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Heard the rumors as well. The big V6 motors aren't cheap and are 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of the boats. I think if the other manufacturers could do a moderately equipped, quality built glass 18ft boat with a 150 for under the $30k they would give Nitro a run for the money. Is it feasible? Not sure. No other company has the buying power that Johnny has to keep costs low. Johnny has already implemented his power. He's installing Tracker parts in Ranger tins (proof on another forum) As far as the term value, it has different meanings to different people. Value might mean "the least expensive" it might mean "the best bang for the buck" and it might mean "pay more up front for quality and less on the back end for repairs" Our interpretations of the word should be relative to the purchase at hand. A guy who buys a $25k boat shouldn't expect the same quality and features that a $60k boat has Just like a guy who buys a Chevy shouldn't expect the same quality and features of a Lambo. Therein lies the problem because the fishing industry has done an incredible job marketing to our desires to become better fishermen. Therein lies the "excessive" costs. A fishing boat should be viewed at as a tool or a platform to catch fish rather than a tool to improve ones deficiencies. Some tools are better platforms than others and the platforms are all relative to the way we fish and the waters we fish. Fishing out of a $90k Ranger doesn't make us a better fishermen than a $25k Z17, just as driving a $250k Lambo doesn't make us a better driver than a $25 Chevy

Just read on the Bass Blaster that tomorrow (Friday), there will be a new boat company making themselves known. Word is several former Ranger executives and Forest Wood’s grandson are heading it up. With JM buying up almost all the big brands, the bass boat industry needs some new blood in the form of brands. Look at what Phoenix has done, Falcon is on the rise, and I heard Cobra is trying to make a comeback with the old Champion 210 Hull. Let us pray that they offer at least one value-minded option. The price of boats is absolutely ridiculous.

Right, so the boats will be heavy and slow?

Some bonus fish from yesterday's trip...

Wow I feel like a huge oaf... This was exactly the problem. Thank you.

I like to fight the fish. The more the bass jumps the more I like it. To me unless your fishing for food or to weigh in a tourney I see no reason to ski a bass to the boat at all. What to take a picture to show grandma, or say ohhh he swam away fast he’s going to live another 10 years. I can go into my yard, tie on a three pound weight and cast over and over again reeling in as fast as I can. Not that enjoyable to me.

Back in late Aug I posted that after several months, I was very fortunate to have pretty much fully recovered from a knee injury. Additionally I was thankful for the opportunity to be able to get back in the gym. This summer I celebrated my 29th birthday - for the second time. Not exactly at a point in my life where it's a good idea to be carrying excess baggage. So the past several months I’ve made a concerted effort to work towards reducing my body fat. It’s been a labor of love. History has indicated, that at least for me, getting my diet in check is always a major priority as is being smart & sensible while in the gym. (I built a small home gym several years ago ~ extremely convenient). I'd like to encourage anyone & everyone who is thinking about making a change to improve their health to Go For It ! The longer we wait the harder it gets. The first step is the hardest. Although not totally where I want to be, I feel like I'm headed in the right direction. I routinely finish all my training with core work – this video is the last set from this morning. A-Jay

I got the same answer, which you know is BS. The page is already live on the website. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/25days.html

I feel like these are going to be expensive....

I didn't join this forum until after I bought my Lund but one of the biggest things I've learned from it is I'm really freaking glad I bought a Lund

New to me this year was drop shot, baitcasters, whopper plopper, deep cranking, side Imaging, and wading for smallmouth. That being said my big thing this year was the zoom fat Albert grub in green pumpkin. I had used grubs in the past but never considered them to be a productive bait. I'm not sure what exactly started it but I've had a grub tied on most of the year and used it in many applications with success. Edit:. Also new this year was the Ned rig. I almost forgot it bc it was better at catching crappie than bass for me. While it may be considered a numbers bait for bass, I consider it a slab bait for crappie. Pulled out several 10-12in crappie in a lake where the norm is 5-8in.

I got a Tatula SV.. gave it a weekend and ended up with another. I always found myself getting Curado's and Tourney Pros but no more. The Tatula SV performance and value at $125 is unbeatable.

Mechanically, each has its pluses. On paper I'd give the nod to the Daiwa for the bearing supported pinion and unique braking system. On the water either will perform well enough. Go with your gut. Personal preference and the deal are the real difference.

He’s very reasonable. I think he only charges like $200 for a day on the water.

