MassYak85

When you say not too expensive, are you talking less than 200? Less than 100?

x2 I have an Ascend FS10 sit in and love it. 500 is a very doable budget and there are a lot of great kayaks in that range. Now, you said standing is a must though....for 500 dollars I think you realistically have 2 options if you want to comfortably stand, either outriggers or the used market. Most of the fishing kayaks that are large and wide enough to stand in are going to run out of your budget new. But you can definitely find some used stuff at local shops or by looking online. Outriggers can turn a lot of kayaks into standing ones but you will then be less maneuverable. I have PVC ones I made and they are easily detachable when I don't want to use them. As far as storing one while AT college. Do you realistically have an option besides keeping it strapped to your car?

Yea I was there a couple times over the summer, it's quite a haul though and with sunset around 4:30 now, I'll probably stay local. There's definitely some good fishing there though.

TBH I don't know haha, I'm usually pretty indecisive and will probably make a last minute decision. I might give A1 one last shot.

Tomorrow and Sunday look like they might be the last couple I can comfortably open water fish for the rest of the season so I'll probably take advantage.

There are boatloads for great information on this forum and all across the internet. You could spend more time trying to learn everything than actually fishing. I know I've learned a bunch in the past couple years just looking around online but ultimately nothing is set in stone. Make sure to test stuff out. The "ideal" setup may not be the best setup for you. I fish crankbaits on braid and a 7.1:1 reel....hardly what many would consider a good crankbait setup. Now sure, if I had more money I would choose something different. But many bass techniques can be fished on a variety of setups effectively.

45 and sunny with no wind tommorow....looks like I'll be going out.

Personally I never understood the comparisons between a spinnerbait and a chatterbait. Some people like to use them interchangeably but I don't. I keep it pretty simple, I use a chatterbait when I want the vibration, and a spinnerbait when I want the flash from the blades. The only crossover for me is big Colorado blade spinnerbaits. Those I will fish in pretty similar situation as chatterbaits. Usually in really muddy water or if I am slowly crawling one of them along the bottom. I feel like I can get a little more thump out of those at slow speeds vs a chatterbait. I'm sure this topic will have a lot of mixed opinions though.

You'd probably be fine with either. I fish all of those on a 7 speed. Now for cranks I would like a slower reel but I don't use them enough to get a dedicated reel for them. Also consider the IPT of the reel. My 8.1:1 I use for jigs and T-rigs probably has a lower IPT than the 7.1:1 I use for swimjigs and spinner baits because the 7 speel reel has a larger spool.

Yea I remember I almost picked up an inferno. I'll definitely be watching that sale, but it's not a huge priority. I don't crank a whole lot so like I said it's got to be an insane deal.

Oh I also noticed Outdoor Pro Shop has Duel Hardcore Ninja Gliders for 13 bucks. MSRP is like 38.

Outdoor Pro Shop 20% off "almost everything" has started

Only rods I'm in the market for are a cranking rod or a decent swimbait rod. But I don't need them that much at the moment so unless I see an unbelievable deal I'm not gonna pull the trigger on either until next year.

Yea it's crazy. I had a cart full the day before and tried to get on as soon as the sale started. Took more than an hour to get through.

For light shakey heads I use my drop shot rod (ML spinning). Heavier ones (like 1/4oz or more) I use my MH (spinning).

Now that's a deal! Unfortunately it's only on a 6'6" MH, which I don't need but I'm sure someone else will.

It depends what you want out of your knot. IMO.... Easiest to tie: Uni-to-Uni. This knot is very easy to learn, but has the disadvantage of a lower knot strength. And when using larger diameter lines can be somewhat bulky. I have stopped using this altogether after about 5 hooksets that resulted in the knot breaking. That's never happened to me with any other connection knot. Thinnest and Strongest: FG knot. Literally the thinnest possible knot you can tie. Period. Great for going through microguides or even back into the spool. It also beats out almost every other connection knot in terms of retaining line strength. When tied correctly the knot to your lure will break before this does. The bad thing is it is arguably one of the most difficult leader knot to tie. If you need to tie a leader really quick while on the water it may not be the best choice. It's difficulty can also lead to it failing you, should you tie it incorrectly. Alberto: Personally I feel it has a good mix of both worlds. It's still very thin, comparable but not equal to the FG knot in that respect. It's relatively easy to tie, and has good strength. This is starting to become my favorite.

Based on the weather forecasts I might be done for the season, at least in my kayak. Good luck though man!

I have a DIY one that I mounted on the left, I am right handed as well. I don't think it would matter to me if it was on the right though. It's really not in the way whatsoever since when I am anchored the only thing directly next to me is the trolley rope.

If the water is below 50 I put the outriggers on my kayak regardless of where I'm going. I don't risk falling in at that stage of the game. I still wear a rain jacket and rain pants though to keep water from splashing on me. Usually a fleece layer under those and then some kind of polyester undershirt. Fleece pants too and then I wear rain boots so I can get it in without getting my feet wet.

I'm not sure exactly how they operate but last year I ordered some stuff that was on the exclusion list and they applied the discount after checkout by themselves, no phone call needed. I don't know if they would do that for all items or brands, or even if they will do it at all this year. Definitely worth the phone call. But if a Tatula rod (what I ordered) is something they would instantly discount without you even asking then I would think most other things would be fair game too.

Now it's just a question of which I'd rather have, fish or near-frozen hands? Soon will be that frustrating transition from soft to hardwater, where no type of fishing is possible. Hopefully there will be some ice in January though.

Yea we do need it bad. I might try and get out in my kayak once if there's a half day that looks decent enough.

I have the elite tech bass spinning rod, 6'10" ML. It's really good for dropshots and lighter presentations and I have no complaints. Very light and sensitive. I have no idea how their beefier version are but I'd assume they are equally as nice.

Yea once the water dips into the 50's and I am out in my kayak I make sure I am using my outriggers. I've never tipped without them but I don't want to take the risk in bad conditions.