J Francho

I have so many crankbaits.... most are Lucky Craft, which are marked, but there's probably 50 or so that are various brands. Here's how I can tell running depth and weight, as much as I need to anyway. Tie the bait on and cast it out. If it feels too heavy or light for the rod, then I tie it to a different rod. If it hits bottom on the retrieve, then I know it will run at least that deep. That's really about as I need to know when I'm fishing.

There are hybrids. I have a Wilderness systems Commander 140 that was fast, easy to fish out of, super stable to stand and fish, and could haul a ton of gear if necessary. These days, I'm primarily fishing out of a Hobie Compass, which is a simple, well designed, pedal drive kayak.

No words.

People wait in line at the return counter at Walmart. Pretty sure this put $0 in their accounts. That's a funny closing argument.

The Compass is a fast, stable platform that really suits my style of fishing. I've added anchor trolley, but everything else attaches to the stock rails, including a Helix 5 or 7, transducer arm, rod holders, and a T-Reigns leash for holding fish I've caught in the water while I get the camera ready. You can see it in action in the video. Any questions, ask away.

That's a neat tool. Does it float?

Crankbaits, several depths. Then moved to Texas Rigged ribbon tail worms. Then jigs. Somewhere early on I learned spinnerbaits as well. Been drop shotting as long as I can remember, long before it had a name.

Yes.

I use an improved cinch for those baits. I'm generally using 15# line, so knot strength is plenty.

The last time I watched a BPT event live, all I saw was one pound 'score-able' bass after another. Most of the excitement was at the cut line.

Dude, cut the crap. We're just passing along info.

No, it's a fact that many in the industry are saying what Glenn said. Not sure why you can't accept that.

Glad you're okay.

Ask @clayton86 about it! Sad story indeed.

A Ragetail Spacemonkey rigged with no weight, burned across the surface has been killer for me when dragon flies are full tilt.

Glad to have you back!

The OP is located close to Bull Shoals and Table Rock, along a few other very large ressies. He wants a 20' bass boat with a 250 motor. Hot foot, and blinker trim controls are still likely the best options, for that kind of boat. What's funny, is you think that I'm making some kind of binary condition. I'm not. In fact, my next boat may very well be a big deep-V tiller. I'm not at all close minded about fishing tools.

Sorry, it wasn't about being right, it was a different opinion, based on my perspective, and what I think is probably best for the OP. I would highly recommend blinker trim as well.

Maybe you got some line wrapped around the spool post?

I was offering a differing opinion to your earlier statement. You are within approximately 100 miles of two Great Lakes. I can think of several situations where a hot foot and speed is a better option.

Agreed, the answers to your questions are in this thread. Just spending an hour or so reading, and you will have so much more knowledge.

Call Shimano and order a replacement.

That's how I feel about a hand throttle for a high speed boat.

So would you want a hand throttle for a car?

Same, if the hook is good, I'll just fish it.