HoggBoss

I'd tell ya, but I'd have to keel ya. lol.. probably husky jerk or Super Fluke.

I agree. I carry two. One natural (even if it's a representation of a species not present) and one bright one. I like Rapalas, so I have a parrot pattern in each of the DT's, and usually a gold foil color. Which one I use depends on light levels and water clarity.

I read through the C-Rig thread that was up recently and followed RW's link to the older 6 page C-Rig thread and read through all that. I'm now psych'd and have decided to pick up a dedicated C-Rig. The only thing I've run into is that different rod manufacturers that make technique specific C-Rig rods all seem to have a different idea of what the proper weight and action should be. I'm assuming that depth and cover are the primary factors driving the disparity in C-Rig designs so.. My home lake is 1,477 acres (24.3 miles of shoreline) and its main points and humps don't really get any deeper than 20', so I'm thinking I probably won't need any more than 5/8oz weight(at most). I just don't want to end up with a heavier rod than is necessary. I plan to go with straight Flouro(or braid) on the mainline to reduce line stretch and for increased sensitivity. Rod versatility could be considered a factor, but it's pretty low on the list of priorities. Here are a few I'm considering. All are around my price point. Castaway CD7-X, http://www.***.com/descpage.html?PCODE=CXP3C (Anyone know anything about these? I've never seen them mentioned) Falcon Lowrider LFC-7-17S http://www.***.com/Falcon_LowRider_XG_Split-Grip_Casting_Rods/descpage-FLSGC.html (seems awfully heavy) Powell 703C or 704C http://www.***.com/Powell_Max_Casting_Rods/descpage-PCR.html Fast, or XF? MH or H? I'm assuming a high speed reel is preferable as well. Also, if any of my conclusions are off, feel free to set me straight.

I'll chime in and add that I too am satisfied with mine. I have the crankin' stick and the topwater/jerkbait rods. I use the topwater rod for small, shallow cranks and I don't have any trouble feeling the action of my lures with either rod. I have no doubt that they're no Avids, and the tip-heavy balance thing is another issue altogether and I suspect is mostly preference, but for the price point, I'm happy.

DTFAT03

I can't speak to that exact model, but I have the topwater/jerkbait and crankbait versions and I'm very happy with them so far. But then again, I'm just a workin' stiff who happens to enjoy bassin'. I refuse to pay almost a half a weeks salary for a rod (that means you G-Loomis) that I'll probably just end up closing in my truck door or some slick move like that. Just sayin'.. 8-)

I ran across a great deal on one NIB on another site, I read Tackle Tour's review, and pulled the trigger. All my other reels are BPS reels (RC, PQ, and a Nitro on my stump puller) and this thing feels like it's about half the weight of the others as well as being 2/3 the size. I haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but it feels extremely smooth. Anyway, I'm thinking about which rod I should pair this up with and what application it should be used for. As of right now, I'm thinking of spooling it up with 10 or 12Lb flouro and picking up a M weight, fast action, 6'6" rod and using it for smaller, light weight plastics or smaller cranks/jerks. Either that, or it could just go on one of my general duty rods. I'd like to see it get more time than any of the others though as it definitely seems to be of higher quality and fits my hand better. Any ideas would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

My name is Chris. I live in an eastern Cleveland suburb. I'll be spending most of my time this year fishing either electric only lakes with my newly converted 16' jon, or private ponds/small lakes with the float tube.

Check this site out PorkChop. Anything you will ever want to know about jon boats and conversions. Also a lot of discusssion on sizes, etc.. http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=11485 The link is to my build. My last update is old, but I'll be adding new pics here in the next couple days as I've done a lot since then. I hope to have it done in a week or two.

I was looking at them as well last fall. I went to the showroom and realized that boat seemed awfully small. That made me look at the ProTeam 175 (which is a nice boat). Then for that price, I realized I could get a 4-5 year old Nitro that is still in great shape. Then I realized that boat would lock me out of all the electric only lakes I love so much (and are the closest to where I live). ...So I ended up buying a used 16' jon mod-V and doing a complete custom decking, livewell, 24V system conversion myself. :

What RW said x2. ...That is if you have the stones to actually throw it. :

For Super Flukes and Sluggos, I like a 6'6" MH, the faster the tip, the better, and for husky Jerks or floating types, the same thing just with a little more moderate tip action. Each with 12-14# Floro depending on cover. I don't need a hi speed reel for jerkbaits, but a good drag and some backbone is nice for working cover though. I found out a little bit about this last weekend while fishing a Fluke from the float tube. When tubin', I like to use spinning gear, and I had my 6'8" M, XF rig with 8Lb Yozuri Hybrid. I hooked-up with a nice one at a laydown, he did a little taildance, ran straight into it, got me all wrapped-up in the laydown, threw the hook, and got me snagged all within about 5 seconds. Note to self: Take more backbone next time. :-/ That's some pretty tough line BTW.

Late last year my boss bought a boat for the hell of it. He keeps it at a marina in Port Clinton near the Bass Islands. He told me he'd take me out fishing whenver I wanted to go. He's not a big fisherman, and when he does go, I think he's either perchin' or drifting for eyes. So I told him when we go, we're goin' smallie fishin'! 1st problem: I have very little (lets just say NONE) experience Lake Erie fishing much less at the Islands (I'm from NE Oh). 2nd: I'm a LMB fisherman, and also have near zero experience chasing smallies. So here's my questions.. When should we go for the fatties? Based on that, where around the islands? How deep of water? Presentations? I did pick up a couple of the culprit goby kits. I'm assuming many of the same things that work for LMB will work out there too, but thought it might not hurt to pick your guys' brains a bit. Thanks!

