WildmanWilson

The two stroke is a Pro XS the four stroke only says four Stroke on the side. Both are Mercs

Are the four strokes that much more dependable? This was the one big concern between picking the two. Had the glass boat had the four stroke I don't think Id have as hard a choice to make. And they both have Mercs

So, if you had to pick what one would you want? I can get both in 2017 models. The alum. one has less than 100 hours and the glass one has under 200 hours. Both with 150hp but the one on the Z185 is a two stroke while the other is a four stroke. The Z185 has an Ultrex and Livescope. The 198 has SI hummingbirds but no spotlock or livescope. The 198 is 28,000 and the Z185 in 29500. I'm torn with the aluminum being a little bigger but the glass should be smoother and better ride. I do fish big water so whats your opinions? I don't fish tournaments. Just crappie and bass.

Depends on the lake. If you're a bank beater then probably don't need one. If you fish structure and drops and such its a big plus.

I think tournaments can do major harm on some lakes. I fish Ky and Barkley lake and the pressure is unreal. I see most harm in disrupting the spawn and in the stress of summer. Depending of the stage of the spawn, a female can be taken miles from the nest. A buck bass can be caught and he's the one that guards the eggs and fry and if hes caught they are pretty much lost. As vast as these lakes are, there is really a small part of it that holds most of the fish. With electronics now its not any secretes or hiding spots. You can watch boat after boat hammer these spots. I agree that the catch and release tournaments seem to be a possible answer but its a huge undertaking to get enough people to handle the logistics of it all.

It’s also a possibility he was being an ass and just wanting scare you. Some boaters are like that. I still wear bright colors like blaze orange. We should do our best to be seen.

I use 3/8 and go to 1/2 for deeper water.

Wondering if any of you leave some old line on the reel to save money? With the high cost of fluorocarbon seems a good way to stretch a buck if it doesn’t affect performance. If so is there a certain knot that’s best to join the old and new?

Anyone fishing this? I’m thinking of giving it a try but would like some opinions if you’ve used it. http://advantagebait.com/jawbreaker.html

I fish Barkley lake in Kentucky and may peddle a few miles so the drag behind thing may be too much to handle. Putting them on ice is the downfall of turning them back though but probably the best option. I looked at this today and it looks close to a Yeti but a much cheaper price. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-frosty-vault-36-can-cooler

I don’t keep bass but I’d like to keep red ear and crappie to eat. Seems most people suggest putting them on ice. So is a bag cooler with frozen water bottles or the blue ice stuff work or is loose ice needed? Stopping to get a bag of ice each time is a bit of a hassle. I’d love to keep them alive somehow but I’ve not seen a good option yet.

I bought the Old Town Predator PDL and love it. I fish big water like Lake Barkley and some smaller lakes. Here’s why it better than a Hobie for me. The instant reverse is mandatory for me. In the wind and current I’m able to stay on spot or fight fish without having to pull a cord and turn the drive. Once you’re out fishing in the wind you’ll see what I’m talking about. I’m sure other peddle drives are good too but this is all I can speak on. I did look at the Jackson because the drive kicks up if you hit something. If I’m in stumps or shallow water I simply unlock the drive from the floor on the PDL so it can raise too. I bought a jet ski trailer and modified it slightly. You can pick one up for a few hundred and have it ready with little to no work.

2018 OldTown Predator PDL. This is my first kayak so I’m not much good at the pros and cons. I wanted a peddle kayak to stay on structure and didn’t have to fight with while fishing. I fish medium to large lakes and wind is always a concern and I’ve done well so far. So... Pro. Fast and stable. Can fish hands free and the instant reverse is a huge plus. Con. Price. It runs around 2700. Pretty heavy at around 117 pounds.

A good place to look is Facebook market place.

A guy that lives in Ky. makes some that are about 2.50 that I use. I like them and can’t beat the price. Call T-Rex. Used one from netbait that I really liked but they stopped making it. It was Hardy Craw color. I may see if someone can match the color and make them for me.