Pradopower

I had this week off from work and my wife couldn’t get the time off which went plenty of time for fishing. I usually only get out on the weekends so I was looked forward to fishing every day for a week. But by Tuesday, I realized it was going to be a tough week. The bass just weren’t biting. I caught a few here and there each day but it was pretty slow. I know this can be a tough time of year, but I made up my mind to keep going out each day and take advantage of the time on the water. Once I figured out I wasn’t going to get bites on my go to baits, I went through my gear and pulled out all the stuff I had but didn’t use and tried something new each day. The chatter bait I used once and “didn’t feel comfortable”? I used it until I got the hang of it and caught a couple fish with it. The Tokyo rig I bought and never used? Tried it and really liked it. (Tokyo rig is awesome if you’ve never tried it) I got a new kayak this year that I can stand in so I spent the week fishing standing up and feel like I really got my “sea legs” under me. I flipped and pitched the lily pads. I worked on walking the dog with a hollow body frog until it was second nature. I feel like while I may not have caught a ton of fish this week, my fishing got stronger. I’m feel more comfortable using different techniques. I guess if the bass had been biting on the wacky rig or the crank bait I may not have gotten so much out of this week. It’s true what people say on here, it’s about time on the water. (Reading Bass Resource helps too.)

I bought a Slayer Propel 10 this spring and have been fishing in it for a few months now two or three time a week. I fish mostly small ponds and a slow moving river. I’ve been very happy with it. It’s very stable, I have no trouble standing and fishing and it not too heavy compared to others. I looked at the Native Titan and it was just too heavy. I think the Slayer is a good combo of weight and stability. I did get mine with the landing gear wheels to make moving it easier. Having wheels is great but I’ve found the attachment bar for the wheels throws the balance off. If I pick it up with the side handle it’s much heavier in the back and it’s a little awkward. I do find peddling easier than paddling and find you can go at least as fast probably faster than paddling. The slayer tracks as well as any 10 foot kayak which means not great. I’m making small rudder adjustments a lot to stay straight. I get what you mean about the rudder lever, but I haven’t had any issues so far. There is an upgrade metal lever available I saw on YouTube. I’ve never fly fished, but if you are letting line out at your feet, I think you could have a problem snagging on the pedals. The standing area isn’t very big and the pedals are pretty close. I think biggest issue on your list is pedaling over grass flats. The propeller on the bottom is a magnet for weeds, Lilly pads or grass. The propeller grabs everything. It doesn’t take much before you feel it getting bound up and have to pull it up and clean it. If you fish a lot of grassy areas you might be better off paddling. I try to keep my gear to a minimum and only carry two rods so there is plenty of space and storage in the Slayer. I transport mine in a short bed pickup and have had no problems. I store it in my basement which only has a few stairs in and out and with the wheels it’s easy. Over all, I’ve been very happy with the Slayer. I’m enjoying the stability and stand to fish most of the time now, which I didn’t get in my old kayak. Hope this helps.

I agree, sit on top, comfortable seat, room for gear and try to keep it light. Also, stability.

If you look in the "best of bass resource" thread there is a really good explanation on how to remove swallowed hooks. It works good. Gut hooked fish were a problem for me when I started out and this method really helped.

If you are ready to drive south to Chelmsford MA, there's a nice boat launch with plenty of parking at the Southwell baseball fields off 3A. Puts you in the Merrimack just south of the Tyngsboro bridge.

I'm in my 2nd full year bass fishing and I was right where you are for a while. Lots of trial and error before I started consistently catching fish. I bought myself a kayak this spring and it makes a world of difference. I realized it might not be my choice of gear/lure, I might just be in the wrong place. Being able to pick and choose where you cast helps make it more fun I think. Most of the good bass ponds around me have very limited bank fishing access. Getting out on the water changed everything for me. Keep reading, watching YouTube, reading this forum and experimenting to find what works for you. The fish will start coming.

Just got back from fishing the Concord River along the Carlisle, Concord stretch. Put the kayak in at the route 225 ramp, which is really nice by the way. Didn't catch anything. Heard and saw some fish jumping here and there but couldn't get anything to bite. I tried several different baits, senkos, swim senko, zoom toad and a spinnerbaits with no luck. Anyone ever fish the Concord? I've read and heard the fishing is slow due to high pressure over the years. I've fished there a few times without much luck. I would have loved to catch a couple but still a beautiful morning on the water.

Took this this morning at the pond down the street. It was a little breezy so it's not real clear.

Catching fish in conditions "they" say you shouldn't be able to makes it even more fun. Go for it!

My mother grew up in Lufkin Texas, down the road from lake Sam Rayburn. I had relatives that lived on the Texas, Lousiana border, right down the road from Toledo Bend. Went there every summer growing up, before I took up fishing! Never gave it much thought then. What I wouldn't give now.....

I fish from a kayak and have been trying to learn flipping too. I started praticing in the back yard standing first to get the motion down. After hitting my target a few times I try it kneeling, then sitting. It gets uglier the lower I get but I think I'm getting it. Practice, practice. I do agree with Roger though, if you can put it where you want it, how you do it shouldn't matter.

Fished at Forge Pond in Westford for the first time this morning. Only out about two hours and caught two bass. One real small and one really, really small. Stayed close to the grass lines where the brook with the boat launch opens up to the pond. Sure looks like there should be bass around. Hope to get back out on a day when I have more time.

My sevylor colorado. I know inflatables aren't for everyone,but the pond down the street from me is on some town conservation land and its about 3/4 of a mile from the parking to the water. Having to carry in everything helps keep things simple. Whatever it is has to fit in the backpack. I can put in the front seat for a 2nd person when my wife or son want to come. Plus, being able to keep it all the the trunk of the car is great for days I can bail out of work early and head straight to the pond. In the end, it's about getting out on the water, right?

Hi, everyone! I caught the bass fishing bug last summer when my 12 year old son came home from summer camp and said, "Dad, we have to go fishing! You will love it!" A quick trip to to Dick's for some gear and off we went. Learned a lot of what works and what doesn't last summer and fall. I spent the winter reading and now I'm looking forward to a full year of fishing. I've learned so much from this site and from stalking the forums. Love the fact that everyone seems to stay positive and tries to be helpful.