kayaking_kev

I caught my 10th of the year today, only one was of good size. The water temperature is just now hitting 50 degrees. All of my catches have been on a jerkbait, lipless and a couple on a ned rig. I noticed the frogs were out today for the first time, so that's a positive sign. I tried to hit a 2nd spot up before I went home for the day and it was packed like I've never seen for such a small place. Everyone looked like they were at least 6 ft away, but I like to walk down the whole bank, so I just turned around and went home. I can't wait for the rivers to slow down a little, so I can get out on a kayak and get some smallies. One of my goals is to catch a bass in every month and today took care of April, should be easy until December.

I've used it for two seasons now and have tested it with weights and it was always accurate. I was always hoping it was under weighing my fish, but wasn't the case. Mine was $9.99. Batteries last a long time too. The measuring tape on it sucks though.

Everything, not just rods. Shipping is $25 for rods, once for multiple rods. Apparel and other gear has different shipping prices.

Most likely if it's graphite and not composite or glass. Gary Dobyns uses the 704cb graphite for jerkbaits. I've been using a Fury 703c, which has been good, but will soon have a Champion 634cb for it.

I didn't know that one. So, it really makes no difference if they recommend a lot of Dobyns and Shimano. And, if they wanted to just sell some stuff, they would recommend other popular brands more like Daiwa, St.Croix, & Lew's, but it's rare.

I picked up some small stuff while venturing out into the danger zone yesterday at Walmart & Ollie's. Walmart had some Frogg Toggs rain pants for $7.49 in their fishing clearance section, it's a youth size L/XL, but I'm 6ft. 170 lbs and they fit fine. They should be good for early Spring and Late Fall kayaking when the water is cold. They did have a jacket also, but is was size S/M, and no way that was happening. The Monkey and I also couldn't refuse picking up a few more Bitsy Bugs for like $1.74 and I'm trying some Cotton Cordell Lipless out for the first time. I also went to Ollie's to get some more of that $3.99 Vicious 330 yds line, but the Monkeu picked out a few other things while there including my first Luck-E-Strike lures. They still had plenty of Chatterbaits for $3.99 there, but I resisted them. I actually found the Chartreuse Squarebill in the 2nd pic, while fishing yesterday. I'm not sure of the brand, but it weighs 1/2 oz and looks brand new. I think it was a present from the Bait Monkey for doing such a good job lately.

Whenever I order from Dobyns, I always send an email after I receive the order confirmation and politely ask for a tracking #, and they always send me one. I had someone steal a single package of deodorant from my porch just a few days ago, because I didn't pay attention to tracking. I have to have a tracking #, cuz I live on a busy street. You can also sign up for fed ex, and they will notify you of anything shipping to your address. Dobyns is so busy right now, that's what they are asking people to do, instead of contacting them for a tracking #.

I wish I got paid for recommending Dobyns! I don't think Tactical Bassin has sponsors, but I do believe they get paid every time someone clicks one of their links and buys something, by being an TW affiliate. That's why they always link a bunch of stuff in their video descriptions and it's from a variety of companies. The brand doesn't matter as long as it comes from TW.

Probably a Daiwa AirXD $60 and a Daiwa Fuego CT $75, but it's all subjective. I caught most of my 500+ fish last season on a Ugly Stik Gx2 that I got for $9 in the Walmart clearance section. And, I had it paired with a Abu Garcia Black that cost me about $40. The total combo was under $50 and I threw every kind of bait with it, all on video. Those reels don't last but a season or two of heavy fishing. The Pro Max is better and holds up better, but still a graphite frame, that's why it's worth it to get a Fuego. Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick for $40 at Walmart, is also a pretty good rod.

I have the same rod, I got it for frogs, but I only made about 10 cast with it, but did catch one fish on a big spinnerbait, but I'm now going to sell it because I replaced it with the Sierra 735c, which has a softer tip and better balanced. The SLX is a really light rod, I think it weighed 4.9 oz, but I couldn't get over the bad balance. I wouldn't want to do much tip up fishing with it. The same thing applies to the SLX 7'2 MH/XF, but it's not good for tip down fishing at all, so the bad balance is even more of an issue. If the were the only rods I had, I could deal with it and be fine, but I have too many other rods that are better.

