Matt7082

Look up DIY kayak car topping on the YouTube’s. There are plenty of cheap and effective ideas. I used to cartop a Hobie Outback on my Honda accord. Never had any problems. The first few times are tricky, but that’s how you begin thinking of things you can do to help make it easier. I had a scrap piece of carpet I would lay on the back of the car, lean the kayak on it and slide it up onto the roof. There are some products out there specific to this like the Malone Channel Loader, but it’s just as easy to fashion something yourself. I’d recommend practice loading/unloading a bunch of times in your driveway to become more proficient and identify things that can help you.

Cortland has two lines; Billfish sink, and billfish intermediate which to up to 15wt.

Barbour wool half finger gloves. It’s the warmest material there is. They’re cheap, so you can carry more than one pair with you. When they get wet you can take them off and slap them on your leg a couple times to shake the water out. They will still hold some moisture, but they retain their warming properties when wet. If/when they get soaked, swap them out with a backup pair. When I was kayak fishing, I had my wool fingerless gloves on, and when I was pedaling between spots, I’d slide a big baggy pair of mittens over them. I’ve tried neoprene, and some of the expensive waterproof “fishing gloves” and hated every one of them. Neoprene is not warm, it’s just waterproof. If you’re looking for Barbour wool gloves and having a hard time, Simms makes a pair of 100% wool half fingers too and I think they’re around $25. Win!

My father had told me of several occasions in the early 90’s when they caught cod on the cape beaches in late fall on tins. I also remember a story where they were stuck on Block Island due to bad weather. Out of boredom they tried fishing off the jetty at Old Harbor and caught a bunch of small pollock. Give it a try! Wouldn’t even be surprised if you found some straggler bass. Still lots of peanut bunker around. Cheers!

Not exactly what you are looking for, but I have a nearly new Hardy Zane Pro 8wt. I've casted it a few times. It's a cannon! Beautiful rod. I just don't have a ton of use for an 8wt. I bought it just this summer. I'd ship it to you for $599 (dont want to be on uncle sam's radar [eye roll]). If you'r interested, I'll post a couple pics. The cork on this rod isn't even soiled yet.

I have a very nice Hardy Zane Pro 8wt, if you're interested. It's practically brand new, I've only cast it a few times. It's a freakin cannon!

So sorry...just seeing this now! Yes, I still have it. I'll drop you a PM.

Open again! I would love to move this rod before I move down south this January. Let me know if any interest.

A spare fin and a pair of forward/reverse puller thingies for the 1st gen 180 drive. Also have a Hobie paddle, Bilgemaster bailing pump, and an 5 or 10lb anchor. I’m moving soon and do not kayak anymore. Swing by my house today and grab this stuff before it goes in the garbage. I’m m in Exeter right by Rt 102 and South Rd.

I've got way more experience fishing plugs for stripers, and probably more than 9 out of 10 times, they eat at the head. Erratic baits like topwater spooks; maybe not so much. All the years i've spent fishing big 10' plugs with 3-4 hooks on them, almost every single time the striper has the front hook in its mouth. I can't think of any reason to tie striper flies with more than one hook. Maybe on a beastfly there could be some value in rigging a treble behind the head hook somehow, but frankly I don't think it is necessary.

I don't know anything about the subject lake, but generally, nearly all lakes/reservoirs (in CT/MA anyway...) are usually drawn down in the fall to prep for winter. Not sure exactly why that is. It may be to provide opportunity for maintenance on docks, dams, infrastructure, etc., that's my guess anyway. Good chance why this lake is so low.

Again, tons a great info here. I am very open-minded to trying different things. The more we talk here, the more I consider just going back to a floater for most of my scenarios. As I said earlier, I used to make a bunch of leadcore heads and simply attach them to me floating line, which was convenient. I do agree that the fish are generally looking up, but the problem I face is the crashing surf and current pulling my line all over the place, removing my connection to the fly, etc, which also happens often with the intermediate line. That's why I was wondering about a full sink, which after this talk sounds like it's probably not a good idea for my application. The other option that peaks my interest is the Airflo running line with assorted heads that someone mentioned earlier in this thread. I am thinking that perhaps the smaller diameter running line may be less affected by crashing surf, and currents? I'm really interested in trying this. Lastly, it's not that I am not a believer in the full float, non-weighted flies. I do believe in that, and have had plenty of success with it, and I am eager to do some more experimenting with after having this discussion! Honestly, fishing in the dark and trying to constantly mend, making areal mends, and feeding line, all while trying not to get knocked over by a wave....it's just not my cup of tea. There's a time and place for everything, which is also subjective to the user. Fishing in the dark and dealing with the surf...I want things to be as easy and user-friendly as possible.

I am mainly fishing from Quonnie to Weekapaug

Lots of great info here! I appreciate the replies! The floating line thing certainly resonates with me. I have a bag of old lead cord heads I made that I used to use on a floater when needed. They are easy to carry and rig on the fly when necessary. Perhaps I’ll revisit them. I haven’t done any saltwater fly rodding in years. I guess I was more soliciting some new ideas or new products that maybe I haven’t seen yet. Thank much for the suggestions. I’ll take a look at all of them!

Hilltown Anglers is another one on the Deerfield. I think he guides in connection with the Harrisons. I am still seeing him posting plenty of solid fish on the instagram the last couple days. He spends a lot of time on the water. Depending on how far you are willing to drive, there are a handful of fantastic guides on the Farmington River in Connecticut who would be happy to hone in on any specific style or technique for you, and there are PLENTY of quality trout to be caught there. Nice lodging on the river too if you needed.