My goal is to control the bass with whatever tackle I am using and by doing that you minimize losing bass. Letting bass fight too long isn't good for the fish, horsing them into the boat isn't needed and not a good idea with big bass, bouncing bass into a boat with carpet damages their skin/slime coat. Tom

Where’s: If I don’t “horse” them in they will end up as underwater Xmas decoration ?

It seems that there may be as many different versions or perhaps ‘definitions” to the term ‘fighting a bass’, as there are anglers. While I do not fish competitively, for me ‘the fight’ is part of the process. How I go about it, is often dictated by a few different factors. Some I have a bit of control over and some I have none. Things I can control include my tackle size, where & how I’m fishing. The more open & clearer the water, usually means I’m fishing lighter gear deeper. The heavier the cover, the more colored the water, usually means I’m fishing heavier gear. In either case, ‘the fight’ will usually be shorter with heavier gear and a little longer with the lighter stuff. But in each situation, my goal is to land the bass, so I’ll do whatever I need to, to get that done. Factors that I obviously cannot control that can directly affect the duration of ‘the fight’ can be but are not limited to, the individual spirit of a bass, (some fish just seem to have a hyper high level of survivability and will do all types of crazy stuff to earn their freedom – I like that in a bass), the size of course, the water temps (cold bass sometimes don’t do a whole lot) and then there’s the occasional hooking of a huge non-target species – good times right there. Now where as I do enjoy it immensely when they bite my cricket and then pull my string, I rarely intentionally prolong the process nor do I make a concerted effort to overly speed it up – I just take it as it comes and hope they end up in my net. A-Jay

I like to get my fish in the boat. If I was purely in this for the fight, I'd be targeting something other than LMB.

Lew's David Fritts Get'R Back Lure Retriever

The hardest winter bass to catch is that first one. Years ago when I was trying to turn my bass fishing into a year round activity I can remember that first December when it seemed pretty hopeless. Three weekends of no bites and the water temperature was dropping towards 40 degrees. I was fishing a small swim jig on the bottom in 10' of water out in front of a beaver dam. I just kept mindlessly retrieving that jig, ticking little branches and sticks when I felt that pop of a bass inhaling my jig. I froze for a good 5 count not believing what had just happened but stared at my line moving off in a different direction. I set the hook and reeled in a lethargic 18" largemouth (they fight poorly in cold water). I could not have been more proud of catching that bass. The door had been opened, the next week I caught my last bass of the year and the first of the next year. The New Year's Day bass is something I always strive to make happen. I have come to really appreciate winter bass fishing. You have the lakes to yourself and the catches mean more to me. Yes, I get skunked and I have a lot of one fish days but because I get out there and grind away all day with a jig I catch some of my biggest largemouth of the year. I catch them in 37 - 38 degree water and when my lakes in Maryland freeze over I roll down to Virginia where you can almost always still find some open water. Here is a nice one from the day after Christmas a couple of years ago.

There are a number of threads here on the BR forum that include 'rod warranty' stories. Some positive - some not so much. Here's a positive one. While fishing in Mexico earlier this month, I had a St Croix Travel rod blank fail on a hook set (from a surprisingly small bass). This has happened in the past and the first time St Croix replaced them under warranty. Since then, most all of these rods have failed in a similar fashion. I no longer ask to replace them as I've decided to go another direction for my travel rod needs. Instead, I've utilized the Gold Star Up Grade Program - including today. As required by St Croix, I sent them the damaged rod along with the required documents (proof of purchase & a short note describing what happened along with my up grade rod request / selection. Spoke to Gretchen at St Croix today - who said that they had received the rod. (took about a week) St Croix reimbursed full credit for the damage/exploded Tidemaster rod towards the newest 2018 Legend Tournament Jig rod - They are spinning me up a new one - should be here right after the new year - cost me $20 bucks in return shipping - I'd say that's fair. It should be noted here that the two rods (the damaged & replacement rod) had / have the same MSRP. As a faithful St Croix customer, I have 'several' rods from a variety of their rod lines - these travel rods Are The Only Ones I've ever had to mail back. While each rod warranty situation is different, the few times I've had dealings with St Croix, the interactions have always been friendly, professional and super easy. They have met or exceeded my 'customer satisfaction' level every time. So if this is something that is important to you as a potential customer - I'd say buy with confidence. While I hope you never have to use their warranty program, rest assured that if you do, they'll be there. YMMV A-Jay

From what I understand, There was and it has expired.

