Madhouse27

I like the Jack's Worm from Case Plastics and a Zoom Tab Tail grub.

Jetsprint2 we're all anxiously awaiting your review of the Steez!

Overall I've been very happy with my C-5 Mag-X 4600. I'm not sure what they're going for now but I paid around $70 for mine and think its certainly one of the better reels within that price range. I'll agree with flechero and maltese about the placement of the adjustment slide, it definately could have been better placed or made harder to change the setting. In person the Mag-X is a pretty good looking round reel as well.

I don't think it's going to take very long for these new Revos to "prove themselves". That said, I'll agree with the gang about the 4600. If you are particularly hard on your gear this may be the perfect reel for you. They are certainly tough as nails.

Chug, sounds like you got yourself a sweet ride!

That Mariner outboard looks to be in great shape. Enjoy your new ride!

Hugo's a scumbag. I stopped wearing my Citgo Bassmaster hat a long time ago. While I try to avoid Citgo stations I am somewhat concerned about the privately owned mom and pop businesses that pump Citgo gasoline. These are our fellow hard working Americans that just happen to be selling the wrong brand. I'm not sure of the costs involved to switch petroleum suppliers. Imagine how much differently we would be able to deal with international affairs were we not dependant on some of these people for oil.

Nice boat, great name. You'll have to post of a pic of the first bass caught in the new boat....regardless of its size.

Cart's right about every manufacturer having its own take on layout and design. While I'm certainly a big fan of Skeeter boats I'd definately take your time and look at alot of different brands and models. We've all got our own priorities about storage and layout as well as individual tastes about looks and style. Shop around, learn and decide what you like.

Burley, Congratulations on the boat! I can remember just how you are feeling right now. Make sure you post some pics after you rinse the dust off of it.

Dwhite, that's a nice looking bait. It has a similar body taper to one of my faves the Case Plastics Jacks Worm which is definately produces on a drop shot rig. I'll have to order a few of those assaults and check them out.

Ceph, looking at the map I think I'd work the around the point which is west of the circled number 4. Then I'd dropshot my way east over to the small island. I'd definately check that out and maybe around number 5. I also like the looks of that 20 and 30 foot depth stuff north of the circled number 8. It's always fun unlocking the secrets of a new lake. Good luck on your smallmouth mission.

Been there and done that

While both fish are top notch I'd definately choose the Smallmouth. What they sometimes lack in size they more than make up for in muscle and endurance. It's kind of like comparing the athleticism of an offensive lineman to that of a linebacker. The big guy is a bit one dimensional and tends to wear out quickly whereas the linebacker is more versatile and won't quit until the play is over. Generally speaking I also prefer fishing in smallmouth waters. I'll take a cool, clear, rocky northern lake anytime.

I'm sitting here celebrating my one year anniversary here on BassResource.com. I'd just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone for their stories, advice and companionship. I've learned alot, met some great people and had a fun time doing it. From today's newbie all the way up to Glenn and everyone in the middle, I thank each of you for your participation. I'm certainly proud to be part of such an outstanding community.

Heck at this point we've got most of them in, might as well throw Xpress into the mix as well.

Fire I wish your post had come a couple of months ago. I had a Lowrance 25 XB (or something like that) that came out of my Skeeter. The screen was rough but the transducer was perfect. I would have given it to you. Sold the deal "as is" on ebay for next to nothing.

It was certainly a sad day when Cajun boats ended production. That is certainly a brand that in the right hands could be resurrected. There was always something cool about a Cajun bass boat. If I found a great deal on a mid nineties model I wouldn't hesitate at all about buying it if the condition was right.

Chris, good call on the closed mouth style mount. Not only did it come out great but it's kind of different. It definately has a real natural feel to it. Well done.

Fire, you're right on track with the ebay thing. Lowrance has made a zillion of those two models. I've sold two of them on ebay in the last two years. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll score a cheap one. If you have time when you are doing your searches look through the entire "Lowrance" and "Eagle" threads. Sometimes you can buy a cheap finder complete with the transducer you need for less money that just the transducer by itself. Don't ask me why but it happens. Then you can turn around and sell the mount and the screen and get some of your money back.

Denny, Loudmouth and now BassCenter. Now none of these three were going to win any awards but they were among the best fishing shows that were readily available to everyone. Can ESPN do anything right when it comes to fishing? Bass Saturday could have been so awesome in the right hands. We'll never know.

Tom has a point about buying what you like. He may be a bit off with his thinking that everyone has a need for speed mentality. Chug is talking about comparing two boats, some of the guys are warning about buying a boat with an outboard way below the max hp rating and being disappointed, I'm talking about trying to maximize every cent of the $22,000 through tough negotiations. The bottom line is that everyone on here seems generally concerned about Chug getting a fair deal on a well equipt boat and that to me is pretty cool. Back to the original question with no oration: The Tracker.

Chug you have done your homework on various packages and retail prices. Now the strategy is to walk in and tell them what you want and the price you are willing to pay for it end of story. If they say they can't do it simply tell them that someone is going to get this 22 thousand dollars this week and it appears that it isn't going to be you. Leave your cell phone number and inform them that your offer is good until you find what you are looking for elsewhere. I just did this will a new vehicle last week. Made four phone calls and informed them of my offer. Three dubbed around and tried to work me over. Number four said yes and I drove there and made the deal. While out fishing the next day each of the other three called to say that low and behold they could meet my price after all. I told each of them that they had ample opportunity to sell me a car but that the deal was done. Right now somebody is hungry to sell you the boat you want at your price.

Chug are these dealers giving you the suggested retail price? Beat these guys up a little bit and make a deal you can live with. For 22 grand I'd be telling him to put a 150 Yamaha on the back of that Stratos and a Minn Kota 70 on the front so we can make a deal. Telling them you've been shopping online, call around, work these guys. That's alot of money. Tell them you won't settle for an underpowered ride. Dealers in the northern half of the country are buried in 2006 bass boats and winters coming. You could get a list of every Stratos dealer in the country and start contacting them. Tell them the model, accessories, hp etc and the price you are willing to pay. Someone will do it and you can walk into your local dealer and say don't make me drive to timbucktoo to get my boat. If they can do it so can you. You work hard for you money, make the dealer work hard to get it away from you.

boat + no boat payment = good boat