Shewillbemine

With the technique you're describing, are you hooking 'em?

Hi Folks, I'm connecting a solar trickle charger/maintainer to my boat and I'm not exactly sure which battery to hook it up to. I'd appreciate any input you may have. I have 3 12v batteries on the boat: 1 starter battery and 2 12v batteries for my trolling motor. I also have a Perko switch that only has 2 settings: ON or OFF. Do I place the alligator clips onto the starter battery only and expect the other 2 12v batteries to be charged as well? Or should I eventually connect the alligator clips to the other 2 12v batteries in order to charge those as well? An onboard charger is NOT an option right now as the boat is kept in storage without access to power. I'd like to avoid lugging the batteries on and off every time I have a fishing trip. Thanks again!

This is correct.

My first boat was/is a 175 deep V. My thought process was similar to yours: buy an aluminum, relatively lower priced boat to make mistakes on. I didn't want a used boat because my lack of knowledge about them and didn't want something without warranty or "Oh I didn't tell you about THAT issue?" from the previous owner. The 175 is a great fit for me because I fish both lakes and the ocean. I don't feel unsafe but as with all aluminum boats, it will get pushed easier in the wind. If you're fishing mainly lakes that don't have severe weather too often, the 165 should be just fine. I won't let your age form my suggestion: if you've got the money to buy what you want, so be it.

The size and weight of the anchor will also depend on the loads you typically carry, the currents you normally face, how easily your boat drifts and the bottom surface you fish over. You can almost never got an anchor that's too big (unless you're being ridiculous). For length of rope, you typically want to go with a length that is 5x the depth you normally fish. Others will tell you that you can get away with 3x the depth. I fish the ocean a lot so 5x is what I use--ocean waves can be more temperamental than the freshwater waves I face in the West. You will also get jerry rig/MacGuyver advice about rope and chain for anchors. If you want the cheap route, go to Home Depot and get any kind of rope, but truthfully you probably want some kind of braided/twisted nylon with or without polyester. DO NOT use polyproplene rope as it will give out on you (it's what's used for wake boarding and stuff). Boaters use a "rode", which is a fancy term for chain. Chain connected directly to the anchor will help you set the thing because of its weight. Then you connect the rope to the chain/rode and the other end connects to your boat. Use anchor shackles for the connection. Lastly, if you want to ensure your rope will last and not be frayed by its connection to the chain, use thimbles or rope that already has pre-assembled thimbles. Remember, I'm suggesting what "boaters" would do, which is not necessarily a "bass fisherman" thing to do. As mentioned, others successfully and happily use a block of cement or even dumbbells for anchoring. I have to be a bit more serious because I fish the Pacific very often.

Yes, you basically want the bow of the boat facing into the current so that the boat cuts into the water as it's designed to do.

People use homemade anchors such as buckets filled with cement--you're fine mixing anchor styles. Regarding where to anchor, it will depend on the current and how you want your boat positioned. If you want to stay parallel to your target, you will typically use anchors on the same side. If current isn't too strong, usually one anchor will suffice. It honestly depends on the current and where you are casting.

Let the fish tell you what they like.

I don't know about you guys, but I always bring lunch/a snack and almost always forget to eat or lose my appetite because I'm so excited fishing. But when I do decide to bring food, it's one of the following options for easy eating: a. Chicken nuggets/strips of any kind with french fries. b. A protein bar. c. Potato chips.

Nice job! Always feels 10x better after a some skunking.

I have NEVER caught a bass on a topwater lure. Perhaps I will try this season.

I used to feel the same way with more expensive toys such as new cars. It was all about car alarms, LoJack, text messaging alarm systems...then I determined that amount of stress and protection wasn't worth my time. Make sure you have a good insurance policy, keep the boat in the backyard as you said, and move on with your life. Someone willing to break into your yard/house to get Power Poles will likely not be deterred by much of anything else. The likelihood the boat will be broken into while parked on your property is fairly slim, compared to a public slip or street parking.

R u guys allowed to fish on those golf course ponds in your area? We're not allowed over here.

I'd love to say that I have this "sense" but I've got plenty of room to learn. When I feel a bass hit, I pounce on that thing and set the hook immediately. Not sure I have the mind/adrenaline control to be casual or meticulous about it. And whenever I land my first fish of the day, I always exclaim "Thank you Lord" and "Thank you Fish" for making the trip worth it. Noob's gonna noob.

You should make Vroom Vroom sounds while shaking a spinnerbait as you wait in it.