I never really threw a fluke around much till this year, I really fell in love with fluke fishing.

Yup, wouldn’t be a trip down South without Ajay killing a rod

Agree with Croakhunter. Tat SV is the real deal.

Anyone know if the TW 25 days of Christmas starts tomorrow?

depends really it's on more of a fish by fish basis if it's a frog or a t rig fish then yes but if its on something with trebles i try to play the fish

I haven't fished the abu, but have the tatula and absolutely love it. I don't think the garcia holds a candle to the sv tws.

Same approach for tournament and fun. Get them in the boat. Most times the pace of the fight is based on what bait they hit. Longer casting baits are much different then flipping style hookups. Once they are on I try and match that fishes pace and anger. I ski them in over thick vegetation.

I lost a lot of large bass trying to horse them in like I see the pros do . If its a big bass I take it easy with them and land a lot higher percentage .

Sounds good Clayton. I will have to work on getting one of those days off. Maybe we can set something up in spring sometime.

Grumpy old man describes me perfectly according to my wife. I am very much a music buff. And, I don't think any of us care if you listen to music any time. But a lot of us do not want to have to listen to your music. To me, it is the height of rudeness. It's one thing to have to endure at a traffic light, or at a busy public park in the summer....but out on the water, where sound carries like no place else on earth...where fishing, by definition, is an experience that involves close relationship with nature...few things tick me off more while fishing. On a very busy lake or river with lots of 'pleasure craft' passing, it is annoying, but almost tolerable....on a body of water that is largely used by fisherman, kayakers, canoers, etc...it is miserable.

I haven't used the Expride but I did the Zodias. Obviously the Expride is a step up but I absolutely love my Kistler Helium 3 at that price point. I believe it is the lightest rod on the market and it comes with a Gary Loomis designed North Fork Blank. Also if you purchase from Kistler's site you can build your own rod.

I use to have my lure knocker on a marker buoy but there were a lot of times I needed that buoy for marking and then I didnt have a lure knocker available .

NHBull, l couldn't agree more. I've had a radio on boatd for 20 years, and XM for the last 13 years. I enjoy list listing to NASCAR, football game, and the news, I aim to keep it down as to not disturb anyone near by. I've used a good all weather speakers like that are on the exterior of most campers now days with out any issues. Happy listing on your new Lund

All I can say is wow.......would like to wish an early spring for you all but that may put the world in even more disorder.. Sometimes when the water gets in the low 40's down here I've used the floating fly very successfully and also just taking the fly 1/16 casting it out...counting down a certain depth and slowly bring it in....it almost suspends and you will feel a tic.....kind of eye opening when a drum gets on that 6#....but it's fun. It gets really tuff when the guides freeze up a lot....BUT....one must push on!

We have some urban fish here in Pittsburgh too.

Definitely frustrating but as stated as long as the water isn't hard ( not counting ice fishing) they are still catchable. Locally Iv'e been catching them on small swimbaits and lipless cranks in 42 degree water. Last week was catching smallies over 5lbs in the snow in New York. Don't give up.

Haven't read through other's posts above; Im sure there's good advice there. Here's my suggestion: Winter bass often consolidate in groups at key locations -almost always away from the shallows. Keys tend to be large volumes of water -main body- and cover. So... your first order of business is to find them. This is more important now than at any other time of year. If from shore only, try deeper steeper shorelines. Find cover -even if shallow. Yes, fish slow. Sometimes painfully slow -which can really freak people out when trying to simply find the fish. Depending on water I'd fish something you have confidence in. A jig -like a Ned- is a good bet. Don't worry about changing lures a lot, or colors. Fish, and find them. When you do, you'll be like "Oh! Duh!"

It might be unanimous ~ A-Jay

Its over. Put away the rod and reel and dream about spring when once again the lakes and rivers will be filled with fish. Don't forget to fill up your tackle box with all the lures you are only going to use once then go back to the lures that worked last year. Good luck next year.

Toothy fish. Just sayin'...

