K_Mac

I think it is a good value in the "beaver" market. I use both sizes regularly.

Exactly. The idea that we can get something for nothing is compelling, but never real or sustainable.

After doing the research I would not use standard radials on my trailer, and it hauls an aluminum boat. A standard tire is simply not made to stand the stress put on a trailer. Bass Turd makes a good point. Weight and speed must be considered when choosing. Having had tire and bearing failures over the years, I can say with confidence trailer tires are not a place to cut corners.

Basswhippa I own Dodge/Chrysler vehicles and have a collection of BPS rods and reels. My 95 pickup and 2000 Durango have a combined 370,000 miies and are in great shape for the shape they're in. My reels have countless hours of trouble free service. I may not be a "superior consumer" based on your definition, but I understand value. Categorizing people by what they drive or fish is myopic and foolish in my opinion. I think Shimano, Ford, and Toyota make fine products, but my self-esteem is not determined by the things I own.

Goose I was just messing with ya! I've read enough of your posts to know you are a man who gets good value out of your stuff. If I can find a couple of extra dollars, I'm going to get two of the 3500s for me and my lovely wife. We are not getting any younger and having good lightweight jackets is important. Take care my friend.

Good luck Dwight. I wish you well and will keep you in prayer.

I think it is great that at age 72 he was still pushing the boundaries. I am sorry to hear of his death and for his family and friends, but I would bet that if he had to choose how to go, he would be OK going doing something he loved.

I have been thinking about getting a full size vest for the new year. I have worn a manual inflatable belt for several years, but an auto inflatable vest would give a little more security. That's a great price. Goose all that dirt just adds character. I would just wash it in the sink and recharge!

I like something around 7' in a MH fast action. Some like a slower action, but fast or XF works best for me.

FrogFreak there are many Nitro owners who have voted with their wallets based on price and value. Nitro is a major player in the bass boat market because they make a decent product for a good price. A Z8 with a 250 ProXS is a great fishing boat that rides and performs very well. No it is not a Ranger, but it is not priced like a Ranger either. I wish Ranger well. If I had deep pockets it might be my first choice, but times are changing. Remember when "Solid as Sears" was effective advertising based on their rock solid reputation. Now Sears is struggling to survive. Ranger will either survive or not. Johnny Morris and his empire is in the same position. As long as he gives consumers what they want he wins, and when he doesn't he will fail. Blaming Morris for Ranger's problems doesn't really tell the whole story.

While I agree with FD, I remember when the light went on for me in trigonometry. Understanding that math has interesting real-world application was eye opening, although I didn't have the aptitude to really test that idea very much!

The Sig 226 in all versions is a fantastic pistol. It should be for the price. You must have huge hands if a Glock 17 is too small. That is a big handgun! My semiautomatic handguns are striker fired and polymer framed. They are carry weapons. If I were going to use a semiautomatic for plinking or competition it would be a single action or DA/SA like a 226. Good luck!

There are a variety that I use, but California is my go-to. It works in crystal clear or muddy conditions for me.

I keep hearing that my Cards have many dollars to spend. I am anxious to see some evidence of that!

I like that definition. The problem as already stated is what is perfect for me may be quite different than perfect for someone else. I have a 7'3" heavy power, moderate action Carrot Stik that is labeled as a deep diving crankbait rod. It is great flipping/pitching rod. When loaded it bends over nearly the entire rod. The amount of weight/pressure required to do so is far too much for cranking but fine for pitching or flipping IMO.

My prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.

I have had great success on chatterbaits in +/-50° water temps. I don't really understand the science, but like rattletraps they work well in cold water. Enjoy!

Thanks buzzed. This is a topic I have given a lot of thought, and the practice of which I have spent a lot of time, energy and money to get right. I continue to work to make sure I am as we prepared as possible, while hopefully I am never tested.

There is no question that driving to the lake or a bad diet or many other things that most of us do on a regular basis is statistically more dangerous than time spent at the boat ramp. I ALWAYS carry when trailering my boat based on personal experience. I often fish at night, many times with my wife, and have had a couple of incidents that have convinced me that my responsibility to protect myself and those for whom I am responsible requires I do so. I take carrying a deadly weapon very seriously. My responsibility to be aware of my situation and avoid conflict is much greater when carrying. I also understand that for some an armed population is a frightening thing, and as mentioned above there are some who don't quite get that liberty and responsibility are fundamentally linked. The only thing that frightens me more than having to use deadly force is not having deadly force available to prevent its use on me or others.

Good looking older boat. Enjoy!

Tastes like chicken.

fishnkamp I understand your concern. I am not missing your point. Morris is not the problem here. The market will determine what is available. If Ranger doesn't offer what folks want then someone else will. Do you really think that Morris can corner the market? The only sure thing is nothing remains the same or lasts forever. The auto industry is a perfect example. When the big three arbitrarily decided what we would buy, others offered alternatives. The consumer ultimately benefited. Tilting at windmills is a waste of time.

I have spent many enjoyable and productive hours, in all kinds of conditions, fishing from my partners Nitro Z8. Yes it lacks the fit and finish of some of the others, and the trailer is not as good as it could be, but it was many thousands cheaper. I don't know anything about Morris other than he has built a very successful empire giving reasonable value and selection to sportsmen. Like the old commercial using, "don't hate me because I'm beautiful", some hate Bass Pro because they are very successful. I will wait to see what, if anything changes at Ranger.

As I said earlier I like the way Roger thinks, but I know that if I try to keep up it will give me a headache! A man has got to know his limitations...

Roger I have missed your interesting observations. I'm glad to see you're still looking! Good to see you on the forums my friend.