Harold Scoggins

@Sharkicane, take J Francho's advice on this one. There is a correlation between weight capacity and stability. Don't push the limits with a lower end kayak.

Storm "gusting out" over Medford, Oklahoma yesterday. My nerves get shaken this time of year in Oklahoma. Round 2 starts Monday. (Photo: News 9, OKC)

You haven't seen muddy lake water like this. Lakes have been filling up so fast the flood gates can't keep up. Inch and a half in two hours this morning. More on the way Monday? This sure puts a cramp in fishing.

"I'm givin you all she's got Captain!" A tree for every soldier of the 3rd Infantry who paid the ultimate price.

T-rig. Sensei say,"Mushin, and go fishing."

The wire comes like that and it's very flexible, always springs back to original shape. Through my own observation, I'd say it helps a lot when making contact with wood. "I never avoid wood, I go through it."

I used War Eagle for years, and it's a good bait. However, a couple years ago I tried the Super V-Flat, and V-Flat Power Bomb by Megabass. I hated spending that kind of coin on a spinnerbait, but after seeing how these baits go through, around, and over wood, I was hooked. (and so were the fish) I don't know if they still make the Super V-Flat, but I know the Power Bomb can still be had. Now, if only other companies would take a look at the head design and make one for under $10.

In the Army's 244 year history, only three former officers have been promoted. Bob Dole was honorable promoted to Colonel yesterday at the World War II memorial, Washington DC. "All The Way," Colonel! (Pictures: United States Army Public Affairs)

SPECIAL REPORT The water-walking "Yak Beast" bug has been seen on central Texas trophy bass lakes. It is known to attack kayak anglers and its bite can be fatal. It also appears to be immune to all known insecticides. I ask that you refrain from fishing the trophy bass lakes in this region for the rest of the year while I launch my kayak on these lakes to investigate. Of course, I will have to catch some of your bass to bring this beast out of hiding.

I've had my Rapala touch screen going on six years and it's the best scale I've ever own. I checked it with a known weight couple of months ago and it's right on. The gripper shown in the picture comes with the current model. $50-$60.

Throw those babies, like vintage wine they get better with age.

Back before I was retired and time was short, I hired guides for the larger lakes. When I would get back home I would combine what I learned from the guide with what I already knew about seasonal fish behavior and hopefully maximize my time when I visited the lake again. Larger lakes require a lot of time to really learn where all the "choice" structure is located. Now days, time is not an issue as I have my choice of any day of the week, at least until the "Last Roll Call" announces my name.

I own the night.

Hmmm, I see an old school 110 with the round eye. That's a collectable.

Already seeing folks mentioning night fishing on the forums; has me all excited! I think I enjoy bass fishing at night more than anything else. I usually have the lakes to myself and the sound of wolves, coyotes, and other critters at night, puts me in my zone.

Don't be afraid to fish deep, especially mid day.

Please revisit this statement once you have been close to the water, paddled into areas where bigger boats can not go, and have paddled up close to deer or elk standing along the shore. When I first set out in a kayak, my bass boat sat in the garage for 3 years before I realized I'd never use it again. Fishing from a kayak takes some getting use to, but once you adjust, well, just wait and see. I don't know anything about the kayak you're looking at, that being said, do not let your experience seal judgement on all kayaks. If you have an opportunity to go to a "demo day," you should go. They'll let you try out many different brands of kayaks.

Gyotaku is a Japanese art form of creating fish prints. I've been doing it for a few years now and decided to add it to some stoneware. I guess I know what the family is getting for Xmas.

You won't. I think most of us went through this when we first started fishing out of kayaks, I know I did. You'll learn to adapt, either when sitting or standing and you will not have to give up any of your favorite casting techniques. There are hundreds of YT videos of anglers fishing from yaks, some are good examples, some are bad, but spend time watching some of them for clues. I remember a time when I thought I'd never be able to flip/pitch from a sitting position, but now I'll go up against the best of them. It's a learning curve and you'll master it eventually.

Cold fronts, wind, and rain are my only problems right now. (kayak angler)

Wildlife Refuge.

Nothing to show right now.

...,but it comes with a bonus video!

The first Whopper Plopper? No, it's one of my old lures, the C.C. Roberts Mudpuppy, 1930s.

I don't fish from the bank much, but sometimes I have to pull the kayak through the stuff. I use a solution made up of 1 cup of water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 20 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle. I have the bottle nearby so I can reapply middle of day. I hate spraying any chemicals on myself.