While "you get what you pay for" may be a true statement, "get what you can afford" is equally true. I was told, probably 60 yrs ago by a very good and wise fisherman to replace the factory line which is on reels. You can run the line thru your fingers and feel the bumps and imperfections. I'm not a professional fisherman, but like to get out as often as possible, I use WalMart gear, have a time or two purchased a nicer reel ($30-$40) from Cabelas. Fish for anything that bites. Oh ya, I purchased some heavy gear at WalMart in CT and used on party boats and surf fishing on the beach... think its okay.

Hi Gene,
I have the same problem, also put some rings on the paddle shaft, don't think that helped much... I have seen some paddles with a little cut (about 1/4" wide) on the blade edge, wide part of the blade near the paddle shaft. Not sure if that helps or not, but figured that I would try it.

if you have a Sportsmans Warehouse nearby, check them. I think the name of the map company is "Fishin Maps". They have the contours, weedlines, channels, and recommended spots with GPS data.

My dad taught me that a long time ago. We were out fishing and I was getting frustrated and he said "Look at all the water in this lake, now look at the size of your lure...you will be lucky if a fish finds it. Sit back an ENJOY the outdoors." That was probably 50 years ago, and I still hear him saying that to me every time I go fishing.

Doing well, waiting for the shelter in place to be lifted and some campgrounds to be opened so I can get some fishing in. They didn't shutdown the fishing but I just don't want to chance getting exposed.

Fredfish,
Just wanted to say Hi! I lived at the trailer park in Prospect CT (2000-2002). Then in Middletown, left in 2006.

Colodon,
I'm from Colorado Springs. You might check with some of the bait shops and/or CPW and make sure the ice is off. I haven't fished Antero

As mentioned by so many, ratchet straps. As a security thing, I put a steel cable around the bow and stern, wrapping around the kayak body and thru the carriers and padlocked. I didn't worry about it until I had a bike stolen from the back of my car. Don't want to lose my kayak.

In Colorado and probably other places they cross the White Bass with the Striper to get a Hybrid bass called the Wiper. Distinguished by the broken lines on the sides. They fight really good. Remember getting into them one time trolling. Had the young kids with me and they caught until they couldn't reel them in anymore, arms were aching and asked to quit. Alway will remember that day.

Only recently last year or two got into the white bass from a kayak. What a blast that is. Waiting for the "stay at home / Shelter in place" order to end so I can get out.

Hooray and welcome for the Kansans...I grew up in the Manhattan area, left in '72 been in Colorado Springs ever since (except for a stint of 6yrs in CT). Just retired in Jan '18 and I too am a kayaker, somewhat new to it. Learned about the tides down in Jacksonville FL last summer, creates some real tough paddling. Welcome to the site Doc1005. Hope to get down to the RGV next winter.

Gene,
I have added you to my "buddy list". I haven't fished in NM. I know where Storrie Lake is, have thought of stopping there with our Motor home on trips back and forth to Yuma. We generally stop in Law Vegas NM at the Elks Lodge.

I was born at Millers Hospital in St. Paul, lived in White Bear Lake until I was 6. Have a brother that still lives in MN (Ham Lake) part time, Yuma during the winter.

Look me up and send me an e-mail, perhaps we can get together and crown a work of two. Oh, yes, small (1/8 oz) Marino jobs work great on crappie along with small rapalla type baits.

Tightlines

I did the same thing that Sumcatone suggested. I use a nylon stringer to attach to kayak. Works well. Get your fish basket and pool noodle
from Wal-Mart.

Gene,
You are quite welcome...that is what these sites are all about. I'm just north of you in Colorado Springs. I would like to get down to Elephant Butte NM to fish for some crappie this spring/early summer, but not sure things will be settled down enough.

Tightlines

These 2 videos do a good job at showing how to rig the anchor (also showes what kind of anchor) and how to make an anchor trolley system. Just copy and past the "link" into your browser or go to Youtube...they have lots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaOc3Re8tis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyseldPCmLo

Crappie ever where are pretty much the same, they like structure and minnows. From the bank, I would look for brush extending into the water, standing trees within cast of the shore. Brush, trees or other cover will attract minnows...crappie. Be prepared, crappie aren't the only fish that like minnows and cover, might get a large bass. When I was a kid, few years back, in the winter we would drag christmas trees out on the ice and weight them down with concrete blocks. When the ice melted the tree pile would sink and in a couple of years...bingo great crappie bed.

Good luck to you...I.m waiting for the weather to warm and the virus to pass.