[GripaLip]

Hello all... I'm sure this may have been discussed in many threads but I figure I would throw it out and if there are tons of threads around this, then someone can point me....

I am approx. 2 weeks away from ordering my Jackson Big Rig and now doing some research and planning on how I want to outfit and/or add accessories...... I will be bass fishing rivers and lakes......I feel like there are must haves, like to have type stuff..... Opinions I would love to see.... Here is a few and looking forward to all the help:

Raymarine dragonfly - Must have

Paddle - (of course must have) need opinions here, they are more expensive than I thought . Looking at 250cm.

Yak Attack ParkNPole - (like to have) or something similar, seems like a nice cheap alternative to a power pole.


I have tons of questions but looking forward to all input...........

 

[wademaster]

From my experiences:

I never purchased a depthfinder but entertained the thought several times. I probably would've if I spent large amounts of time on bigger lakes. As far as a paddle goes I lost the cheaper one I initially learned with (Harmony) when I purchased the yak so of course I was forced to pick up another. I bought a more expensive one (Bending Branches) and honestly the only thing I liked about it was the grip. It had a rubberized grip as opposed to the slicker/harder texture of my first paddle. When it comes to the ParkNPole I think it would handy if you're in water that skinny. I never used one. It would've been nice in some areas. It seemed like it would've been in the way though at times. Lots of guys create "homemade" versions of these for a few dollars.

http://www.ncangler.com/forums/threads/60820-Ideas-for-a-Stakeout-pole?highlight=stake+pole

 

[biglenr]

Check the classifieds... There's a barely used Jackson Big Rig there, with paddle and other accessories for $1350. If I hadn't just bought my NuCanoe, I'd have been looking strongly at that.

My stake out pole is a folding (shock corded) section of 3/4" steel tubing that was once a big cabin tent main pole. I attached a hard plastic tent stake to one end, it has worked so far with no issues at all. It's 8' long deployed, 2' long folded up, and velcroed under my seat for easy access. I've also seen posts in the Nucanoe forum of guys who made stake out poles from $8 composite rods sold for tomatoes in the Lowe's garden section... They just mount a PVC T on the top for a handle.

The first time I went yak fishing.... I did a beginner mistake and let my paddle float away, needing me to get help from my fishing companion. Never again. I now have a paddle clip, and I also have an "assault" hand paddle for a reserve. The hand paddle is also used for maneuvering a little while fishing, so I don't have to break out my big honking paddle to move 10 feet. So I recommend both a leash and an emergency paddle.... If you can get a paddle to help you maneuver while fishing, so much the better.

Good luck.

 

[Fish Whisperer]

less is more, keep it simple.

 

[froggy waters]

I would like to say take your time! Spend money as the needs arise . anchor trolleys are nice if you plan on staking out. If anchors are more suited to the depth you stage in I would not do a trolley I would do pulleys from handle bow stern . removable. As for fish finder again removable cellblock . hands down . the big rig is very versatile and rigged well . I might can put a word in for you with gopc in Winston Salem if you are ready to go let me know. I also have one in the guide service if you are never in the neighborhood and would like to try out . let me know . free of charge of course.

 

[basshead]

Other than tackle: paddle, drag chain (stake-out style pole for inshore), life vest.

Less is more...

 

[Kayaking]

Bought myself a cheap fishing vest for kayaking. All the pockets I need located right on my chest, now that's convenient. No more fumbling around in a tackle box or backpack. Wearing the vest along with my UPF 50 hat ages me by about 40 years, but hey who cares.

 

[Drum Runner]

For the paddle.
Get fitted for a paddle before just jumping out there and buying one. You won't regret it. 250cm? Are you a low angle or high angle paddler? What type of blade do you need? What shaft diameter is going to suit you ergonomically? What shaft style will suit you best? What blade weight?

Back in the early 80's I canoed the length of the Neuse river. My boat partner and I went to a store and got fitted for paddles.
I'm glad I did. We were the only 2 people that did and the only 2 people that didn't suffer.

A good paddle is expensive making it all the more reason to get fitted.