Mike 126

I'm using mostly an 8wt Sage Method (very fast) for most of my bass fishing. With that setup I have two reels - 1 loaded with 9wt Rio InTouch Outbound Short (works well for large flies) and a second reel with Rio Intermediate sinking line 3ips for mid column fishing. I loaded my 8wt Sage a line up (9wt) to help soften it up. This was based on Rio's and Sage's recommendation which seems to work nicely. Moving big flies requires a nice sharp cast and either a single or double haul to keep the line speed up. I also use a 10wt rod for bigger flies or really windy days and a 7wt for smaller flies and smallies. Look for lines that have heavier heads to move the bigger flies.

As the others have said start simple. Don't bring every lure you own. Scupper holes are notorious for eating lures so watch where you put the ones you don't have in your box or on the line. I generally prefer rods 7' and under. They are easier to land fish and don't get hung up in tree limbs as much. To be honest, I've never purposely rolled my kayak but I really should practice that. For your first trip out just paddle around. Practice backing up, breaking, sharp turns etc. You'll be surprised how often good boat handling makes the day much less frustrating. I would not start with an anchor. I have one and it has never seen the water. I did find a wind/drift sock useful on unprotected water. It slows you down. You'll need to read up on how to use them. Once you go out to fish, I'd bring one rod to start with one Plano box with a few lures. Just keep it simple and practice casting and boat handling. Also, tether your paddle and rod. Its very easy to lose one or both. As you get more comfortable things will become second nature. Since you are in VT, bring a crash kit (extra clothes and towel) and leave it in the car. ALWAYS wear your PFD. I use an inflatable in the summer but now that the weather is getting cooler I will go back to my regular PFD. Have fun and enjoy the peace and quiet on the water!

I really like this topic as I struggle with fishing worms and probably miss 99% of the bites. My first choice in fishing is fly fishing for trout. Typically when nymph fishing you do a roll or flip cast into a running riffle and tight line following it though the feeding zone. The bites are subtle and you will see the line stop for a split second as the trout will suck in the nymph and then spit it out realizing its not real. Every guide I have fished with has always told me to set the hook even if you think it was a fish but aren't sure. While I still probably miss a lot I definitely feel more than I do when bass fishing. For me fishing for bass is a whole different experience. For some reason moving from a river to a lake is just hard for me to do especially with worms or other soft baits. I usually have more confidence with crank baits because the strike is more pronounced. This past weekend I decided that since I'm struggling with worms and crayfish that I should just fish those to develop my sense of a bite.

I started rod building a few years ago. For a casting rods I’ve used alconite and they seem to hold up nicely. I would invest in a good tip top as that seems to take the brunt of the line plus they get banged up. For spinning rods guide placement will make a difference. Fuji has developed a pretty interesting guide placement approach which incorporates the reel size and line into the placement. The process is called the KR Process. When I build I tend to use better components than you see on factory rods. The price difference is marginal when you consider total cost and time for a build.

I'm not a consistent bass fisherman by any stretch of the imagination... When i'm seeing fish and not getting anything to hit I will switch from hard to soft or vice versus. Before I do that I try and vary depth and speed. But lately it's been very slow going. My excuse is that I am fishing in high pressure lakes and reserviors, so I go home and clean the kayaks and take a nap!

Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.

I’m looking for a smart charger for my 12v SLA battery. Any recommendations?

I fish there occasionally. I usually put in at the Bull Run Marina. I kayak so I can't cover as much ground as I'd like. Heading south towards Fountain Head there are several coves on the east side just above where Broad Run joins the res. I usually have decent luck fishing the points at those coves this time of year. The channel runs about 15 - 20 feet in that section. You'll see on the maps that the east side is where the drop offs are. Be warned, it can be slow.... Good luck and let us know how you do.

I'm ready for the fall! My summer LMB fishing has been largely a bust. I'm looking forward to transitioning to fly fishing for trout as well as LMB.

+1 on crushing barbs. I primarily fish for trout (C&R) and when I tie each fly the first thing I do is remove the barb. I do the same for my bass flies and lures. I think I've lost maybe 1 or 2 fish this year having them shake a hook. But it is far easier to release them.

Like others have said, the size of the water and your age will help you decide. I'm 59 and got into kayak fishing a year ago and love it. Shortly after my first kayak I bought one for my wife and adult son to use. My son and I fish almost every weekend. I've modified a utility trailer by removing the ramp and adding 2 cross bars. It makes it easy to transport. The hardest part is loading the boat by myself but there are ways to do that easily. I fish smaller HP restricted water so the kayak is the better option. I do like that I can get into tighter areas that probably would be difficult with a small boat. Plus not having the noise of an engine is nice. The added benefits are I get exercise and can stand and fish. That being said, I am also toying with the idea of a small boat for larger waters. Something like a 16' Mod-v or V with a 25 - 40 hp motor and trolling motor. But I definitely would still use the kayaks.

I got my Lowrance Hook2 7x from Bass Pro online (I was not in the mood to drive an hour each way). They have 2 day shipping at no extra cost so it made sense for me. Also they have a 60 day no questions asked return policy. I used the unit this weekend (with Tripleshot SI) and it worked great. I am ordering a BerleyPro sun visor for it. The morning sun was a killer when coming across your back or side.

Totally sucks. Did you tell the seller you were returning a damaged rod? If it was further damaged on return then the carrier should pay for the replacement.

I use the Onyx A/M 24. You can disable the auto feature with their supplied bobbin replacement if you want to go pure manual. I Find them extremely comfortable for summer fishing.

After reviewing all of the great feedback I decided to upgrade! ? Actually, I read a bunch of blogs and watched dozens of videos. I decided to upgrade to the Hook Reveal 7x with SI. I have not had it on the water yet. But I did use the 5x and liked it. Bass Pro was happy to exchange it. I’m using the YakAttack Switchblade with the fish finder mount. I had the 5x mounted as far forward on the track as it would go. When I was fly fishing the display only caught my line once in about 50 casts so no big deal. The Tripledshot transducer is 10” long. I don’t think it will interfere with my paddle stroke as it is right at the side of the yak. I’m hoping to get out this weekend and start learning how the best set it up.