K_Mac

I have a Fortrex 80 w/US2. While it may be a little more expensive to replace a transducer, it is a lot less likely to break one with it mounted inside the housing. It is very cool not to have to worry about wires getting caught in the mount or catching the transducer on something. The way it is housed makes getting to it, if it fails, fairly straightforward. I think it is well worth the extra cash. 8-)

I agree that rummaging through the discounted/discontinued stuff can yield big savings. Most of the time there is not much worth looking at, but last spring I found 5 or 6 bags of decent jig heads that I use for wacky rigging, for $1 a bag.

I have not done it that way, but it sounds like a great idea. I often put a split shot on the hook, near the eye. I have also used jigs up to 5/16 oz with good success in windy conditions. Thanks for the post.

Little Mom and Pop local store carries a nice selection of jigs, hooks, assorted spinnerbaits and plastics, a few cranks, and a variety of other useful stuff... A very generous tube of crickets and more meal worms than advertised if you want to catch a few bluegill. Prices a a little higher than the major chains but I don't mind spending an extra dollar or two to help keep them around. I found out recently that they do rod repair as well. It is nice to have a place like this . There are not many left.

I wish someone would have given me this advise when I bought my boat. You will eventually learn this stuff on your own, but it will save you a lot of time, aggravation, and probably cash having a dealer walk you through it.

RW do you think the National Guard will have to be mobilized?

Raul as you can see from some of the comments, those of us to your north aren't very sympathetic to your rain and wind. temps are going to be in single digits and below zero (Fahrenheit), 5" of snow, and winds to 35MPH for the next few days here in the Midwest. Just put on some rain gear and man up. ;D

Burley you may be right about soft tackle bags. I have no experience with Cabelas bags. I do have three BPS bags that I am very well pleased with though. It is your statement that "Cabelas products are consistently higher quality than anything BPS sells," that I take issue with. I think Calelas is a fine store, and I have bought a lot of high quality stuff from them through the years. Their customer service is excellent. I can say the exact same thing about BPS.

Absolute nonsense. In my humble opinion of course.

For years that reel has been the flagship low profile Shimano. It is built like a tank with high end anti rust bearings. Rinse it off when done fishing in the salt, have it professionally cleaned every now and then, and it will out live all of us. 8-)

Don't be afraid to go heavier on the weight when fishing deeper water. 15' or deeper I use 1oz. It gives me a better feel for the bottom and gets down faster. It also allows you to work the bait faster (when needed) while keeping contact with the bottom. There are times when a Crig will out perform anything else IMO. There is much good info in the "best of " section and in the articles as well. Good luck.

Your motor manual will give you the size breaker needed (60A I bet)and the full load amperage for your unit. Most recommend 6 gauge wire also. If you are running from the back of the boat to the front and you do not have #6 wire, you may want replace the wire. #8 would work for a short run.

When I installed mine, I was the same way; I don't care if it costs a little more, I want to install the plug and outlet once without having to worry about it coming loose or heating up. I used the covered version of the outlet Wayne suggested with the matching plug. It is a little pricey, but very well made .

They assure me my copy is on the way. I think I may have just a mild case of cabin fever. :

It was either a pre-rigged plastic worm (3 exposed hooks and a prop) or a red and white Lazy Ike. It had to be one of those. That's all we had. @1964

I don't have a Nitro, but typically the answer is yes.

I fell off the boat twice (mine and a friends). Lost: 2 pair of prescription glasses ($700), 2 cell phones ($100 insured), 1 spinning rod/reel ($150). That is calendar year 2009. :-[ The first thing my friend said to me once I was back in his boat after a very near cold water drowning incident was, "Kirby you're going to have to find someone else to fish with tomorrow. I can't take anymore of this." Spend much time fishing on a boat and you will see some of the dumbest things, and if you're lucky you won't be the one doing them. :

As a founding member of the BPS posse I have still not received my copy. I spent an obscene amount of money there last year. Where is my copy? I want my copy! OK. I feel better now. ;D I still want my copy.

Good video. Having fallen out of a boat (twice :-?) I ALWAYS wear some type of flotation device. Most of the time, an inflatable belt type; at night or in cold water a full jacket. With the availability of inflatables there is really no excuse not to IMHO.

Where's my truck keys...I'm going fishing. 8-) Wait...8 degrees...never mind.

+1

I'd try a buzzbait, a spook, and a shallow crank.A 100 series Bandit in white would be my first choice. Good luck.

Nice. Thank you for your insightful answer. :-/

Either knot will work fine on mono. I used the Imp Clinch Knot for years until I read someplace the knot strength was a little better for the Palomar. That may or may not be true but I got into the habit... I use it most of the time, even with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. A Crig is the only place I routinely use a Clinch Knot anymore.

Happy New Year!! Like many others I enjoy this forum very much and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. BTW my idea of a good time is dinner and conversation with friends here at the house. Y'all be careful out there.