kschultz76

Could you share the info on the 8 pitch prop you had success with? My 9.9 is also the command thrust carbureted version. Same thing with my PT 175, with just me, 7 gallons in the tank, 3 batteries, and gear top out at 6.8-7.2 mph. Wouldn’t mind a little more speed as long as it’s not over stressing the engine or running out of its rpm range.

I haven’t been able to fish Spruce Run since 2018 or 2019 and miss it loved fishing there. Round Valley was a blast last fall, all kinds of submerged trees and shrubs now. Want to get up to Merrill Creek this year too. Lazy was the name of the game for me with all these small things like the boat buckles. Less parts to lose and move around at the boat ramp while also keeping track of the kids.

Darn SR still down that low? Hopatcong is good fishing as long as it’s not the busy weekends like you said. Your boat and mine are big enough to handle the bigger lakes as long as we can stay out of playing frogger with the big boats. Spare tire always a requirement. I’d reconsider the transom saver even with the 9.9. We always had one on my dad’s fiberglass boat with a 9.9. Cheap insurance and minimal inconvenience to take stress off both the transom and the motor mount and tilt components when trailering. oh I also added stainless steel trailer mounted retractable transom tie downs. Another good investment.

CBF congrats!! Beautiful boat, and best of luck with her. I’m guessing you took her to Round Valley or Spruce Run for that maiden voyage? Being in SJ and fishing primarily in SJ up to central Jersey, and NE PA I know the conundrum of needing a boat that you can legally run in our smaller HP limited and electric only lakes but want that room for storage and fishing comfortably. Looks like you found an awesome option to manage that. I went with a Tracker ProTeam 175 TXW last year, ordered with the Merc 9.9, and picked up end of August from my dealer. Maybe should have looked more at Crestliner but at the time it was the largest boat I could find that I could still order with a 9.9. Didn’t want to go down the two motors with a 9.9 kicker route bc a larger motor would never get run often enough. I’m really happy with my Tracker and I’m sure you will be with your Storm. Here’s a few things I’ve done to make life easier as I’m often fishing alone, or with family where I’m doing the loading/unloading on my own. 1. Added a tilt switch at the outboard wired in under the cowl. My boat came rigged with one at the console and the bow. Just made a couple y pigtails to integrate into oem wiring under the cowl with an inline fuse holder off the 12v hot stud. Makes getting the transom saver on and off a breeze. They should install these at the factory. 2. Added a set of Omega boat steps to the trailer. Garage storage not an option for me. But looking at your trailer there are options for mounting that will preserve your swing away tongue. 3. For electric only lakes I like a transom mounted TM. On my transom there’s just enough room to mount one next to the outboard. I picked up MK 24v model and wired up a quick disconnect plug and separate circuit breaker. Hoping to get out in the next week or so myself. Photos of the TM plug. Photos of the steps.

Congrats!!! Looks like a great starter boat that you can do a lot with, and invest a little in overtime to upgrade and make it what you want. That trailer looks really clean. Best of luck with it.

I got a new ProTeam 175 TXW at the end of last season. I ordered it in June, and when it finally arrived in August they sent me a 2025 at 2024 pricing. You’re gonna love the 175, super easy to fish out of, tons of convenient useable storage, easy to tow and maneuver. For 30 years prior I fished from a 15’ fiberglass tri hull with tiller steer and very limited storage. Lots of amazing memories in that boat. But the wood in the transom and decks is rotting beyond repair. I love the convenience of locking my rods and tackle in the 176, and being ready to go fish in 30 min. Hope you can make that happen. For the op I hope you can find something to suit your budget and your needs. Any boat that is safe, serviceable, and gets you on the water will catch you fish. I’d agree with many others though for an older boat in that range you should stick to aluminum. Even a good size deep v hull with a tiller drive will serve you well.

Take a look at the ALX Enox Psychic, 6’9” M F 3/16-5/8. Any St. Croix SV3 or better M F spinning blank is a great versatile spinning rod. Just not a fan of some of their latest handle design choices.

Congrats, looks like a beautiful boat! Enjoy it and best of luck!

I have the Millenium Palma horse on the front of my PT175. Love it, best front casting seat I’ve ever had. Have gone through several styles of casting seat on my father’s boat over the years. It is meant to mount flat like in the picture of it on the boat in use. Is it possible this Springfield seat is what you saw? It does pivot to 90 deg. https://springfieldgrp.com/product/1040355-kpc/

Thanks so much, that’s super helpful. Looks like mounting on that angled part works well. Is that an Ultrex TM? Any problems with cover fitting with it mounted on the bow?

