Mike 12345

Hi folks- I'm considering upgrading my old boat in the near future, and I'm looking at a replacement with a 2002 Optimax 200hp. When (what year) did the Optimax series start? Do the early models of the Optimax family have issues to be concerned of? Serial # is OT 587149. Just looking for some general guidance and input on the series, and anything I might look out for- Any input is appreciated!

Old Hickory is often notable for shallow water fishing- like a couple FOW or less. Thats where I tend to catch most of my fish, but then again, few are giants by any means. There are a good number of docks in the creeks and pockets- in some years there is a good amount of grass, but it's been pretty sparse the last few years. It has been very hot lately, so the lake temp has steadily climbed. That being said, we've also had decent rain the past 10 days or so, both on the lake and also upstream. Not sure how it will be when you're here. You may find that water temps are cooler, and the water may also be clearer, on the upper half of the lake. You will probably notice that the water is quite stained. Usually, 12-24 inches visibility is about the best I find. There are good fish in the lake, but generally I think you have to go through a bunch of short fish to fill up your livewell. I'm sure there are other locals who would be delighted to report they are more successful. Just a last note, I know a lot of lakes are like this, but be mindful of staying between the bouys while on plane. There are places on the lake where you can go from the deep main channel to just a couple FOW really fast.

Good luck to you. I've been trying to get back since '89. I've visited many times, spent a year in Ft. Collins at Colorado State, and had way too much fun to concentrate on bothersome school work. I was thereby 'un-invited' to return, and had to finish school elsewhere. Ahhh....I can still smell the air. Nothing like Colorado.

Thats a great price on some good crankbaits. They are constantly adding to, and taking from, their line of colors, etc. so they do have baits that go on clearance from time to time. That said, brand new they are only between $3 and $5 most of the time, but you can't beat the sale price if you can find some colors you're interested in. I'd suggest picking a couple up and giving them an honest try, if you don't already have experience with them. I like them a lot, and more importantly, the fish on my lake like them a lot. I've caught more fish in TN cranking H20 baits than any other, with Strike King coming in a distant second. No quality issues to report either. Give them a shot if you haven't already!

I have a pair of P17's as well as a pair of Jakes. I like them both, but the Jakes are really great. I have the amber lenses with emerald green coating. The color separation is fantastic. The wider arms on the Jake block out a good deal of peripheral light too, if you don't like the inserts.

Really??????????????

In addition to the gelcoat, the carpet looks tired as well. Not saying that should necessarily be a dealbreaker, but something to think about. I have a 91' ProCraft that I've been fishing out of for 6 years or so, and although I'd like a 521 Comanche, I'm generally happy with it. You might want to take it somewhere to make sure the transom has not started to rot- there was a specific year they changed their transom design to one that's less susceptible to that, but I can't remember what year it was. You can have the gelcoat restored - at least along the gunnels- for a couple hundred bucks. At least that's what I was quoted on mine. FYI. With the economy still struggling a bit, you should have buyer's leverage if you are really interested.

Good information given above- as mentioned, you'll get most of these details during the Marshal meeting the day before the tourney starts. You don't have to bring your own PFD- you can if you want, or the anglers will make one available for you. I usually just wear theirs- less for me to carry. Take note on what was mentioned above regarding packing light. A couple snacks, some water, rain gear, and no-joke sunscreen- like SPF 70. There really are not vendors at the weigh-in site to buy gear from (like at the Classic)- you can get a t-shirt or something like that if you want. The campground is an excellent place to stay during these tournaments. There are a lot of anglers (and Marshals) who also stay at the campground. Most anglers will be happy to chat with you for a while as long as they aren't really busy. (Bring a rod or two with you- you can get in a little fishing in the evenings!) Technically, you aren't supposed to take notes while on a pro's boat- I always just write down a ton of stuff in my notepad- notes from the day, things that day's pro told me- once I get back to the campground. Be sure you have reviewed the rules they sent you- both BASS and the anglers you ride with will expect that you know them. Its come up on the water every time I've ridden as a Marshal. You'll have a great time- it's a lot of fun, and you'll have the opportunity to learn a lot. Have fun!

