Nice_Bass

Shoot- Sorry about that- I was thinking of the color version apperently. Ignore me at all cost!!!

Also, wanted to point out- I did use to have an elite 4 fishfinder/chartplotter. They are very nice- but i believe they run closer to 300 and not 200 like the elite 4 color or elite 4 dsi. If I were you, get the chartplotter- you will want that next year if you dont....

This is easier said than done- but really I would keep saving your money to get a better unit. You can most likely find a good deal on a an Elite 5 DSI/chartplotter lowrance unit. It obviously has your downscan and also comes with contour maps- they are not great, but can really help you with the gps/mapping side. You can always get a mapping chip next year for your area for better detail (they are now in the smaller chip format- thanks lowrance!!). I think this is a great unit for the front of the boat, but I also know it is more than you want to spend. If you have to make a choice and don’t save for an upgraded unit, then you need to think about what size lakes you are fishing. If it is mostly smaller 1000-2000 acres or less you may not really need the gps, based on how good your memory is/paper maps. If you are fishing large impoundments, then get one with a gps unit- this way you can just start fishing and not have to learn a new DSI unit.

The IDNR legal staff, working with the Divisions of Fisheries and Law Enforcement, have determined that the Alabama rig IS legal in those waters in the state that do NOT have the "2 poles only with no more than 2 hooks or lures per pole regulation." Examples of those lakes where the Alabama rig is legal are the three Corps of Engineer lakes (Carlyle, Rend and Shelbyville), the Lake of Egypt and Kinkaid Lake. The Alabama rig is also legal on most rivers and streams, including the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri, but NOT between Illinois and Iowa. It is also legal on the Ohio River, including Smithland pool. In addition, the rig is legal on all private waters in the state. http://www.ifishillinois.org/gofish/alabama_rig.html

No problem. If I remember correctly the lake is only around 1700 acres, so the right trolling motor and batteries could get you around fine. I ran on just my TM, and you dont really have to cover the whole lake. I would get out there and fish first prior to buying the motor...unless you really want that motor which is understandable.

Because tourney fishing should not be turned into commercial style fishing (yes I know that its intent is not multi fish hookups, nonetheless...). Like I said, if folks want to use it fine- but everyone has a line in the sand that has to be drawn, and that is mine...what is yours? Should anglers in tourneys be allowed to troll, what about live bait, etc. The concept is not new and i do not think that it turns a novice into a pro- I dont want them on my lakes however, and also do not want to see them in tourneys.

For sure!

I know I used my big motor to get out- dont recall anything against it but have not been down in years. Since that is not the answer you really want, IDNR contact info is below, give them a call and I am sure they would be happy to help. South Region 3490 E. 500th Ave. Newton, IL 62448 618.783.3478

Yes, not legal here in IL- but really what is legal in IL??? Anyhow, I believe everyone derserves the right to give it a try, like it, love it, whatever they would like to feel. I also reserve the right to not like it and am glad I have not seen anyone tossing it around here- not to say they were not sold out at the local BPS though... But really, in tourneys, I cannot believe it is legal- but sound boxes etc- where do you draw the line. One thing for sure is this is making producers of these rigs a lot of money.

Start with your bank that you currently use, or as someone said use a Credit union. Hopefully you have some money already, you do not necessarily need to put it as down payment, however a CU is more likely to loan you money if your assets cover what you are borrowing, and you keep those assets at the financial institution. Your rate and term on a boat that old will be very bad- and you might find getting a longer term on a newer boat may be a better option. It does not sound like you are spending much money, however loans on RV's boats etc. always carry higher risk to banks, as they are the first items that people stop making payments on when in financial trouble, and banks are not in the business of selling items. Anyhow, don’t become part of that statistic, and good luck.

Just got done fishing there- plenty of fish shallow-ish. caught most on a shad crank 8-10ft. Still catching the bigger fish deep- 18-20 ft range with hair jigs and craw trailer off brush piles, off docks, near deeper water.

Still find it odd to go to the Northeast section- Grew up here thinking we were in the central, or at least...cough cough mid-west. Anyhow, water is looking really good the few times I have been out- too windy this year is they only problem. Makes it a bit tough to dead stick or drag a jig when my boat is coasting along at 6mph with the wind blowing 25+ Fish have been fat though. Have fun out there, and be safe.

I usually kill them on clinton- wipers and bass alike. I still think the numbers and size beats anything I go to in IL. Too d**n windy around these parts lately- have not been for a couple of weeks now, but the cold end of the lake should be really ripe right now.

I have a 2011 175txw with 75hp- that is the max for the newer model years, prior to that it was 90hp. They are great boats, holds my 7'6 rods just fine- livewell is a bit small, works for tourneys but really have to keep the water good, may not work well in the deep south. runs about 46mph loaded. My only issue is wind, it can really get brushed along and somtimes you really have to fight it.

Same jigs i use the rest of the year......... http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

x2

Norman DD22 or fat free shad. really the only two cranks i use.

PM me.

Kelley- You being in SO ILL are they in the Kinkaid area? I used to fish that quite a bit 7 years ago and figured I either caught a snakehead...but then thoguht it must have been a bowfin after a couple minutes .

Great fun in learning for sure congrats. For the life of me though I will never understand why people are so secretive about their "spots" "baits" or "techniques". There is always someone that already knows it, uses it, and mastered it... Especially brought up on a public fourm... Anyhow, I am good on it for the time being, may just mean i would have to buy another new rod anyhow

I also have used them with swim jigs, but also with the paddle tail. As far as a skirted jig not swimming, never tried but should. I do fish 10-12" ribbon tails on a naked stand up jig head in the summer/late spring on deep rocky points and channel swings. I only did that though because I was thinking not enough of my craw was out of the softball sized stones at the bottom unless i moved it.

I had actually looked at a couple places as well...prices are pretty great right now!! I do have some pretty bad habits though, mornings are always rough for me down there.

Still working with her on her patience on the boat- but whenever we can I take her out. She only lasts so long on the boat- and when the water is warm enough I can at least let her swim and play for a while in between fishing...for now, usually just take her to a local pond. Cant wait till shes old enough to stay on the boat for hours- she turns 4 this september and works soft plastics already (stickbaits) edit- for some reason it will not allow me to upload picture, but- maybe someday i will figure it out.

My fishing was very slow last year in regards to size. I am now up to 5 over 6# this year and multiple days with 20 plus keepers. Leaving to go out in about 2hours- i am sure it will be slow pickens this afternoon-

powerworm in pumpkinseed by the 100 count pack.