Dreamer56

Sorry to hear this - - Any idea how deep he was jigging? When I am not bass fishing I go for walleye and have to keep an eye on depth - bringing them up from over 20-30 feet too fast leads to “baratrauma” - bladder expands too fast due to the lower water pressure and then they cannot get right in the water when you return them - - -Some recommend “fizzing” the fish when this happens but there is controversy even about that as a solution . . .

Good article - thanks for posting that.

I did what you are proposing - and I kayak fish - went with a couple Abu Garcia Veritas casting rods (on sale at Midway USA right now) and Lew’s medium priced speed spools - was committed to learning but patient with spending too much $$$ to get started. Considered buying used but went with new stuff and glad I did - still using that even though I moved on to more expensive gear. (Doesn’t everyone?) I recommend you practice from the bank before throwing the baitcaster in the kayak - once you get the rhythm of using a bait caster it is an easy transition to being on the water - just easier to learn to clear “birds nests” on shore ? Rod length depends on what you are doing (flipping/casting/etc) and what you are comfortable with . . . You want to buy RH retrieve - reel with the right hand - can’t switch the side the handle is on so double check before buying. good luck!