Fritch

One detail I left out is that the frog I'm using actually is pretty light in comparison to my others - not smaller, just lighter. The issue wasn't as prevalent with the last frog I tried

Definitely will try this out thanks!

Hi all - I'm running into constant backlash on my frog rod and had to cut all the braid out tonight. I'm throwing frogs on a Shimano Curado 150XG reel paired with a Dobyn's Champion XP DC 736 CFH. Line is straight braid, 50lb and 12lb diameter Power Pro 100% Spectra Fiber. It happened the other day and I thought I just needed to mess with the brakes a bit and loosen up the braid on the reel. Tonight it happened again to the point where I had to cut a bunch of braid out. I shortened the line to about 50 yards, made a few casts without issue, and then tied on another 100 yards. First cast out it did the same thing. I'm not a pro on these topics and would definitely appreciate any help.

Hi all, weeds are coming in big time in the Northeast (NJ) area. I still struggle fishing >8FT offshore in big lakes. I'm in a kayak with a lowrance elite. When the weeds are starting to fill in, what sorts of baits and techniques do you us in the deeper water? Are you even bothering with something such as deep diving cranks, when it's likely you'll be pulling weeds off frequently? Would love to hear some general guidance from you. Thanks!

Best knot for mono to fluoro? I'm using mono as the backing and will have at least half the reel as fluoro. Similar diameter.

Is this the new model you're referring too? What gear ratio would you recommend for my need, I guess the 8.1:1? I see it listed for $230 locally https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-CURADO_MGL_70_K.html

Hi all. Bluefish pulled my dobyns frog rod and curado xg 8.5:1 right out my kayaks rod holder last year. Replacing the gear and buying a leash! I already bought dobyns champion series frog rod. Is the Curado still worth the money or is there better quality and tech for the price out there? Typically i do use this setup for frogs/bass with 50lb braid. Looks like the reel is still selling strong at ~$180

Fairly used to drop shotting. Previously was using my senko finesse rig but I'd rather have a dedicated setup

Hi all. Looking to pick up a new drop shot setup this week. I have some ideas but would appreciate recommendations. I don't have a preference on brands. My budget goes up to $350 but if I can get away spending less, I'm all for it. Mostly fishing the NE for bass. Thx!

To this point I swapped out the SLX setup for my ultra light trout spinning rig back in September haha, so I believe you're right.

Thanks for the tips and tricks here. I was thinking about the situations where distance was causing issues and I believe it was more-so with light lures...1/8 to 1/16th Rapalas. Obviously this has an impact but I sitll remember distance being a problem. I think my rod setup is okay, it's a heavy fast and I believe it's fitting to the reel. I can't remember what specific kind of line I have on the reel but I'm wondering if the line itself was causing some issues. I'm thinking a combination of removing the brakes, replacing the line, and avoiding the 1/16-1/8oz baits may do the trick.

I haven't messed with the brakes in either of my baitcasters and am sure it's been set on 3 all summer although I know I tried 2 on one or two trips. I have to re-familiarize myself with the cast control. What line and baits are you fishing with? No distance challenges? Thanks!

Yak fisherman here. I was new to baitcasters this past summer and used an SLX 150 paired with a dobyns fury 734C for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jerkbaits, etc. The only other baitcaster I used was a Curado 200XG for froggin' with a Dobyns 735C. The frog setup was perfect...I don't think I screwed the braid up once, always felt in control of the gear, and got the distance. The SLX drove me a little crazy, primarily because I couldn't get the distance even with a medium to large size spinnerbait. I also got hung up a decent amount of times. I'd like to understand how you've made the most out of an SLX 150. What rod, line, and general setup are you using to maximize distance and maintain good control? I assume I don't have the most appropriate rod pairing and am fine to repurpose my gear as needed. While I understand there's a quality difference between the Curado and the SLX, I still feel I should be able to pick up more distance with the SLX. Thanks!

Bumping this just once to see if anyone's willing to share some info in the thread or via a PM. Mostly I just don't want to put a plan together and find out upon arrival that I can't launch and dock at the same spot since I will be alone, I'm several hours away. Thank you.

