Choporoz

My experience is pretty limited, so not much meaningful here, either....but I have owned 1 each jerkbait, lipless and crankbait from Sebile. All looked pretty sweet in and out of the water. Not one of them ever triggered a single bite, however. Not an indictment of the brand, because I've only used them sparingly, but never got close to having enough confidence to keep throwing them.

Wear sunscreen.

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Sportswear-Terminal-Tackle-Hoodie/dp/B00H4OR9TU I wear these all summer long.....even when the temps creep up over 100

The web site is a little maddening, but Cabelas has a lot of PowerPro on sale for around 25% off....and free shipping.

Probably not an unreasonable ask, but, I'd find out: Paddles? Or, oars? That's probably $50 or so Trolling motor condition? Lightly used, probably close to $100 Trailer included? If so, then what's the condition? If not, consider cost of trailer (if you don't have one) or toll of car-topping I've spent a number of hours in similar boats with transom trolling motor. Standing in back (or on back seat) has less effect on stability than standing anywhere else in the boat due to the flat back end....I don't have a problem standing even with another in the boat.

I'm no lily pad expert, but I don't think I've ever encountered them in water more than about 4' deep.

Not really...only because I don't consider those two at all. I would imagine the Uni is 'as good', but I tried Alberto first and it worked for me. I have tried the FG, but only enough times to dislike it...not nearly enough to appreciate it. I have no idea of breaking strength differences between the three; but that's only because a well tied Alberto has many times the breaking strength that I think I'll ever need.

You didn't mention Alberto, so disregard my reply, if you want. But, I found that Alberto is the only knot that meets all three of these conditions: I can tie most reliably; I am confident in; and the knot size never causes me any problems As a bonus, I have no problems tying it on the water, even in a kayak, with little trouble

Younger brother to Bubba Shot and their sister Heavy Shot

Years ago....before I discovered bass fishing info on the interwebs....I tried flukes a few times and got extremely frustrated -- they just never seem to swim straight....they roll and flit...I tried heavier hooks, belly hooks, all kinds of things....lol. So I gave up on them for years. Thought that I just couldn't rig them right. Turns out that they only work when they DON'T swim straight. They can be very deadly all times of year. I fish super flukes weightless 80%+ percent of the time; spinning gear/EWG/12# braid. The rest of the time, I use 1/16oz unpegged mojo weights and jerk them through weeds or across shallower points.

5/8 oz and up: 7'4" HF, 7.1, 40# braid 1/4 - 3/4: 7' MHF, 7.1, 30# braid Finesse: 6'10 MF, 7.1, 30# braid All with 10-12# leader

I used 65 for a while. I've since relegated it for use as stand-by tow rope.

Looks to be a sit-in? You'll find the debate somewhat polarized. I think, though, that it is probably 70-30 sit-on to sit-in. I'm making that stat up...but could be close. I much prefer the sit-on, but I've only ridden one sit-in. Otherwise looks to be ok starter fishing yak. Never mind...I see now that there is also an Ascend S.O.T. I've never seen one in person -- pics look ok - kind of a tank, perhaps --- won't win any races, but that's not your goal -- probably fairly stable

Over your budget, but could be a great deal: https://shoals.craigslist.org/boa/d/kayak/6511341895.html Also over, but paddle, crate and roof rack might make this a good deal: https://jonesboro.craigslist.org/boa/d/fishing-kayak/6517294742.html A little over, but better than retail....I'd consider making an offer: https://jacksontn.craigslist.org/boa/d/kayak/6506799117.html

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All of the above, but far and above anything else: Wind. Starts days before I fish, but most of my fishing is from a kayak and force and direction of wind dominates my thoughts. Even if in a boat, current, recent past and future (through the day) winds are primary consideration. If on tidal water, next high and low tides are second.

I've used Yo-Zuri 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15. Currently, I use 8, 10, and 12 on treble hook combos. I highly recommend using KVD line and lure; it just makes a such a huge difference with YZH I don't recommend 15 for anything; even conditioned, its pretty unmanageable. 12# is plenty for anything I encountered.

Can't speak for the authors that you've read. For me, though, I've gone to braid for all my spinning reels. Manageability and hooksetting went from ok to fantastic overnight. Say goodbye to loops....especially for twisty applications like flukes and dropshot

7'1" MF St Croix Rage; 6.3 Tat R; 10# Yo Zuri Hybrid. I wouldn't change a thing...for me, its perfect for lipless. (Except 3/4oz.) I have tried using cranking rods, but I need the fast tip on the Rage for working them in grass. So much control and feel.

Is the OP anecdotal or true? I'd be curious to see if age as a factor has actually changed over last couple decades. Not curious enough to research and deep dive into numbers, but a little curious. I guess that it'd be important enough to some cross-section of pros as they age....that they might want to see some data. Has the average age of winners decreased over time? Average age of those above the cut? Top ten finishers? Is it more than age? Years of experience? I'm sure technology, stamina and family could all factor to some degree. I'd be a bit surprised if desire and drive are big factors, but could be, I suppose. Have tours become more exhaustive? Longer hours on water? More events? Longer seasons? I can see those factors affecting older anglers more than younger ones.

It was a bass, so who knows what it was thinking. Last fall, I was working a jig slowly through some heavy timber and after I'd given up on cast and was burning it back up for another, that jig got slammed by a three pounder right at the boat.....scared the crap out of me. I'll never know why that bass didn't take it on the bottom.

A-Rig - Not exactly 'never', but close. Tossed it for about ten minutes one afternoon a couple years ago before it got snagged bad. Spent another ten minutes before I broke off nearly $30 worth of metal and plastic. (At least I created a new 'brush pile' in Smith Mountain Lake. I have a couple more, but never used them. ...yet

One rod?....You should be fine with 40# braid. I typically use 50, with no leader for frogs but would have no problem with 40lb. 95% of the time. I don't like 50# for any jigs under 1oz. I would recommend leader that is somewhat close to the diameter of your braid.... probably around 15-17

I have gear tracks all over, so I can put all kinds of rod holders, if I wanted. But my wife's yak doesn't have tracks, so I installed starport mounts and they are very handy, too.

@bigbassin', I don't even know how you can fish from a kayak without a crate or rod holders. I suppose I could manage ok with four rods laid out in front of me the whole time (since I do much of the time, anyway), but it'd be true hardship to feel forced to leave the ramp with less than four...lol