helms83

Had a compression test done on the motor, everything checked out fine and the cylinders all came in at 115 psi. I think I'm going to jump on this deal for $6500!

Thanks for the replies everyone. It sounds like a good deal, I hope it's not too good of a deal, if you know what I mean.

After looking for several months, I think I found the boat i want to purchase, but I would greatly appreciate the opinions of the fellas on this site... 2001 Sprint 280 Pro w/90hp Mercury Stainless Prop Docking Lights Lowrance GPS Humminbird Fish Finder Evinrude Trolling Motor Dual Batteries with On-Board Charger Livewell Single Axle Trailer w/Spare Seller is selling through a dealership, he is asking 7500, but we have negotiated to 6500. Opinions?

I found a boat I'm interested in buying but need some advice. It's a: Year: 2000 Brand: Stratos Model: 283 Vindicator Motor: Evinrude 150 Features: MotorGuide 70 # 24v trolling motor , Lowrance X65 in dash Lowrance X28 in bow Description: Length 18'2" Beam 91" Max hp 175 http://renegademarine.net/view-product.php?id=451 The boat is from a dealership, asking price is $6000. Any concerns or knowledge about this model? Does it sound like a good deal for my first boat? What questions should I ask the dealer?

I just returned from a year long deployment to afghanistan and am looking to buy my first boat. I have been looking on craigslist, but I was wondering if anyone had additional sites, tips for searching for used boats (besides the obvious ebay, classifieds, etc.) Thanks for your help!!!

I posted awhile ago about buying my first boat once I return home from my current deployement (which should be before 2012). You guys suggested buying a used boat with the economy today. I think I will go that route (just worried about the motor condition). I'm leaning towards buying a used Tracker 175 TXW, as this is my first boat I will ever own. The biggest area I will fish is Kentucky Lake, with a lot of smaller lakes around KY. I would like to not spend more than $5000, but willing to go up to $7500. Also, I own an '05 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V-6, I'm sure this Jeep should be able to pull a Tracker or boat no bigger than a Nitro Z6, correct? I'm looking for any suggestions, tips, opinions. All is much appreciated. Thanks!!!

Probably the largest body of water will be KY Lake. I'm willing to put down anywhere from $2000-4000, then finance the rest. I am wanting a bigger motor (eventually), and you guys are making me lean towards a used boat; just always uneasy about spending a lot of money on something 'used.' I have a 2.5 car garage, will easily leave my car outside, lol. When I fish, it's usually just myself and one other person. Thanks for the quick replies and the well wish.

I wrote last winter about buying my first boat when I return from Afghanistan. Well, I have a little over 5 months left and have 3 options for buying a boat: -Bass Tracker 175 TXW (new): would eventually want a boat of this size and motor but expensive -Bass Tracker Pro Angler 16 (new): garunteed to be in great condition, but would eventually want a bigger boat -Used boat: cheaper but unsure of condition and quality if bought from private owner This will be my first boat ever and unsure of what to do. Any help?

Hey fellas, Haven't posted in awhile, just wanted to say hi to everyone. Things are alright here, halfway through my tour. Been reading Bassmaster magazines and skimming through the Bass Pro master catalog building a wish list. Hopefully going to buy my first boat when I get back. Been on the site a few times, living on the water through everyones' posts. Can't wait to return stateside to the family and go fishing next spring. Wishing everyone the best, Josh

Fished the same open tournament, as last weekend, except I fished it with my buddy on his boat. Like last weekend, our two keppers were caught first thing in the morning, of course by my partner. I only caught one dink again, and he only caught one other dink. We had a few missed and some come off, not sure why. The Eng. Corps was pooling the lake pretty hard the day before, so the fishing was slow and tough for us. 17 boats showed, a few had limits, with winning weight around 9.3lbs. We had 2 for 4.3lbs. I noticed that all our action come in coves behind secondary points. Of course baitfish were in the back of creeks and shallow areas, but couldn't get much going. Not sure where all the other fish we caught off of, but I heard main lake flats are good areas. All our action came from slow swimming jigs or bouncing them off the bottom. Thanks for the read!

Usually does the trick, good advice. 8-) I agree. Best advice here. And if they resort to asking you not fish it or to leave, so be it, there are plenty ther docks.

Seriously good advice. Thanks!!! Just started using the Shakey-head and was having a few issues. Same here! I'm new to the Shakey technique, but it's quickly becoming my favorite! I too have had a few hook ups come undone, so I'm going to try this as well.

I've really been into the shakey head this fall, but I often wonder what is happening under the water's surface. After seeing the video of the ShakE2 and reading the article in FLW about Hag Tornado, I decided to order these two products and pair them together. I should receive these items Thursday evening, hopefully I will be able to post a standard review with pics (before testing on the water) and then an after tournament review. I'm really excited about the potential here!!!

This was my first year following the Bass Masters Series and i was disappointed. I'm not certain how long the tournament has been ran in this manner, or the evolution of the series, but when an angler can dominate all year long (Skeet Reese) and not be the AOY, that confuses me. AOY should encompass the full season. How consistent an angler is throughout the season, IMO, should justify the AOY winner. Skeet Reese dominanted all season long, but isn't as dominant for two tournaments, and that cancels out the past season??? I think AOY should encompass the full season, no end of season tournament. If they are looking for entertainment value, come up with some sort of end-of-season tournament that might put an extra guy or two into the Classic. Or something. I'm not fully up to speed on the Series, but I think you'll get my drift. Any thoughts?

Ok, so try the lure for several casts, then try different water columns. I'm guessing if nothing happens, start again at the top with a different lure, and then repeat the process until a pattern starts to form?