BassinLou

I agree George. I don't see the water coming down like some years past. This time a few years back boats were having trouble launching from a few places. If you had a small tin like mine you were golden. Glass boats couldn't launch.

There is no place to bass fish in the keys. Its all saltwater. The last freshwater water way before the keys is the aerojet canal. That's right off US1 right between Fl City and Key Largo.

Oh... here are some more. Fish Grip, scale, and ruler or tape measure.

Off the top of my head the tools and gadgets you will need for your boat will be: pfd's, rope, whistle, duct tape/electrical tape, extra fuses, extra TM prop, extra Main motor prop. 6ft aluminum utility boat hook pole, extra paddle, fire extinguisher, screw drivers, grip pliers, scissors/shears, Cell phone with full charge and/or extra battery pack. That's off the top my head, I am sure others will fill in with more info.

I used braid for spinner baits for one season. I usually throw 12 lb yozuri for this application so decided what the heck. That season 6 spinnerbaits broke on me. The spinnerbait used is very well known brand that I still use today. I switched back to 12lb yozuri and I have yet to break another spinnerbait. The conclusion I came up with, is that braid's 0 stretch properties effect the integrity of the spinner bait over time. When I caught nice bass, the spinnerbait was all mangled using braid. I had to manipulate the bait back into place. That alone weakens the metal over time. Going back to yozuri, the bait required very minor adjustments or tuning. Also I found that the strike is absorbed better using a copoly vs braid. This is just my .02 from on the water observations.

I use LT frogs but the hollow body variety. As far as the walking frog, its the user's technique that usually needs refinement. When walking a bait with braid, using less wrist action will allow the bait move easier. A steady soft cadence is what's needed to get the walking motion you are looking for.

The Savvy will serve you just fine for those applications. Save the extra $$. I have the 734 Champion, this rod serves me better for jigging applications.

Thanks for the report George. Sounds like quality and quantity was pretty balanced yesterday. WTG!!

To the OP, you will be given ton's of opinions as far as what reel you should get. Regardless of reel you decide to buy, using a b/c for the first time will have its learning curve. Which ever reel you get at this time, you will have no reference point to compare it to. Buying an expensive reel would not make sense imho. I would start with a BPS Pro Qualifier. Learning how to use a b/c should become become your focus. Training that thumb takes time and practice. Glenn has a pretty informative video on how to set up a b/c. Once you learn how to proficiently use a b/c then I would spend the $$ and get nicer reel down the road.

It's the canal that parallel's Griffin RD on the North side more likely. Runs right between Orange blossom and Griffin Rd.

All I use is Power pro #40 and #50. Zero issues.

15-20lb braid on spinning gear. 40lb braid on B/C gear in general. Certain applications will require higher lbs, depending on the type of cover you are fishing in.

Snook!! That's a beauty of pea in your new Avatar.

Those are impressive catches. I made my way to tree tops park years ago and was completely skunked. Nice to see that park has nice fish in it. Good work!!

That's pretty unique. Nice!!

I recently bought a Champion 734 especially for jigging and this rod rocks!!

Very common, what you are hearing is the braid going to through the guides. You will get used to that sound. And when the braid breaks in a little the sound will diminish a bit too. When you catch a fish the sound will increase however. Don't freak out!! LOL. Good luck.

An ugly stick if you keep snapping rods on hooksets!! LOL.... I kid... i kid.... If your budget is $225 you can't go wrong with a Dobyn's or St. Croix. An Avid, or a Champion if you call the right people will be a great rod. A former sponsor from here may be able to hook you up with a Dobyn's.

These new boats look REALLY NICE!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyO3lzQ77_0

^^^^ This ^^^^ By taking an extra 5 min to utilize the search function plenty of the recurring questions will easily be answered. Even threads that are considered "old" may contain "new" information for the individual doing the search.

That's reaaaally fishy lookin right there....

Yes, I attach a flushing unit to my motor.

I have a 1999 Pro 165 Tracker w/ 25HP. My mechanic advised me to change out the fuel lines more than 8 yrs ago and the my boat has been great. Every fuel up I use Star-Tron's fuel stabilizer enzyme. I run my motor for 5 mins every couple of weeks when the boat has not been in use, and this practice has kept my 16 yr old 2 stroke engine running optimally every time I use it.

I use line conditioner. I find it helps maintain line very well. Every so often I go to my backyard, take out 100 ft of line and spray down the spool every 30 feet. This way, when I go fishing, the line is straight. No coils anywhere to be seen. As far as braid. I used to spray my spools of braid down, however all that did was preserve the color of the braid a little better. 0 change in performance.

Wow!! That's a pig right there. Congrats!!