basham1988

Do you recall is it was a 1542 or a 1548

I just checked into the Gheenoe and that is a pretty slick looking boat. For some reason I'm stuck on the 1436. I've even considered the idea of removable pvc outriggers if it proved to be a little squirrelly. But I may look more into the Gheenoe

Thanks for the input! I guess realistically I'll be mainly on inland lakes as I've never had luck pulling any bass out of Erie. Not to mention being a novice, such a big body of water is intimidating to me. And I suppose I don't usually like to fish with any company, haha.. I should also mention an idea that I had which this would be the first of 2 boats. This one being more for electric only ponds and later down the road pick up a fancier model that'd be more in tune to a competition level. At any rate, I still have some time to weigh my options. I also have a lot to learn yet. BUT we'll see what happens. All I know is that I'm hooked in the sport and look forward to catching many bass and want to be able to have every affordable advantage available.

I'd like to keep the motor down to a 9.9. Would you say that could still move a 1648 at a fair speed?

Within the next year I plan on purchasing a universal Jon that I can use at all bodies of water in my area. I live in NE Ohio so there is the Lake Erie coast, several rivers and a bunch of inland lakes. I've done some research on what kind of set-up may be best and here is my conclusion: Tracker 1436 w/trailer 55 lb thrust trolling motor and possible 9.9 2 stroke Casting deck on front half. I've seen some set-ups pretty close to what I described such as pics posted below but I'm just not sure how well I could balance on a casting deck on a boat that is only 36"wide. It would mostly be just me (5'10" 190 lbs) out on the water and maybe the occasional buddy. Thoughts on this? Any input/direction would be appreciated

I just got into baitcasters this year and knew from just toying around in the store with a couple combos that I was going to be most comfortable with a left hand retrieve. It just feels more natural that way. I think I even seen an old Shimano left hand bantam ad that stated something like "the true right handed reel" or something like that..

Just did a pretty thorough search trying to see what kind of used Curado 51e's were on the market and there are none anywhere! Must be a pretty good little reel. I have the new 71's but the gear ratios are up in the 7's and 8's and I'd like to get something slower but in a small package. Anybody know what ratios they marketed the 50e/51e's in? Or know of one for sale? ?

I just got familiar with a baitcaster this year. Started with an Abu Garcia silvermax and wasn't long before I wanted something "better". Ended up with a Curado 201I and fell in love. Smooth and sturdy. Just recently read some reviews on the 70/71 series and wanted to get something palm-able as I have smaller hands. So I just picked up a 71hg and 71xg. Won't get to try em out til spring but I'll be ready!

Thanks guys! I will do. Well, as my skills improve and I work through trial and error, I'll make it a point to post my experiences

I have been a "member" on here for a few years but I never post anything. I feel bad as I browse throughout the forum, picking up tips and information on all sorts of everything and never have anything to contribute. Literally, every time I do a Google search about something bass related, this site is usually at the top of the results and with multiple articles. This year is the first year that I have actually committed to bass fishing. Ever since I discovered a top water frog and a honey hole to winch out lunkers. I've been updating my arsenal of fishing gear mainly based on what I've learned from here, combined with my quirky preferences which may work against me in some cases. I have 3 Shimano Curado's (201I hg, 71hg, 71xg) and a PENN Conflict 2500. I'm gung-ho for St. Croix rods - have my spinning outfit on a Triumph 6'6" med fast. Casting outfits on Triumph 6'6" med/heavy fast, Premier 7'0" heavy fast and still need a third. Looking forward to jumping into the world of jigs this coming spring and I'd like to use my 7'0" heavy fast paired with the 71xg for frogging and as a heavy cover jig rod. Was thinking of a 6'6" - 7'0" med fast to cover most other jigging. At any rate, I don't want to ramble, just wanted to say thanks! -Tom