Shakedown of my new Malibu 2XL Angler, need advice.

So I have been lurking and reading all I can about kayaking and bit the bullet with a new malibu. Took it to the lake today for the initial shakedown. The shakedown went real well, I caught so many bass I quit fishing and did self rescue, swamping drills and paddling all over the lake. I feel all went well except I don't think I had enough weight in the boat as even the little fish were dragging me all over. I sat in the single rider position and had my cooler and a 3 gallon jug of water up front. I got the tandem so my wife and friends can tag along, but I will fish it alone as well. My question to y'all is... do I need more weight or do I expect to be like a leaf on the wind?

That's one of the thrills of kayak fishing the sled rides even with the smallest fish . The more weight you have in the boat the harder it is to push through the water, being a leaf is the way to go. And congrats on your new yak .

Pat R

That's one of the thrills of kayak fishing the sled rides even with the smallest fish . The more weight you have in the boat the harder it is to push through the water, being a leaf is the way to go. And congrats on your new yak .

Pat R

 for sure. The lighter your load the less effort you expend paddling.

yeah just enough weight in the front so the front sits down and doesn't wind cock all over the place

Wow, y'all are impressive indeed as the biggest bass was about 3 lbs and she took off for deep water like a shot. I though I was water skiing for a moment.  Y'all are catching fish 10 times heavier, all I can say is "wow"!!!    I got my ocean rods all set, who want to go fishing???   

Kevin