B@ssCrzy

Another option instead of buying a new sonar unit. Just buy another transducer, power cord and base and then use the same unit for both and just go back and forth. Love having the extra features on my yak and helps me to get used to the unit more. Just a thought.

So just curious which you chose to fish? Curious because I fished Patoka 3 years in a row and only caught some small dinks. The toughest lake I have ever fished. Won't go back there again if I can help it. I know there are some big fish there, but I could not catch them. Have heard it has gone down as a bass lake over the past few years. Have not fished Monroe, but heard it is tough as well.

An anchor trolley is a must!! Especially if you are planning on fishing rivers or anywhere with current. Also, I love having my Jackson Cuda rigged with my GPS sonar unit.

Two weeks ago I found a sale at wal-mart for gamakatsu skip gap hooks $1.00 per pack. Bought every one they had. Also had some tungsten for $1.50 per pack so bought a couple of those. This weekend just bought some spinbaits from TW for 15% off.

Man that is a bummer for sure. Glad you are safe and your boat didn't sink to the bottom. Could have been really bad.

I doubt it is worth the trouble because it would wash off so quickly.

This is some good information. 84lbs is a lot to car top. You can do it, but you won't be happy with it. I have a Jackson Cuda and car top it. I am already tired of it and couldn't imagine doing it to an 84lb yak. On top of that you are going to have to drag or use a kayak dolly to get to the water loaded with your gear. On the flip side you can only afford so much and getting out on the water on anything beats staying on the bank. The best deals will be in the fall. If you can hang on another couple months you can get a great deal on a quality yak. That is what I did and I am really glad I waited. Good luck.

Star Tron. Not had any problems with it.

I just picked some of the regular spinbait 80's a couple weeks ago and have fished it quite a bit. I too was hesitant to use with casting gear, but have found it has done pretty well. The rig I use is a curado 50e with a medium/moderate rod spooled with 10lb yozuri hybrid. The one thing i also added was the smallest duo lock snap I could find to help free the action up from the line. For me this has worked as the waters I fished were gin clear and I was able to catch quite a few fish. Biggest smallmouth being around 4lbs. With only fishing it for couple weeks it has impressed me. I think with the g-fix, which is heavier, you will be fine with your casting gear.

I have had some success with them as well in 65 deg water temps. Jury is still out on whether or not they will work in warmer water conditions and whether or not I can still use them in less than clear water conditions. I know they are not meant for that, but still want to see if they work. Used the spinbait 80 in waters where there was at least 10-15 ft visibility. Used Prism Gill and Ghost M Shad colors and both produced.

Never painted mine and don't think it makes a difference.

Amen to that!!!

The only time I eat bass is when I go on vacation with my family. It has been a tradition for over 30 years that we always have at least one fish meal. This year we had 3 largemouth and 3-4 smallmouth plus some bonus walleye and pike. Hard to beat the walleye for taste, but all of them are good when they go straight from the lake into the frying pan.

Looks like I need to replace the pump on my aerator. Any suggestions on what brand to buy? I will definitely want to buy a brand that sells the cartridge style pump where you can just pull out and replace the pump only if it goes bad. Attwood, Rule and Johnson seem to be the most common brands. Attwood looks the cheapest which is a plus, but want quality as well so was leaning toward the Johnson. Any help would be appreciated.

The inserts are made of thin plastic to save weight as you said. They don't need to be of heavy plastic. Keep looking at the other yaks around $1000 and you will find the Jackson Cuda is right up there with all of them. I have the Cuda 12 and love it. Have not had any problems with it and it fishes great. They are popular for a reason and if there was a flaw in their design it would be all over the internet, but you don't see that. If you like it buy it, if not find what you are most comfortable with and get that b/c investing some money in a good yak will save you some frustration down the road. Good luck!!

I would disagree, but I am not an expert in that area. Like previously said the banks on the dual pros are isolated. I have mine hooked up to my dual pro charger and have for 5 yrs now. No ill effects. The only effect is that my battery is properly maintained and is running like a champ.

I fish out of a 1994 Grumman 17'. Looks exactly like your old boat (same colors and everything) just bigger and has a console and 70hp Johnson. Love my boat. I feel the only downside to a deep v is the wind likes to use it like a kite. Other than that I have no complaints. Look forward to many great days on the lake and many memories made.

Great swim jigs.....very durable and great selection. As previously stated....wire tie is a must!!!

Yes it will work. Just will depend on the conditions for the day. When it is cloudy and overcast I like a black on black buzzbait.

JT Bagwell posts occasionally on here and writes some articles as well.

A jon boat is going to end up costing you way more than a kayak in the end. Here is the thing a GREAT kayak can be had for under $1000 by buying used or even brand new. You may be able to get a jon boat for $200-$300, but that won't include a trailer and probably won't include a motor, or any electronics. Even if you go all electric on the motor you then have batteries to pay for and if you go with both an electric and gas then you have added costs of fuel, etc. On top of that you have to register it and pay for that cost every year. If you want one with a trailer you are looking at $500-$600 plus all the above mentioned things to pay for. Then you are wanting to modify it to fish more like a bass boat so you will have cost for that as well. If you get the kayak you pay the upfront cost for the yak, added electronics, roof rack (maybe) and then that is it. No maintenance for boat or trailer, no taxes or fees, and can be easily transported wherever you want to go. I don't know what your financial situation is and only you can decide which will really fits you as a fisherman more, but I have both a bass boat and a kayak and there are days when I think I could sell my bass boat and fish my kayak only. Just got done buying sparkplugs, fuel, paying taxes on the boat and trailer, and putting new tires on the trailer....all the while my kayak just hangs on the wall not costing me a dime. With all that being said I do like the fact that my bass boat allows me to go from spot to spot on big lakes without having to paddle and I can cruise the shore with my trolling motor while fishing. Like previously said some of your preference will be dependent on whether you fish small bodies of water or big lakes. Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Yup.....good old plastic worm. They have been around for a long time for a reason.

Agree with this....trebels hook themselves.

I will re-tie if the leader gets between 12-15". If it is longer I will re-tie if I have a big fishing trip or tournament coming up. Other than that I don't do anything to it.

Another vote for Power Pro....