Just learning myself, I found this article helpful. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpremiumbraidroundup.html I went with the Sufix Performance (65Lb though). If I were looking for more of a finesse braid though I'd probably have to re-evaluate.

Historically speaking, I've been almost exclusively a 10Lb mono user, but this year, I'm branching out a bit... Here's the breakdown for my rigs as they stand right now. 7'6" H, XF - 65Lb Suffix Performance Braid with 17Lb flouro leader (frog/slop, flip/pitch, swimbait. This is my first "stump-puller", so It'll take some experimenting for me to see what it'll be up for) 7'0" MH, M - 14Lb flouro (deep crankin') 6'6" M, F - 12Lb co-poly (topwater/jerkbait, shallow crankin') 6'8" M, XF - 8Lb co-poly (finesse spinning) And then I have a couple of old, 6'6" MH baitcast rigs for misc use that I'll probably just stick with 10 or 12 LB mono for. I've never used a backing on any of my reels, and I thought I might be able to save myself some potential heartburn, time, and/or $ by picking your guys' brains a bit on these setups and see what the common practices are as far as backings go on any of the above listed types of rigs. I've also read reports of people using electrical tape over the bare spool.. thoughts on this? If you do recommend a backer, how much do you use, and what type of spool to backer and backer to "top line" connections are used? Also, if you see any glaring holes in my rig lineup, feel free to comment on that as well! Thanks in advance!

Over the winter I bought two Rick Clunn's and a Pro Qualifier. I haven't had them out on the water yet, but just sitting and messin' around with the thumb bar, drag, etc.. the Rick Clunn's feel a bit smoother. Both have the dual braking system. I do think the PQ is nicer aesthetically speaking though. Also, If I'm not mistaken, the RC's may be discontinued and selection may now be limited.

Well I will admit that the first couple of times out, it was a little unnerving, but so long as you make sure your tube doesn't have a leak, you'll be fine. It's actually very comfortable too. Make sure you're very well rested, or you might doze off then wake up a half mile from where you launched, getting blown into the reeds or something. Also, you have to walk backwards into the water, otherwise, you're liable to trip over your flippers. The first time I tried it, I instantly understood why ducks walk the way they do.(not that I'd ever given it any thought) Anyway, The ponds here are muddy too, but I always wore waders. When ya get out, just take off the flippers and waders, get the bulk of the mud off there, throw them in the bed of the truck, and hose them off when I get home.

I was telling myself that very same thing earlier tonight Addict. And at 1-2K, it would indeed be as much or more than the boat. Now that 798 looks pretty sahweet, and can be had for about $850! =D lmao.. By the way, I was looking at that thing, and couldn't find any evidence that in addition to the nav and side scan, it can also work as a traditional down scan. Can someone tell me if it does? Dang, between the bait monkey and the boat monkey, I'm gettin' my arse kicked over here. :-/

So what is the best "bang-for-the-buck" combo (fish finder / Nav, GPS) unit out there that will not break the bank? I have no partiality toward either lowrance or Hummingbird, and this unit will be used for smaller, relatively shallow inland electric only lakes. The ability to at some point upgrade to side imaging might be worth keeping in mind. Thanks!

I have been doing the same thing over the winter with a 1991 Tracker Sportsman 16. I wracked my brain on the livewell part of my build quite a bit and having no personal experience with livewells myself, I ended up deciding to convert a 100qt Igloo using Flow-Rite controls' System #3. I went with that one just because I wanted a pump-out feature. If you go to to tinboats.net, there's a TON of different builds guys have posted along with pics that can provide a lot of great ideas. They are a helpful bunch. Good Luck on the build and Tight Lines!

At any rate, for what it's worth, while I don't have a ton of time on-water with mine, but the time I have spent in it was extremely rewarding and fun. Back in the mid 90's a buddy and I each bought one along with headset style walkie talkies. Lol.. we'd take off to different parts of the lake and bust the other's chops whenever we caught one. It was a blast, and I plan on getting my newly acquired belly boat (what we always called it by the way plenty wet this season. Tight Lines!

Corrrection, it's in NW Oh. I had to check it out 'cause I live in NE Oh and had never heard of it. Wow.. Just read a report on that place and I think I might have to check it out sometime. 2.5 hours away, but 10 HP limit(perfect for my boat), closely monitored takes, and monster gills and LMB. Thanks NiNeR!

Love that wish list thing.. Even if ya don't end up buying the stuff from there, it's a great tool to help ya organize things when gearing up. Gratz on the new gear!

I've traditionally used Rebels and had decent luck with them, but I splurged & picked up a Megabass off Ebay and I'll tell ya what, I don't know if I'll have the stones to ever throw it. It looks like it belongs somewhere under glass or something. If I ever do, it'll probably be thrown on my frog rod using 65-80# braid. lol

So I'm just getting back into the game, and I have here my oooold Shimano Curado. I bought it probably only a year or two before I gave up bassin' for golf... '93? '94? Anyway, I'm replacing, upgrading, and adding to my old gear and I was wondering if any of you guys had any thoughts about this thing. Is it worth tearing apart, cleaning, replacing drag system, gears, bearings, etc?(that's assuming I can even still get parts) It doesn't even list a gear ratio; anyone know what it is? It still works even though it's seen better days. ...and yes, I guess 2 ball bearings was something worth pointing out back then.