Redlinerobert

Call me crazy, but I would take the first one in a heartbeat if i could get a new one.

Holy cow. Some of these reels are beautiful. They are made on a custom order basis, and go for $600 - $800! Talk about jewelry for fisherman.

So here are the final stats : Ranger Z22 Optimax 300 Lowrance 332C and 26 HD Still in the air on the trolling motor.

This is a GREAT site. I recently joined too Welcome!

Thanks for the heartfelt weclome guys. For those that haven't seen the story, here is a link to the peacock bass post. https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1164215487

300 Optimax is what I originally chose, I'll stick with it. I didn't know you could not get a Hot Foot with it, that's enough for me. As far as trolling motors, overwhelming response for the Minn Kota. Can I ask why? I'll probably end up getting the Lowrance equipment. I'm familiar with them and never really had any issues with my last units.

Hey guys, I spent the better part of Friday at C & C Marine in Modesto picking out the colors for my new bass boat, a Ranger Z22. There are a couple things I'm having difficulty in choosing, and would love your opinion on. Motor. Verado 275 or Optimax 300? I know the Verado is slower, heavier, and drinks more gas, but it is smoother, quieter and has a better warranty. As of now I am getting the 300 Optimax. Trolling Motor. Minn Kota or Motor Guide? I'm looking at either the 101 Minn Kota or the 109 Motor Guide. My last Ranger had a Motor Guide, which I hated. That was on a 2000 Ranger 520 DVX. I understand that they work alot better now. Electronics. Lowrance 332C in dash and on the bow. Small screen, my last boat had the Global Map 2000 I believe. I liked the big screen but the unit had to be mounted next to the console, which looked a little out of place. Any opinions or help would be greatly appreciated!

G Loomis, All Star and yes, Fenwick rods are way under rated. I love their Techna Rods.

Thanks for the compliments guys. The trip truly was the experience of a lifetime. I've been extremely blessed in life and business to be able to take trips like this. I could only dream of such things as a kid growing up. Most of the fish were caught on wood chopppers modified by our guide. About 30% were caught on Zara Spooks with the hooks replaced - and then only two of them, not three like they normally come rigged. Here's a couple more pics too Another 14 lb fish. 16 lb fish caught during a nice down pour.

The main line was 400lbs and the leader was 200lbs. Is this considered light tackle? Chow Not light tackle at all, hence the " " Still cool to watch wouldn't you say?

500 lb caught on "light tacke"

We live in California, so with flights, shots, (lots of shots > ) and everything else I would say I spent $16,000 for me and my dad. I Also took his best friend who has fished with us since I was a kid. My total for the trip was about $25,000. That is for 3 people though. By the way, We had SUCH a great time, the first thing I did when we came back was to call the very next day to pre-book for next year. It was honestly one of the best times I've had in my life. It made it that more special that I was able to share it with my dad.

Here's some of the ghoulies we caught on the trip: Piranha: Watch your fingers! Freshwater barracuda Dogfish. This thing looked like it came straight out of Jurrasic park. Our guides prepared a shore lunch for us one day. Peacock bass and piranha are delicous to eat! Piranha tastes alot like halibut actually.

The picture from my avatar is from my last trip down to Brazil. I took my dad on the greatest fishing adventure we've ever had. 6 1/2 days of fishing on the Rio *****, we caught and released some monsters! My big fish went 18 lbs, and my dad kicked my butt with a 21 lb fish. On one of our days we caught 32 fish, with the SMALLEST being 9 lbs and the biggest went 21! Our best day out we caught 84 fish. Did I mention that they were all caught on topwater? Here is the avatar pic and a few more for my new friends to enjoy. 14 lbs 16 lbs 18 lbs and fought like a freight train! My dad's 21 lb fish. he tied for 3rd biggest fish of the week!

Am I glad I found this forum! Hello all, my name is Robert and I happened to stumble across this forum by accident. I'm glad I did! I've been an avid bass fisherman most of my life. In the last 10 years or so I've gotten pretty serious about it, so I hope I can become a good member of this place and make some helpful contributions. I look forward to future posts and sharing info and pictures!