Madhouse27

I'm noticing on the solder packaging that they are describing different ratios of materials used in the solder. I bought one that said "Lead Free Rosin Core Electrical Solder 95%tin 5% Antimony while the other package was simply described as 60/40 Rosin Core Solder for electrical use. Is there a certain one I should be looking for. My new wires should be here monday so I am getting ready for action. The price for 6 guage was $3.49 a foot at West Marine in the next town over I thought that was outrageous so I ordered it online and paid .99 cents per foot. I ordered 21 feet of both black and red as well as a 6 guage adapter for my Marinco Connectpro plug. Can't wait to get this thing buttoned down right.

I'm going with Yamaha

Unless you are casting at shoreline structure and cover I can't image being without a fishfinder. Alot of my smallmouth fishing is in deep water where proper structure would be nearly impossible to find without electronics. Once located, the fishfinder along with some marker buoys helps keep you properly oriented to that structure. I guess I would rather spend my time fishing over quality area than randomly casting and hoping. But hey, different strokes for different folks. Use the force, Luke.

I've always been a Humminbird man myself. Probably from watching too many episodes of Jimmy Houston as a kid. I have a 535 w/ temp. I believe it has 320x320 resolution and a five inch screen. It's definately worth every penny of the low $149 retail price. The other brand I find myself drawn to is Garmin. When the time comes to upgrade a few price points that is probably the brand I will go with.

Good thing the three of you weren't having a little tournament

Dodgeguy, I'm getting a slightly disturbing visual right now.

Ben when it comes to electronics/batteries you are certainly the site guru. You meantioned a paste. Could you elaborate a little on that so I make sure I get the right stuff. Your explanation of the process was awesome. Thanks man!

Well, I've decided to replace the 8 guage tm wires in my boat with new 6 guage. In the past I've always used the Ancor marine grade lugs for my connection to the batteries and each side of the circuit breaker. I never soldered them to the ends of the wires, I just squeezed them on until they felt tight around the wire and then covered them with the shrink rubber tubing. Along with the 8 guage wires this has been bothering me. This time I want to get this system rock solid, buy two new batteries and be done with it. Although I've seen it done, I've never actually soldered anything myself. I've been reading up on the whole process but could use a few tips on what unit to buy and anything else you think I should know. As always, thanks for any help.

Has ESPN given any indication as to whether they have even picked up this show for another season? With all the programming changes over there I'm wondering if Charlie is even going to have a job a month from now.

Hey I'm all for the family getting together and sharing in a big fish fry. Traditions like that are not only important but they're fun as well. I think there are some other species out there that get the job done better than bass, but what the heck, eat what you like. That said, I must admit that when I see pictures of someone's latest bass massacre I do tend to cringe a little bit. I can't help it. I shouldn't have to apologize for those feelings nor should the guy have to apologize to anyone for keeping them. We're all different. I think on here it's important to concentrate on what unites us....not what divides us. Eat em up!

Amen!

In some ways I *** you. Alot of my fondest memories occurred during the beginning part of a new endevour. The learning curve is always exciting because every step is filled with new discoveries. Each outing is going to unlock another piece in the puzzle. You'll be facinated as you answer one question only to be faced with another. Some days I would certainly trade experience and almost guaranteed success for a little more mystery and a little more wonder. Remember, just like life....it's about the journey not the destination.

I've been charging my tm batteries for several days and can't seem to get them fully charged. Water levels are good. Voltage meter is reading 12.1 on one of them and 12.5 on the other. I think I've been running them for three seasons. Have they simply lost their ability to reach a full charge or could something else be at play here. I thought I would post the question before simply going and replacing them. Important outing this weekend and everything needs to be right on. Thanks gang.

