shortbasser

There is a solution to getting your feet wet all the time when launching your boat. Several years ago when I bought my first Tracker bass boat there was a manual with it that had a procedure for launching a boat by yourself. I fish by myself 99% of the time and I don't usually get my feet wet coming or going. Get a launch line that is at LEAST 2 1/2 times the length of your boat. Tie it off to the bow eye (I have a snap hook on mine) and Tie the other end off on the front bumper bracket on your trailer or if there is a catwalk/post at the ramp tie it off there. Once the boat floats off pull out and untie from the bracket and moor the boat and go park or if its on the post just go park the trailer. You might have a need for the waders getting it back on the trailer at the end of your trip but at least you will leave with dry feet. Shortbasser

I got my weighted hooks from Brannan's bass shop. You will also find them at Tackle warehouse. I bought the one's made by Falcon and they have several weights. Haven't got them wet yet but have hopes for this weekend. Ghoti: peek at your PM's Shortbasser

3M also makes a complete line of marine cleaners/polishes including a liquid rubbing compound that I have used to remove scratches. I have used all their products for several years with good results. If you use the rubbing compound you will want to follow it up with their marine wax. My buddy had a pretty good scratch on his rig recently and we used that combination to work it out. No sign of it now. Shortbasser

I add Stabil every time all the time when I fill up. If its in the fall and I won't be fishing that much I add a bit extra. Another thing that you need on your new rig is a Water Separator. Your no doubt having to use the Ethanol crap like the rest of us and that is a necessity since it creates it's own moisture. Most folks keep their tanks full or empty to retard the water problems from the Ethanol. Better safe than sorry. Shortbasser

I have been fishing brackish water in a fiberglass bass boat since the early 80's. I learned a lesson the hard way. I now always flush the motor with fresh water and wipe down the hull with Bass Boat Saver every time it comes out of the water. I had to have the heads cleaned and the heat sensors and thermostats replaced on the Evinrude on my first rig. There was some corrosion. I do occassionally hose down the trailer even though it is galvanized. I have never had a carpet problem and I do get it wet at times. If for some reason I can't get to water at the marina after a day's fishing I never put the boat up with out flushing the motor. Shortbasser

I have been running them for close to 10 years. No problems. Great warranty and they haven't left me stranded yet. Dealers all over the country so that helps too. If you can find your area distributor you might get a break in price. No mark-up by a marina or parts store. Shortbasser

I just removed/replaced mine. Got all the residue from the stickers off with a product called "Goo Gone". There are similar products that are sold to remove stickers/crayon marks etc. It did not leave any residue or dull the finish. Shortbasser

According to the Cabela's web site they are running their fishing sale now. It says "biggest sale and show of the year" Shortbasser

I have mine mounted on the center line in the stern. It is a 3 bank and quite heavy. They usually have a short power cord and battery leads so you want it close to your batteries. Shortbasser

You can find it at all at: http://www.renosky.com/ Catalog link and on-line store with 800 number. Shortbasser

What about one of the portable suction cup mounts. Reckon you could glue it in place to make it permanent. I did a quick search and there is such a mount for Garmin units. I would imagine the other Mfg's probably have them. Check this site. http://www.gpscity.com/transducers/f=suction+mounts Shortbasser

It is called a Power Pole. A hydraulic shallow water anchor. http://www.power-pole.com Shortbasser

PM = personal message. Look at the top of the main page where it welcomes you to the forum when you sign on. It should say you have 1 new message. Shortbasser

Hey JJ, Check your PM's Shortbasser

I have 5 of the Revo STX's and have not had any of the brake problems that other folks seem to have. I had been using Quantum baitcasters for a good number of years and just changed up. The brake/drag system on the STX is great. I can cast into the wind with it and all it takes is a bit more brake to keep from a nasty old backlash. It does fine with lighter baits too. I would say that since you do well with the Shimano you would not have any problems with either the SX or STX. Just need to keep that thumb focused on the job at hand. Shortbasser

