J Francho

Don't shave the bill material. This will permanently alter the bait's action, and usually not for the better. Ask me how I know this, heh. Get in there with some needle nose pliers, as Dwight said, and make small adjustments.

The 19' is under powered. You might want to take that into consideration. You will want to do a compression test on whichever boat you decide on. An on the water test drive is also a must.

In spring time, I sometimes catch steelhead and browns, fishing docks. Always a surprise, but this way before the weeds come in. That catch is really odd! Cool!

The swimbait rod is a 1-4 oz. 7'-9" SCIV H/F. My DD rod is a Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5 7'-11" MH/Mod. I also have an Okuma EVX 7' MH cranking rod that might handle 2 oz. hard swimmers. It's more of a mod-fast taper. Last rod is a SC Avid AVC70MHM that I have thrown some of the medium sized Sebile Magic Swimmer. Anything bigger, and you need a proper swimbait stick.

You'll hit it about ten paddle strokes from the launch! I've been considering a Midwest Finesse style presentation for this lake as well. I'm pretty good at other finesse styles, but this is a little different. Seems like it might loosen that lake up a bit.

I got the name wrong. Ultrexwould be my preference. Sorry about that!

I’m not doubting you either, OC. I use Aaron’s Magic almost exclusively, but in smaller sizes. Maybe there’s a different formula for them?

Use https://postimages.org/ And nice fish. Wiper?

December 2009: Lake Ontario steelhead

I'm running a kayak. What's the issue again?

I have no idea. I OWNED a Hyperlift. It's a pad-V hull. There are no tunnels on it. There are reverse strakes for better straight line tracking that aren't in the water when you are on plane. I have no idea what BASS's ruling would be. I do no that my Bullet drafted shallower than my Xpress, so it's any ad https://xpressboats.com/hyper-lift-series/ Shows a good picture of the hull.

Not by any stretch of the imagination. That is a pad hull, the same as any glass boat.

I've been known to shovel off the ramp.

That's awesome!

Uh, this fish came the tail end of November. It's not over. Once the lakes freeze, you can fish tribs for steelhead all winter.

Yeah, he was a great guy.

A fresh one will sometime shake loose with a fish, and sink. Once the salt dissolves, it float up. I've been to locked on a spot, I'll sometimes get a perfectly usable worm back.

You might like this one I wrote a few years ago: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing-with-friends.html

No sub surface moving baits? Spinnerbaits work well for me in that type of shoreline cover. Cast somewhat parallel to the bank at targets like laydowns, and you'll probably have some luck. Ponds seem to be very time dependent, so try different times.

I would prefer the speed of a cable style steer. Since the Ulterra is a power assist, that would be my choice. I haven't tried one yet, but there's quite a few members here with it. They'll chime in soon!

Trying to use one rod for baits that range from 2 to 8 oz. is always going to be a compromise. Think about how just a half ounce difference affects a MH jig and worm rod. You're asking too much. If you're primarily throwing 2-3 oz., then the GS heavy would suit you. I have that rod, and it's a good start.

No clue, but I've been able to reclaim many after drop shotting, and losing them. They initially sink, and then float. The salt solution is in the head, and not the tail. When that dissolves, they float. It's even documented on the packaging. You're thinking of Zoom Trick Worms in the bottom of the bucket.

Use a hosting site: https://postimages.org/

Mostly in person, but I found this in a google image search. It's pretty similar to what I've seen. The box on the port stern is pretty cool. Reminds me of my old Sea Nymph.

I've seen a few build ups on this hull. Must be a Lake O thing?