shortbasser

I have been a die-hard Quantum BC user ever since the first Energy reels hit the market and have several of the PT versions also. I recently purchased my first ever Abu reel. After reading the dope on the field test for the Revo STX I took the plunge. I must say it is smooth and has performed flawlessly. That drag and brake adjustment is slick. I see another one added to my arsenal before spring. My only gripe up to this point (today) is that we are in the middle of a big ole Northeaster that is pouring down the rain and wind and that has me housebound and keeping me from more break-in time. Shortbasser

I have used Fluorocarbon for a number of years. BPS XPS, Stren, Triplefish, P-line and currently Gamma. The Gamma is the best of all that I have used. Less memory, more limp and easier to cast. Of course it just happens to be the most expensive. .

As a rule I don't buy extended service plans either. The Yamaha deal is an incentive to buy their product. It's a FREE three year additional coverage. They offered the same deal last year and that is why I have it. Hope I never have to use it but the peace of mind is there should a major problem come up. Shortbasser

Yamaha was running the same deal a year ago when I bought my Skeeter with the 200 VMAX/HPDI. That is 3 years of additional protection on all the major components plus it has a feature called TRIP (travel and recreation interruption protection) that will pay up to $250 for lodging, meal expenses if it breaks down. I don't know of an extended warranty that includes normal tune ups or maintenance. Yamaha's deal is also transferrable if you sell your rig. It can be used at any Yamaha Dealer. You can get more info at Yamaha's web site at http://www.yanaha-motor.com/outboard/yes/yeshome/home.aspx. In my opinion its a good deal especially since its a Freebie. Shortbasser

As everyone has said I wouldn't burn the cheap stuff either. I am running an '05 Yamaha VMAX HPDI. Nothing but Yamalube goes in the tank and I add the recommended Ring Free every time. My tech told me he would know if I was using anything else because the plugs are going to show some fouling. That said. Call your dealer and inquire about buying oil in bulk. Most dealers buy their oil in 50 gal. drums and will sell it over the counter if you provide the container. It is cheaper than the pre-packaged stuff. Been doing that for years. Shortbasser

I wouldn't be using any STP. The only additive that I have found specifically made for this Ethanol crap is a product called K100 made by Kinetic labs. check out their web site at: www.k100fueltreatment.com/ethanol.html. I run a Yamaha and they recommend some normal additives to the gas. Also have that 10 micron fuel/water separator installed. That is needed since the Ethanol creates moisture. I have no idea what the other motor manufacturers are recommending. You need the filter to block the crud that is loosened from the tanks once you have to start using the ethanol blend. That would be in addition to the in-line filter that is no doubt on your outboard. Check the above article and that Kinetic Labs web site. You should get a big picture of the problem and recommended solutions. Shortbasser

We had the change-over here in the Tidewater area of Va. a couple of months ago. I didn't waste any time getting hold of the folks at Yamaha about what to do if anything. They quickly told me to install a 10 micron filter (water/fuel separator). Also to use a stabilizer and the other recommended lubricants. There is a notice about this Ethanol on their website. Yamaha DOES NOT recommend using the E85 blend. I know first hand of some folks who have had trouble using the Ethanol blend. My buddy had the filter installed on his rig and it was only a short time until he had problems with clogging in it and the in-line filter on the outboard. Other folks are experiencing problems with poor engine performance. I don't know what other motor manufacturers are recommending. I did a search for Evinrude and Johnson and came up empty. So far I have had no problems since having the filter installed. I have not topped off my tanks as yet so am not too certain that I have a mix of old and new blends. Doing some research we found an additive that absorbs moisture that is available in the NY area. So far it is not available locally. You can bet that once it shows up here I will be adding it to my tanks. This appears to be a big problem in the making. Definitely a case of "an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure". Take heed folks. This stuff is nasty in outboards. Shortbasser

Do yourself a big favor and once you decide on brand go spend the money for a Kipawa prop. I have one on my Motorguide and that thing is definitely weedless. Motorguide finally bought the idea and now sells one that they call "the Hydrilla Hacker". Same as what I bought direct and for less money. Not sure you can still get it from Kipawa. I have contact info for the Co. if your interested. Oh, my buddy also has one on his M/G. Also noticed an increase in speed and power/torque. Shortbasser

I believe that you are going to find that the standard outboard for that boat is a 75 HP Merc. I did a bit of a search and that is what I found. That 90 HP should kick that boat up on plane and out of the "hole" with ease. Just a thought, are you trimming that thing all the way down when you start out? You say it bogs down. I would make sure it was trimmed down and see if that won't get it on plane.

TOPWATER for sure. Pop-R or Spooks. I would get it as close to any structure that you could find. Trees, stumps etc. Don't be in a rush on the retrieve and be erratic with it. When that bite goes away I always grab the worm/plastics and keep on doing the slow retrieve. With the temps in the upper 80's around here now you have to get out there early too. I am headed out in the morning myself and you can bet that I will have that Pop-R in my hand first thing. Go Gettem. Shortbasser

It is actually called Lake Shearon Harris. If you run a search you will find it. I tried to find a map for it last year and came up empty. NC Wildlife had a map of the area but no topo map. Check www.ncwildlife.org. Also www.carolinaoutdoors.net. I am not in the area but if I was I would ease on over to the lake and catch up with some of the tourney fishermen. From what I could find that place always has a tourney of some sort going on. You might find something in a local tackle shop. good luck.

2006 F-150 4x2 S/C 4.6L V8, Auto O/D w/3.55 Lim. Slip. Hauls the Skeeter (TZX200) like it wasn't even there.

Went last year and eventually wound up ordering my new Skeeter. Heard that it was going to be near nothing this year so stayed away. Best one I ever attended was several years ago in Hampton, Va. Before it went back to Richmond. I agree, the close proximity of BPS in Hampton more than likely killed it or is causing a slow death.