Goldstar225

I C&R the majority of the bass I catch but I will keep a few for a meal on occasion (love bass). I won't keep anything over 3#.

I don't have any advice for you that hasn't already been given. I'll just say that your boyfriend is a lucky man to have a lady like you! My advice to him is "Boy, you better marry that girl"!

I usually deadstick while working out a backlash. Surprising how often a fish takes a fluke or worm (once it was a buzzbait) while I'm doing that.

Congratulations on the new boat!! That 40 horse should scoot you along nicely. As far as added equipment I also carry a flare pistol for signaling and a whistle.

Each truck will have its own tow rating based upon engine, transmission and gear ratio. That can range normally from 5,000 - 11,000 pounds in the same 1/2 ton truck depending on the configuration. I agree with the others who advocate the 3:73 ratio, especially in hilly terrain. The dealership should be able to provide the actual rated towing capacity for each truck you look at. If I were in your position I would want a minimum rating of 7,000# to compensate for the hilly terrain. Don't just go with the salesmans claim that "it'll tow anything".

I also just used an appropriate sized plastic tarp for my Jon boat. Just make sure to have something to elevate the tarp so it doesn't sag into the boat otherwise it will hold water like a bathtub.

Your post gave me flashbacks to my youth. I had permission to fish every farm pond within three miles of my home, of which there were many. I rigged up rod holders on my bike handle bars using black water pipe (PVC would work now) wired in place to carry them vertically and strapped my tackle box to the luggage rack. The only issue was dodging overhead branches with the rods.

I fish to relax and enjoy being out. I like to catch 'em but my day isn't ruined if I get skunked.

Happens to me too. Ah well, they're just practice hooksets for the real thing.

I use a standard transom saver that goes from the trailer to the lower unit.

Working around the house and yard, loading ammo (but ranges are closed ?), fishing (lakes and ramps are open ?).

Controlling the trolling motor will come with time and use. Fighting the wind in a tin boat makes it more challenging. Don't sweat it. Keep at it and in no time you'll be making it respond to your wishes without even consciously thinking about it. Like it's already been suggested, find an area out of the wind such as a cove or marina and just maneuver around.

Another buzzbait lover here. Very early in the morning, late in the evening it's my preferred bait.

I don't trust batteries past the four year mark. Doesn't matter if it's car, truck or boat I replace them at the four year mark. While some batteries will warn you that they are getting weak, I've seen too many die a sudden death that resists a jump start. Considering that a lead acid cost +/- $100.00 that's $25.00 a year for a four year replacement cycle vs $20.00 a year for five year cycles. Saving $20.00 to get an extra year out of a battery isn't worth the risk of being stranded to me.

I was a bank fisherman, I had only been in a jon boat a half dozen times up until I was 35 when I bought my first Jon boat. Then an '87 tracker TX 17 from my brother in about 2010. Two years ago I sold it and bought my 2018 PT190 which will probably be my last boat.

My wife frequently suggests that I go fish. Is she supporting my hobby or trying to get rid of me for a few hours?

Until my current boat I always bought used, some very used. For this one it's my last boat. I feel that I'm not savvy enough to spot potential problems on what (for me) would be an expensive purchase so I paid the price for a new boat for my peace of mind. Plus i was my retirement gift to me. Depreciation was not a concern since it will be sold by my estate.

Good luck. It's sounds like a heck of a deal to me.!

Thread is 4 1/2 years old and the OP hasn't been on the site since May of 2017. Doubt he'll reply.

I got the Plano edge terminal tackle box a couple of months ago. So far I really like it. Only time will tell on it's durability. https://www.planomolding.com/edge-master-terminal

I'm using a Minn Kota 315 (5 amps per bank). Had it for two years and it's serving me well.

I've had my tracker PT190 for two years, similar in size to the 188 with the 115 Pro XS 4s (Non CT). I don't fish tournaments. With that said I'm completely satisfied with the performance of the 115. With a Mercury X7 prop I hit 49 (GPS) with a good holeshot. I'm not a speed demon and cruise at 40 MPH @ 5,000 RPM. As to the size of the boat I have never wished for larger and have fished with three on board (two front deck, one stern) easily. You needs/wants may be different on boat/motor size but for me the extra 8K wouldn't be worth it.

Mine are just Helix 7's and I may be overly anal or protective but I take mine off and store them in a padded hard shell pistol case for transport and storage between trips.

Since you plan to keep it for quite some time I would look for a good used Tracker 175 TXW or similar designed boat in your price range. The 175 will ride choppy water better than the classic and have better storage. Despite the disdain some have for the tracker brand I can only say that my brothers and I have owned six trackers over the years and have been completely satisfied with them.

Back in the 60's and early 70's I never saw anyone down home with a boat trailer. Everyone hauled their 12'-14' jon boats in the back of their trucks that had 8' beds. It was a pain to drag it out, load the motors and gear then reverse the process. There's a good reason to trailer your boat if you have a launch site were you can launch from a trailer.