CxThree

Phone is another issue. I have a 5 year old son and a 2 year old daughter that mean more to me than anything so I keep my phone within reach on the boat. Besides, I sometimes wind up on the lake when I should be in my office. I can take conference calls from the bow of my boat and keep on fishing. I just have to find some really quiet coves. Weekends are another issue, but I still keep the phone near me in case something happens with one of my kids. I'm torn on a radio on the boat though. There's not really a good place to mount it and I am not wild about cutting a hole that big. I think I may just install a USB port on the dash so my phone can get power at all times and then use my jawbone Bluetooth speaker when I want to hear some music or listen to the game.

Very interesting. I thought this would be one of those split topics for sure. If I am fishing with someone, I don't really need any music. Fishing alone, I think some music would be nice and I could also use it to keep up with football.

Curiosity is getting the best of me. Do you guys like having a stereo on your bass boat or not? If so, do you use a marine stereo unit with speakers or do you leverage your smartphone and a set of speakers?

Stratos 201? Seriously, I just bought a 1997 Stratos 285 Pro Elite and am in love with it. I also rode on a 201 and can see that as a future boat for me. What about one of the newer 285s?

I found this one online last night and think this is the one I am going to get. http://thebassboatladder.com/

You bet. I just got home and see that they made it here in one day. Wow. I will get them built tonight or over the weekend and put up some videos on them being put together. I should be out on the lake by next Friday to ty them out.

I've been researching these too. I am leaning heavily toward the talon and found out they have a 12 ft version, in multiple colors, releasing in the fall. I just went with a DIY version of a shallow water anchor to get me through this season until the 12 ft talon comes out. I have a thread here in the forum about it and will be releasing some video info next week when I test it out. That might be a short ter solution for you until you make up your mind. I will have about $130ish into 2 of them when its all done and they will be 8ft with a 4 ft extension I can use for 12 ft total.

Those of you with the Talon or Power Pole.. Do you find one of them sufficient? I would assume it creates an axis that the boat would begin to pivot around in current or wind. Does it?

I hear you. I'd love to put a couple of talons on the boat but I need t slow down . I've bought two boats in the last two months.

The supplies should be here today or Monday. I need to make one trip to Home Depot to get the supplies to screw the 2 pieces together(I want it easy to take apart and store) and a couple of metal rings and small cord to attach them to the cleats. I should have it together and tested by the end of the week.

Hello, Has anyone used these? http://www.mgs4u.com/shallow-water-boat-anchors.htm I saw them on youtube and bit on the thought. I ordered 2 of them, extensions, handles, spikes, and clips to store them in the lockers in the boat. A little over $100 for a set of 2 shipped. Shipping is steep, but that's because of the 8 foot length. $28ish for me. I know its probably not a perfect solution, but I am looking forward to trying them out and posting here. I would like to get one of the new talon 12 ft units when they release in the fall. However, I am a bit concerned that they are a bit bulky and could get int he way of my friends fishing off the rear of the boat. However, they look like a great solution. Just very pricey. Anyway. Anyone have thoughts or experience with the link I posted?

Good thread. I am fairly new to boating and have been thinking about putting something like this on my boat in case I fell out of it. I love the tip about the motor and trim switch. I never thought of that at all. I thought about climbing the motor, but the trim switch would surely help. I imagined something like a rope ladder you would mount and keep tied up at the back of the boat where you could reach up and untie it in a time of need. Not sure if they make anything like that or if it would be worth it. I have seen a few bass boats on the water with ladders, so I am sure plenty of people have been through this decision.

I bought a Pinnacle Obsession at Academy to try to learn baitcasting. I have to say it casts better than the more expensive rod and reel I bought at the same time. I was surprised and wind up using it more than anything right now. Has anyone else tried this combo?

Its a good place so far. The bassmaster weekend series guys are there today. I'm still learning spots, but its a big lake with plenty of coves, piers, ledges, etc.

First things first. Thank you all. I love this place. Its so great to be able to get help. I'm a very happy owner of a 1997 Stratos 285 Pro Elite. Personally, I think this boat is in AMAZING shape for its age. I have to get use to the hot foot for sure. Man, this thing will fly. Much faster than I want to be going on a regular basis. I could not believe the acceleration. Better than that, its got plenty of room and is very stable. I will be upgrading the electronics. I have a Hummingbird 597CI HD DI that I will swap from my other boat. I took some pics and will add a few more. The storage areas all look really clean and nice. The boat is also already off to a good start. We put it in after I bought it and filed all the paperwork. We decided to fish a spot we knew well. Small place and quick to go through. Bam. We both caught fish on the boat on its first voyage.