Just Fish Michael

Rain storms coming in for the next 2-3 days. Had to get out today and glad I did! First early spring ned rig catch on a TRD coppertreuse. Healthy 3 pounds! Fighting the wind but he helped clear bait from the rocks

Northwest Illinois here and yes the water temps SLOWLY getting to low/mid 40s. The March snow needs to stop! Catching some nice ones on small hair jigs. Many crappie mixed in. This one about 19 inches.

Great to see this! We're still waiting for all water to open up here in IL. I was lucky to find my first partial ice out bass too

I use 14lb sniper for all the baits you mentioned. Very versatile. Works great for me and I tend to find myself in more cover.

We had the perfect prefrontal conditions last night and I literally smelled a record setting night. I got out of work late and raced to some water. 2 hours and 10 solid keeper size bass was good, but add in this 5+ pound beauty and it becomes great!! Funny how she made the other 2 pounders seem so small ? Its hard to find this size here in July. 1 beaten up zinkerz worm tossed in and around weed beds caught them all.

I looked at the Pro 160 when it first came out a couple years ago. It fit my situation perfectly. I don't fish very large lakes, I wanted it to fit in my garage, and it was small enough for my tow vehicle to handle (Honda Element). I could not justify the price new so I ended up finding a used Tracker Pro Angler 16 with 20hp. Basically the Pro 160's predecessor with a few less bells and whistles. I love it! I usually fish alone so I can easily handle it at the launch ramp, the 20hp is faster than you think for such a light boat (under 700 lb dry weight, I believe the Pro 160 is 50 lb heavier). Last year on a local river, I thankfully out ran a fast approaching storm. Storage is at a premium so being very organized is key. Stability for such a small boat is not bad. I only had one rough outing on the river where wind, waves, and current made things a bit difficult. I'm extremely happy with my decision. If you are buying used be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Not a rule... it's called common courtesy and respect. The majority of people I encounter (fishing and elsewhere) don't have it. My belief... treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Unfortunately many think they are entitled to everything. I won't go any further than that.

Weather has only permitted me to get out three times so far this season. Two catches with the largest during lunch break last week 1.70 lbs. Here in Illinois... 70 degrees last weekend. Yesterday, the temps dropped to 25 degrees and 1+ inch of snow (Yes it's mid april) Now rain coming in the next few days. This weather sucks.

I had the same situation. I don't fish very large lakes and I have a Honda element with a tow rating of 1500 lbs. I found a nice 2011 bass tracker pro angler 16. Dry weight of 1200 and the element handles it nicely. Also fits nicely in the garage. You will probably want to keep it in the 16 ft range. Tracker, Lowe, Jon boats I looked at them all. Love the choice I made

+1 Powell diesel rods. Great budget rods.