HookInMouth

If you're looking for stable it's hard to beat an SS127 or Big Rig but A LOT of kayaks are stable enough to stand in. I never do though. I'll stand up and stretch and whatnot but I fish sitting down. Nothing I can't do sitting that I can do standing. The only other kayak I would consider over the SS127 is the Old Town Sportsman. And that's just a value thing. I like the price point better. Really don't like the seat tho compared to the SS127.

Kaku makes some really interesting boats. I've got two Voodoo and love them.

The MGL 150 feels way above it's price point. Honestly, unless you need the 200 size spool I can't see a reason to buy a K over an MGL for $10 more. IMHO best bang for the buck at $200.

I had a very anti-climatic widowmaker about 5 years ago. Scary stuff man. Good luck on your recovery.

I only ever take one with me when I'm on the shore. Usually a MH/F.

I think for some things the Bass Raider is probably better. Seems like it would be a great pond boat. I looked at them when I was shopping for a small vessel. Shallow rivers were my main focus though and you really just need a kayak or canoe for that. I will say that I don't think the Raider would be more comfortable than some higher end kayaks. I would put the seat in my SS127 up against anything in most living rooms lol. I can easily spend 8 hours in that seat and I have back issues.

My 7' MF Expride is sensitive @ just under $300. Cashion IMHO is very sensitive as well at $219. Very comparable to the Expride in my hands.

3.8 Fat on a 3/0 belly-weighted hook.

Kevlar/Carbon Cork Foam

I've never fished an Elite but from what I hear the Icon series is a nice step up from that. Really nice sticks Cashion is putting out now.

Hard to beat Expride in that range. I have a couple. The Cashion Icon series comes close though IMHO. I just got one of those (7' MHF Worm & Jig) and I'm thoroughly impressed. It's about the same weight as an Expride and in my hands just as sensitive. All that and American made with a lifetime replacement plan. Not as pretty as the Shimano but I don't know, it's still a slick looking rod. I love my Exprides but I might be a Cashion guy now. Planning on picking up a couple more soon.

Rage Tail Menace Grub

Funny. This is the first tournament I've ever watched too. Saw this thread and figured I'd look it up online.

Have you used it in rocky rivers by chance? Wondering how well it would work in my shallow river. Been thinking about one for a while now. Also, does the weight of the pole sticking up rock your boat much as you move around?

I've been known to grab my rod, a bag of rage tail menace, and some hooks and sinkers and nothing else.

Ran a homemade crate for a season and then just started bringing a tackle bag with me.

Just picked one of these up myself. Carried larger guns for years and then moved to the M&P Shield. When the P365 came out it looked really cool but I was really happy with the Shield so I passed. Finally decided to give it a "shot" and wow... what a gun. Feels way smaller than the Shield to me but also shoots just as good and holds 10+1. The aftermarket support is amazing too. Picked up a BORAII pocket holster for $17 on Amazon (great design, but I had to heat and tighten it for better fit) and it disappears. Great little gun.

Anyone have experience with both the Grunt and Marshall? Looking to maybe add a Victory rod for 1/4 - 3/8 Texas-Rig and not sure which one would serve better. They seem similar and I haven't been able to lay hands on them locally.

7' MF Expride / Stradic FL 2500

Kissimmee chain in January.

Depends. I don't like crates or kayak-specific tackle solutions (too many times I make a quick run to bank fish in the evenings and I don't like to have to move stuff from one system to the other) so everything I have is in a Puma duffle bag (the Puma is sparkly too, used to be my daughters but I'm fabulous with it over my shoulder). It has my tools in it, a Cal Coast Battle Box, (2) 3700, and a spinner/chatterbait box. But more often than not I just grab a couple bags of rage tail menace and some hook and sinker bottles out of the battle box and just roll with that. Love that Cal Coast Battle Box.

Mike Bucca Baby Bull Shad. Good big fish bait too.

So far I've been able to find them in stock the past two years. I've got the 7M spinning and the 72MH so far. I'm aiming for the mythical 610M Expride now and I'm probably going to swing and miss. That one is hard to get.

It won't show up on the site or in your cart. It won't even show up in the checkout. Don't panic though. It will show up in the invoice they email you and you will get the discount when they charge your card. I buy an Expride every BF and it's always worked. Some brands aren't like that though. But I know Shimano is.

I never go without my wife. Got her an SS127 of her own and she loves it. First year though she got caught sideways on a rock in some rapids and flipped. Well, tilted enough that she fell out. She's awesome though and got right back on and was fine.