I have only used 1/6 & 1/5 oz ned rigs, and it does great with those weights. I agree it's very versatile. I have a SLX MGL 70 on mine, but used to have a concept z on it and that did good as well and made for a super bright combo.

I've had very few chances to get out in the kayak lately with a ton of rain & wind, but when I had the chance, I passed on it, because the water is still below 50. I have never flipped my kayak & was out in it January last year, but all these stories like this one has made me just bank fish until the water warms up. I do wear my NRS Chinook life vest when kayaking, but it's just not worth it, I'm skinny guy who would turn into a Popsicle rather quick. I would like to have a nice dry suit though, but they're expensive.

Usually a Ned Rig. I threw a Shakeyhead a few days ago, and I will probably use it for weightless plastics, light jerkbaits, and drop shot if I need to. It's pretty versatile for 1/8-3/8, one of my favorite rods to use because it's so light.

Frog = Fury 735c, Sierra 735c $72, $108 Senko = Sierra 703c, 733c $108 Jig = Fury 734c, Sierra 735c $72-$108 Jerkbait = Fury 663c, 703c, 705cb, Sierra 683c $72, $108 Swimbait = Fury 795c $72 +$25 Shipping for all of them. I've heard good things about the Tatula's also, but I'm unfamiliar with their rod lineup and warranty. Also,the new St.Croix Mojo's, but I think they are over $100. I personally wouldn't recommend a Shimano SLX (balance) or a 13 Fate Black (build quality)

I just try to avoid using spinning gear as much as possible, but I'll try it sometime. I throw my neds on a Extreme HP 702c ML rod.

Thanks for the tip, I have only used 1/4, 1/5, & 1/6 oz so far.

I like for clean bottoms and maybe a little bit of rock. It doesn't work to good if the bottom is mucky and vegetated, probably gets buried and the fish can't see that small bait as good.

I already have the 704 & 705 Glass, so I'm sure I will.

I'm not sure about the Premier Muskie rods or that length, but I heard St.Croix Muskie rods make good catfish rods. Maybe you could use it for a heavy Carolina Rig.

I already had a Shimano Sienna that I got on sale for $20 about 3 months ago. I don't spend much on spinning gear, it's not something I do a lot of. My best spinning reel is only a Daiwa Revros LT, but it's on a St.Croix right now. I love the Revros and I think the Sienna is also good for the price, but I can't really say as I've never used a high end spinning reel. I always hear great things about the President though, I will probably give them a try in the future. What all do you use your 702sf for? The TP-1 ML has softer tip but not as strong, and it has a microwave guide.

Maybe just a couple eventually. 702sf is replacing a Lew's TP-1 ML, so I got a spinning reel for it. The 734c has a SLX DC on it already, and the 736 has Revo X 5.4.1 from the rod it replaced. I don't have one yet for the 735c or 663c yet, but I do have a Abu Pro Max and Black Max on some backup rods if I need them. I just sold My Fuego CT a couple of weeks ago and now regret it, I could of used it for the 735. I'm in no hurry to get any reels right now, because I won't ever take 13 Dobyns rods with me at once, so I can double up for now.

5 more new Dobyns to add to the collection.

5 new Dobyns showed up today, I think the bait monkey knows my debit card # by heart now.

Yo-Zuri is a heck of a bargain for sure, and if you're happy with the casting distance you're getting with it, then there's no reason to change. If you wanted a little more distance, then I would look at a smaller diameter line, or at least get some 10# Yo-Zuri. I'm a lot bigger fan of the lower test Yo-Zuri hybrid, probably 12# and under, I don't really care for the 15# I got. But, for around $7 for 600 yards, you can't beat that, it's a pretty strong line.

Considering the Extreme's are $70 cheaper right now, I would go with a Dobyns. You can get an Xtasy 755c for $50 more than a 7'6 H Expride. I've heard great things about the Exprides and would like to get one myself in the future. How are the warranties on the Exprides?