BIGfryFish

@ Scott F Looking at the Outcast website I could only find this: https://www.outcastboats.com/pontoon-boats/pac-1000fs-green-gray.html It's the only model I can find to "compare" based on their given specs. @ greentrout I've also looked at Sea Eagle, but I don't know yet. ATM I don't need a trolling motor, maybe at a future time. I don't need a boat I can stand up in. When I do and have the place for it I may get something like this. https://store.blueskyboatworks.com/360-angler/ But for now I'm limited to inflatables.

How so? What don't you like about the Classic Accessaries? Do they have any big issues that the Outcast doesn't?

Hello, It's been a while since I last posted. I'm interesting in getting out on the area waters this Spring/Summer. So I am looking for some recommendations on some good Inflatable Kayaks, Boats, Rafts for fishing. It would be used on ponds, lakes, slow rivers/steams. No whitewater rafting. Something that that could be for 1 or 2 people would be fine. Minimum load capacity has to be at least 350lbs+ It needs to be comfortable for a large guy 6ft 2in 250-260lbs plus fishing gear. My gear could range from a small-medium tackle bag/box, 1-2 rods/reels, pack lunch, safety gear (var), cooler/cool bag, etc. I'm trying to stay under a MAX budget of $1200 including (boat, PFD, paddles, needed access, etc) Currently I can't go with a hard shell kayak because of transportation/storage issues. So please keep this in mind with your suggestions. Here are the few I found while looking. What are the opinions of these? Any good standouts? Pros/Cons of each? Classic Accessories Colorado XTS Fishing Inflatable Pontoon Boat Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat Aquaglide BLACKFOOT ANGLER 125 HB Aquaglide BLACKFOOT ANGLER 110 HB Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack Angler Series Inflatable Fishing Boat Sea Eagle 350fx Fishing Explorer Inflatable Fishing Boat Sea Eagle 285 Frameless Pontoon Boat Inflatable Fishing Boat Alpacka Rafts Kokopelli Packraft AIRE rafts Are any of these right for my situation? Do any of these perform better than the rest? Which ones, and how so? IS there anything else out there I should look at? Thx, :)

Thx guys, this has helped me a lot. Just one more thought concerning hook sizes. What hook sizes should I focus on? Which hook size(s) would catch the most variety of fish? Crappie, Bass, Trout, Perch, Walleye, etc.

So for Treble Hooks I'd should stick with: Gamakatsu, VMC, Owner Would the same brands be the choices for Circle Hooks, Spinnerbait Hooks, jigs hooks, etc? Are there any particular brand models to go with or avoid?

I'm looking to place a big order with Jann's soon. But I'm not sure what brand hooks to go with. Most of these hooks will be used for making inline spinners, spoons, updating some crankbaits. Based on what Jann's has what would you go with? Treble Hooks: Daiichi Eagle Claw Gamakatsu Mustad Trokar VMC Owner Treble Replacement Hooks: VMC or Owner Circle Hooks, Spinnerbait Hooks, etc. Which brands should I go with?

I like the TwisTech Magnum because it can bend wire up to .051". While the TwisTech can bend wire up to .037” or larger if you buy the attachment. The overall design of the TwisTech makes it easy to use anywhere. I was even considering the TwisTech Clamp Mount. But I can see how I can setup the TwisTech mounted on a large board. This would eliminate the need for a clamp or vice to use it. The Netcraft Tack-L Tool (Kit) was also a good choice. It looked like it would work fairly easy. The instructions were very clear. But the range of wires is only up to .031 inch. But the included book is very useful. While the Little Blue Wire Bender bends wire up to .041". But as you stated it's for making "R" bends and swivel loops for safety pin type spinnerbaits. So kinda not worth the money (yet). So I believe my money would be better spent on the TwisTech Magnum & Netcraft Tackle Tricks with Wire Book. Would blade sizes #2, #3, #4 be a good range to work with? Do the sizes go along each style? French, Colorado, Indiana, Willowleaf, Tomahawk What size treble hooks (& comparable single hooks) go with each?

I've been looking at some Wire Bending Tools to help make my inline spinners. Based on usability & cost I narrowed it down to these. TwisTech TwisTech Heavy Duty *TwisTech Magnum *Netcraft Tack-L Tool (Kit) Little Blue Wire Bender Which of these is worth the money? How well do they compare to each other?

