or any Pure Fishing CS. You could go back and forth for weeks emailing different people on the same issue.

Handled some (HPT, I believe) at a show and was impressed enough that I very nearly made an impulse buy. Can't tell you how they fish, but I felt that for the price, the HPT line was very solid. They were displaying a lot more models than the few on TW. I especially liked the handle on the drop shot rod - most drop shot rods I have and have looked at have a longer handle than I like. HPT had a nice, compact split handle that didnt compromise balance and that would have been perfect for yak fishing.

I have little interest in building, but a lot of interest in commissioning. I have a few basic requirements, but feel like I'm woefully underprepared going in. Does anyone have a basic menu of things I should consider before going to a builder? I mean, sure I know I need to specify some desires, say length, power, usage, total cost, grip material...but I'd like to be ready to discuss most options intelligently when the time comes.

I've been frustrated by the cost of good inline spinners....largely because I lose them easily. But cheap and generic spinners are far more frustrating...hooks and wire that bend when you look at them funny, components that rust, blades that don't start spinning until they feel like it, etc.

Looks great, NYWF. How would you assess the grips? Have you had FishGrips to compare? I have FishGrip Jr and a Donkey Leash...both good...neither 'perfect'. I fish yak CPR and a reliable grip that I can leave fish on in the water is paramount. Reliable, waterproof scale WITH reliable grips for $30 sounds like a steal

I have plenty of LC, Duo, Megabass, Raps....Shadow Rap may be best out of package value...hooks, suspend, price, etc. Two lines that have not been mentioned, but have been surprisingly good for me: 1. Smithwick Rogues; will almost never suspend how you want out of package, but that has meant that I have played with suspend dots on these a lot and learned much. Cheapest option I'd consider. 2. LiveTarget - (not bait ball style...smelt or perch something); I had mostly written off LT lures as gimmicky stuff that is targeted at the uninformed Dicks shopper...not serious bass fishermen....silly, sure....but that's where my head was at....for one of these as a gift and it performs and produces as well or better than my Pointers and Visions. I will be buying more of these.

For me, that's a huge negative factor. My gear gets wet. Very wet. All too often. And I have limited options (or maybe more accurately, limited time and patience) for prompt drying. So, I usually choose either expensive, waterproof scales, tools, lights, etc, or less water tolerant 'disposable' tools. For scales, this has meant a new $5-$7 scale every year. A choice that has worked well for me thus far.

I fish Potomac tributaries and small to large (low current) rivers, ponds and reservoirs. I have a Yakattack VisiPole flag-light and I wear a headlamp that only comes on when necessary.

I'm excited about night yak fishing, too. Maybe as soon as tomorrow. Certain experiences take on whole other dimensions when on the water in a kayak hours after sunset....like running hard up onto a barely submerged stump....or having a carp slam the bottom of your boat....or bats flying into your line.....wanna see me come right up out of my seat? ...beaver slap at 3 yards....certain heart attack right there...backlash? May as well just put that rod away....love night fishing, but it sure is a whole lot more 'interesting'

I still do this every couple weeks when using spinning gear with flouro regularly

I always begin with bladed jig because that's where my confidence lies. Most of the water I fish is pretty dirty, so that may have factored into how I got where I am. I still throw a swim jig, but generally only think of it in limited conditions: -chatterbait bite isn't as good as I think it should be (but I switch to swim jig only after I've tried both light and dark chatterbaits) -days when I just can NOT keep the snakeheads off the chatterbait -certain conditions in spring and fall when bass are visibly feeding near the surface, or have pushed bait into the shore; for some reason, I reach for a swim jig first, because I've had success there in the past

It sure is a good thing that snakehead is the solitary change to the LMB environs in 40+ years down there. Otherwise it sure would be hard to make direct correlation conclusions based on the LMB that you have caught. I agree with the posters above, since I fish the Potomac. I wouldn't begin to suggest that any balance achieved here would be replicated anywhere else. However, it is clear that the dire 'expert' predictions a decade ago were way off.

Thanks, Sam. Fishing the base ponds.

It looks like it still works....have HDS7 Carbon in my cart....been trying to rationalize how I never have wanted a 7in screen for my yak....and almost hoping the discount will disappear before I pull the trigger

I think it's a Lefty revenge conspiracy....payback for decades of us being forced to use righthanded scissors, gun safety's, notebooks, can openers, knife sharpeners, etc. Muwhahaha

I use RH reels. My wife uses LH. What is the question?

Winter fish kill not uncommon in shallow northern ponds. Doesn't have to freeze solid to the bottom. Thick ice with prolonged snow cover will kill plant life, and the oxygen drops.

Thank you very much. Well done.

Some days, for me, I can't hook up a fluke, either. Probably as @Russ E described. Fast tip is a must -- finding the best rod/line combo for you that will allow decent casting and lightning quick hook-set can be a challenge. I typically use MF spinning; 15-18# Gliss with 6 or 8 YZH leader.

Welcome. I will be fishing your neighborhood this weekend. Pretty much all post-spawn, I assume? What's working for you? Grass up all over yet?