YaknBassn

Jackson Kayak WAS running a pretty good sale on some of their now discontinued kayak models. They had their 2019 Cuda HDs for $13xx. And from experience, avoid the Lure. The big wide deck is attractive , but paddling that thing is no fun. Especially if there is any wind or current.

I sold my boat in favor of a kayak. I miss the boat on occasion, but I don't regret my decision. Most of my annoyances with kayak fishing revolves around my inability to learn that I dont have the storage capacity of a boat. I spend more time unloading my kayak than I ever did launching my boat. And I like the kayak tournament community so much more. Most of them are just guys that like fishing and might when some money doing it. And if you dont already have one, please invest in a good quality PFD.

On large bodies of water, I'll sing like a bird. "See those two islands out there? Park in between them, cast to the north, and hop an Ol Monster in red bug back to the boat."

I blew up a reel trying to skip up under docks. Trying to dig out the back lash, I felt the line go tight and the rod jerked. I had to hand reel in a fish.

A higher end kayak does make it so much easier and enjoyable. Seats, hull designs, and storage options make it a better experience. As far as wind goes, you'll always be at its mercy. Anchors and rudders make it easier to deal with, but some kayaks just dont do well in the wind. Some kayaks are better at holding position on their own, others will spin in circles the moment you quit paddling. Its trial and error. A lot of guys buy and sell kayaks all the time until they find something their happy with. It took me a long time to find one.

7'4" MagHvy for flippin, 7'3" MagMH for Frogs, and 7' MH that does just about everything.

I use bright colors on bottom contact lures. I go back and forth on leaders matter for visibility. Just last weekend I landed a 5lber using bright yellow braid in clear spring water. I dont know if it matters to the fish or not. I enjoy using braid because it's easy to manage. I'll use a leader when fishing rocks and timber, but straight braid most of the time.

I've got three Invokers. You wont regret buying one.

Put the pros in kayaks. I think the pros fishing with the limited storage and range of kayaks would be fun to watch.

Dobyns Fury 735C with a Daiwa Fuego CT. For around $180 you've got an excellent setup. Or go with a Falcon BuCoo with a Fuego and you're closer to $150.

So am I. Check out North Alabama Kayak Anglers on Facebook. Great group of guys. We have a demo day coming up in May. Dont be scared to buy used either. I just bought a 2018 Jackson Cuda HD for $1100. Generally speaking though, longer kayaks will track better. Shorter kayaks dont track as well, but are more maneuverable in smaller waters. Hull design will also greatly affect how a kayak handles.

The best advice I can give is to demo. Compile a list of kayaks you're interested in and try them out. Check Facebook for local groups in your area. Most clubs will host a demo day a few times a year and more often than not, owners are willing to let you try them on the water. Are you interested in any particular models? Edit: As far as the anchor goes, it's useful but not needed. It's nice to have for maintaining position, but not critical for landing fish. These are bass, not tarpon. Edit #2: Just noticed you're from Alabama. What area?

Right now, it seems the main lake is moving and dirty. There are areas that have cleared out, but its muddy for the most part.

Daiwa Aird or Berkley Shock.

I use 30lb Sufix 832 with 12lb mono leader.

Think of the waters you're fishing and go from there. First tournament of the season, I'll bring four rods. Then as we progress into summer, I'll have 6 or 7 rods on hand. I think adding another MH or a lighter Heavy rod would be beneficial.

One of my favorite river launches, just off Wheeler Lake. The pile of brush in the center of the picture was the dock. Yet there are still 1,000 posts on Facebook groups asking how the lake is. It's flooded. Dont fish.

Interesting to see boaters point of view on kayaks. I've always wondered if I were visible. I've got a flag, lights for low light, wear bright clothing when on bigger waters, and I've even got small mirrors on my paddle, just give a little extra flash. I try to avoid even crossing channels. If I do, I try to make it a quick, straight shot. It a motor boat is bearing down on me, I move towards the shore. I want to live to fish another day.

I shouldn't have said throttle down. I meant the opposite. But that does bring up a good point. I'd so much rather boats just stay on plane. I know folks mean when well when they slow down, but the wake that's created is rough.

1. Fish more. 2. Catch more. 3. Not skunk on tournament day. 4. Fish even when the weather isn't nice. 5. Learn that jigs aren't topwater lures. (I'm not good at fishing slow)

My personal favorite is Daiwa J-Braid x8. Sufix 832 is great as well.

You can find some of the "high end" (Jackson, Wilderness, Feelfree, etc) kayaks used for less than $1000. If you want new at that price, as mentioned, Ascends are solid kayaks at that price. I haven't used one, but the new Pelican Catch kayaks look pretty good. I think the 12' version is $750. One thing that is often forgot about is the paddle. Buy a quality paddle. A $20 paddle works, but a quality paddle makes a giant difference in comfort.

I use Junebug colored Brush Hogs all the time. I prefer Junebug over black & blue soft plastics.

#1. My grandad. The one who taught me to cast a spinning rod. He hated bass fishing, but he loved to fish for crappie and catfish. #2. Dad. Fished with him a lot as a kid. I ask him all of the time now, but he always says no. He admits to not liking fishing now. I realize now that he only went then because I wanted to. 3#. Gerald Swindle. Dude is hilarious, i think we would get along. #4. My son. He isn't even here yet, but I cant wait to take that kid fishing.

I think we all dislike the wake boats lol I've had guys make comments my direction just for fishing a main lake ledge, like I've no business there because I'm in a a kayak. There have even been guys that idle close, then throttle down just to create wake. Even had a fella tell me that I shouldn't be using a boat ramp, because I'm not launching a motor boat. I know that's probably the minority. Most people don't say anything at all. Some strike up conversation because they're genuinely interested to know how fishing works from a 12' plastic boat.