As I tend to giggle at the "over-prepared", if there is such a thing. I've never had a TLD explode, but I've heard of it happening (graphite frame). Then I see guys like Blue Water Jon, who have caught a number of Marlin from a kayak, and prefer the light weight of the TLD's. He has also brought up the argument of never needing to put more than 18 lbs of drag, while on a fish from a kayak. Although, I think he is now fishing with a Torsa, maybe lesson learned, who knows?
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Billy: As far as Vessel Assist, I thought about that. The idea of simply calling them twice a week to tell them something broke (rudder cable, pin, something), and I need a 40 mile ride in, would easily be worth the price of admission
lol. Although, I think your vessel needs to be registered, and the plastic fleet won't qualify.