After checking out Blue Fox, South Bend, Mepps, & Panther Martin inline spinners the sizes very. For example: Blade sizes 0, 1, 2 run like this. Blue Fox: Inline Spinners: Blade Size: 0 Weight: 7/64 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 0 Weight: 1/16 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 1 Weight: 1/8 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 2 Weight: 3/16 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 2 Weight: 1/4 oz. Hook Size:? South Bend: Inline Spinners: Blade Size: 0 Weight: 1/8 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 0 Weight: 1/12 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 1 Weight: 1/8 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 1 Weight: 1/6 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 2 Weight: 1/6 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 2 Weight: 1/4 oz. Hook Size:? Mepps: Inline Spinners: Blade Size: #0 Weight: 1/12 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: #1 Weight: 1/10 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: #1 Weight: 1/8 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: #2 Weight: 1/6 oz. Hook Size:? Panther Martin: Inline Spinners: Blade Size: 1 Weight: 1/32 oz. Hook Size:? Blade Size: 2 Weight: 1/16 oz. Hook Size:? I'm interested in making my own inline spinners. Each company has spinners I like. But which company has the better blade/weight ratio? Does one company make better smaller or larger spinners? What would be the idea weight for each blade size? What size hooks would be best for each size? Would the same size clevis work for all sizes? Thx, :)

Well that looks like a start. It looks like I'll be doing some trial & error. :) Thx for the helpful start.

I have both of those along with Barlows, Hagens, Mepps, and Mudhole. The sizes are varied across them. Which makes selecting parts difficult. I'm looking for some type of base guide I can follow. The I'd like to know how the others compare to it. Jann's NETCRAFT LurePartsOnline Barlows Hagens Mepps Mudhole EX. So if I had guide for Jann's NETCRAFT, how do the other sites compare? Are LurePartsOnline component sizes the same, larger, smaller, etc? Does Mepps run smaller? Is there anything like that available? Has anyone ever compare the sites for those differences? Do I need to go old school and pour out my tackle box and compare to each catalog?

I'm interested in making my own in-line spinners. But the various component sizes is daunting. It would be great is there was a universal size charts for each component. I tried getting comparison sizes from different manufactured brands, but they very. Ex. #00, #0, #1 & #2 Mepps spinners: Panfish & Stream Trout #2 Mepps spinners: Smallmouth Bass, Walleye #3 & #4 Mepps spinners: Largemouth Bass, Walleye #4 & #5 Mepps spinners: Steelhead, Salmon, Northern Pike, Musky While another manufacturers #1 is for Musky and #5 for Panfish. Is there a comparison chart for the most popular spinner blades or hooks? If not, could any one suggest which manufacturers offer the most usability. What spinner blade sizes should I use for each species? What hook sizes should I use? Single & Treble hooks. Bluegill / Pumpkinseed / Redbreast Largemouth Bass / Smallmouth Bass / Rock Bass Crappie Brook Trout / Brown Trout / Rainbow Trout Lake Trout Brown Bullhead Yellow Perch Walleye Northern Pike / Chain Pickerel

I'm not expecting to build the perfect rod for both kinds of reels. Just a rod that can use a spinning or low profile casting reel adequately. This rod would use Freshwater reels for bass/trout/catfish. The guide closest to the reel is the issue.

Nothing, just personal preference. I don't like the trigger rods as much. So a rod that can be used with both would be nice. After some searching I narrowed down to these possible choices. http://www.mudhole.com/CRB-2-Piece-Freshwater-Turnkey-Rod-Kits http://www.mudhole.com/MHX-Light-Freshwater-Turnkey-Rod-Kits http://www.mudhole.com/Ultimate-eZ-Rod-Builder-Hand-Wrapper-Supply-Kit http://www.mudhole.com/eZ-Rod-Builder-Hand-Wrapper-Supply-Kit http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/netcraft-fiberglass-spinning-rod-kits/netcraft-fiberglass-spinning-rod-building-kit-8-foot-light.aspx Which of these would be a good first time builder set? I'm looking for something that has all or most of the basic items needed to get started.

