JLeon77

Never had a Loomis, but ALX are up there with the best rods I have owned. I have 5 and just ordered 3 more as they have a great sale going on...Their customer service is great as mentioned!

Call RMP, I have had a couple lights flake out and they will send you a whole new one with no complaints. They understand that they had an issue in the first release and will replace it no questions asked. Also, when I got my new one, I got some vinyl tubing and snaked the wires through it to keep them from getting pinched or cut and it has worked out great.

I have a couple Echomap Ultra 12's on my boat and have had 1 mount have a connection fail and one break in VERY rough water. Both times Garmin replaced immediately. They were under warranty and they overnighted them to me. I know it's a weak point, but Garmin has been great with customer service and they aren't too expensive to have a spare.

I've fished a couple of the Thursday night tournaments at Whitey's in Fleming Island, but it'd be nice to have a partner. I'm new to the Jacksonville area so I don't know many other anglers. I have a boat, looking for a co-angler/partner to split $50 entry fees and winnings. PM me if you're interested or know anyone. -Jeff

I have a few Kastking Stealth baitcasters and a couple spinning reels (triton and Mela). They are great reels for the $$ and the Stealth is super light and casts a mile. I use it for burning lipless cranks. The spinning reels seem no less quality than my Abu Orra's. If you're on a budget I recommend them.

Agree with The Patriot, go with a Medium 7' or 7'3". That way you can throw some lighter worms, jigs, and spinners. If you are doing more pitching/flipping then try out a 7'3" MH with a fast tip. That will be very versatile and can be used with jigs and plastics. Check out the Fitzgerald Vursa Series, they have a wide variety of rods for $129. Great rods and no too bad on the wallet.

You should go withe a 7' medium heavy which is a great all around rod. Fitzgerald Rods Vursa series has around 13 different models that are great rods and priced well at $129. Their 7' MH and 7'3" M are great all around rods that would suit you well. I use the 7' MH for Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, some jig and worms and topwater occasionally.

$200 is a high price point when looking for long distance casting. You can't go wrong with most Lew's models, but the Custom SLP is a great reel for $179 and you can find some places for less...the Gander by me had theirs for $155. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Speed_Spool_MSB_Casting_Reel/descpage-CSP.html I also have a couple Daiwa CT's that cast a mile. They are heavy compared to the Lew's, but great reels.

I have 3 of the Stealths and they are great reels for the cost. They are super light and cast a mile. I would say that they are comparable to the lower level Abu that you mentioned.

The new Lew's SLP (Super Low Profile) reels are the smallest I have found and they are great, I am slowly switching all my reels to the SLPs. They have models from $99 up to $270 and so far I've tried 4 of them and love them so far. Super lightweight and very sturdy so far.

I don't know about the bass boat, but the old Supra Ski Boats had wooden stringers that tended to rot. I would definitely be aware of that. They stopped using the wood stringers in the early 90's I believe.

I fish the ABA AFT (Draw series) when I can and it is a great place to get started fishing tournaments in a more casual setting. Be honest with your boater that you are new and looking to learn and more than likely you will learn a lot! Most boaters are gonna help you out, but you may get one here or there that are not happy about having a co-angler. In that case, kill 'em with kindness, don't make a mess, and try not to be in the boater's way. The AFT tournaments are much more low key than BFL's or the ABA Open Series, not to mention cheaper. Have fun and good luck!

I went the last couple years and it has gotten better each year. Looking forward to it in the new building this year!

Welcome aboard from a fellow Ohioan!

I went through the same process this past spring and I narrowed my search down to Ranger, Phoenix, and BassCat. I ended up getting a BassCat Caracal and could not be happier. I think one of the things that made me lean towards Bass Cat is their customer service. They are great with all their owners and are available and active on their own forum. If you have an issue or question, more than likely BassCat will answer you personally and if you don't hear from them online, just give them a call and they will help you out. For example, my Caracal was one of the first couple built and they have since changed a few things like the net storage holder. I gave them a call and they sent me the new part and everything needed for install at no charge. Their hulls have a lifetime guarantee and they still hand make every boat and trailer. Everyone has a bias, you should do research, but I recommend you check out the BassCat owners forum on their website and you will learn alot! Good Luck and I hope you get an amazing boat...