J Francho

Perceptions are usually based off retired WS hulls, so you're looking at a solid boat, at a good price. What boat are you coming from?

Nice rig, Turtle!

They're actually pretty cool.

First person that types "peddle" gets a week's suspension, lmao. I don't have a problem with them, but it's not for me. I have enough stuff to get tangled on. Plus it reminds of those stupid paddle boats everyone had in the 90s that just churned up water, and got in the way.

Brake lights....just a luxury. It looks like FN's bracket is just covering an extra reflector. Not sure you need that past the three at the bottom/center. Even then, I thought those were for trailers wider than 84".

Pretty much six-of-one, or a half-dozen-of-another. I typically start fast, and high in the water column. Then I slow down, move lower.

Black Beauty and Black and Yellow are the two I throw. BTW, the tail is easily replaceable with some glue and a trick worm. Sometimes I put a pink tail on the Black Beauty, other times a blue/black tail.

I'd get that pic framed, and just keep replacing it with a pic each time you beat it. Then you can go back and see all the old pics as you progress.

I'm most interested in beating an ex-girfriend's smallmouth from 1993. She boated a 6-4, smashing my PB of 5-2. A few years back, I got a 5-12 in Erie, but Noel "No" Good boated a 6 pounder around 27 seconds after mine. Took the wind outta my sails, lol.

I have a DD, and many over 8 from FL, using live bait and a guide. I only count my home state fish I catch myself.

I didn't keep my 7-2 or 7-1 from NY. I wouldn't bother with a 6-1 from LA. You got a great pic of it - that's more than I have of my 7-2. Been trying to break it for almost 20 years. Here's my 7-1:

I wish more thought like this, lol. More big fish for me. Slammer is legit. I sold a few this past year for around $25. You can save your pennies, and keep a look out for some on the cheap, or buy plastic rat. You'll catch some, it's a good bait, but it isn't even in the same league.

The deal with the old sneaker is that they're lighter, when you don't need all the felt and studs for winter fishing. If you have algae, you might want studs, though. I usually get the cheapest pair I can find at a thrift store, usually a size to size and a half too big.

"MS" stands for Mike Shaw. My Slammers have his handwritten initials on them.

I'd get a Mini Slammer in Black.

10-12 lb. P-Line CXX.

I just went without. The buckles have to like 25 years old. Seems like a non issue. I do like your mod though - very clean!

Because there's Daiwa and Shimano, and then there's everyone else.

I'm picturing a guy in a dive suit, and Whopper Plopper fins for feet. Life size...for catching great whites.

Two slits in the pads, and feed the buckle through....or don't bother with them at all.

You can go with an old pair of sneakers, and upgrade later. In warmer months, I just use water sandels. I winter, I have a pair of Korkers.

Yeah, if you're looking at Simms or LL Bean, they can be really expensive. I won't spend $500 on waders. I have a pair of Frog Toggs that are a few years old, and went for something like $70.

LMAO!!!!!!

The reel is a 5" center-pin in a neoprene case, so you can do the math.

For reference, in 1994 a Curado was $99, and a Citica was $89. When I look back, it makes me laugh that I personally actually struggled over whether the $10 was worth it. I ended up with $89 Daiwas, lol.