Junger

1. Assuming it's a casting set up, 30lb braid is probably sufficient. Thin braid can lead to dig in, and thick braid doesn't cast as far. If you're pond hopping you are probably fan casting as far as you can. 2. Yes, cheap mono backing absolutely works, and also mono helps grip the spool. 3. I first started with Amazon cheap braid, but generally you get what you pay for. Cheap braid will probably fade faster (if that matters to you), could be 4 strand which is louder through the guides (again, if that matters to you), and become more limp vs taught over time. For moving baits, probably not an issue, but for bottom techniques you probably don't want limper line. I'm sure everyone has their opinion on braid, but just buy the best line you can get in your budget.

I like fishing straight braid when I can, but when I'm fishing brush, laydowns, rocks, I use a fluoro leader, mostly so I can feel any nicks/dings in the line and retie when necessary. I could probably try and feel for broken strands with braid, but I think it'd be less obvious.

For $5K, I'd be looking at a early 2000's Bass Tracker 175 that's been garage kept. It will probably have a 50HP two stroke Tracker/Mercury on it, and will probably need maintenance and upgrades like new fuel lines/primer. Ask for a water test, and you get anything but "sure we can do that", then move on. Also inspect the trailer for rust, tire tread, repairs (such as bad welds). And ask for a clean title for both the boat and trailer. I just went through this last spring to help a neighbor buy his first boat of FB Marketplace, and we had to weed through at least 20 listings before we found the right boat and seller. Trust your gut, if it seems to good to be true it is, and if you're not comfortable with the responses, walk away.

For what purpose, to mend tears in the plastic? I just move the hook a little here and there to sink it into smooth plastic.

3/0 Trokar magnum swim bait hook or 4/0 Owner beast. I usually don’t go weighted because I’m swimming it in heavy cover.

Congrats, seems like you really have a knack for attention to details, no doubt you'll be successful launching those hotels. Your posts/blogs about the boutique hotel were very interesting, it's too bad the owners never really invested in your ideas so you could see them to fruition.

If you have electric only lakes, I'd go 24/36v 100AH. A TM pulling a kayak vs a fully rigged aluminum boat is probably a big enough weight difference for amp drain in a long fishing session. I went with 3x 12v 100AH batteries, they were about $170 each with bluetooth. I figured if one went bad, the Ultrex Quest would auto-sense down to 24v. I've ran them down to 15% after a full day of fishing my electric only reservoir in the summer. Post pictures of your rig when you get her!

Here's my winter cigar lounge with a buddy heater. March needs to get here quicker.

I don't mind it, but not the flavored Sugarlands or Ole Smoky stuff. We get Tim Smiths' Climax in stores around me, it's pretty good, lots of nuttiness and viscosity for the proof. My sister's husband's uncle is a NC moonshiner and he makes pretty good shine too, but I only get it in the fall if I take him fishing haha... But that hangover the next day after drinking a bunch of shine is something else....

IMO, any bourbon that is 3 or 4 years old (per their website) that is finished in Cab Sav barrels is probably hiding some youth and imperfections. Admittedly, I don't like finished bourbon, but don't mind some finished scotch because the malted barley can hold up to it, like an Ardbeg sherry cask strength. Basically, that's a pass for me if I saw it.

I love my Ultrex Quest. I'd go with the MK Xplore to pair with it. I don't have those yet, but based on the reviews, the GUI and quickness look really good. If you fish current and shallow, maybe think about Raptors or power Poles. And if you site fish a lot, I'd even put a raised casting platform on. Super Stick comes in handy if you fish shallow and tidal.

I think it comes down the the trolling motor. If you want responsive, cable steer feel, the Ultrex Quest is what you want. Garmin Force has some cool features too, such as remote point and steer, but from what I've heard, it does have a very slight delay, since the foot pedeal is fully wireless. I think once you decide which TM you want, then you follow up with Xplore or Echomaps.

I have two Daiwa TAEL701MMHXB-AGS rods. This is the 7' M/MH XF rated 1/8oz to 1oz. Realistically, throwing heavier stuff around 3/4oz loads and feels better, but the light end of 1/8oz is true with the right reel. I have one as my bank/hiking rod and can throw a lot of presentations with it. It has a soft extra fast tip, and I like for moving baits, jerkbaits and lighter t-rigs, not as good for poppers, but will work in a pinch.

I watched my dad grind meat as a kid, mostly because we were poor and he saved a lot of money by grinding and freezing cuts of meat. I think that’s something I may want to try someday as well, mostly because I want to try my own blend for bolognese or chili.