J Francho

I use Seaguar Blue Label leader material when I do use a leader.

A $20 Popmax has accounted for more fish the past three years than all other baits combined. The math is pretty simple on that one.

I believe that is a thermo-formed boat. Top and bottom are formed separately and glued together. I'd prefer a roto-molded boat, though they cost a little more.

My preference will always be for a roto-molded boat, but there some that have gotten along with an inflatable. Most go that route due to storage issues.

At the top of the page there is literally a button that restates the FAQs and Rules that you agreed to when you signed up. You aren't getting a 30 day time out for making a simple mistake. In fact, the only time we hand out a 30 day time out is for repeat, or more serious offenses.

Most of you guys know darn well that if the SPAM filters change your post to "Another Site," it is because of just that: SPAM. Would you prefer our site to be littered with spam, or useful information? Agree or disagree, we work very hard to keep this place full of unbiased information from everyday anglers, not some sponsored pro. It's not just one company, either. There are several. I have not handed out any warnings, but I will if side stepping the filters continues. As far as a shallow running bait in the conditions the OP describes, I like a Luck Craft LC Wake, in the larger size.

Capt. Ken invented the Banjo Minnow.

They do angler diary surveys, but the focus is on the trout and salmon fishery. It’s big business up here. Bass anglers have occasionally organized so that tree can be heard, and that is how we got catch and release during what was a closed season for decades. For the most part though, we’re lumped in with pan fishers.

I got my ear buds caught in the wheel of my office chair. That count?

I'd quit fishing.

I rebuilt a 2500 for a customer. The "test fish" was a little 9 lb. steelhead. Reel worked like a champ.

I'm thinking retail is not a career path for @Chance_Taker4. You're totally missing opportunity to have some fun. Start with the spinning reel on a casting rod. Counter offer that $50 with $105. I mean, it's like fine wine and only gets better with age.

Yep, those deceptive 12-14" rollers that are like 12' long.

Unless you go custom build from a place like Gatortrax, you're not going to do much better than an Xpress. The Lund Pro-V bass has only been out a couple years, so you probably won't find much in the used market. Also, that's a V hull, hot a pad hull. I'll say this, I preferred my 18' Xpress in Erie and Ontario over my 22' bullet. The Xpress handles rough water well, if you know how to drive. A quick video of @clayton86 and I on Lake Ontario, freezing our butts off for nothing.

Once you jump to 19', so too does the price. I barely added options to a Tracker 195, and it comes in at just under $30, but with some pretty crummy electronics and an under power troller. My kayak is more sophisticated, lol.

Under $30K? Not an Xpress outfitted as above.....

Negotiation has always been part of the used game. You can simply say, "No thanks." Alternatively, don't sell it if you can't take it.

My 18' Xpress H18 had a 115, and I felt it was a little under powered at times. Not so much from a top speed standpoint than needing the power in less than calm seas. I would go no less than a 150 in 19'. My buddy had an X19, and it was really nice to fish out of. Yep, in budget, and looks like it has good electronics. Turnkey boat - go see it.

I'm testing gear for review. I am careful, but not overly careful. I'd say you're in the minority, given "typical" use.

I currently just stick my battery in a Sea to Summit dry bag. It's a weak solution, but works. I'd love to do something like this.

Any chance we can see the guts, and a parts list?

Be honest, not one bent guide? I find that hard to believe. Gary sold the company to Shimano in '94, while struggling with health problems. While he may or may not like them, he had no influence over what G. Loomis does since.

That Xpress is nice. A little under powered, but I know from in person it flies with a 200 on it, so a 150 is probably fine.

My buddy has one. Great dogs.

Wow, that's really clean. Nice!