Smalls

As someone who has needed a firearm for self defense, I don't leave my house unarmed.

https://railblazausa.com/product/railblaza-ribport-base-with-3m-backing/?attribute_pa_color=gray&gclid=CjwKCAjw5c6LBhBdEiwAP9ejG6SV-fO9iO-SqdHxw806brcSWD3zaRGdx8xb0kfJDmFu96YuP72xURoCxfQQAvD_BwE They have an adhesive on the back, just stick em on.

Probably the only way to stop this without beaching is to run two anchors, which usually isn't advisable. Before I bought a kayak I fished out of an inflatable dinghy. Because they have practically no draft, literally every action I made to a bait would spin me. I would often try to tie off to a tree or something if I could. If I was in small waters with absolutely no traffic, wind, or current, I'd anchor from both sides. It's better in a rigid kayak, but not eliminated.

I know some guys like to throw things like Ricos on spinning gear. I would rather invest in an MGL/SV type casting reel for light stuff like that. Specifically for the reason your picture shows.

I'm not 100% about Bird, but I know Lowrance doesn't fix screens, either. There's a few 3rd party companies like ClearCast that offer repair services, but unless your unit is brand new, and the latest/greatest on the market, it's often cheaper to replace the unit. If I'm reading their site correctly, ClearCast wants $545 to fix your screen. You can find a lightly used unit for that. Or drop down to the 7" for that price, new.

Lead time on a replacement should be pretty high up that list, though. I'll definitely agree, the Megabass rod is the better choice, I've seen guys wait a looooong time for a replacement rod. Not sure if it's gotten better, but it's worth looking into before you buy.

Other than a few Penn spinning reels, there are currently no "mainstream" (I'll define that as something you could order off TW) reels produced here. Sixgill is setting up to manufacture some of their reels in Texas, but you said "quality", soo....

Along with being dangerous, it may also be illegal depending on your state.

Make your own retractable mount. Half the fun of owning a kayak is the DIY projects and solutions. Some accessories make more sense to just buy, but I'd say 80% of the time, you can DIY it cheaper and better.

Optimal? Probably. But like I mentioned, my Lowrance gets decent imaging well below that speed. And realistically, 2-3mph isn't hard to achieve in a kayak, especially while you're cruising between spots.

https://www.railblaza.com/blog/inflatable-boat-accessories-mounts-from-railblaza/ I heard these work well.

The only rod that I have to be mindful of the butt section on the kayak is my swimbait rod. I think it's like 18". I'll bang it on my seat if I'm sitting.

I use SI more than anything on my kayak. I also get decent imaging all the way down to .7mph. You should absolutely buy the biggest screen you can afford. I've only ever seen one person complain that their graph was too big. He returned his 15" and got a 12, said it was perfect.

Ah, I see what you're saying, now. There might be enough room to mount a rack, but it'll be tight.

I didn't even know they offered the XT in a combo. Even though thw rods are "meh", $180 is an effin steal. You can always upgrade the rod later, technically you only paid $40 for it.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

Kayak trailer? I have a truck ladder rack on my trailer, and my rocketbox is mounted to that.

Since you presumably aren't throwing both a t rig and a jig at the same time on two separate rods, cut the t rig off and tie a jig on your casting gear. Use your spinning rod for spinning rod stuff.

Even if you don't have a graph, at least download the Navionics app. Study it beforehand and narrow down some productive looking spots.

I've heard of Big Bear rods, but I've literally never seen or heard them being mentioned, ever. Could be great rods, but I personally wouldn't take a $200 chance on it.

I SMOKED one with a buzzbait a few years ago. He was flying like 10-15 feet in front of me as I was casting. Backlash so bad I had to cut it out. He hit the water, but seemingly flew away fine. Guess their sonar ain't that great after all.

I've gone in after a swimbait, but I'm not going in after some $25 pliers.

The open deck is the biggest attraction. They also have very little draft, so they typically paddle very well. And there's really not many traditional kayaks out there that can rival their stability.

I believe so.

Pescador. The Tempest's are cheap no name Ali baba kayaks.