mcbass

Personally, I don't think it is sporting. The success of every bass that can spawn will only help me out in the long run. I don't care what scientific survey says that catching a spawning fish doesn't effect spawn success...an UNMOLESTED fish will do better than one that has been ripped off a bed, fought and released...bottom line.

I caught three in my lower unit last year!

In Maine, 5lbs isn't THAT rare since most of the lakes aren't pressured too much. I'd say 6 lbs is notable. 7 and 8 pounders are the real noteworthy fish. Anything 5+ gets put on the website..if I remembered my camera that day! That's Largemouth. For Smallies, 5 lbs is very nice, but again, not as rare as you'd think...depends on the lake I guess. The lake I live on has WAY more 5# smallies than 5# largemouth...but there are many lakes where this is the other way around.

Well, I've only owned one bassboat, but I can tell you about it. 2000 Triton 186 Single Console w/ 150 Merc efi. -At the end of the first year, both seats were ripped at seams from normal use. Junk. -Compartment "Locks" were a joke. I learned this when I accidentally opened a "locked" compartment. They are flimsey, plastic crap. -After year 2, I noticed some stress cracks on the transom. To be fair, I had really driven it rough that fall in some really big weather (live in Maine), and the dealer sent pics of the damage to the factory rep, who said they would gladly repair the hull, but it had to be shipped to the factory to do so!! I didn't take them up on it. -Chrome gas gap thingy flew off during above fall! Was a PERKO, replaced it no problem. These are the only issues I've had with the boat, it is awesome, especially if you haven't owned one prior. Buy BIG, because I was ready for a larger/faster one within 6 months. It handles great, and I get 61 easily GPS with low fuel and empty livewells...alone..no jackplate. I hit 63.3 once under optimum conditions. SLight chop, cool, very dry air... The motor has NEVER, EVER given me even a slight issue. Actually...I had to replace the cover to the onboard oil resevoir because I over-tightened it..but that is it. I'll never own anything but MERC, just because of the experience I've had with this one. Regards, M.C. Bass