Ditto that ^^^^^^ VY, don't let the door hit you in the......... I hope they don't get Cam too. Another potential behavioral problem, as I see it.

For one, I can see how fish relate to things like creek channels. As importantly, there are now not just vast expanses of open water. Now I can see, for example, that 90% of the bottom of the cove or creek that I'm in is simply mud bottom- what I can now do is quickly find the other 10% of interesting stuff- rocks, stumps, fallen submerged trees or brushpiles.

I have a 91 Black Max 150 on my ProCraft. I change the spark plugs twice a year, and have the water pump (impellar) changed every other year (new lower unit lube necessarily comes with that). I need to have the carbs cleaned/serviced this winter. Use Sta-Bil Ethanol treatment in your fuel (or your brand preference). Other than that, I don't do much. I fish during the winter, so I don't officially "winterize", but since the boat must stay outside, I make sure it is well covered and either trim the motor all the way down or cover the lower unit completely with plastic bags and tie them off so no water gets in the lower unit and freezes in the winter. Runs like a champ.

X2

I fished G'ville yesterday with my brother. It is tough, as you stated. We could not put together any sort of pattern, and had little success. Tried frogs, tubes, traps, cranks, C-rigs, spinnerbaits, & shakey heads. One 1.5 lb fish on a shakey head next to a grass mat was it. We had a terrible time with boat positioning- it was very windy, with rough water- almost impossible to stay in position long enough to try to work anything deep or offshore. We taked to a few other people out on the water, and they reported the same thing- maybe a couple fish here and there on a spinnerbait, maybe one or two on a finesse worm, etc. Strange days on G'ville indeed. There is TONS of grass- watch where you motor through.

untrue. Martens had some excellent limits, but had fish care problems.

Norris is a highland reservoir, deep and pretty clear water. I have some buddies who fish there regularly, and from what I understand it provides for excellent smallmouth fishing.

Ditto that. ^^^^ I'm outside of Nashville, and the fishing has sucked for me. Major flooding in May through Old Hickory lake - lots of locals I'm talking to have even suggested FHS and others will have to re-create the lake maps there has been so much structure change. So, until it's less than 100 outside, I agree with the above poster. I'm in the A/C until this heat calms down.

If it measures it goes in the livewell.

I had my boat plugged up all last night, charging the trolling batteries. Typically, when I wake up in the morning, the charger will show both batteries with a green light, or charged. This morning I had one green and one still red. For the last several months I've had the idea that my on-board chargers lights are malfunctioning- sometimes they never show 'green', but the battery will measure nicely between 11 - 12v with a handheld multi-meter. Trolling motor works just fine all day on the water. I'm no electrician, which is why I ask the question- if your battery is a 12v battery, is a range 11v or better genearlly right in the zone? This morning, the battery showing 'green' measured about 11.5 v and the one showing red was around 11.2. Thanks

Michael Pratt, I believe.

Can anyone give me a report on the grass at Gville? Has it grown to the surface and matted up in the creeks? Thanks

December 5, 2008, 50* surface water temp 1/2 oz white/chartreuse spinnerbait, double willow blades on a rocky main lake point, about 3 ft deep :-?

Thanks for all the resposes guys, you've all helped me quite a bit. I really appreciate it-

Hi folks- I'm looking at a late 90's Triton bass boat that has been outfitted with a 2003 Evinrude 225hp outboard. The marine dealership selling the boat says it's a 225 HO ETEC, but the cowling says its a 225 FICHT RAM. I don't know much about these motors, other than what I've read and heard, mostly negative. I wonder if any of you could help support or dispel some of the concerns I have? - I have heard that the FICHT motors were trouble, but that that is generally concentrated on the years 99 and earlier, and most of these were the smaller motors (under 175hp). Is this a good rule of thumb? - I've heard that after Bombardier bought out OMC in 2001, the quality of the engines was much better after. True/false? - A 2003 model would be right about the time ETECs came out, is this true? Maybe this motor has a different cowling for some reason? - On these motors, I have heard that there are relatively minor fixes or upgrades that can be done that solve the issues that these motors (seem to) have. Is this a correct statement? Thanks guys, any further info you can give me to help me make an educated decision would be appreciated.

The motor is an EFI Wayne. Puzzling situation......