BaitMonkey1984

Just found the peritnentrule- C13 regarding this: Competitors wishing to change fish habitat by placing any object in the tournament waters may do so if such action does not violate state or federal regulations. So well within the rules.

Just watched a video to confirm. Big fan of Casey and respect the heck out of the guy, he is a real class act. I trust his judgment that this act is well within the scope of the rules. He is doing everything he can to compete at the highest level- I get that. However, I personally have a problem with this. Not saying I wouldn't do it myself if I was in his position. I guess my issue is that I see it as comparable to hunting over a deer feeder. It is legal, just not for me- I want to find the animal not bait the animal to me. I have often thought of putting in brush piles at my favorite lake, yet for a tournament of the magnitude of the BassMaster Classic, this one doesn't feel right to me. Interested in what everyone else's thoughts are on this topic. Also, curious if anyone knows where you can read the rules for the Classic?

Always carry those tools you have plus a few extra...a pair of jumper cables, rag, good pair of work gloves,and some carb cleaner.

$200 for a piece of mind on a boat/outboard- easy decision for me. Never thought twice about canceling my full insurance policy.

Lets speed spool or abu garcia orra winch are what I am learning on and very user friendly. Stay away from Quantum Escalade HD- nothing but backlashes for me with that reel.

Kill shot looks interesting. Just got a pack at an a trading post up here. Going to rig them up on a small jighead

So I got started using bait casters last year. I got cabin fever here in the NE after hunting season and purchased 3 new combos. I got a bunch of different brand reels all around the $100.00 mark to try out, and see what brand I like best. I got a lews speed spool, an abu garcia ora winch, and a quantum escalade HD. I have been practicing casting in the yard and have gotten pretty good. Distance isn't great but I hope that it is coming soon. The problem is I cannot cast the Quantum without backlashing. I have tried mono, braid, and fluorocarbon and it is just birds nest after birds nest. I tried searching for reel review on this but have come empty- has anyone ever used this reel? If so let me know they worked out for you.

I was excited when I stumbled upon this last week. However, up here in the NE not very much need for these lb lines in my opinion. Maybe I will try it on a froggin rod, but was hoping they made the Regular PP even smaller which would have been great.

I got that same rod as a gift about ten years ago when I got back into fishing. It served its purpose well for three years till I got the bug and made upgrades. It still sits on the front deck of my ranger with my arsenal of set-ups. It has plenty of backbone which many people like, because it is hard to break. The Lite series also has decent sensitivity compared to the original ugly stick. It may not be an expensive rod but that doesn't mean it isn't a good one. Enjoy that rod well it works for you, you can empty your life savings after the bait monkey gets you later on

I just picked up the skeet reese cranking stick for 1/2 off on TW. I have yet to use it but it fills solid and yet sensitive at the tip. Can't wait to start throwing some shallow cranks on it.

Ditto on the above. Sounds like a gummed up carb/intake/fuel line problem. One additional thing is to check the fuel lines for crack and all connection for a secure fit. I had a similar problem and the fuel line wasn't air tight and that caused the issues. Best of luck- boats can be a pain at time.

Baitcaster. I agree with some of the other comments that you do not need to throw a bait caster. I got by just fine with all spinning outfits. I got tired of seeing others using a BC and seeing some good looking rod and reels that I was afraid of. So I bought one and learned how to use it a bit. Still learning and using this winter to practice casting in the back yard. If you want to, go for it, it will be a fun new adventure.

Finally broke the 6lb mark after many just under 6. Caught a 6.0lb even on a 5 inch GYCB senko in watermelon creme. Last fish of the year too.

I would look around for last years skeet reese model specific rods. I was able to pick one up from TW regularly $100 on sale for $50 a month or so ago.

16 lb PP braid with 14 lb Bass Pro XPS Fluorocarbon leader

Reel any day for me. I have found many $100-150 rods that are strong and sensitive enough without breaking the bank.

Done it a couple of times. Fun, but different than from my Ranger. I would limit yourself to only two rods and your "go to" baits in a 3700 Plano. Put your cell phone/keys in a ziploc bag. I recommend bringing the shorter rods because it can be difficult landing with a 7ft + rod.

Ice Fishing just doesn't do it. I already have all my rods (somewhere around 16) relined and ready to go. All my tackle organized with the exception of my cranks, next I am inspecting hooks/sharpening/replacing. I have never been so ready to go.

Congrats on the purchase!

Zoom Magnum Trick Worm in black texas rigged . Catches the big 'uns.

My father bought me a Ranger R81vs 18' for graduating law school a few years ago. It was a big upgrade from my 14ft aluminum, although I still sue and love that boat too. I would definitely recommend taking someone knowledgeable with you. There is a lot of things to check, for examples 4 new batteries can run you $1000. Fish finders, trolling motor, trailer tires and props etc are also important and costly. Obviously, the most important are the hull and the motor. I would make sure you see your boats underside to see if there is any patch-up work. I got lucky, and have had 5+ years of no issues with my boat. Looking back now tho I realize I did not know enough to make an informed decision.

Time on the water is precious. Even if I am out on the water 5 times a week during the week it is after work for 3 hours tops. I do not want to waste even 15 minutes re-tying. Also, I am junk fisherman and like to be ready to throw a specific bait if the condition present itself. Most importantly, as organized as my tackle is there is just so much of it that it could take a minute to find exactly what I am looking for,

The bait monkey has always been my worst enemy. Usually, I tell myself that I would rather buy all the line/lures/accessories during the winter so then in the summer not only am I ready to go but I also am not spending money on tackle each week- just gas for the boat. It makes me feel better, like I am fishing for free. Last year I got my first bait caster, this winter I got 4 new baitcasting combos and enough soft plastics to fill a three drawer filing cabinet. The filing cabinet is for the "extra" baits that I can't fit in my Ranger. Cannot wait for open water to try out those moneymakers from Berkley.

I have tried out both. Never noticed a difference even with the radio on very loud. Ish and Skeet usually have custom audio systems in their boats and have seen Ish slamming them with the radio on.

Never cared for their baits and I am a die-hard GYCB fan. Not affected.