Hot Rod

I had a similar experience with 50 amp vs 60 amp breaker. I upgraded this spring from a 24v 65#MK to a 80# Fortrexx. There was a 50 amp breaker installed with the original 65# MK but the Fortrexx installation manual called for a 60amp. After I installed the Fortrexx I figured I'd run it for a bit to see if I needed to spend the money to upgrade to the 60. So far so good, been running all year without tripping the 50amp and I run at 100% often. JM.02

I haven't tried the "new" version but the original was possibly the worst line I've ever used during almost 40 years of fishing! I was hoping it was going to be good since it was made in the USA and reasonably priced, but was sadly disappointed. I prefer Seagaur InvisX. P-line FC is good too but not as managable as InvisX. I don't hate Trilene 100% if its all that's available and I have to have FC.

First thing I'd check is your fuel. Is it fresh and have you been using an additive like stabile marine or sea foam. If the gas gets stale an/or contaminated with water it won't idle properly from my experience. That's where I'd start.

I got the 285 with a 150 Johnson. Love it. Wish I had the Yammy though. Its a well built boat for the price. Mine runs low 60's w/o a jackplate. There are some tests/reviews on line just run a google search.

I find the Bionic Blade is servicible for some techniques in the baitcast set up but I hated it in the spinning rod. It was too heavy and lacked the sensitivity I like for spinning. I have several of the Fenwick GT's at about the same price but much better IMHO. I have the older model, they have a "new improved" model for this year but I don't know how it is.

Man your going to like that boat!!! I plan on spending a lot of time on my 285 this weekend too. Congrats and Have fun!

Yup! FTO's the way to go.

Peg it. You don't want the bait/weight separating when it hits as you want the least amount of surface resistance on your rig as possible. Similarly you don't want to use a bait with a lot of big appendages, I find a compact bait to be best.

RW is spot on about the Yozuri Orig. It is great line at a good price. I also like it for shallow crankbaits as well as surface plugs. Sadly I can't get it locally anymore and have to order it or trek for it. Top water is about the only ap I still use mono for. I prefer the extra forgiveness of Trilene XL in 12 #+ in green even for clear water but the Yozuri is good too. The XL is just a bit more elastic where as the Yozuri is more sensitive. So It probably depends how limber the rod is and your preference. I also fish a lot of the Pline floroclean (and PLine FC and Suffix braid) and really like it but not for topwater.

X2 Sounds like: Cha-Ching$$$$$ "That's my money fish!" ;D

Any one own/use the new Jeff Kriet inspired Falcon Cara T7 7'M spin rod for fishing "squirrel tails" and other shakey heads? Just wondering how well it works and how sensitive it is with a 1/8 oz shakeyhead and if it justifies the price? I have other Falcon's that I think are worth the price of admission but they are all BC sticks. From what I've read it sounds perfect, but then again so does everything else in advertising

X2 I caught a 2lber early this spring that had a 3/0 EWG lodged in its side. The point and barb was about to be passed but the eye end of the hook had worn a dime size wound channel right through the side of the fish. It still had a tag of line attached to it. Now this was very early spring so it probably swallowed it last fall, if not before that. The hook showed no sign of rusting and had been in there for months. I was able to cut it and extract it and send the fish on its way. Still amazed that that fish lived with a big hole in its side clear through to its stomach.

RW, A person may only "need" 3 rods, but I always have 16 to 20 in my boat and still "want" more! LOL I guess that is a symptom of my addiction. But back to the question... If it were me I'd either go with a 7'6" MH or H BC for pitching/flippin or a 6'6" or 7" spin for finnese tactics but it really depends on how you fish and what you need/want to do. If your' happy with powel I'd stick with them. I think it is advantageous to have most, if not all , your rods from one company.

Yep. Get a power drill and an empty TP roll core or a paper towel core. Slip the core over the drill chuck (you may have to use some tape to hold it if it doesn't fit snug depending on diameter of core/chuck). Tighten down the brakes if it is a casting reel you are stripping. Run the drill to strip the line off the reel and onto the core. Use a separate core for each reel if you plan on re-using that line so it doesn't get tangled up. Run the drill carefully and at a slow/medium pace to keep line flowing onto core smoothly since you'll be using it on another reel later. You may have to guide it with your fingers acting as a "levelwind" onto the core. If you aren't going to reuse the line doesn't matter how much you run onto one core or how many reels you do at once. You can actually strip several reels at once if you are just disposing of the line.

I think I'd name mine "A Sick Day". That way I could honestly tell my boss I was out on "A Sick Day"

There were a couple of articles in BASS Times awhile back about the need for the federal permit. Wish I could remember what they called it. Here in PA they started requiring a state license for guides a couple years back. I think its about $200/year and requires proof of insurance.

My understanding is that there is also a federal (Homeland Security) permit/lic that is required for any "boat for hire" including fishing guides now. I hear it is expensive ($1000+) and cumbersome to attain. A result of the post 9/11 world we live in. Figures, borders are open for any illegal to cross but honest people trying to make a living get the short end.

Making a long, fast run back to the weigh-in thru heavy chop/high waves can beat the heck out of fish. Doesn't matter how good your livewell/boat is. Could be another reason you've noticed guys in big bass rigs loosing some fish. When I know I am going to be running back to weigh-in through rough stuff I try to allow extra time so I can slow down for that reason. There are a couple great videos about fish care under the video section of this site and BASS also offers a great downloadable fish care manual.

Yep, had a 4lb catfish just destroy a white 3/8oz spinner bait!

When visibility is lowest like muddy water or at night.

It amazes me but I have not had any issues with the Rapala knot. Seems like it should break easily but it doesn't when tied correctly.

I do this on the console of my boat. You'd be suprised how hot a sandwich or hot dog gets when the sun is out and you place it on the black dash under the windshield for a few minutes. I call it my "microwave" ;D

You know what the best thing is about the opening day of trout? They'll be more guys on the trout streams instead of on the lake where I bass fish.

Really depends on the cover. For grass I like a bullet shape with a verticle line tie like a Boyah Boo Jig. For Rock I like a football head For wood I like an arkie head or round with horizontal line tie. With the round for lighter more finesse presentaitons.

$13K for a new motor seems high to me. I have seen dealers advertising new 150's for $10K. I'd do some shopping.