WIGuide

I'd go with a 7.1:1. Then again I'm not in the norm when it comes to gear ratios since I use 7.1:1 for pretty much everything.

I use 12 for both as well. I wouldn't be against using 10 either. I think you're good either way.

My favorites are the Xcalibur XR series and the old tried and true Cordell Super Spots. No need to spend crazy money on a lipless crankbait.

The Elites/Xtremes are a definite step up. I have no doubt you'd be pleased with it.

I throw them on 12# Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon

The first few times you do it you may have to experiment with how much backing to put on. It doesn't have to be exact, nor does it have to be rocket science. How much backing you put on will be determined by how often you plan on changing your main line. If you're one of the guys that does it every few trips you reel will be spooled mainly with backing. If you're like me and go the whole year without changing, you'll probably end up somewhere in the 25/75 ratio. After you get it where you want it, you never have to mess with it again. When you spool up you take it down to the knot, cut it, retie, and fill the spool back up. Get it close to where you want it, and then you can adjust it later.

Either will work. I don't throw it much but when I do it's on 50 lb

I'd just use marine grease in it.

Wow the old bench sure was trashed! Looks way better now!

Congrats on the new to you boat! It's good to see the dealer is taking care of things as they should. My dad had a similar experience when he picked up his boat at Jimmy Houston Marine down in Park Hill, OK. We went down to buy my dad's boat and then head to Texas to fish for a few days. When we took it down we found a few minor things wrong with it, a gauge or two not working and a few other little misc things. On our way back we stopped in again and let Jamie (the manager and Jimmy's son) know about them. Since all his mechanics were on lunch at the time, he came out and personally fixed the issues himself in the 90 degree heat. It's really nice when they take care of things like that for you. When all is said and done, I'm sure you'll be pleased with your purchase!

Haha I don't know that you can, but I'm thinking he can get it for a better price. Then again I'm going on boat prices around here. Paying what it's worth in it's current condition will keep that total down a little.

I haven't used that model of Mojo Bass, but I have a Legend Tournament in the same power and action and it's absolutely perfect for drop shotting! I wouldn't hesitate on the rod you're looking at!

That would be pretty cool! $1500 seems a little steep for it's current, but then again I think the whole thing would be the labor of love so if that's what you're set on then go for it!

I'm with Crestliner. I really like them on a belly weighted EWG style hook. I've really come to appreciate the Big Bite Baits Cane Thumper. It seems pretty versatile as well being able to use it as a trailer on swimjigs and spinnerbaits as well as being thrown on a normal jig head. You can throw them on the rig as well.

Use them in heavy cover. A great place would be when you're punching, or when you're fishing the nasty stuff when you're really going to crank on them and you don't want any hook flex.

Check your wire first, but most of the time you can just add the jumper wire in the back instead of running more wires.

By me I try to use both. I'll switch back and forth to see which offers the most detail for the lake I'm fishing. Usually Navionics has a more but there are a few that are the other way around.

I really want to run one of these, but I'm not sure I'll be able to swing it this year. Maybe I can find a deal somewhere.

I've got a RAM mount at both the console and the bow. They allow you to move it any which way you want. As long as you have the appropriate size mount for the locator you plan to mount on it it shouldn't move around too much. You can use all the same mounts you see on fiberglass boats on aluminum boats as well.

If you can squeek out just a bit more, you can get a Lowrance HDS 7 Gen2 Touch for $900 with rebates now. They are really nice units and with their rebate right now, you can get it with the LSS-2 transducer so you will have side and down imaging.

These might be easier when all is said and done. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbird-reg-Fishin-Buddies/735123.uts?productVariantId=1211481&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=41-33531934-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=02550553&rid=20 http://www.basspro.com/HumminBird-PiranhaMax-155-PT-Fishfinder/product/1409291742/

Sounds like a pretty good multipurpose rod. Will do fine with anything you said you're looking to throw on it as long as those baits are within the weight range. If you're throwing a bait with treble hooks on them with it I'd suggest backing the drag off. Almost to the point it slips on a hookset and that will help keep your landing percentage up.

I've got a 7'6" telescopic Quantum Energy PT that I will be replacing this year for the same reason. It's not as out of wack as the Fish Eagle rod, but it's a heavy beast that doesn't balance all that well.

Mount a rear cleat to on top of the little triangular brace on the transom. As long as you're using the right size rope the zig zag ones do work well.

Had this happen last summer. The dust cap must have gotten knocked off somehow and on my hour drive home from the lake so the hub basically emptied itself. Both bearings seized and then shattered. Didn't notice anything since it was pitch black and never felt anything when pulling it other than the last mile or so. I really lucked out since the bearings were completely gone when I pulled in the driveway.