RoLo

I'm not familiar with the Potomac, but before going on vacation, I'll normally purchase bathymetry cards from all available vendors. Lakemaster tends to be superior in northern waters, but overall, Navionics tends to have better contour lines. In truth, I'm not happy with any cartographer, but auto-mapping new waters is prohibitively time-consuming. Roger

Does it come with guy wires to the motor mount Roger

That boat in the lower pane has more character. Roger

Sure can Roger

AGM batteries are more expensive, but offer several benefits as Jig Man pointed out. I'm currently using Optima BlueTop (AGM). Roger

Why should casting with your dominant arm sound weird? Why should pumping trophy fish with your dominant arm sound weird? Why should winding slack line with your subordinate hand sound weird? Why should NOT having to swap hands after every cast sound weird? Roger

I've been duped by Victoria's Secret, they told me I was the sole promoter of 'Push Up Bras' Roger

3/16 ounce Roger

I'm right-handed, so it naturally follows that all my casting reels are "Left-handed". Is there any reason for this anomaly? SEARCH ME! Perhaps the designer of the first casting reel was a south paw...I really don't care. Roger

We can't ignore the fact that everyone's fishing experience is unique. In my own exposure, I've had more instances where power was more important than a long cast. so I naturally gravitate toward the shorter rod. Saltwater anglers who target bluewater species such as sharks, tuna and billfish, use a rod called a "stroker". As the name suggests, a stroker is a short rod, rarely over 5½ ft, that's geared for power (Like 'low' gear in an automotive transmission). Stroker rods are designed for standup fishing, when going toe-to-toe against powerful fish, but are unnecessary for bass fishing. In any event, the choice between a shorter or longer rod hinges on your current need, not on some magical length. Roger

Above all, target the hull configuration, hull material and hull length based on your personal homework (a long read). Power up with the engine maker of your choice, at the maximum power rating. Favor the largest capacity fuel tank and livewell capacity. After that, you're free to wing it with accessories and trailer options. Roger

In elementary school, my poor parents paid for my clarinet lessons, followed by trumpet lessons. I sucked at both, and was easily upstaged by anyone with a banjo or harmonica. In my teens, I fell in love with drums, when the 'Ventures' were my main accompaniment (e.g. Wipe Out). I graduated from Zim Gar to Ludwig, but never made it to Rogers (inside joke). Roger

Was all set to respond, but WRB has it covered...never mind. Roger

I have no favorite nylon or fluorocarbon for topwater baits. If I said anything but polyethylene braid, I'd be lying Roger

I've spent lots of time chasing bass in both the north and south. In my opinion, the difference between the north and south pales in comparison to the difference between northern-strain and Florida-strain bass. When I lived in the tri-state area, I thought I was a pretty descent bass angler. That is, until I was confronted with Florida-strain bass, which made me feel like a beginner again. The Florida-strain bass is a crotchety, unpredictable, boor, which is why I luv'em. Even KVD expressed his fear of Florida bass, which I found heartening ? Roger

Reminds me of a dog chasing its tail. Even in the Atlantic ocean, after you boat a few fish, a fleet will begin to form (Binoculars are ubiquitous). My wife & I often abandoned a fleet we initiated, because finding fish is my favorite part of angling. Roger

Mindless littering is at the head of my pet peeves. I'm not pinning this on anglers per se, but the human race. Roger

I can't remember the last time I fished a Sassy Shad, but I’m sure they're just as good today as they ever were. The Sassy Shad was sort of a brainchild for the soft swimbait. When Mister Twister was first introduced (I’m guessing early 70s), I bought all my lures direct from the factory. I bought so many Meenies and 4” grubs they probably thought I was a tackle shop. More than once, Mister Twister sent me a free box of lures for trial (The good ole days). Isn’t that the truth? The best time to plan for the next trip, is hot on the heels of your last trip, when your critical mind is still banging on all cylinders ☺️ Roger

No, not at all. That meant "I fully understand" as in the urban expression "I heard that" ☺️ Roger

Like your honesty. Maybe that's why I retreated from this thread ☺️ Roger

I heard all that Roger

Perusing this thread, I find the hierarchy of brand loyalty a little perplexing, if not downright mystifying. Oh well, this might be a good time to fetch some strawberries and heavy cream Roger

Your concern sounds more like a 'rod length' issue than a brand loyalty issue. In the main, I mindlessly gravitate to rods around 6 ft 9 in long (love'em to death). With respect to brand, a Dobyns blank with a Shimano reel would keep me happy. Roger

Might be a little premature to give any thought to lures. The first order of day is 'location'. In a deep waterbody, shallow water takes center stage. In a shallow waterbody, deep water takes precedence. After that, it gets easier and easier. Roger

I agree, muskies are the ultimate freshwater gamefish. If human longevity was closer to 175 yrs, instead of a paltry 85 yrs, I'd probably target muskies exclusively. Roger