J Francho

I had a 15' Sea Nymph that came with a 25. We repowered with a 50, and that was perfect. Crestliner is a very good moake.

Those Mokens are nice fishing boats. Check those foot pegs - it looks like they're backwards, or I'm seeing the photo wrong?

since there were senkos.... Seriously, I know guys that ONLY throw them.

SINK = Sit INside Kayak. Never heard the acronym SIS used before. Is that big hole you crawl in to sit in your kayak waterproof? If it's above the waterline, it's not a big deal. Use some aquarium grade silicone to seal the hardware if you're really worried about it. It's more important to use SS fasteners for your accessories,

I've been in a lot of boats. It's not noticeably better or worse than most. I've been in MUCH worse. I've been in much better, as well. To me, it performs like a fishing kayak. As always, hull design and cockpit layout with respect to all aspects are a trade off. For example, my Commander is fast, tracks straight, is decent in wind, has a huge capacity, can easily be powered, has one of the better dual seating options without being a fussy tangle prone design, and just plain looks good on the water. That said, it has no sealed storage or built in anything, other than the seat. Everything has to be rail mounted and put in it's own storage container.

That is actually a design feature of that boat. I would prefer to face the wind in most situations, as casting into the wind, running your bait back is a big time. I could see it being really annoying if you weren't expecting it, though. It could be worse, I have a Jackson Coosa that spins when confronted by any breeze. My Wildy Commander goes stern to the wind. The Hobie Compass is so low profile, it kind of chugs along where ever you put it. High winds are always a problem with kayaks.

Heddon made some kind Zara "something" that was floating soft plastic and weedless like that 25 years ago. Didn't work then.

I have a TON of tackle still in it's packaging. Much of what I want to try is hung on peg board, ready to be torn open and put in a tray. A great majority is in four large plastic tubs, waiting to hit the peg board. I would organize and prioritize what you're going to try and use in the near future, and get it into a box you will take fishing with you. Otherwise, you forget what you have.

I can’t do any cast with my left.

Or teach them to flip with their left.

I honestly don't know why some think one way is better than the other, especially in the dead of winter.

You probably don't want to hear the story of not being able to start the big motor during a TX on Erie. We were in the Niagara River, and moving pretty quickly towards the falls. The falls were around 8 miles away, but it was a pucker moment. We figured worse case, we would have to beach in the slack on the Canadian side, and call customs. Luckily, she started up eventually, and we got the heck up outta there. I've never fished the upper river again, lol.

It wasn't clear if it was a suicide or accident. Regarding the former, mental illness, left untreated is often deadly. Sad end.

I wonder why he jumped?

I dig that color.

Pretty much all my crankbaits are LC, and MS Am. Shad.

Jigs wouldn't be my first choice for those muddy conditions, but I do think there's something to using a heavy jig for a fast vertical drop to trigger bites.

I know I said Ranger was out, but I took a look at the Ranger 2510, to see how they stack up. It's not bad, comes in at a lot less $$$. It seems more fishing oriented, and less family friendly features, but not a bad option. The back deck is less water sports/swimming friendly, and more like a traditional OB transom. Rod and tackle storage looks much more purpose built. Their livewells are pretty legendary in the bass boat biz. I don't think it would meet my queen's standards as far as layout, and convertibility, though. For me, nothing jumped out as janky or a deal breaker, other than the name on the side, lol. When I originally was drawn this style boat, over ten years ago, it was a used 25' Ranger Bay that hooked me in on ebay, and was somewhat local. Seemed like the ideal boat then, but I had heard about some fit and finish, durability issues first hand from Ranger Bay owners. A new Robalo, Grady White, or Yellowfin were out of the question, price wise, so I turned to traditional bass boats. I'm now open to other brands. Anyone have experience they can share with other models? Any that caught their eye?

Come to Oneida in late April/early May, and you'll have your limit of smallies before breakfast on that bait.

Story here: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2020/02/15/largemouth-bass-research-hits-a-snag/ Sounds like they killed 26 bass with transmitters.

If it does what I need, then yes, I'd like it. I had a hyper speed Zillion that had similar green highlights. Beautiful reel, but too fast for my taste.

The USCG rules aren't about brightness, but about how far it can be seen. Again, this light is not for you, it's for other boaters. You can light your fishing area up with whatever you like. Not sure about those lights attracting fish. I know bright, white dock lights are a focal point at night, but they're stationary and constant.

I found the same as @A-Jay when I tried a Zillion Crazy Cranker. It was smooth as butter, and great for big billed baits, but once a fish was on, you really had to work to keep it pinned. A longer rod, like 8' might help, but I was always cool with my 5.8:1 23 IPT reels for cranking.

I actually think the tail down at rest contributes to the wider walk, and the ease with which it walks. A sammy has a different rhythm than a standard spook type. Didn't mention it, but whatever the two treble hook Super Spook baits are, they are really good walkers as well.