RipSomeLips

Your description of what happens in a backlash is spot on, however Kevin VanDam and I politely disagree with you at to what the culprit most likely is. "The brake is designed to slow the spool rotation at the end of the cast, which reduces overruns when the bait hits the water." - KVD

Sounds like its time to buy a pocket Sounds like it's time to buy a pocket fisherman!

I have always read between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch from the spools first edge. Looks like you are closer to the 1/4 parameter maybe? My first reaction is it looks perfect if you intend to put on a fluoro leader.

Looks good! Also I love the enthusiasm you have for your new equipment because I noticed its your avatar pic even, sounds like something I would do!

Are you looking for a recommendation on what and where to buy?... or wanting someone to actually give you a free rod and reel combo? Also what type of setup are you wanting? The 2 most popular used are baitcasters (take some time to perfect and generally used for 10lb test line and larger tackle), or spinning (great for lighter line and tackle typical of finesse techniques). If I had to pick only one based on the info you listed above it would probably be a spinning combo.

After reading this entire post I can only think of one last thing to ask you: have you watched Glenn's videos on how to set up a BC reel? and more specifically are you backlashing during the beginning of your cast (would indicate your spool tension) or during the end of your cast (would indicate your brake)? Also if you decide to go braid then you will be like me! I have been happy with 20 yards or so of mono (keeps braid from slipping), then suffix 832 in 30lb to 50lb, and finish with a fluoro leader.

Whatever you decide to use please treat yourself to some KVD line and lure conditioner, it is a big help with line memory. Seriously, it's amazing.

I love a Jon boat on a nice calm day, but when its windy (almost always here in KS) the wind slapping against the metal boat drives me bonkers! With that said I get where you are coming from and would have to say that the reason I own a kayak is for 2 main reasons: 1) Portability, I don't have to own or store or tag or find a place to launch a trailer. I can just slide the kayak in the back of my SUV and launch it just about anywhere. Also you don't have to tag and pay registration on a kayak in KS. 2) Kayaks can go where other boats can't, shallow water and narrow paths are a kayakers dream. Hope this helps.

Ok...so I just typed most of my answer and accidentally closed my browser before posting, so now you get the abbreviated version. DarrenM is wise to ask you for a little more info on how you intend to use the kayak, this would help us give you the best answer. That being said I would give the following general recommendation: Buy a SOT or Sit On Top kayak. Gives you better access to your gear (also generally includes watertight storage) and will not sink if flipped over. You can simply turn it back over and get in(remember to strap all your gear onto your kayak in case this ever happens). It also positions you slightly higher in the water which is a fishing advantage! There are tons of inexpensive mods you can do to your kayak including but not limited to: additional rod holders, seat upgrades, anchor or micro power pole system, rudder, paddle leashes, scupper hole plugs, fish finders, crates for holding gear etc. Because of this I decided to scour craigslist and get the best value kayak I could find and then if I really liked it do some upgrades until I found what I did and didn't like for a lower investment. I found a pelican castaway 116 for $200 that included a paddle, and although I know it is not the Cadillac of kayaks (mouthful) it has been a blast to use. If you can't find a good used deal then the best deal in the marketplace to me right now is the following at academy sports: http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/pelican-castaway-100-10-kayak/pid-168331?color=Tan&N=670787849&Ntt=kayak&Ntk=All The 2 big drawbacks to this Pelican castaway 100 that I have posted the link to is: 1) No water tight storage because it is not long enough to include, also 10' is on the short end and may not track as well or be great for large bodies of water. 2) Does not offer adjustable foot holders. The 2 big advantages to this kayak are: 1) $200 on sale is a righteous deal! 2) Lightweight and here comes the kicker......you can fit 10' kayak in most suvs! In fact I put my front seat all the way forward and lay down my 2nd and 3rd row and my 11' 6" kayak fits in my medium SUV, it just sticks out the rear hatch glass a little. This makes it where I don't have to lift it onto the roof, or get a trailer. I will tell you this, there are some really cool kayaks owned by BR members, and plenty of creative ideas of how to modify them floating around (pun intended). It would be well worth your time to spend a few minutes searching this forum before you buy! Good luck.

This is my favorite part of the forums!!...being able to get so many peoples opinions on something in a relatively short amount of time.

I think its interesting how depending on where you go in the world people always seems to have a "trash" fish. Europe for example loves the carp, it is considered a prized and highly sought after catch. But carp here in America are often considered a trash fish. I have had the opportunity to fish up in Canada a few times and always loved catching the pike, but alas several Canadians I spoke to considered it a trash fish. Of course the Canadians were far to polite to rip out their gills or harm the fish. They just tossed it back and tried again. Heck, even 100 years ago the bass was considered an unrefined low class fish, the trout was king in America. It took extensive stocking efforts and a few key people to stand up for bass and see them for what they are...a highly adaptive predatory machine!

I use to wrap mine 7 times...because that is how i was taught when i was growing up. But over the last several years i have tried it all the way down to 4 times and have settled on 5 wraps. How about yall?

I think sometimes as a fellow bankbeater i have realized that sometimes i just cant get to where the fish are on days like that. Thats why i got a kayak!

Ok that was funny, well played...well played. Darn you autocorrect!

Barometric pressure is what it's all about. Fish respond positively to dropping BP and negatively to rising BP with regards to feeding activity. This is why typically fishing is great before a storm, and so poor afterwards. I will say however that a nasty storm with intense winds (sounds like your circumstance) can sometimes kill the bite.

Hey Danny, Welcome! I too lurked for quite a while, but nowhere near 9 years. Glad u decided to join!

If I had to choose one, I would go with everyone who said an online spinner.

Yes, you are exactly right.

First of all, I have forgotten WAY more about knots than I remember! I don't know how many times I think to myself "I remember learning the perfect knot for this application, now how did it go?....." Anyways I thought I would post a picture of the double uni knot since I am the one that mentioned it. It is generally recommended to tie to lines together that are roughly the same diameter.

Lost a 6 foot ultralight on one of my first trips this year. I had it get blown 3 feet and slammed in the car door from a gust of wind.

Try searching the forum over in the rod, reel, line etc section. Lots of good info and opinions there. I use bait caster's primarily and am not the best to give you solid advice on spinning combos because my favorite combo is an ultralight 6 foot combo...weird I know but tons of fun.

To me calling DNR to get educated on why they where stocked and mention the problem would be ok. But I would think the most powerful thing you could do would be to spread an accurate and we'll educated opinion when talking with other fisherman on the subject.

For me I believe in the H20 brand from academy. I am crazy about getting maximum value for all my purchases and this fits the bill. They work great and are at such competitive rates. Usually around $4, although I caught about 25 bass this year on a gold shad they had on clearance for $.98. Too bad I lost it on a snag.

Could always opt for a buff.

There is something amazing about that point you hit in fishing where it becomes more about the going than the catching.