I would like a two-piece rod. What kit(s) (Netcraft / Mudhole, etc) should I look at? Ideally I'm looking to build a 7'6" to 8'6" two-piece rod. For my first kit I'd prefer to stay under $250.00

Well I have a couple Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rods that I use with both kinds of reels with no problem. I never noticed any problems. I'm looking to build an general rod. Something good for bass, trout, crappie, catfish, etc.

I'm looking to build "one" rod that could be used for either a casting reel OR a spinning reel. So the spine is not really "too" important. The guides just need to be as straight as possible. One rod that is capable of using either casting reel OR a spinning reels. The trigger for the casting reel isn't really important to me. 12-15 lb line Maybe I worded my intentions wrong. I would like to build a "spinning" rod that can use either casting reels OR a spinning reels. There wouldn't be a trigger on the rod handle. Depending on the reel used, guides will be fished up or down. Are their any specific kits I should look at? ________________________________________________ After watching videos at Mudhole I got interested in personal thread designs. Is there a good place/program/book I can check to learn how to design my own? I'm talking about the method used in this video. http://www.mudhole.com/The-Video-Archives The Fundamentals of Weaving with Cam Clark

I'm looking to try my hand at building a custom rod for casting & spinning reels. Where would I mount the line guides? On or below the spine? Would a two-piece rod work for me, or should I go with a single piece? What kit(s) (Netcraft / Mudhole, etc) should I look at? Ideally I'm looking to build a 7'6" to 8'6" two-piece rod. For my first kit I'd prefer to stay under $250.00 Thx,

I know it's way over my preferred budget, but what are the opinions for the Hobie Mirage i12S? http://www.hobiefishing.com/mirage/mirage-i12s/ How well does it hold up compared to traditional hard bodied kayaks? Are there any other inflatable brands that are as good as the Hobie brand? Anything good for a starter investment?

The Coleman Sevylor 24-Gauge K5 Hot Fish Inflatable Single-Seater Kayak only holds up to 250lbs. I weigh close to 250lbs, so that won't work. So that's off my list. Now I'm down to 4 (5) choices, and I added a larger option if I want to take a friend. So how do these stack up against each other? Sevylor Rio 1-Person Fishing Canoe NMMA® certified to hold up to 350 lbs. Inflated dimensions: 9 ft. 9 in. x 3 ft. Coleman Rio Canoe Hunt Fish Holds up to 350 pounds measures 9' 10" by 3' 1" Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat 9-ft. pontoons 400-lb. capacity Classic Accessories™ Clark Fork Pontoon Assembled: 96"L x 55"W x 29"H. capacity: 350 lbs ************************************************ Is having the Swivel Seat factory installed worth the extra $$? Can I change the XT to swivel seat myself with less fuss? Colorado XTS Pontoon Boat with Swivel Seat https://classicaccessories.com/colorado-xts-pontoon-boat ************************************************ Would this be a good option for couple fisherman weighing in together about 500lbs, with fishing gear (4 rods & reels, 2 medium sized tackle boxes, cooler, lunchbox)? Fish Hunter™ 280 4-Person Fishing Boat with Berkley® Rod Holder NMMA® certified to hold up to 750 lbs. Inflated dimensions: 8 ft. 11 in. x 5 ft. 1 in. http://www.coleman.com/fish-hunter-280-4-person-fishing-boat-with-berkley-rod-holder/2000020575.html?cgid=sevylor-boats

Never, I've only been checked twice by an ECO. Both time I had no problems. About 10-15yrs ago I got a Lifetime Fishing License so I wouldn't need to worry about renewing. No excuse not to have it on me. The card fits snug inside my wallet next to my fishing license.

You could always try a PVC cross handle. You can run smaller PVC under the lip of the basket going around the perimeter. Then attach larger PVC over the top like in the pic attached. That should keep the fish in, and makes a nice sturdy handle.

