Smalls

I love my Curado, and other than the thumb bar, haven’t had any issues. One time super gluing solved the thumb bar. I love the infinity control, it casts like a dream, and fits my hand like a glove. Occasionally I’ll get a little bit of noise from the pin brakes, but it’s not obnoxiously loud, and a half a drop of oil every so often keeps it quiet. Side note- Wife has an SLX. She’s only had it a few months, but it quickly became her favorite reel. I’m watching closely to see how it holds up, because I can buy 2 (found em online for $75) for the price of a Curado.

I’m assuming you’re talking about the little ones? That’d definitely work for a quick trip out bank fishing before dinner, but I’d be digging around my crate for 20 minutes finding the right one on the kayak. It’d add more boxes, which I don’t want.

The 6th sense ones are awesome. Pricy? Yeah. But that padded neoprene definitely keeps your rods as protected as they can be without the use of bubble wrap.

They might be good, but the “my first fishing rod” concept really puts me off. They focused too much on a gimmick that that I really can’t stand.

Trailering is obviously the easiest way. But all you really need is a couple of pool noodles for the kayak to sit on top of, and cam straps to secure it to the roof without a rack.

Awesome, I love it. Nothing has made me stop and go “wow, that is fricken genius” more than the kayak DIY world. Definitely one of those ideas.

I’m a kayak/bank angler, so space is always at a premium. I used to carry all my soft plastics in 3600 boxes, but recently switched over to a binder. It freed up two whole boxes which is amazing. Much more organized, and easier to find stuff. I’m contemplating doing the same thing with my terminal tackle. I found zip lock style bags on eBay that have two “compartments” per bag for very cheap, so that I don’t need a whole page for 6 hooks, or 4- 3/16 weights. Anyone done something similar? I’m thinking I could do the same thing I did with my plastics, and combine my two 3600’s into one simpler, and more organized container.

I haven’t, yet. Only because I haven’t seen one locally, yet. I’m a topwater junkie, and wakebaits are one of my favorites.

Weight, paddle style/size matters. In reality, you’re only saving a few ounces between paddles. But it help if you’re out on the water for extended trips. They also make larger paddles, supposed to be easier to paddle. I haven’t looked into them, or their benefits much.

Any paddle that isn’t broken will get you on the water. The lighter the better, though. You use it allllll day, remember. $100-120 will buy you a decent carbon paddle. Don’t buy metal. They’re heavy and get hot in the sun. I’m not sold on these $400 paddles, either. I’m cheap, and can’t ever see myself spending that much on a paddle.

You won’t get a bent paddle for that. Dont skimp on your paddle, though. Slumping on the paddle for a kayak is like buying $50 tires for your truck. Take it from me, I paddle a barge of a kayak and I wish I would’ve spent more on my paddle. I’m upgrading asap.

I like the plug idea. From the research I’ve done, if he swapped the head out for a PWM, he’d get a lot more juice from his battery.

Can’t really bet em for the price. Only reason I quit wearing them is cause I started wearing the Huk/Simms ones with the breathing holes. Got tired of my glasses fogging.

Tips are earned, and these guys aren’t making the $2.65/hr a waitress is. But in my experience, they work a hell of a lot harder. Don’t tip on whether or not you caught fish. It’s just like any other service. Did they do the best they could to provide you their service? Was their equipment up to par? Or did they fish for themselves half the time and give you a busted up rod. I went on a shark charter once and we only caught 3. There were 4 of us. It we got hooked into a 10 footer 15 minutes before we were supposed to head in, and they stayed an extra 2 hours til we landed that sucker. We eached tipped them $100, and it was worth every dime.

Like other aspects of life, people make rules to account for the majority. I suffer from dyslexia, and extreme adhd. I probably wouldn’t remember cheating even if I had. Fish your tournaments, catch your fish. If it ever comes up, explain your situation. Fishin folks are generally pretty nice and understanding people, and everyone loves an “underdog”.

Have you ever googled “sneaker head”? Same concept, add fishing. Yes, some of these higher end baits are bass killers, but a lot of them go for such prices because they’re hand made, limited edition, and really cool collectors pieces. There are are a lot of mid ranged swimbaits that will catch you tooooons of fish, and (relatively) won’t break the bank.

My dad started taking me fishing before I could walk. He’s a perch/panfish fisherman. We’d go and throw perch harnesses and sit til something bit. One day a bass came and ate my worm, almost ripping my spider man rod out of my hands. He called it a “junk fish” and threw it back. That was it, though. I couldn’t care less about bluegilll or perch, anymore.

Always make yourself as visible as you can. You can make a flag cheaper than you can buy the YakAttack one. And personally, if they’re blasting past you close enough to throw a rock, then do it. I’m also they kinda guy that keeps a pocket full of ball bearings in my pocket while riding a motorcycle.

How often are you sitting at home, with nothing to do but watch TV? Take that time to practice in the back yard. I still pitch better with my right hand than I do my left, but you’ll see me in the back yard a few times a week, 20 minutes or so, pitching into some cups or trying to land a (hookless) lure on the dogs back.

Check out Tiny Boat Nation in Facebook/YouTube. You’ll find a never ending source of inspiration.

I just went through this exact same thing. Wasn’t looking at spending a fortune on a FF, didn’t need anything super fancy, etc. I went with the Humminbird. The “make your own map” deal on the Garmin seemed useless on a kayak. The pictures I’ve seen of the down imaging on the HB looked better, and it was like $30 cheaper, which basically paid for my battery. At this price point, there’s definitely things I wish were improved, but overall I’m pleased with it. I’m still in the learning phase, though, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Go anchor your boat about 75-100 yards from the end of 9 mile pier. I’ve caught a 6 pounder or two there.

Price doesn’t always reflect quality. I’ve got some cheap gear that has lasted me a long time. But if I’m looking at two reels, a $60 one of mediocre materials and a much better quality reel for $120, I’m buying the more expensive one. I’ll likely get more life out of it. The point if if diminishing returns works both ways. There’s a certain price where higher end gear just doesn’t give you much more advantages. There’s also a price point where if you go under, it’s impossible for the manufacturer to have made it of quality components, and likely cut corners producing it.

Not the most professional looking job, but it clears up some of the clutter and I’m pretty happy with it. Bonus- I can still fit my graph in there when I’m not using it. Probably throw my phone/keys/wallet in there while I’m out on the water.

My wife and I ordered our kayaks in late December from Austin Kayak. She bought the Pescador 10 Pro, and if I recall correctly, it was $700. They were having an end of the year sale. Not a huge savings, but it basically paid for shipping.