PDB

I have a novel idea. Test run the boat to see what you think.

Here's my girlfriend's rig.

I have come to really enjoy Norman Thin N's. They are very productive shallow water baits MADE IN THE USA.

I think the fairest way to do a state vs state contest is not by largest fish. Rather, the fish that by percentage comes closest to the state record of the state in which it was caught.

Bowtech, you did an amazing job with that boat. I wish I had the skill to do boat restoration, that would be a kick. I'd love to do one of those late 50's early 60's fiberglass "batboats" with the big fins on the back.

I have never had a chance to put my hand on one. I visited their website. All their rods are made in the USA. They are probably on par with the other high end rods from St. Croix, G-Loomis and the USA made Kistlers. They are priced about the same.

I caught three from my backyard Tuesday while I was practice casting a new baitcasting reel.

Where are you located kickbass? I can do a little looking around for a used kayak in your area. For 250, you can't get an ideally suited new kayak. You can however find a good used one for that amount.

I have Falcon Originals in several different styles and have come to like them quite a bit.

I'll second that on the Cardinals (I have two) and add that I have used Shimano Sidestabs for a while and like them quite well.

There are all kinds of good rods out there for under 50 bucks. I prefer to feel the reel I am going to use on the rod I am going to put it on. I have had reels I liked on rods I liked but didn't like the combo. Search your local stores hard for a good clearance sale, then try that reel out on the rod to see if you like the way it balances and feels.

If I were you, I'd go for a good fishing kayak. Simple, stable, stealthy and capable.

I used to live near a golf course. Buzz baits and scum frogs at night were a real kick. I'm thinking a few things here. E-bay Lots of trees where you fish Really good fisherman who wears them out Geeting back at the wife for her shoe collection All good possibilities....in my case, I fish a couple Country Club lakes from the shore that have sunken trees. I am always bouncing cranks off anything I can, so, I lose a fair amt of them.... FD

The article is not bass lure specific. That probably explains why so many spinners and spoons.

This looks like a good deal. Go get it!!! Just $6895.00 http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/0/0/90808800.htm

It'll cost you, but the Shimano Stella has one of the stongest drags in the industry.

I'm thinking a few things here. E-bay Lots of trees where you fish Really good fisherman who wears them out Geeting back at the wife for her shoe collection

Conspicuous is the absence of the Senko so far. 4" Junebug Senko.

At some point those outboards will need parts and service. Parts for that Merc will be available to the end of time, and service centers are easy to come by. Either hull in good shape should ride and fish very well.

I have a Tarpon 120 that I like pretty well. If I had to do it all over again, I'd get another Hobie Quest (Katrina took mine from me.) I have paddled Tarpon 140's, and Prowler 13 and 15's and Cobra Explorers. The Quest was as fast as any of the above. I stood in all of them too. I could stand and cast from the Quest, though I wouldn't want to hook into a fish while standing. Standing in my Tarpon 120 is pretty hard to do. I can stand to stretch, but I have to be very cautious. The Quest was more manueverable than any of other big yaks, and right there with the Tarpon 120. The deck layout and storage configuration on the Quest is the most intuitive in the industry. There is nothing at all wrong with the Tapon 140 and if it is a good deal , go for it. I would caution that longer kayaks can be much more cumbersome to load into and unload from the vehicle and if you have a portage of any length, they can be a handful. When you select your fishing rods for the yak, you'll want to make sure your rod tip can clear both ends. If you get a big one on, you'll have to swing your rod from one side to the other. www.kayakfishingstuff.com is a great website with a very active forum. Paul

No, they had two and sold them on back-to-back days.

I just bought some Yamamoto 2" Senkos in a natural color. They are a discontinued item, so I figure about the time I realize how good they are, Yamamoto will be sold out. I'm thinking they are going to be pure poison on gills and shellcracker. I agree. Never tried them on a fly rod but love taking my UL out with me. 3" Berkley trout worms in natural color just kill em. But so will most things that size. ;D

If you plan on coming to coastal LA or MS, give me a shout and I'll hook you up with the hot spots.

I am approaching this completely from a consumers perspective. Here is how I decide where to spend my money online using my most recent purchases as an example. Recently I wanted to buy some Yamamoto worms. As always, I Googled what I was looking for, in this case Yamamoto worms. I visited websites of all the stores that appeared on the first two pages of hits. I compared prices and availability of the colors I wanted. I eliminated any store that didn't have what I wanted in stock. Prices were all close. Then I looked for A PHONE NUMBER. No phone number, no business period. I want to know that if their is a problem I can pick up the phone and troubleshoot. In the end, I was down to 2 prospects. I dropped an e-mail to one of them. After two days and no response, I ordered them straight form Yamamoto even though they were slightly more expensive. I was e-mailed a confirmation and tracking number right away. Everything went perfectly. Shortly thereafter I placed another order with them. Everything went perfectly. They have earned my trust and repeat business. In summary I offer this. People have to know about you, you must have what they want, you must keep it in stock (outs and backorders are no fun,) you must price your merchandise competitively (why would I pay the same online for something I can find locally for the same price), you must make yourself available to your customers, and you must handle the order efficiently. When you encounter a problem, ALWAYS take care of the customer. A note on business. If you grow to the point you can't handle everything on your own, you will realize that your employees make or break you. While payroll is most often a businesses single largest controllable expense, you absolutely must take care of your good employees, and this includes paying them a more than the could make elsewhere.

Lately I can't catch a break in the weather. With the kayak and no trolling motor fishing in the wind can be a challenge and some work.