Chuck H.

I'm not familiar with the Stratos so I can't comment on it. I do know Stratos has always made a good boat. The Nitro X4 and X5 are a lot of boat for the money. You can get into a glass boat for what a lot of aluminum boats would cost. I have not personally been on the water in one, but have talked to people who have. Everyone has been very impressed with the performance. Being 90 inches wide, they are very stable and have a lot of storage. They also have many options you can choose from including electronics and trolling motor upgrades. Good luck on your choice.

Guys, keep in mind that I think Rob's sale to Bass Resource members is good through the end of the month. It's a great way to get a special deal on BTS with some Line & Lure thrown in.

+1 on the Everstart Maxx. I've used them for quite a few years. You can't beat the warranty and price and if you have a problem, there's always a Walmart close by.

I use 8# flouro on my spinning reels, treated with Line and Lure, with no problems. If at all possible, as previously mentioned, let the L&L dry before using to get the most benefit.

+1 on the KVD Line and Lure. It was developed specifically for braid and flourocarbon.

+1 on the KVD Line and Lure Conditioner. Spray it on the night before so it's dry when you start fishing. You'll notice a big difference in how manageable your line is. It was developed specifically for flourocarbon and braid, although it works great on all lines. Since it bonds to the line with a polymer coating, it will actually make your line last longer, because the coating will wear before the line does. This will keep you from having to buy expensive braid and flourocarbon as often.

I've never seen any braid that is anything close to invisible in clear water. I mainly use braid with a spinning rod for finesse fishing but use a flourocarbon leader. It works great and I've never had a problem where the two lines are joined.

BTS is an all surface protectant you can use on virtually all areas of your boat. It also works great on your tow vehicle. It will clean the dirt and contamination out of the pores of your gelcoat, seats, etc., and put a polymer seal over the top to keep dirt out. You only have to apply it every thirty days or so. It is also high in UV inhibitors and will prevent mold and mildew in storage areas. Give it a try, I think you'll be pleased with the results.

+1 on the KVD Line & Lure to keep from having to change it so often. The polymers in L&L actually bond to the line which strengthens it. As the line wears, the polymer coating wears off instead of the line. This will allow you to use that expensive flourocarbon line much longer. Of course, Line & Lure will also take out the memory so you won't have to replace it so often due to coiling. Just spray it on the night before so it has a chance to dry before use. That way, you'll get the full benefit. I think you'll find it makes using flouro. much more enjoyable.

KVD Line & Lure was made specifically to help the handling characteristics of flourocarbon and braid, although it works well with any line. To get the most benefit from it, spray it on the night before so it can dry before use. Then use it during the day as necessary. Also, when you're putting new line on your reel, spray some L&L on a synthetic cloth and run the line through it as you're re-spooling. The reason for the synthetic cloth is that the polymers in L&L like to attach to natural fibers and you won't get the full benefit if you use a cotton cloth. One other thing, the polymers in L&L actually bond to the line and won't wash off like other products. This actually strengthens the line which will enable you to fish the expensive flourocarbon lines longer, saving you money. I think if you try it, you'll be able to concentrate more on your fishing and not on your line.

Whatever kind you use, try spraying some KVD Line and Lure on your spool the night before and then during the day as needed. It was made specifically for flourocarbon and braid and really helps eliminate memory.

I would highly recommend the Mustang Hydrostatic. They are expensive but will only inflate if they are immersed approximately 4 inches. They will not inflate due to rain, humidity, etc., like the regular auto inflates. That's why I bought mine. If I couldn't wear it in all conditions, it wouldn't do me any good. I wear it all the time, even in the summer, and forget I have it on. I have worn one of these for several years in all conditions and can vouch for them. As a matter of fact, a year ago I had a steering malfunction and was thrown out of my boat while wearing my Mustang. It worked perfectly and literally saved my life.