Dr. Big Dog

I bought the dolly they make to go with it.

Bass Hunter Boats are made about an hour from where I live. I drove down today to check them out. The first boat I looked at was the Bass Hunter 120. It had a small dent in the top of one of the rails. It was purely cosmetic and not even that bad. The boat was brand new, never in the water. They gave me a $450 discount! I got the millennium chairs with the aluminum adjustable bases. I’m stoked! This is a great boat! My dad and I fished for years out of an 8’ sun dolphin. This is an upgrade for sure. That extra 2’ makes a huge difference. Now it’s time to customize it. Proud to join the ranks of the mini bass boat anglers!

Curious what size bodies of water you guys use your boats on.

I see all these jon boat to bass boat modifications. Some of them are 12’ boats with full casting decks with two people, an outboard motor and trolling motor. There is no doubt the listed weight limit for the boat has been exceeded. Is this a concern? Or is it not really an issue?

There are tons of kayak bass fisherman who fish every lure known to man while sitting just above the water. It may require some adjustments, but it is most certainly doable.

I need some help choosing a boat. I fish mostly ponds and small lakes (less than 500 acres). I will fish alone some and with a buddy some. I’m a big guy, over 300 lbs. I can’t afford a big bass boat. I have explored everything from kayaks, canoes, roundabouts, jon boats and others. Please share your thoughts on what might work for me.

I use braid to leader. I find braid casts better than mono and is far more sensitive. Braid doesn’t have the memory of mono which makes it easier to manage. I also use hi-vis braid because it is so much easier to watch my line. It really boils down to personal preference. There isn’t a right or wrong.

You can get the SLX on eBay/amazon for $80. That’s something to consider.

Share your thoughts the best rods in the $200 price range.

Braid is most definitely easier to handle. I have used all of it. Flouro is the hardest to manage. Mono is fine with a little practice, but braid is just plain easier to cast.

Just an all purpose reel. Durable and best bang for the buck.

Trying to choose between the Shimano SLX and the Diawa Tatula CT. The SLX is $20 cheaper.

Which baitcasting reels work well and are durable, meaning they don’t break easily? I don’t want reels that have to be handled with kid gloves.

I haven’t fished much the last few years. My rods and reels are really old and worn out. I can’t replace it all at once. Would you start with one rod and reel of the highest quality you could afford? Or, drop to a little lesser quality and get a couple of rigs?

I bought 3 of them, all 7'. Two casting, a MH and a M, and a spinning, M. Can't wait to try them out.

I saw the CarbonLite 2.0 rods from Bass Pro for $79. They are normally $119. I’ve never used them. Is that as good a deal as it seems.