VolFan

I use a roostertail for everything everywhere from mountain trout to saltwater. 1/16 oz in grasshopper in the mountains to a 1/2 oz white with silver scale on the beach (and for stripers). They just work. Once I realized that many models actually come in a single hook model my life was ever more betterer.

A biscuit. He’s not as chonky as this makes him look. But he’s not svelt.

You guys aren’t even scratching the surface of ‘big’. But to answer the question, big wake baits or slow sinking swimbaits bulged just under the surface is the bees knees at night or in the AM or especially in shade lines with current and structure.

I 100% hear that and can empathize. But, this is a pretty simple thing requiring the bunks, the hardware and a drill/driver/ratchet set. Prep is key

Any of these are good ideas. With my small boat the first time I chocked the trailer wheels and use two jacks and a 2x6 to lift the back of the boat off the rear bunks and replaced them. Doing it in the ramp parking lot is 1000% easier and only takes about 5 minutes if you have everything ready to go. YMMV

Zman has 1/2 oz 8/0 in his DeiselEye line for stripers. I have used those heads but not in that configuration and they are stout. You may look for striper heads, I’m sure that exists.

You can also get tungsten beads if you really want to shake it up lightly.

For my part - if you’re on a budget at all, get your propulsion and safety figured out first so that you’re not skimping and miserable on those items later. You’ll use a pfd and paddle every trip. Buy those first and then figure out the rest of your budget. anchor trolley and electronics would be next though 😀

A pfd and a good paddle, in that order.

So in summary- You will more than likely be fine, but you should be using braid with a tie able wire leader. The limiting factor will be the size of lure you can use. Also, make sure you have the equipment (net or cradle, jaw spreader, extended needle nose pliers) to subdue and release a big fish.

There was set of years of Subarus that had head gasket issues. I knew several people that had Outbacks and Foresters with that problem, and mostly they just kept oil in the car until it was too bad and then had it fixed. They all still loved the cars.

I drive a 2006 4Runner as my daily driver. 180,000 miles without a major issue. When we were buying a car for my wife, I always asked the salesmen ‘what’s the best/most reliable daily driver’ and the majority answer across several different dealers and lots including non-Toyota lots was Toyota Camry or Corolla. They’re just reliable and built to take some neglect.

If I remember correctly @A-Jay has a topper he highly recommends.

@Smirak nailed it.

Yooooooooooo!!!!!

My wife and I have a couple of Electra Townie’s that we got from REI. They have 7 gears and are about $500 apiece. Fairly upright seating and come with a comfortable seat. There’s a step through version if that’s easier than getting your leg over. REI is great for support if anything gets cattywhompus and it looks like you’re decently close to the Winter Park one.

Pics or it didn’t happen… Hope it went great 😊

@A-Jay Thanks for the donkey pic…it never gets old. Here around the Charlotte/western NC area, a big spotted or smallmouthbass would be 3 lbs, big largemouth starts at 5. Further east in Badin or Jordan lakes, there are larger populations of larger largemouths, but I don’t frequent those lakes. There’s places (Florida, Texas, parts of the Great Lakes) where there are large fish in large numbers, but across anywhere, if you catch a 5 lb bass, that’s no yearling and is a respectable fish. Don’t let anybody tell you different.

@roadwarrior may have grabbed it from the FedEX hub…

They are kind of fragile, but they work. Well. Bend it then Mend-It.

What are you using to level and fill?

Paging @TnRiver46… White Lightning? Corn Squeezins? Cough Medicine? The original Mountain Dew?

I’m a fan of Makers 46. I also am partial to Russell’s Reserve and most of the Kickin’ Chicken flock.

T-rigged trick worm, gp with gold flake. Weightless unless you’re over 4-5 ft of depth. Fish it like a jerkbait/fluke.

Dieter Melhorn Fishing and Kayak Catfish are a couple of my favs. I’d still rather be fishing than watching.