MitchellO86

I just finished up my first season, kayak fishing. Over the winter I want to make a few upgrades, starting with a fish finder. I'm looking for something in the $150-250 range. I don't know even know where to start. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

IMO its worth a shot. An unused rod of 84" is no more/less useless than an unused rod of 64". It's hard to speculate on what to expect.....but I am curious. Best of luck.

Hard to say for sure but I'd guess a 6/0 screwlock would do the trick. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Weighted_Beast_Hook_w_Twistlock/descpage-OWBWT.html?from=gshop&gclid=Cj0KCQjwufn8BRCwARIsAKzP694lF558SPfsRVoQcekstI3RmF6rC7qBZzQpNJQ0n-QsVUGVh4fxsbYaAjj5EALw_wcB They also offer them un-weighted.

Z-man makes a Finesse Bullet Hook that works awesome with the Big TRD's. It wont stand up perfectly vertical (think shakey head) but they will come through/around/over just about anything. The hookup percentage is the closest thing I've ever used, to being 100%. And don't forget to try the big TRD, wacky rigged. It just dawned on me recently and wow! Good Luck.

I like the Berkley Fusion19. They've been reliable and affordable. On that size swimbait I go with a 3/0. I'd imagine some guys would use a 4/0. IMO the 2/0 isn't big enough and the 5/0 is too much. Good Luck!

I'll start by saying I occasionally try stupid things. With that being said: I used the swimbait head to swim a 13 Fishing Joystick worm. Its a straight worm, with rabbit ears. With a steady retrieve, those ears flap like crazy, but the worm itself is more subtle. Just kind of rocks back and forth. Had one hell of an afternoon swimming that thing around grass.

I started with a Daiwa CC80 baitcaster. I got it on sale for $44 and do not regret it at all. One piece of advice I'd offer is: don't order your first baitcast combo. Go to a store, and physically hold it.

My favorite balsa SB is the Rapala BX Brat. I love the colors and unique shape. And it's one of the few crankbaits that I don't feel like I have to replace the hardware. They usually rum about $10. Good Luck.