LF, PM sent. Shortbasser

Up until this past year I have been a Quantum fan. I started with the first Energy reels and ended up with 3 or 4 PT reels. I am now using 5 Revo STX's for my primary rigs. I like the smaller low profile of the new Revo's and for me with my cranky hands it is easier to palm. I haven't tossed the Quantum's and just recently had 3 of them tweeked by Reel Mech. They will be in the boat but for me the Revo will be my reel from now on. I get more distance on my casts and the drag on the STX is awesome. Shortbasser

Short answer......They do in fact catch fish. I got my Vibraspins and Vibrashocks back before the first of the year. Caught fish to 2 lbs. in water temps. below 60 degs. the first time out. Between my buddy and I we had 10 bass to 2.5 lbs the second time out in Jan. All caught on the Vibraspin. Fished the Shock but no strikes. I would say the conditions were not quite that great for that bait. The 3rd trip was on a windy/chilly day and all I could do was miss 2 strikes and boated none. You will notice that they are well made and well worth the cost. Those guys did it right with their baits. I am looking Forward to a great spring season with these lures. Shortbasser

Don't recall if the Browning brand was on sale last year. It does look like they have changed the thing just a bit. Broke it up into 3 separate sections this year and all stores at the same time. They used to stagger it at different stores. There is a big spread on the main page of their website. You can check on your particular store for details too. Watch for a "flyer" in your mail box and check the papers for ads. The web page shows a video coming later. Not there as yet this evening. As was posted earlier. Check the rods/reels for specs. They tend to sneak some lower quality items in with similar names. I'll be hitting my local store once the initial crush wears off on opening weekend. Shortbasser

A good place to start is that manual that came with the reel. Lots of folks fail to read it. Another good source of info can be found on ReelMech's web site. He has a tutorial titled "Basic baitcast reel set-up 101. I got so frustrated when I bought my first baitcaster that I stuck it in the box and forgot it for a long time. Now days that is all I use. If you are a boat owner you have the advantage of more room to do your casts from the front of the boat. Most of the time I am by myself so I don't have the problem of knocking someone's hat in the creek if I get carried away. One thing that I seldom do is an overhand cast. Some folks seem to think you have to get carried away to get any distance in your cast. Not so. Most of the work is from your forearm and wrist. I like to go sidearm and underhand. I have better control that way. I did practice keeping my elbow tucked into my ribs. It is difficult at first but with practice it will come naturally. If you set up your reel properly for the weight of your lures and how bad the wind might be blowing you will be off to a good start. That just might be the most important part of learning to use a baitcaster. You will soon have your thumb "educated" and be well on your way to successful casting and just like the pro's you will not have any backlashes, just "professional over-runs" Shortbasser

A whole lot less glare and easier to see even in direct sunlight. No need to shade it to read it. For sure, no more black/white. I love my Lowrance unit. Shortbasser

I have been running Interstates for a number of years with good results. I do like their long warranty. Easy to get service since they are everywhere. Here is the website for Trojan: http://www.trojan-battery.com/ They have a "dealer locator link" on the home page. Shortbasser

Mine is thru hull. Cut a hole in a forward storage compartment and mounted it and put a cover over the hole for easy access. Nothing external to get knocked off/loose on stumps or rocks. No problems after 3 years. Shortbasser

I fished the Boogie Bait before I bought a Chatterbait or 2 and found that I do a whole lot better with the Boogie Bait. In fact, I don't think I have caught a fish on the Original. Now that the boys at KaRu have come up with the VibraSpin and VibraShock I discovered that the LMB like those two baits so I will no doubt be fishing them along with the Boogie bait. I have caught my share of LMB on the boogie up to 5 lb. this past year. All of those baits seem to work better in spring and fall. Reckon the warmer water in the hot months slow them down. That's when I go to the plastics. Shortbasser

I have 4 of them both M and MH. Use them for everything from plastics to spinnerbaits to topwater and cranks. All 6'6" old and new versions. I like the handles and the fact that they have the weight kit. My hands take a beating from "Arthur" and I need all the help I can get. Some folks don't like the Power hump handle but it works for me. For sure they will no doubt be on SALE this coming month during the Classic. Shortbasser