When he made the crack about the 50 cent soda and the $2.50 worms I probably would have said that I wasn't actually planning on buying anything I was just asking if you were open so I could use your restroom. Bro, don't let the losers in this world put a damper on your good time. In some ways people that miserable are almost comical and I'll certainly enjoy a little entertainment at their expense if they wish to invite it. I just can't imagine why someone would want to live their life that way. Bad karma, creating an environment where success and happiness simply can't exist. They're like a cross between Yosemite Sam and Eeyore. Who wants to be around that?

Good one Avid ;D

I've never been way down yonder on the Chattahoochee. Are there some bigger fish where you are fishing? Sometimes the bass in an area can become stunted due to lack of forage or simply because the population has grown too large for the resource. Maybe this isn't the scenario where you're at. I do like CJ's idea. I'd definately try to find some structure out in the deeper water and see what happens there.

I think a big part of finding a pattern is methodically ruling out what is not working. I like to have a plan of attack to move through this process as quickly as possible. First stop on the water will be a major point. Attack it with three different baits, for example: a crankbait, spinnerbait and a soft plastic. If you have success on one of them you can build on it by repeating the same thing at other points around the lake...pattern developing. If unsucessful then it's on to the next stop. Weedy cove: again pick three baits, six or seven casts each then build or bail. Up next flooded timber: repeat procedure and assess the results. This is why it is so key to have multiple rods all rigged for various presentations. It allows you to efficiently work a variety of presentations through a given area. While I like battling with a big bass as much as the next guy, this detective work is certainly a big part of the overall stimulation for me. During this mental part of the game you are making little notes to yourself and calling upon experiences from the past. Most days on the water involve a mystery that needs to be solved. It's important to have a game plan and a system designed to unlock it. The pattern only comes once this has been accomplished.

Fluke said it right. You stepped up and apologized and took responsibility. I consider the matter behind us.

Man, when you southern boys talk about fishing the thick stuff you really do mean the THICK stuff. It must be some wild when a big boy comes busting up through that to nail a frog. I'm looking at my rod rack and I don't feel that I am prepared for this type of adventure.

Either BPS or Cabelas has a great deal right now on Minn Kota All Terrain 65lb thrust 24v foot controlled trolling motors. I think they were advertised at $399. That would work good on your boat without breaking the bank or compromising. There have been a ton of great posts on here about tm battery set ups. The short version is a 24v tm takes two 12v batteries. You hook up your pos + lead from your tm to the pos + post on battery number one. You hook up your neg - lead from your tm to the neg - post on battery number two. You then run a wire between the neg - post on battery number one and the pos + post of battery number two. This gives you your 24 volts. Personally I find Ben to be the go to guy with any technical questions regarding anything related to electricity and batteries. He has made some fantastic posts and reponses on here. A little digging through the bass boat area threads will have you up to speed in no time.

Duke, what's the difference in price between the two models? I like them both for different reasons. Is the Avalanche quite a step up in price? Once you decide which you prefer I would shop that model against the other different manufacturers version of it. Compare features, price, style and outboard and even resale value against G3, Polarkraft, Triton, Lowe, Lund etc and make sure you are getting exactly what you want within your budget. Every one of the major manufacturers are making some killer aluminum boats these days. Buying a boat is awesome and agonizing all at the same time. Because of depreciation I certainly wouldn't rule out a late model used boat either. Good luck and have fun shopping.

Definately a nice ride! That thing looks like it still has its showroom shine.

Yeah yeah, but can you do the "sleeper" or "walk the dog"?

I wonder if all the work was done at a certified Yamaha dealership if that might solve the problem. They might be able to inspect/approve the used lower unit as to not void the manufacturers warranty. Addtionally your insurance company would be getting the usual inflated dealership service department pricing. I don't know how many of these insurance adjusters sleep at night.

K-Mac has helped me to realize that I indeed have a problem. I took the self test and it appears that I am a gruboholic. I certainly need to get some help. Perhaps a new bait will help take my mind off grubs and begin the healing process. Hmmm maybe if I start throwing a Senko....what could the harm be in that