One of these days you northern bass anglers will take some advice from a warm water bass anglers; use Rapala Ice Jigs in blue back chrome, structure spoons and hair jigs. Very cold water you need to down size and for whatever reason 1/4 oz black ball head hair jigs with UJ 101 spin frogs will catch LMB and SMB in cold water. Tom

Super easy answer for this one ~ NO, it's not over. As long as there is open water - Bass can be caught. And since many bass are caught through the ice - late (and very early season) open water is no different. I've caught many fish from partially frozen lakes. Late season, I almost always have to fish deep. But regardless of presentation depth, I always have to fish slow. Blade baits & lippless baits (fished like a blade bait), as well as hair jigs, & deep jerkbaits, can & do catch bass for me - especially smallmouth. While the late fall / early winter weather here in Northern Mi often does not offer many opportunities to get on the water, I'll go every time I can and I certainly expect to get bit. My best trips often include the sun, less wind, and fishing during & through the warmest part of the day. And fishing super slow can not be over emphasized. I was on the water two days ago, water temps were 35. A 5/8 oz Silver Buddy blade bait took 6 smallies up to about 3 pounds. My frozen face smiled every time. Forecast says Tuesday might be good - I may have to crack a little ramp Ice - but that rarely stops a motivated Basshead. I got out for the first time in December last season - here's a clip of it. A-Jay

Ice fishing is a clear demonstration that bite is never “over”.

Nope - there is no such thing as "too cold." I've caught them pulling blade baits off ice shelves before...then when it freezes up, if ice fishing is your thing, plenty to still be caught through the small holes. Not all ponds are created equal though, so you might need to rotate through them until you figure out which ones still produce down to liquid ice conditions. Avoid the muddy ones, too. Look for clear water and green weeds, and reachable holes or deep water from shore.

I fish up until the water is too hard to launch. Having said that, the bite definitely slows down as the water gets colder but I can still muster a fish or three here and there. I went out last Sunday in 43 degree water and caught 28 from 630am to around 1030am; pretty good bite for 43 degrees. It did shut right off after that and that's what we usually experience is a good bite for a short time, and then the window closes. When it gets cold you can fish all day and only have a small window where they bite. And it's ususlly in the same spot as it was for us that day. We busted them pretty good till it slowed, went to some other spots where we didn't do well, back to the first spot, off to more, and back there a third time to get the last few biting fish. And they were all on one bait...my tried and true fall, cold water bait wait for it the original Bill Lewis rattletrap in red craw. This bait cannot be beat in cold water for me.

Yeah I'm a couple years into really loving fishing and all the different ideas and had your same questions and I'm not any genius or expert and may be proven wrong by someone who's been around the block a few times. But I do strictly bank fish and will offer my opinion. "I'm kinda wanting to get a Lew's Super Duty Speed Spool SD1XH 8.0:1 but have no clue what rod I should look to pair it with, I'm assuming I'd be using the 8.0:1 for swim baits and frogs (correct?) so would I want another 7' rod and if so what action?" I'd want a softer tip so i can work and present those baits correctly. I hate working moving Swimbsits and topwater with a super stiff rod. 1) In general I'd explain my rod as a 6'6 MH fast. Medium heavy has to do with the back bone or strength of rod and fast would mean your rod tip isn't stiff. I'm not good enough or wealthy enough to buy combos for every single style. But 7.1 ratio is plenty for most everything. 2) Bank fishing usually can mean ur in close quarters with trees, bushs, etc... so if u have a 7'6 rod ur going to be limited in spots you can pitch and flip. I use a lews speed spool also that's 7.1 paired with a Versitas 2.0 6'6 MH fast tip. I've caught multiple fish over 4 or 5 pounds thru vegetation easily. Im very comfortable with any bait except really cranking but don't do much of it. I began with a 7'6 rod and couldnt do anything productive from the bank except cast to the middle. I'd own a longer rod if I fished in a boat and didn't worry about branches and snags and if my cast might nip this limb....etc 3- If your frog fishing, jiggin, etc... the 8.1 could help depending on your reaction to a strike...I'd recommend a softer tip unless ur pulling hogs out of a bunch of hydrilla or something all day

Tried several different brands. All I use now is Power Pro original.

ML spinning rod and a full size Chug 'n Spook is way to heavy (1oz) for your spinning outfit. Change the rod to a MH 7' Mod/fast and line to 30 lb braid, no more missed hook sets. If you ever manage to hook a big bass your changes of controlling it on a ML spinning rod is very low. You could also use Chug 'n Spook Jr (1/2 oz) and change the line to 30 lb braid using your ML rod, still have a problem controlling a big bass. Tom PS, 4000 size reel that weighs 10oz you need to go with MH rod, use the ML rod with a 2000 size reel.