DINK WHISPERER

That's such a tough one right there. I fish South Central FL and have found all vegetation will hold fish all year just not as many as others. In the summer, shallow pads and hyacinths produce for me. Offshore it's mainly brush or grass in the summer. During winter (if you can call it that here) it's cattails for me. In the spawn I always have better luck in bullrush and Kissimmee grass.

It does what it's supposed to, melt plastic! If you let it drip where you don't want it then you will have a deformed bait. If you're careful with it, it flat out works.

As far as leveling the ducer goes, there's a couple great videos on YouTube. They involve a stack of change, a level and a quick trip on the water. Mine isn't level to the eye in relation to the bottom of the boat. But you have to consider how the boat sits in the water while idling. But mine reads perfectly when in use. Make sure the transducer is at the boats lowest step and as far away as possible from the propeller too. I have a hook 9 and it's a great unit. As far as what to use to fill the holes I use 3m 5200.

I will never understand this whole argument! It really ticks me off to here either side honestly. It's been perfectly said above, buy what you can afford. Most of the time, from my experience at least, the ones downing expensive gear are the ones who can't afford it. And that's perfectly fine though. On the other side, those that do use expensive gear should not down cheaper gear either. Same thing with boats as well. I've been outfished by guys in tiny Jon boats and bass boats alike. Do you think i wouldn't love to have a huge brand new bass boat? Of course i would but i can't afford to buy it cash and i will never finance a boat. So, I enjoy my paid off ProCraft just the same. From what I see both on social media and on the water respect for each other is a dying thing. What ever happened to helping each other out and coming together for a common love (fishing). Glad this site is still somewhere you can come to and relax. Most others have turned into FB or worse. Sorry for the rant just tired of people either hating or thinking they're too good simply because they can!

How true is it that they reduce your top end does? I've also been contemplating getting one.

Before the storm can be great! But, I've never had any luck immediately after. We've been getting pounded even after Irma here in S FL. I got out this weekend and it was horrible. High muddy water, horrible wind and one bite that i missed all day!

I second what crypt said above. The Gambler Big EZ is my go to. I usually get at least 7 fish out of each. Sometimes if i have the patience i will even use mend it on them and get a couple more or use them as jig trailers. I've also recently started using the luck E strike hollow bodies with good results. The zoom swimmin fluke is also very durable but a little too small for my liking. For hooks i only use one, the Owner beast both in weighted and unweighted versions.

This is what i did when i first started cleaning reels. Now i don't need it anymore. I can pretty much just figure it out now.

Savage gear rules! I have almost all their swimbaits. Durable, affordable and they flat out work.

I really like it! Wish i had one for all the ponds without ramps around here. Great work...

XF for me

eBay and Craigslist will be your best bet as far as price for the actual Jack plate. I purchased my CMC power lift new on eBay for $700 shipped a couple weeks ago. I install mine myself but my local Marine shop charges about 1 1/2 - 2 hr labor to install a hydraulic plate ($85 per hr).

My son with his PB a few weeks ago on Istokpoga.

@the reel ess No sir you don't. . . . Just come to FL for a week! We got em too

Knowing when to give up on the shallow cover and move out to deeper drop offs. Carolina rig with a 10" ribbon tail worm in junebug color. Phenix recon elite 796 with 65lb braid and a 20lb fluorocarbon leader. Garmin 9" SideVu and Lowrance hook 9 help a lot as well.

No problem Angler311, lmk if you have any specific questions on the rods. Dang Nate, $60 is insane! I would've bought 3 or 4 at that price! ?

Check the date of that post bruh, 2009! My PB was caught in 2014. Cool story though. . . .I was such a fat a** back then ?

Check out the og Tatula 7' 2" MH/XF. Amazing all purpose rod and can be had for about $104 tyd.

It all depends if you will be doing the work yourself or taking it to someone. If you can do it yourself I definitely would. Either way, I couldn't stand to look at it in bad shape. Sounds like the boat wasn't well cared for.

I don't like straight shank much either. I usually conceal the knot inside the bait slightly and trim the tag end short. I also use 6th sense pegs above the weight.

Bass Pro is just taking over the world!

Definitely the 805! I use it a lot for heavy cover. The 766 seems way to stiff to me especially using braid.

I do it to my motor guide when I'm just idling to a near by spot. Heck I've even forgot it down and got on plane. Lost a prop and got wet but no damage elsewhere.

Just got my reelsonar in the mail yesterday and i like it so far. Paired it with the 6" Rapala grips. It's close enough on accuracy for me.

Great job bro! I was late introducing my son to fishing for whatever reason IDK. I started at around 4 yrs old. He just turned 8 and flips with a 7' 6" like a pro. You will be so proud when he lands his first one.