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I've watched smallmouth follow around carp that were feeding on the bottom in the Mississippi. Got this guy (while purposely fishing for carp) and then got a smallie not much later

I use one of these Scotty transducer mounts: Scotty Fishing141 Transducer Mount with Gear Head Adapter & 440-4 Low P...Designed for kayaks and small boat use - transducer arm telescopes from 11.5" to 18" and swivels 360 degrees - includes 438 adapter and low-profile track.I don't run sonar if I'm river fishing, so it's nice to take everything off and not have to worry about bashing the transducer on rocks.

Yeah, I'll agree with that. It's rare that I purposely troll, but I'll often do it when I'm lake fishing and heading to a new spot. The few times that I have trolled specifically to target fish (lake trout) I make it about 30-45mins before I gotta switch it up.

Choppos have always been my go-to, but I picked up a walking bait last year and while it hasn't been quite as productive as a choppo, they really crush the walking bait when they do go for it. I did pick up a few buzz baits to give them more of a try this season.

You should upgrade to a motorized kayak, it's easy! Hold the rod in your left hand, right hand covers throttle and graph if needed. Steer with the foot controls

Made it out yesterday, and it was tough fishing. Only managed one.

I wasn't going to add anything big, but once a year I get an opportunity for pro deals on Shimano fishing gear.. so I decided it was time to try out a Curado MGL 70. Only made it out once so far, but I think I'm going to end up liking it as much as my Zillion.

Yeah I've been a bit irritated that the low points in this rollercoaster weather have been hitting on the weekends. I'll be checking out some new waters this weekend.

When I was using straight braid I tied Palomar. Now that I've gone to fluoro leaders on everything, I almost always use the trilene knot. Easy to tie, and with heaver line (30-40lb) I just use 3 wraps.

Here's a good read: https://tforodscom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/tom-kirkman-rod-failure-rodmaker-magazine.pdf It's so easy to damage a rod and not even notice. I think many failures that are blamed on manufacturing defects (from any manufacturer) could be traced back to external damage / mistreatment.

I'll throw in another vote for the KVD 1.5 Honorary mention to the KVD Hybrid Hunter. Not quite a square bill, but I still consider it a crankbait and it's probably the best producing one for me.

Must be AI, there's nothing like that around here.. should probably go bug @A-Jay on Lake Menderchuck.. Shoot me a message when you're in town, I'd gladly join for a float down the 'Sippi or St. Croix. Renewed the MN license. Wi expires at the end of the month, I'll renew that when I decide to head further east than the Croix.

My SLX DC has mostly just gathered dust since I picked up a JDM Zillion..

Too much wind? When I start getting blown back upstream on the river. It's happened a few times, and makes for a veeeeery long float when you have to actively work just to get downstream.

While I could go out and spend $1k+ on a rod and or reel.. I'm a cheap ass. Or frugal, if I want to be nice about it. Usually about $150 on a rod and $250 on a reel is my max. I usually spend less on rods because, for me, they're easier to break than reels..