Hi all. Never fished the Susquehanna in PA and am looking for some basic advice. I'm eyeing up launching either at Fort Hunter or somewhere generally between Duncannon and Fort Hunter. Is it generally fine to launch and return to the original launch in this part of the river or is it most definitely a 1 way trip south? Ideally I was considering the portion of the river that runs east/west between Duncannon and FH but launch locations look tough to find. I read in another post it's an 8 hour yak ride between Duncannon and FH so I realize this is no short stretch of river. Really in general I'm looking for decent fishing in an area where I can launch and return at the same location assuming I'm solo. As a secondary option I'm wondering if it's possible to launch and return to launch in the section around the rt 81 bridge. Anyway, thanks for any general pointers!

Curado 200 reel & Dobyns 735C I only have a few setups at this time and just picked this up for frogs. I'll have 50lb braid on it. I fished a couple of large lakes in NJ for bass that also have musky. Anything wrong with using this for larger swimbaits and for possibly hooking up on a musky?

Hi all, I just started getting into baitcasters although I've used convention drop down setups saltwater my whole life. I'm doing fine with senkos and spinnerbaits on a Shimano SLX setup. Recently I just purchased a Curado 200 8:5:1 and a Dobyns 735C for my new frog rod. I plan on fishing some heavy cover and pads over the summer. Can you recommend line? I was considering spiderwire 50lb but I see a lot of mixed reviews out there on durability. I'm okay risking tangles while I get more used to baitcasters but I also read some reviews about how bad it can get! Anyway looking forward to your comments.

Thanks for all the thoughts on this thread. Personally for me I am now considering how different cold water lakes versus Raritan Bay would be for my circumstances. I like the tips about staying close to shore and don't really see a lot of risk in flipping so I feel the pants I was considering and a shoft shell top with layering is adequate. I appreciate these tips about the bay and have decided I won't go out without a dry suit. I've already seen my eyes flash before my eyes a few times in the bay between crazy weather and terrible boaters and that was on a 23ft Sea Swirl - I can't imagine flipping in April. Last summer I did some fluking and have plenty of warm weather gear to stock up on (buying the yak safety flag tonight) so I'll skip at least the cold spring season until I'm ready to splurge on a dry suit. Anyway thanks all.

Hey all - Looking to purchase clothing for the colder months in the NE (Jersey lakes and Raritan Bay). I would have went out today if I had the gear. I was looking at buying these dry pants but then started telling myself there's no way to block out the water without a drysuit if I turtle the yak: https://www.austinkayak.com/NRS-Freefall-Dry-Pants-Men/ACK16809P.html What do you all suggest? Is dry suit with layering the only way to truly be protected? Can't believe the prices on those things...

Hi all - long overdue update here. I have one setup so far and went with the SLX and a Dobyns Fury 7' 703C rod for my senkos and spinnerbaits. I didn't pull the trigger yet on a frog setup but have some gift certificates to Austin Kayak so I'll see what they have available on there. I was pretty set on a Curado 70 and another Fury rod but again I'm going to see what options are on Austin Kayak. I've spent plenty of time getting used to the SLX and like it a lot, thanks for all the advice!

Great info here thanks everyone! Finally had a chance to come back to this. I have all the info I need for a few basic setups thanks.

Thanks everyone. Actually I'm pretty sold on the "build inventory" approach and upgrade later. I'll likely go for a H/Fast and MH/Fast setup as suggested. Even though I'm in a Kayak it's not an issue to stand and fish, it worked out well this past summer. I'd likely go for rods closer to 7ft. I've used braid historically in salt water and mono for fresh water. I don't really have a preference on the line and was thinking of trying out braid for fresh water this spring.

Hi all - After buying a new fishing kayak last summer I've finally gotten back into fresh water fishing, primarily for bass. I need mostly new gear and first am looking for a setup for soft plastics, crank baits, and frogging. For now I really think I can only afford 2 decent setups and would like to invest in at least one nice reel. For a nice reel I'm considering the Chronarch MGL. I fish mostly lakes in the Northeast and will likely also spend some time on the Delaware River. For now I'd consider my budget at around $500 for the new gear. Some additional thoughts: *If I go with this reel perhaps I get a rod ~$120 and just consider one decent setup for now given my budget *Could I go cheaper on the rod to pair with the Chronarch and get a cheaper combo allowing 2 setups for $500? *Should I scratch the idea on the Chronarch for now and get two combo setups for ~$250 each? Appreciate any guidance you can provide.