Sounds great. I was the same age when a family friend took me fishing for crappie. We caught a few decent sized ones that day. But when my uncles took me trout fishing, I was hooked. A few inline spinners, spoons, Phoebe was all it took for me to catch trout from the brook close to their house. Teach them while they're young to enjoy "fishing", and they will stay with it. Good luck! <^)\\\\>< <^)\\\\><

I'm 6 ft 2 and weigh 250lbs. So it needs to hold at least 350-400lbs. ATM I don't plan to use a motor, so a mount is not "needed". But if it has one or can be mounted later on that's fine. I intend to use the kayak, canoe, or pontoon on ponds and small lakes. No fast moving waters. Ponds & Lakes like at Grafton Lakes State Park. Where boats are restricted to paddles (row boat, kayaks, canoes). From the replies so far I narrowed down my selections to the following. *Are these canoes the same or different model versions? *Rio™ 1-Person Fishing Canoe http://www.coleman.com/rio-1-person-fishing-kayak/2000014134.html?cgid=sevylor-kayaksandcanoes *Sevylor Rio 1-Person Fishing Canoe https://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Rio-1-Person-Fishing-Canoe/dp/B00J0S0JFE/ref=pd_sbs_468_32?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00J0S0JFE&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&psc=1&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Coleman Rio Canoe Hunt Fish https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Rio-Canoe-Hunt-Fish/dp/B00EHKQ8J6/ref=pd_sbs_468_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00EHKQ8J6&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/canoes-kayaks-small-boats/pontoons|/pc/104794380/c/104710680/sc/104508180/classic-accessories-colorado-xt-pontoon-boat/711406.uts Classic Accessories™ Clark Fork Pontoon http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1907270&type=product&WT.ac=YMAL-1907270&WT.z_pg_ref=prd711406 So what a the PRO's & CON's for these? Which one(s) would be good for a fish time boat?

Well I'm looking for something to get me started in fishing from a "boat". The capacity should be at least 350-400lbs. solo only. It needs to be very portable & stowable. That's why I'm looking at inflatables. How to these kayaks & canoes compare? Are any more reliable than the others? Coleman Rio Canoe Hunt Fish https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Rio-Canoe-Hunt-Fish/dp/B00EHKQ8J6/ref=pd_sbs_468_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00EHKQ8J6&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak https://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Quikpak-K1-1-Person-Kayak/dp/B00EVII3BK/ref=pd_sbs_468_11?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00EVII3BK&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&psc=1&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak Pro Solo Package https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Eagle-Inflatable-Sports-Package/dp/B008CQAETQ/ref=pd_sbs_468_15?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008CQAETQ&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&psc=1&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Sevylor Rio 1-Person Fishing Canoe https://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Rio-1-Person-Fishing-Canoe/dp/B00J0S0JFE/ref=pd_sbs_468_32?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00J0S0JFE&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&psc=1&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 13' Pro-Angler Fishing Inflatable Kayaks FK396. Great Inflatable Rubber Kayak for Fishing and Kayaking. https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Angler-Fishing-Inflatable-Kayaks-Kayaking/dp/B00FL4H95Y/ref=pd_sbs_468_41?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00FL4H95Y&pd_rd_r=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1&pd_rd_w=7mDW1&pd_rd_wg=ZipJC&psc=1&refRID=FF0TDF03FYQQQ13EWRG1 Rio™ 1-Person Fishing Canoe http://www.coleman.com/rio-1-person-fishing-kayak/2000014134.html?cgid=sevylor-kayaksandcanoes QuikPak™ K1 Coverless Sit-On-Top Kayak http://www.coleman.com/quikpak-k1-coverless-sit-on-top-kayak/2000014137.html?cgid=sevylor-kayaksandcanoes Outcast Commander Packable Boat http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/canoes-kayaks-small-boats/pontoons|/pc/104794380/c/104710680/sc/104508180/outcast-osg-commander/2187155.uts **************************************************************** I'd probably get stabilizers for a kayak or canoe. Which would get me used to them. But I think I would feel safer in a float right away. I'm really considering one of these. Any reason to go with one over the other? Does anyone have one? Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/canoes-kayaks-small-boats/pontoons|/pc/104794380/c/104710680/sc/104508180/classic-accessories-colorado-xt-pontoon-boat/711406.uts Classic Accessories™ Clark Fork Pontoon http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1907270&type=product&WT.ac=YMAL-1907270&WT.z_pg_ref=prd711406 Kayak, Canoe, Pontoon?