DaubsNU1

Braid.

Here is the update after much research: Extend decking between existing seats (blue areas), hatches on the sides (red) for storage. Thinking about aluminum structure, 1/4" plywood for decking, possibly 9-ply 1/4". Paint all the wood to seal. Looking hard at TNBNation / GEN-X Aluminum Framing Kit, thoughts? Cut hatches in the front casting deck (red) Cover over the battery and fuel cell with removable hatch/decking. Marine carpet, or maybe marine vinyl(?) Control / fuse panel on the port side / rear. 2nd Battery under front casting deck.

My current battery is deep cycle, and purchased last year. Should be good to go. I'll get another and find a place to mount it, probably under the front casting deck. Appreciate the advice.

Thanks! How big of battery would you suggest? Does it need to be deep cycle. I will probably add an on-board charger as well.

Currently running a Minn Kota 40lb 12v bow mount trolling motor. It's a 20 year old unit, works well. Single marine duty battery powers trolling motor and my bilge. I am adding a Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD 73sv up front, and a Garmin Striker 4 back by the outboard. Will probably add a control panel/fuses and possibly some LED lighting(?) Do I need a second battery? Or will that one batter be able to fish all day?

I would hesitate to take anyone at their word on this, unless you know them personally. Pretty easy to say, "oh yea, I had a mechanic look it over...all good..." My Dad always said, "whey you buy something used, you are always buying someone else's headache" Be cautious...

Yep, get it to a Yamaha service location...better safe than sorry.

Small mushroom anchor purchased at wal-mart. Works well on my 14' V-hull.

I've heard lots of people got kayak's during covid...I'm guessing they will be selling them when vaccinations ramp up. I'd suggest looking at used, craigslist, fb market place, etc. Bound to be something here soon...

Look used (craigslist, FB market place, etc.), especially once the covid stuff starts to subside. Lots of people got outdoor equipment when this all hit...I'm thinking this summer when vaccinations ramp up, they will be selling their stuff...and selling it cheap. Or you could look for an older small boat. I picked this up in 2001, paid $600 for boat, motor and trailer. Added trolling motor, casting deck and seats. It's a 1960 boat with 1974 Merc 20hp. If you don't have a place to store, or a tow vehicle, it's a moot point...but something to consider.

Great advice!

We were supposed to get 1-2 inches in Nebraska yesterday...ended up with around 8! Heavy, wet snow. It's 41 degrees and sunny right now...melting!!! : )

Could not agree more! I've fished guided trip in Canada four times...same lodge...same owner. He's booked almost 2 years out. https://www.sww-lodge.com/ Personal references go a long, long way.

A good gauge is to look at fingers/hands. And if you can see elbows, you know the angler isn't "long-arming." Camera's can lie...take it from this photographer : )

My problem is this: I start off with the tried and true lures / techniques that give me confidence...if I'm catching fish, I stick with them. If I'm not catching fish on the tried and true, then I am forced to try something new...I'm not confident...and the fish likely aren't biting...I then lose faith in "something new." When the bite is on, I should be trying new things to see what works / build confidence in those new lures and techniques. I did try Senkos, drop-shot, & fluke last summer -- all produced fish. Have never had great luck with jigs in the past...need to give that a run.

Retired Air Force enlisted works for me now...he spent 20 in, and has been retired for 11 now. Originally from PA, he loved his time in Alaska and Iceland. Kept trying to get back to either of those two but it never worked out. Got stationed at Offutt AFB here in Nebraska...his next gig was to be Louisiana...NOPE!...he took retirement and has been here ever since. Big Steelers and PSU fan. Great guy. Glad to have him on my team.

Spinning rod for sure. I normally run with four bait-casters (medium light to medium heavy action), and at least three spinning rods (medium light to medium action). All but one are Cabela's branded rods from the 1990's. They are made with Loomis blanks.

Thanks for the kind words Mike! There is some cool stuff here in "fly-over" country...but sssssshhssssss...don't tell anyone ; )

Don't really care if I get skunked...for me it's more about getting out in nature, spending time with friend/family, and/or enjoying alone time.

I've owned this old Merc since 2001...serial numbers show it was built in 1974. Only thing I have ever done to it is replace spark plugs, and the water pump last summer. I always remove fuel line and run it dry before loading on my trailer.

Grew up in Nebraska, moved to NE Missouri after college for a job. Met my fishing buddy...he was from Texas and really got me in to fishing. Learned a lot. Spent two years in St. Louis...that is as far south as I ever want to live. Not a fan of heat an humidity. Winters in Missouri were not as bad as Nebraska...more ice, less snow. Our family is very close...after 15 years in Missouri we finally got the opportunity to move back home to Nebraska. No way I'm moving south. Primary reasons: Family: Mom passed away 7 years ago, I help my Dad a lot, see sister's and brother's families often. My kids are in college, one in HS. Very close to my nieces and nephews. Love the change of seasons: Fall is my favorite time of the year. Hunting is my #1 passion -- waterfowl, upland, deer, turkey. Nebraska isn't the best, but pretty d**n good. And I have good friends and places to hunt. Sports: Been a Cornhusker fan since I can remember...even had season tickets for 10 years. This might be the year : ) Always make a few College World Series games a year...good fun. Acreage: finally moved back to the country after years living in the suburbs. I've got a 40x30 shop, plenty of room for my ATV's, boat, 1972 Chevy 4x4 project truck Yes, it was -29 last week...but it's 30 degrees this morning...and will get in to the 40's by mid week. Is what it is.

I read once that kids learn fully 1/2 of what they know by the age of 4...think about that... You are a good Dad and good role model. Stay strong. Your kiddos will know right from wrong.

I fished a lake in Missouri years ago with excellent bass AND Musky populations. Biggest problem in Nebraska is carp overtaking lakes. NE Game and Parks frequently has to renovate lakes when the carp get too bad. Musk and Pike aren't a problem for bass, in my opinion.