KYRANGERMAN

In 99.99% of the lakes I fish if they lowered the level by 130' it wouldn't be called fishing anymore, just hunting.

Posted a pic of the boat and vehicle last year but I've been doing some updates since then. Thought I'd post some new pictures. Boat: 2000 Ranger R83 Garmin 63cv at helm, Garmin 93cv & 73sv at bow (with Str8-up dual mount), Comfortroll recessed tray. New dual wheel jack.

Love these types of threads. Keep posting pictures so we can follow along.

Wouldn't surprise me if that Malibu was closer to $160K - $180K. Those things are EX PEN SIVE. My brother bought a 1993 Mastercraft 205 Pro two years ago and still paid $10K for it. It was in pristine condition but $10K for a 27 year old boat . . .

If it checks most all of the boxes and you feel that in the long term you'll be happy then I would go ahead and do it. I've had my Ranger R83 for 21 years and I still like it. With new you will get the warranty, which won't be available on a used boat. If you do got with the RT188 my only suggestion would be to leave the 7" Garmin at the helm and put the 93 at the bow. The 7" (at the helm) would basically be used for navigation and finding areas to fish while the 93 (at the bow) would be used more for targeting fish once you're in the area you want to fish. $29K for a used Tracker vs. $36 for a new Ranger . . . and you don't have to finance any of it (smart move), I'm going with the Ranger.

You gonna add a jack plate to that bad boy?

The area around the numbers 2 & 7 is worth checking. It will funnel bait fish into that choke point and bass will use that as an ambush area. Also the point on the island #14 has a quick change in depth so bass can use it to move vertically. Bass are always going to relate to cover so when you can find areas that have both cover and structure (islands possibly) then those warrant a close look.

Fireball? Come on fish, if you're going to drink make sure it's something better than that crap.

Mainly bourbon with a large cube of ice. However I do enjoy a well made Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Nothing like sitting on the deck while the wife enjoys a glass of wine and I'm sipping on something.

Not the Striker but I have a ECHOMap 93 Chirp at the bow (along with a ECHOMap Plus 73sv) and I really like mine. Don't think the Striker has all the options of the ECHO but still probably worth looking into.

Just the wife, me, daughter and her husband, son and the two grandkids this year. However we had a great time. Ate way too much and then watched football and played with the older grandson.

It's Magic!

Welcome. It's like riding a bicycle, you never really forget how to do it.

So do I!

Welcome from the heart of bourbon country. Love the Ron White inspired screen name.