FryDog62

It was my best attempt to stir the pot anyway like Randy B is known to do ?

I’m going to go out in a limb and guess 100% that have it support its use, and 100% of those that don’t have it but can afford are against it…

Anything bigger than a 9 inch screen (or two units of any size) I say go with a center mount. Keeps the center of gravity low and the unit is out of the way of the side of the kayak which interferes with casting, landing fish at the side of the boat, etc. I did mount a single 10 inch screen on the side gear track once and thought it was quite heavy and wobbly. Would have put it on a center mount too.

Be prepared that if the wind shifts after you launch you could have a problem getting out. Yes, launch on the upwind side but watch for a change in direction and get out before you’re pulling out with waves at your back coming in. That’s the best recipe for a swamped boat if waves come up and over your transom.

I didn't either... until I tried the 5 inch Caffeine Shad. BUT, the difference maker is the hook you use. Most hooks result in a nose-dive of the fluke. If you use an Owner Twistlock LIGHT hook the action is amazing and the shad almost swims on its own horizontally with a few twitches. Even the Twistlock Light in a 3/32 oz will fall much slower than a regular fluke.

I can just hear the FG knot supporters coming out on this one now...

It’s good to know my Frosted Flake friends from the great white north are still alive and well! Yes, surviving the sun and fun down here and looking forward to the MN open water season ahead?

Here's another option that is a shorter rod with a shorter handle at a good price. St. Croix markets it specifically as a jerk bait rod. St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod 6'8" Medium MJC68MF - Jerkbait. Ideal for working jerkbaits and topwater lures, as well as, tubes, grubs, small worms and light jigs. Hide Information Taper Line Wt. Lure Wt. Guides Handle Type Handle Length Stock Price Qty Fast 10-17lb 1/4-5/8oz 8+Tip Mojo II Cast A 13-1/2" In Stock: 5+ $150.00

IMO the better jerk bait rods "that won't wear you out" - are the ones with a slightly shorter handle so you're not banging against your wrist/side all day. It gets old in a hurry! The Expride is a great rod but the handle is too long for me. If you use Tacklewarehouse's method for measuring handle length, the Epxride is 15 inches long. The Zodias version is 14.5 inches. I much prefer these two rods and handle lengths: Dobyns Champion XP Crankbait Casting Rods. You can get either the 685cb or 705cb whatever rod length you prefer, but the handle length is 13 inches and 13.5 respectively. Megabass Levante Jerk Bait Special is 13.75 inches. I think the 1.5-2 inches shorter handle length makes a HUGE difference if you're jerking all day!

Scheels pretty much mopped up what was left of Dicks here in Minneapolis…. And they did a good job of it IMO. They have some sales but not like some discount or outlet stores. Their customer service is as good as it gets online or in the store. I like their values and yeah conservative stance on things and try to buy from them as much as I can.

20 incher on a swim jig in 73 degree water. So far I don't miss ice fishing ?

Shimano SLX/Curado depending on pricing are great reels. Tatula CT as well. However, if you plan to skip and lures - any Daiwa SV spool is what you want. If not, you give up some distance and go with above options.

I would actually like to chip a few fish in my local river just to know their seasonal patterns throughout the year. Not sure about the sedation or smooching aspect but you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes..

In my bass boat lol !!

I added 2 GPS units and Livescope + to my Autopilot this year. It seemed bulky and awkward to have 2 units on the side - they get in the way of casting and playing/netting fish next to the boat. So I built a custom, all aluminum DIY center mount… working great!

I agree, I think what is misleading is the wording regarding trailer speed and tire size. The standard 8 inch wheel is 45 mph, but they state it would be higher with larger wheels. This advertisement for their trailer is 12 inch wheels but still says the same 45mph rating. Either way, I'm not set on this trailer, more of an example to find one that both folds and I can take down I-75. And it may not exist...

Yes I saw the tire size too - but the specs above say this one already comes with the 12 inch tires. So I was surprised to see the only 45 mph rating.

Anyone aware of a folding trailer that could be used for kayak travel at highway speeds (70 mph)? I'm only aware of this one, but only rated to 45 mph. Folding it away in my garage when not in use sure would be convenient... https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Tow-Folding-Aluminum-Utility-Trailer/dp/B071XZ2ZCY/ref=sr_1_2?crid=27X400B3K372D&keywords=folding+kayak+trailer&qid=1676032245&sprefix=folding+kayak+trailer%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-2&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.4dd97f68-284f-40f5-a6f1-1e5b3de13370

Been eyeballing this one myself: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0824HSTSD/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?smid=AGLJA2W19Z5T3&psc=1

In Minnesota in the Spring, they tend to suspend and run in packs. Best way to catch is a good ol' jerk bait.

Fishing some southern waters now, but it is winter. A biggun could be caught on a small finesse lure, so I’ll say Tiny Child Rig - catches the Big Fat Lady ?

Those are interesting, I have something similar on my bass boat. I've got a custom mount I'm thinking of for the yak but this might be an alternative - thx!

Your best bet would be at least as far South as Table Rock, Bull Shoals or Grand Cherokee/OK. There are guides that post weekly on YouTube from each of those lakes that can tell you how the fishing is and what’s working. It can be tough in Feb but improves March/April.

Yes, a conundrum… anyway I think about it probably involves 2 units. Since I already have the Helix 7 and 93/Livescope+ I’m planning on going that route. Parts ordered to make a center mount for both… will try to remember to post a photo once completed.

Thanks that’s what I thought. I had the Helix 7 on my kayak last year and it was great down and side imaging. Decided to add Livescope+ this year so replaced the Helix with Garmin 93sv. Livescope works great but…the side imaging just doesn't appear as good despite numerous adjustments. I haven’t tried to sell the Helix yet and still have a lithium battery for it. Am thinking of building a center mount now and keeping both, rather than spend another $400 on an upgraded transducer for the Garmin. I guess I needed another project!