WIGuide

I'd leave it running.

As cool as it is to go fast when it gets to that point it's dangerous. There are too many hidden hazards, boat wakes, and other boaters out there. My uncle used to have a 21 foot Gambler with a 300 on it. I never got to run it wide open, but had been in it running into the mid 80's and that was plenty fast for me.

This x2. It's very simple to do. It only takes a few minutes even if it's your first one. This definitely beats the alternative of fishing with the busted one.

Congrats man that's awesome!!

How hard are you setting the hook? I've seen lots of people lose them because they don't set it hard enough. Sticky sharp hooks and a soft body that collapses well are also imperative. Try out a Booyah Pad Crasher and see if you're still struggling.

I would agree that they look like fatheads.

I use 7.1:1's for just about everything including those techniques mentioned.

I use 7.1:1's for just about everything including those techniques mentioned.

Buy yourself a set of wrenches and have at it haha. No wait time, you know what was done and what wasn't.

It is a good idea to have it looked at. Frankies is a reputable dealer so they'd be fine to check it out. I highly doubt there's anything wrong with one that new, but you're better safe than sorry.

I haven't had issues fishing with any of mine in the rain either. If it's a downpour all day, or they get submerged it might be a good idea to break them down and relube them though.

Another vote for The Rod Glove. I originally started out with just buying the reel gloves and decided to stick with the same company for the rod socks too.

Trust me....it's worth it to make the drive. The store itself isn't that big (although they're planning to expand soon). You get a good look at everything they make. The B-stocks are one heck of a bargain. I was super tempted last night by another Legend Xtreme. $185 and the only defect I could see was one of the guide wraps weren't quite as tight together before it got clear coated. From a distance of more than about 8" you couldn't tell. Granted they don't have the full warrantee like the a-stocks do, but for the price difference it's easy to live with. They're now offering tours as well so you can see how they're made. One of the best days to go though is on their customer appreciation day. They have the Linders come out along with Joe Bucher. They've got free food, chances to win prizes, and they have some pretty good closeout sales. As far as Mojo vs. Avid, go Avid or Avid X if you can swing it. The Mojo's are nice rods though and took a nice step up with the redesign.

I've ordered a few online. One on ebay and another from TW. Both came in cardboard tubes in good condition. The one from tw was missing a guide insert, but it wasn't in the package it just wasn't notice by whoever packed it. They emailed me a return label and I shipped mine back. Had the new rod in a few days and it was a done deal. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

^Amen! Parts will eventually become scarce for the engine in question just like they do for everything. That day is not anytime soon. The only discontinued motor brand I wouldn't be interested in is a Force.

It sounds like you need to find yourself a better marine mechanic!

If you just want 2d and down scan, you can get the HDI transducer which has both. Then you can network with the dash locator and get side scan from your rear transducer.

You should definitely give St. Croix another chance.

Dropshotting definitely doesn't have to be a vertical presentation as it can be pretty darn deadly when cast.

Big Bite Baits Cane Thumper with a keep weighted swimbait hook a 4/0 in most brands will do the trick.

Booyah, Spro, and Live Target in that order.

Obviously, try not to do that if you can, but on occasion it'll happen. Before using your big motor next time you can try these first. It sounds like you put your tm straight forward and straight back. Most of the time that works, but if it doesn't try sideways and slightly backwards. Try to get the boat to spin on it. Another option would be to try to walk your boat off. Run you tm backwards in a sort of zig zag pattern as it often times allows the boat to slowly slide back over the stump. Being left high centered sucks, but you can usually get it off with the tm.

You realize they use the same blank for both right? Obviously components play a role in overall feel of the rod, but I don't think you're getting all that much info from just holding one in the store.

I've got the previous generation Mojo Bass Frog-n-Slop rod. I love it for frog fishing. Now that they have the updated version out, it would definitely be my recommendation!

Nope that doesn't matter, it'll work for what you want.