David 7

Do circle hooks result in less hook sets? This seems to be my experience. It’s always been my understanding that all one has to do is reel in with a circle hook, is this the case?

Would have gotten skunked today if it wasn’t for this little guy. It’s been tough going for me the last three weeks, dog days of summer I guess. I’m moving to jigs next time, they ain’t hitting the senkos.

Being late is a sign of disrespect, even if it’s not intended to be. Nothing stresses me out like running late, I don’t want someone to think I’m not respecting their time. Of course, frequent communication can lessen the offense.

I’m the same way except with my senkos. Though I am thinking about adding jigs into my approach. I have the same attitude and approach as you though with not being a competitive fisherman.

I have a 7’ MH Ugly Stick combo and have no desire to replace it. Unless it’s with a newer Ugly Stick combo. I know that if I hook into a big bass, my rig isn’t going to fail me. I trust the tip for the hookset and trust the rod strength. We’re a Dave Ramsey family and are very intentional with our money. I do however make sure to spend top dollar on the best baits, GYCB etc..

I like learning about new techniques and reading/ watching/ hearing about bass behavior. When all is said and done though, I just enjoy being on or near the water and bass fishing. Part of the wonder is the mystery of it all.

Agreed, it’s amazing how much difference one twist in each strap makes. Particularly the one closest to the front. Those straps singing stress me out!

Welcome! Where in the ADK? I’m just south of Saratoga. It is my wife and I dream to one day buy a vacation home in the Adirondack, on the water if possible.

Have thought about picking this up.

Koz, check this video out. Saw it the other day. Not applicable to my situation as mine is only 36 lbs but this method looks smooth.

For the longest time I had an 8ft Emotion Comet kayak cause it would fit in my old 2003 Saturn Vue. Was always apprehensive about car topping. Finally I took the leap and got my new Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT and car topped it on my wife’s Honda Accord. All I have is a foam block kit with NRS cam straps, no roof rack. I tie down the bow too. It’s surprisingly simple and very secure. Kind of embarrassed I dodged it all these years.

Probably my grandfather. I spent my summers on a lake in upstate NY where my family had a lake house. Everyone there fished a few times a week, many of the men fished everyday. I don’t even remember how I learned how to fish, it was just kind of like breathing air as it was all around me. My Poppy (what we called him) would fish often though in his rowboat. Always for bass with plastic worms. I’m no different except I have a kayak and not a rowboat.

I see it now, sorry about that.

I’m not an electronics guy but that camo looks sharp Koz.

Wow, this is very helpful, thank you. Since I’ll be fishing in and around milfoil/ grass, do you think a flipping head would be best? I’m thinking 1/2 oz black/ blue flipping head jig.

I mainly fish two lakes that have a muddy bottom, and a river with a rocky bottom. It’s the lakes I need the jigs for. There’s other vegetation but to get near the shoreline on most spots it’s covered with milfoil. Want to be able to punch trough it. Someone mentioned my setup, I fish with a 7 ft MH Ugly Stick, 12 lb fluro. Not sure if the reel is fast etc but the rod is definitely strong.

So I have a confession, I’ve never fished with jigs before. Mostly senkos, sometimes top waters or crank baits too. But never jigs. Where do I begin; what weight is best for deep applications and what are the best name brands? What type of trailer to go with, and do I just bounce it off the bottom? It was 91 today and think the bass were either deep or in the milfoil. Either way I couldn’t get to them, and got skunked. Think I need to add a new tool in the toolbox here.

Great news guys, just measured and it won’t fit a six gallon crate but will definitely fit a four gallon 13x13 crate. It even has indications for it at exactly the 13 inch mark. I’d like to think I would have thought of this myself eventually, but who knows. Thank you Koz you’re the man!

Great idea I’ll look into this. I think it’s not wide enough for a milk crate but I’ll try. One thing I have always wondered is where do people get their milk crates? Edit: Please disregard just saw that they have them on Amazon. I will measure to see if that can work. A milk crate would be cool, always wanted to do that like the sit on top guys.

Wow the first and second links are very helpful. If the second one is small enough it’s perfect, if not I can make the first one work. Thanks for looking these up for me friend, definitely appreciate it.

I’m definitely thinking a backpack with maybe two 3600 trays is the way to go.

Yeah but I don’t think it will fit on my stern. Those tend to work better for sit ons. Thank you though.

Yup I know the area, always enjoy going down there for the holidays. Told her she’s crazy to leave there to come up and live with me just south of the Adirondacks lol!

The thing about the kayaks with all the additional features though is they seem to weigh more. My new Pelican Trailblazer is a simple 10 ft sit in but only weights 36lb and cost me $250. Everything is a trade off and you have to weigh the pros and cons with what you decide to get. Personally I’m very content with what I have but I like to keep things simple and being able to easily load and unload is crucial for me as a solo angler.