Thanks Nso! If you find a spare min I’d love to see a picture of it. I’ve looked at the Baldwin mounts, actually considering the 8” or 5” adjustable mount they have that’s similar to the BPS one. I think the 8” would get me over the plug and tilted back to not be in the way of the cover. Just wasn’t sure it was wide enough. Considered if I could mount on that angled section just didn’t know if it would be sturdy enough. Thanks for the photo, and sharing your setup. The newer model I’ve ordered has a different foot pedal tray with a wider double cup holder. TJ thanks so much for the photo along with the stick ruler for scale reference, that really helps. I am strongly considering the RAM because it’s so easy to move out of the way, and to adjust placement. Just afraid I’ll always be fussing with it trying to get it set in the “perfect” spot. I also thought about the RAM surface mount swingarm mount that would offset it from the cup holders but let me swing it over to be centered on the pedal tray. Hoping to get a good enough idea that I have the mount here and ready to install when I pick up the boat. Here’s the best photo I have of the foot pedal tray setup the boat I have ordered:

Hey all I’ve not been active here in awhile and had slowed down my fishing the past few years. Life, family, work and all that. I’ve finally been able to start getting back into it and have a new Tracker Pro Team 175TXW on its way to me. I’m planning to install a Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv at the bow and before I purchase a mount wanted to see if I could get some info or feedback from other 175 owners. I’m looking at a fixed deck mount like the Bass Fishin Electronics single unit angled mount, Procise Outdoors Dek It, or the BPS Lockdown adjustable deck mount. What I don’t know is what one will fit best without interfering with the trolling motor plug or the front of the recessed TM pedal tray. I also want to be careful that nothing sticks up so high with the Garmin gimbal bracket to interfere with the cover. Any intel fellow owners could give me on the height of the aluminum foredeck from the casting deck at the front of the TM pedal tray and the width of the TM pedal tray at its widest around the cup holders would be much appreciated. Oh and the approx height of the TM plug from the deck too. Love to hear and see what others have done as well. I’ve Google images searched till my eyes were crossed but haven’t been able to find much out there. I'm hoping the Bass Fishin Electronics angled mount will clear the cup holders, give me room to reach under it for the TM plug and trim switch, without being a problem for the cover. If none of what I’m looking at will work I can go to plan B with a RAM mount or similar. Thanks in advance!

Totally agree....but with the IMX you get a standard universally comfortable Fuji reel seat. I don’t hate the seat on my GLX for casting, but for pitching I have to change my grip.

SV103 is definitely not as compact or palmable as a Curado 70 or Steez SV TW. For me I think a large part of the problem was the height at which the reel sat up off the seat, more then the shape. Oddly I find the Zillion SV TW comfortable to palm for both pitching and casting on reel seats the SV103 was not. I’ve never used one but sounds like Alphas platform might be the way to go in a Daiwa.

What this guy said!

I’d recommend the same but even with a sale it’s a bit over the Ops budget. Id check out the newest Tatula series with cork grips given your budget. Heard great things about them but no personal experience.

Also in your price range I’d take a serious look at the Shimano Expride. No hands on experience but have read many positive reviews here and elsewhere on them.

Based on ergonomics and price the Helium 3 gets my vote. I have an FMJ - gorgeous rod, but I’ve learned to hate the trigger on the reel seat and how thin the grip is. Sadly I likely won’t buy another MB rod until the change the reel seat. I also have a GLX 844MBR and agree it’s an awesome rod, reel seat on this one is great for me for casting but not awesome for pitching so for pitching the Helium 3 or one of my Gen 1 Orochi XX rods is what I prefer. I got my GLX on a deal as a rep sample. I have no objection to high end expensive rods but the Helium does all I need, I think if I were to ever look at a $400 rod like a Destroyer again I’d seriously consider a custom.

I have the 7’0” LMH and throw 3/8oz swim jig plus trailer on it in sparse pads no problem. It’s got more power then my M power St Croix rods. I’m a fan of this stick.

I tried the 704, it has a really soft whippy tip with a lot of backbone. Good for weightless senkos around cover but in my hands a 3/8 oz swim jig n trailer were overloading the rod on a cast.

Dobyns aren’t typically my go to rods, but was looking for the same thing for my wife. Landed on the Dobyns Sierra 705sf spinning rod. Haven’t fished it yet but test casting it handled a 3/8oz swim jig with rage menace trailer really well. Only complaint - handle needs to be longer.

Best of luck with it and enjoy it, those sticks get a lot of praise I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I’d go with the Helium 3, if you want to go up to 3/4 oz definitely the heavy xfast. I have no experience with Zodias or ALX Zolo Rods. But my H3s hold their own compared to my Orochi XX, GLX, and Legend Xtreme Rods. I really appreciate the light weight and balance of the H3s. I love the aesthetic of my MB rods, but the simplicity of the H3 builds has a beauty of its own.

Totally agree with Dwight’s recommendation but I’d add a 7’1” MH/XF as a third rod. I also love the Light Medium Heavy in a casting rod too. The XF the Helium 3 to me is a great action, it’s closer to a fast then an XF, definitely not like a St Croix XF.

Kistler Helium 3 Light Medium Heavy Fast. Comes in 6’8” and I think a 7’0”. Rated for 3/16-7/8oz. Great stick and versatile for those who like spinning gear for more then the lightest finesse.