moloch16

I built a floor for my Jon out of plywood. I first sealed the ply with two coats of water seal, and then glued the carpet to the wood. Glue stuck fine no problems at all.

For a day that long I'd say a type 27 battery is what you want. I like Delco Voyager batteries, they are more expensive but well worth the extra money. You can tell the difference between a Voyager and Wal-mart battery immediately. Whatever you get make sure you maintain the battery correctly and it will last for years and years. 1. Charge the battery immediately after each use. 2. Charge occasionally during the off months. 3. Don't store the battery where it gets really, really hot. 4. Use the lowest possible amps when charging.

Check out the forums at www.tinboats.net. Make sure you're free for a few hours

Actually it looks like your motor was made by Eska. I don't have the Eska manuals I have the Force manuals. Sorry! http://www.discount-marine-parts.com/ob_sears.html

I like your transducer mount I'm going to try that myself. You could probably sell those one e-bay

I may have a service manual for your motor in PDF format I can send you. I'll check when I get home from work. If you have to keep squeezing the primer bulb I think that means there is an air leak some where in the fuel system such that the vacuum sucking the fuel into the motor is failing. Check the hose fittings for a secure fit. Also check to make sure the vent on the tank is open and not clugged or malfunctioning.

What crank were you using?

Ah sorry, that bridge looks exactly like the one at Shearon Harris.

Hmmm I know that spot - Shearon Harris right? It looks like they are pulling the hawgs out of Harris right now. Someone bagged a 39lb limit in a tourney last weekend.

I bought a pack at the end of last year and tried them once. Didn't catch any fish with them (in fact, on that particular trip I got skunked) but the action is fabulous. I plan on using them this year and definitely believe they will catch some fish.

You would think a $400 reel would have some pretty darn good bearings. What did get for $400 if the bearings are inadequate?

Anytime you can't comparison shop be prepared to be taken on a ride I personally avoid these reels since they are "exclusive" there is nothing to compare them to, no reviews, etc. Buyer beware!

I own and use both and personally I like the SilverMax better. The SilverMax casts further and easier, and it seems to be more durable and made of better components. Once the Extremes wear out I will replace them with Abu Garcias.

Last year I switched from right-handed bait casters to left-handed bait casters. I did this so I wouldn't have to switch hands after the cast. It took some getting use to but the switch was well worth it. I'm much more efficient now, and can now start cranking (or set the hook) as soon as the bait hits the water.

In summary, you want a quality name brand such as Gamakatsu, and you'll want a package each of size 2, size 4, and size 6. These sizes will cover 99% of your cranks.

There are some faster prototypes used by the pros check this one out here:

If you don't want to spend a lot the Abu Garcia Silver Max is a phenomenal reel for the price. Also, you have to consider the rod and bait you will be chucking. Putting a $200 reel on a $20 rod and then trying to cast a crappie jig will end in frustration I suggest a medium action rod and start by casting a Strike King Red Eye shad. I can cast a Red Eye shad 5 miles into the wind with no backlash

My Jon does not have a deck, so I'm literally standing at same level as the water. I've found pitchin/flippin with a 6.5' or 7' rod is pretty much impossible. The rod is so long I can't get the good pendulum swing like you need because the rod tip hits the water. I'm thinking about trying a 5'5 rod. Anyone have tips for jon boat pitchin/flippin?

So it is interesting Ike caught fish on the Laser Lure but it doesn't prove anything. Maybe he could have caught them on a normal crank as well. Cranks are usually reaction bites I don't think the bass gives cranks a lot of consideration before striking.

I've thought about doing this when fishing over grass to help keep the grass snagging down. Haven't tried it yet.

I'd try a similar technique but with a swimming jig. Let the jig fall into the weeds and then rip it out quickly for a reaction strike. Find one that matches the hatch (i.e. bluegill if there a lot of bluegill, or white if the bass feed on shad)

Get a DVR so you can fast forward through the commercials. I can watch a fishing show in 15 minutes With shows like The Bass Pros I can watch it in 5 minutes if I'm only interested in one of the segments ;D

Yeah, but you would never have time to go fishing

Might want to buy one and see how you like it, then go back for another if it's right for you.

Like I said, it depends on how much you fish. Due to work and commitments at home I only fish 2-3 times a month. So no, I don't have to buy a new reel every year. If I fished 3 times a week then yes, I may have to buy a new reel each year.