JTL

IMO, I would think that spinnerbaits and crankbaits banging off the timber would be the way to go... If its too thick to do that I'd go with a tube, worm or a jig, in that order...

from South Shore, KY, which is across the Ohio River from Portsmouth, OH, currently living in Columbus, OH...

Well this is a very complex question... I don't know that there is right or wrong way to go with it... Here is what works for me (and I do not work for Plano): I had the same problem with having too much tackle and not enough box or room, so I started buying Plano 3700 boxes, a bunch of them, and basically made a filing system. Each box has a label on the front of (Spinnerbaits, 6" worms, Buzzbaits, Jigs, Lizards, Topwater, Creatures and so on) stating what that box contains. Granted there are 2 boxes of spinnerbaits, 4 boxes of 6" worms, 4 boxes of crankbaits, you get the picture. I have a multiple shelf cabinet that I keep all of these 3700's in. I also have a BPS Extreme 370 tackle bag that holds 6 3700's. What I do when I'm going fishing to a particular lake I go thru my inventory and select the baits that I think I will need, load up the 6 boxes that go into the tackle bag and I'm ready to go. It may sound a little time consuming or complicated but it really isn't because some of the baits in the bag never come out, they may just get replinished due to loss or use. Its kinda like having you own tackle shop. Might not work for everyone, but it works for me...

That size boat will be fine... I'm 6'2" and 240lbs, a good fishing buddy of mine is 6'1" and 230lbs; I had a 17' Spectrum aluminum bass boat which is like the Tracker and me & him fished out of that boat constantly with no problems. We even used it alot on the Ohio River with no problems. They are great boats and you will have loads of fun with it...

I'm definately pleased and happy with this forum and all of the information that you gain from the articles and threads, this is a GREAT PLACE TO BE!!!.. but just curious, what are some of the other sites out there... AND I"LL NEVER LEAVE THIS ONE, but would just like to take a little looks at the others...

I've always used XT, however I'm thinking about switching over to Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I've seen some pretty good info about it on this forum...

Shimano [glb]Curado's[/glb]... great reel...

Back in the mid and late 90's I had a 75hp Merc, and all I used was Pennzoil 2-stroke oil and never had a problem... not saying that its the best, but it worked for me...

In reference to DigDug's question, I think it will probably be a two-stroke. I had a 75hp Merc on a 17ft aluninum back in the late 90's and had no problems with it. I can't say that I've heard anything bad about the Yamaha's. Sorry to hear about you're troubles GamblerOH, sounds to me like maybe you just got a bad motor. And as far as Evinrude goes, haven't really heard good or bad, except for the new E-Tec, hear it might be a good one. Thanks for the input...

I'm looking at possibly purchasing a new Stratos bass boat, with them you can order your choice of outboard. Between the 2 boats of interest it would either be a 200 or 150/175 hp. Any preference between Yamaha, Mercury or Evinrude and why do prefer one over the other? Any specifics would be appreciated...

Anyone know anything about the Tracker Tournament V-18??? I looked at one of them at BPS in Cincinnati, OH, it has alot of deck room and is rated for a 150. Looking to buy a boat in the near future and it seems like a good layout. :-/