J Francho

Something with 28-30 IPT works well for most everything.

I'm not sure what they're going for now, but I started out in a Prowler Big Game 15 years ago and that boat had a silly capacity at like 650 lbs and was 13' long. That boat is still alive somewhere. Beast. No pedal option though.

We're done here.

Take a look at the Radar. I think that also has much of what you're looking for, including price. Wildy are great boats, I have C140 that I love.

What about a half full shallow spool and a full deep spool? What if one has 2# braid and the other 100# fluoro? When comparing reels, it helps to keep things consistent. My Stradic 2500 and 3000 are exactly the same IPT resting or with a cast worth of line out. They are evenly loaded with the same line. Same goes for the Two TD-X reels, one with a stock V spool, the other with a shallow Avail. I don't know why anyone would compare a half full reel with a full reel.

Didn't realize this. Good to know. What's the budget?

I think you're mostly going to see pedal or no pedal. There might be some Wilderness Systems with options to upgrade. I say pedal now. Hobie Compass is rated for 400 lbs, and under 13'. I love it.

I like to put the console unit in demo mode when I have a new non boater.

Finish him!

I solved this after my second dose.

Next up on reel talk - drag coefficient - what does it mean for you? I'm kidding, but in comparing reels, you need a consistent spec. Using the spool diameter and gear ratio is one way. It doesn't mean one number is better than the other. Sort of like bhp/torque when talking cars. There's a few other factors that get the car to 60 mph, but we still measure bhp/torque the same way.

These twerps can be a real fun distraction. When they're on, THEY'RE ON.

I'm waiting for someone to point out width of spool, and it's effect on IPT when line is cast out.

Definitely not but extreme differences in length choices lead to concern over technique. We're just trying to help. Get what you think you need now, and you can always change it out later. Whatever you get, look at three things: some kind of lever lock with adjustable length, full carbon unless you're paddling in really rocky terrain, and at least try a bent shaft. I will never go back to a straight shaft paddle. Bonus feature is they don't rollaway what you lay across the deck to grab something quick.

Aren't all those hurdles present everywhere else there's bass? To me, it's a level playing field, though Texas seems to actually do something to improve the fishery. I don't see that anywhere else, unless you're talking trout.

I said a 230 works for me in a high seat on a wide boat - captains perch on a C140. I'm 5-7 and while I don't have T-Rex arms, they aren't really long either. Paddle angle is about 45, maybe a touch steeper. More importantly, I use my arms to hold and stabilize the paddle, and my core to propel the boat. I don't grind my shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Most noobs paddle like they're pedaling a bicycle with their hands, and most certainly will be doing some harm to their joints. These are why you hear so many go to lengths longer than 250. You want to go fast, and use as little effort as possible? Put your blade in the water in front of you, and draw the boat forward, keeping your arms in a box position, using you core. Learn this, and you'll thank me later. Remember, you're the one that posted having issues. We're here to help, if you want it. By the way, look at a Frabil Bear Claw net. It's replaced my Leverage net completely. Got smallies?

Definitely an issue with the paddle stroke. and not to get too serious, if you are doing it wrong, it can lead to repetitive joint damage.

Man, this is horrible news.

Sounds like you should take a paddling class if they're available. I use a 230 just fine with all my boats, one being very wide and with a very high seat.

For consistency, I would hope it is measured this way, or at least reported this way in reviews. It makes comparing different reels a bit easier. The exact number itself, doesn't mean that much, other than anything over 36" is fairly quick, and below 25" is fairly slow. It's a nice spec to use as a starting point when shopping.

Pretty much. I don't throw them enough to have any specialized gear so whatever I bring for spinnerbaits works for chatterbaits.

Same color I use in every other water conditions: White or white and chartreuse.

Back in the early 00s, red weights were pretty popular.

I'm pretty enough to go without makeup. Seriously though, there's some fun in setting up a rig that looks good to you, so matching weights might be a way to do this. I used to get hand-made beads when I visited Corning, NY to put between the weight and hook as a clacker or attractant. It didn't prevent the bite, and it was fun, but I'm not so sure it was something special that got me bites I'd be missing now with a simpler rig.