Crankin4Bass

Take a look at the Diawa Fuego CT. It's a little more than you want to spend but it's a really solid inexpensive reel with an aluminum frame. $75 at Walmart and Amazon.

@Choporoz has some good advice. I would also recommend a foam type. It's a given that you are going to flip a kayak at some point. Auto-inflate doesn't seem to be a good idea in a kayak to me. I have used a NRS Chinook for 2 years and have been very happy with it. You should take a look at a kayak angler specific PFD and see which one feels best to you. They all have pockets and d-rings to attach gear which makes life easier.

I use a Chronarch 200e7 with 65lb power pro which works for me. I usually don’t throw anything more than 30 yards. Since you want more line capacity you may want to look at the Tranx 300 or Calcutta 300d. Both can hold 125 feet of 65lb power pro and have 30” ipt. I have a Calcutta 300d and use it for swimbaits. The build quality on the Calcutta 300d is great and it’s super smooth. Still made in Japan. An old Curado 300e7 might also work for you but those are pretty expensive used.

How do you like the 6’10 ML? What do use it for and what do you have it paired up with? I have the 7’2 H and 6’10 MH. I really like them for jigs and Texas rigs.

I like Gamakatsu 1/0 finesse wide gap hooks for wacky rigged senkos.

Shimano Core 50

Shimano Zodias 6'10" MH

Shimano Zodias

Tom has a good point and he knows what he's talking about. Try both combinations. I would try the duckett reel on the frog rod first because it has more line capacity than the PQ. Use it with heavier line for frogs and heavy jigs. Put the PQ on the 6'6" MH for jigs, texas rigs, everything else... If you don't like it switch. Either combo will work just fine. Don't worry too much about doing everything optimally like the equipment manufacturers have us believing we need too. We all tend to overthink this stuff. That's how I ended up with 15 rods/reels. I use 3 of these setups most of the time. LOL! d**n you bait monkey! With your 2 setups, you are covered for so many techniques. Just go fish and have fun! Winter will be here sooner than we think...

It's a Sun Dolphin Boss 12. There are a lot of video reviews on youtube. Looks pretty nice for sub $500 and is supposed to be very stable.

Probably bites or an allergy. My wife took me to a botancial garden a few years ago and after a couple hours of walking around, I had hives all over. Went to a dermatologist and she said I was probably allergic to one or more of the 200 plants there. Told me to take both Zyrtec and Zantac once a day to calm everything down. I think she said Zyrtec in the morning and Zantac at night. I thought Zantac sounded strange but it’s actually an antihistamine. Doc also gave me a prescription for a steroid lotion. You might want to go to your PCP, a Dermatoligist, and go to an Allergy specialist and get tested for allergies. I also now wear long sleeves/pants, high boots, and use deet whenever I bank fish or hike. It still sometimes happens. Always take shower and wash clothes in hot water afterwards. I also always carry Benadryl. I hope everything resolves soon.

I think the Lifetime Teton I mentioned is an updated version of the Lifetime Tamarak. I think the only difference is the Teton has an updated removable seat that people say is very comfortable. There are tons of videos on the Tamarak and most people upgrade the seat. I think Lifetime wisely responded buy upgrading it themselves. Good luck in your search and don't forget a PFD!

I like a 6 footer too for the same applications in a kayak. I had trouble finding anything short and wound up getting a Berkley Lighting Shock 6' medium a couple years ago at Walmart for $40. The handle is short and doesn't hit my PFD. I have the previous generation with the cork handle. It's cheaper than what your looking for but it works well.

Is that a St Croix Premier?

I agree with all the responses above. You should save up of look for something used. However, there is a new cheap fishing kayak called the Lifetime Teton Angler. I've seen it on sale at Dick's for $300. It looks like an interesting budget kayak. You could also look at the LL Bean Manatee Solo. They sometimes go on sale for 20% off. You could put a crate in the back of that with rod holders. I'm not a big fan of sit inside kayaks because they are a pain if you flip, but some people like them. It's made by Perception.

The problem with bungies is that they are not strong enough or reliable. They are good for holding down your milk crate in a yak, but not holding down a boat. What if you get in an accident and they snap? That rope doesn't look very thick. Please read these two pages and google "why not to use bungies." https://www.discountramps.com/tie-downs-vs-bungees/a/B33/ https://www.discountramps.com/tie-down-straps-basics/a/B34/ You should own some ratchet straps if you have a truck. They are not expensive. PS: Congrats on your boat!

You shouldn't be using bungie straps to hold the boat. If one of those snaps, the boat will go flying out of the truck and possible kill someone. Buy some cam lock straps, ratchet straps or rope.

That's really sad. I just read he has a 1 year old and his wife is pregnant too.

I also like to go minimal when bank fishing. One rod and an older small Simms sling pack. A couple bags of plastics, hooks, a few lures in a Plano 3400, hemostats, side cutter, first aid kit, bug spray, license, and water. I recently added a headlamp because some times "one more cast" leaves me with walk in the dark back to the car.

Thanks A-Jay!

Did not need these last year, but I sure could have used these today. Where do you like to buy them from?

One good option is Pflueger President 6'6" Medium Combo with a size 30 reel for $80. The rod is ok, but you can upgrade that later. The reel is great and you can use it if you upgrade the rod in the future. I have 3 of the President reels and they are solid. They do offer a one piece rod with this combo, but I would actually recommend getting the 2 piece, so if you upgrade your rod in the future you can use the two piece rod to keep in the trunk of your car. http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/pflueger-combos-spinning-combos/pflueger-president-spinning-combo/1447419.html#start=3 I'm sure other with have some great suggestions too. Good luck! Good idea! Bass Pro shops has their Pro Qualifier 2 combo on sale for $80 right now. They also have a 6'6" combo. They have a similar size reel to the Pflueger 30, but they call it a 20 size. Every manufacture has different sizing. (You can look at line capacity and weight to compare.) https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-2-spinning-rod-and-reel-combo-100202086

Wow that sounds like a blast! Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge.

That's a beast! Forgot to ask you what are the specs of that rod. I bought a calcutta 300d and am looking for a similar rod.

Thanks or all the replies! PFD is a must. I have a NRS Chinook and always wear it. A family friend who never wore a PFD drowned a couple years ago in the summer. He tipped a canoe and got caught up in milfoil. I actually tried a dry suit on last weekend. Those things are hard to put on. I had a harder time getting out of it. I may need to start a stretching program. LOL! I wound up ordering the boundary boots, Kokatat pants and an NRS jacket with latex gasket on the wrists and neck. Both the pants and jacket have an adjustable neoprene band at the waist. Plan to add non-cotton layers underneath as needed. Thanks for all the help guys! Stay safe out there!