Madhouse27

I like the Grizzly Long Cut Mint. I put a big dip of it in my lip. Then, using the same fingers I slide a Case Plastics Jack's Worm on a 2/0 Gammy. I'm starting to think that the Maine bronzebacks have a little nicotine problem too.

This is basically what I did. I had a cockpit/transom set up in place. I went on ebay and bought and extra base (cheap) then ordered a TM transducer from Humminbird. When I'm done running with the outboard, I simply grab my screen from the cockpit and put it on the base in the front of the boat connected to the trolling motor. I was hoping to score a second "screen" on ebay at some point but to date it hasn't happened. At the time cash was a bit tight and it was certainly less expensive than buying two complete units. Not sure about the other brands but the style of the Humminbird base allows you to just snap the screen on and off quickly.

Tipp, This is a huge financial decision. I think I'd certainly deal with the "hassle" of traveling around a bit and trying out some different models and looking at the inventory that other dealers have to offer. You're talking about alot of cash so I'd be patient and try to enjoy the "shopping" portion of the whole experience. The economy is a bit rough right now and something tells me there are some incredible deals out there for the guy who takes the time to search them out. Maybe you could find a steal on a 2007 Skeeter ZX series boat.

We have radiant heat so I don't really swing the thermostat too far either way. I pretty much leave it at 68. Might go down to 62 if we are taking off for a day or two. I can't wait til spring, it's been kind of an expensive winter with oil prices well over three bucks a gallon. Putting in a pellet stove this summer when the money gets rolling in again to help keep the oil man away as much as possible next winter.

Wow, Can you say movie of the year.

Man, that struck me funny. Good one Burley! ;D

For me, Ultimate Match Fishing is about as good as it gets in a fishing show. I usually DVR Lindner's show and can do the fastforward if he's on a walleye mission or something. I've certainly learned more from the Lindner boys than any other tv personalities. I like Zona and I like Hank. The show that desperately needs to be brought back is Schooled by Denny Brauer. They should put the entire run out on a dvd. It was an awesome show and was the backbone of the old ESPN Bass Saturday. I saved an episode of Hook n Look from last weekend but haven't had a chance to watch it yet.

Perhaps I'm a bit old school but I prefer a cable steer set up. The cable is directly connected to the pedal and is moved by either toeing or heeling the pedal. It's a very simple system. It's fixable if there is ever a problem and the turning of the motor is instantaneous and quiet. With this system both the pedal itself and the covered cable running from the pedal to the motor tend to be larger and require a bit more up and down foot action than a power type. The power steer variety consists of a small turning motor on the trolling motor that is electronically controlled by the pedal. Because all you are sending is electricity through the cable, the cable itself is much smaller in diameter than the other style. Also the pedals tend to be flatter and don't require such an exaggerated foot motion to control. This style may be a bit more user friendly and less of a workout on the foot and leg but in my opinion has a couple of drawbacks. First is that the tm can only turn as fast as the electronic turning motor is designed to go. If you are in a pickle (wind/rocks/avoiding something etc) and need to move NOW there's no doubt that you can turn the trolling motor faster with a cable steer. The other thing that may or not be a big deal is the sound the motor makes as it is adjusting your direction. It's like a buzz sound every time you steer. Some are quieter than others but over the course of a days fishing hearing the bzzzt a couple hundred times can get a little old. I'd recommend a 24 volt (two batteries in a series) with a minimum of 55lbs thrust. An aluminum boat is light and big thrust might seem like overkill, but when you are out in the wind a light boat has to fight much harder. I like Minn Kota but that's like a Ford/Chevy thing. Get the brand that you feel good about.

Yeah, I'd definately have a battery that was specifically for your trolling motor. I would connect your fishfinder to the battery that starts your outboard to avoid any interference. As far as chargers go, I've had great luck with the XPS one that I got at Bass Pro Shops. A two bank charger like you would need for your two batteries are pretty reasonable and well worth it. Nothing like backing the boat in and simply plugging it in after a long day on the water. Enjoy your new boat.

Man, I'm glad I live up north.

I think this is going to be a one sided affair. New England 34-13

I'm sitting here with fifteen inches of snow on the ground and not a bit of open water in sight. Decided to put together a little tackle order to help chase the late winter blues away. Came across the Zoom Meathead and thought it would make a nice addtion to the drop shot arsenal. Would certainly appreciate any feedback or comments from the gang here on what you like and don't like about the bait. Thanks!

Lots of great ideas here. In addition to the usual grubs and tubes I like using a drop shot rig with either a Jack's Worm or a fluke style bait. One of the challenges when working away from the shore out deep is trying to stay tuned into the area that looked good on your electronics. For this purpose I'm a real believer in the use of marker buoys. I like to take a little time watching my screen and marking out a nice long edge of either a drop-off or a structure pile. Without something to key in on I find myself drifting off target. By using a couple of different colored buoys you can mark the shallowest part (top) of say an underwater island and the deepest part of the drop off and then work the productive area in between. Good luck with your deep water endevours.

I can't wait to see it. Been watching reruns of Gladiator, Rome and The Patriot all winter. A new release epic action movie is just what the doctor ordered.

Fish_Chris, I'm thinking it might be time to change your avatar over to the pic with the big bronzeback (greenback). What an awesome smallmouth bass. I'm looking forward to seeing some more pictures just like that one over the course of the next month. The ice is still two feet thick up here so I'm relying on you guys to keep me going for another five or six weeks.

Tom, If you look at the top of your screen there is a section called Fishing Articles. Go down to the Bass Boat section. Then click on "Installing new electronics. I found this short read very helpful when I added another finder in the front of my boat. It has a couple good tips about running your tranducer cable up the shaft of your trolling motor etc etc.

I usually go for the standard two sandwiches, bag of Doritos, Payday candy bar, jug of water and some ice cold beer. Usually attempt to hold off on the cold ones until after 10:00 am (not always successful). Yesterday ice fishing it was much earlier.

Wow, that is one obese smallmouth bass. I've seen some early fish that were fat with eggs but this is certainly an extreme case. Interesting greenish color and nice markings.

Red Bull Skeeter or Ranger?

Wow, what a finish! While I was kind of rooting for Mark Martin to hang on for the win I have to admit that the charge put on by Kevin Harvick was one of the greatest that I've ever seen. He got the push from Kenseth and it seemed as though he'd been shot out of a cannon. Man, what a run. With all hell breaking loose behind them it was a great duel to the finish. The racing's going to help get me through to fishing season.

I don't think a guy can go wrong with a new Skeeter.

I got a card for Valentine's Day. You should go buy five Ugly Stiks for your new reels

One thing I find kind of interesting is how some Nascar fans are holding the Waltrip situation against Toyota. The scandle is certainly a black eye for them. It puts a big damper on what was to be their exciting inauguration into Nextel Cup. Toyota isn't to blame here, if anything they are the biggest victim of this whole cheating deal. The reality is bad enough for Toyota. Even the most ardent Toyota haters shouldn't feel the need to implicate them along with Waltrips team. Ray Evernham had three crew chiefs suspended and we don't hear any conspiracy theories involving Daimler Chrysler. Waltrip and his crew did a ton of damage to his manufacturer, sponsors, reputation and fans. I kind of hope he can get through this.

Yep, that's one sexy grub!

Russ (hey I'm back by the way) I usually have the third week in September off. You're more than welcome to slide on up to Maine and join me for a lobster or two and some bronzeback mayhem. Should be into the new house by then so there's plenty of room and the fall fishing will be crazy. Don't forget to bring the Coors Light twins with you when you come