jbsoonerfan

What say you guys? Do you tow with your graphs on or off? Does it depend on the distance or if you plan to stop on the way or what? I have 2 Helix 8's both mounted on the 2.25" Ram mounts. The guy where I bought my boat said it was okay to haul them while mounted. I guess I am just nervous about a thousand dollar graph falling off while cruising down the road. He said as long as they were tightened up they wouldn't move. He claimed the continuous plugging and unplugging of the cables could cause problems over time. I am not sure which way I lean on this, what are some of you guys techniques? I have been putting them in my backseat and putting them on in the parking lot which is fine right now but I am worried about being in someones way when it warms up and the lake is busy. I travel anywhere from 7 miles to 100 miles so I don't know if distance makes a difference or not. Thanks in advance!

Dang, all this talk about freezing temps has me worried. I took mine out last weekend when it was 26 degrees outside lol.

This^^^^^ I was disappointed when I bought my Lakemaster map and realized the 2 Units wouldn't share the information from the map. However, after having been out on the water with it, I really find that I only need it on my console when looking for areas with my big motor. Once I am on my TM I am on DI/Sonar 99% of the time.

I guess I should have added that I also have one stick that has 15 lb Tatsu on it. Still not sure if I am a fan or not. I guess having used braid for so long it is going to take some getting used to. Just trying to teach an old new new tricks as they say.

40lb 832 for me

Thanks! Should have looked harder lol

Lol, that's a 15 min penalty

Any chance there will be any 3/16 available?

He will be the only one in BPT, just thought it was a change from the norm. I'm also curious to see his stump and dam jumping abilities. LOL

https://majorleaguefishing.com/angler-columns/keith-poche-heres-why-ive-made-the-move-to-aluminum-for-2020/ Pretty neat to see him going to an aluminum boat. I am a big fan of aluminum boats and while this seems like it might be a sales pitch in a way, I think it will be cool to see him out there fishing the tin. I also like how he says $30-$40,000 like that's chump change lol.

Geez, that is awful. Hoping for the best.

I have a buddy who is an electrician. He always tells the customer, "We can do anything you want, if you have the money."

Weedless, got ya!

You should put this in the sale thread.

I'm trying to picture this drop shot Texas rig. You have a drop shot weight on your tag end, and your worm is on a hook above that, and then a bullet weight above that on your main line?

Wish I could help, I have no experience with 6 footers. Maybe someone can chime in with some advice.

Budget? Brand preference? Length preference? Line?

Dang! One of the best to ever lace them up. Should be a picture of him beside the word competitor in the dictionary.

Great explanation!!!!!!

I was recently in the same situation. I wanted a glass boat in the 18-20 ft range and had about your same budget. I looked at a ton of boats and there was always "something" wrong about them or something I didn't like. I finally found one at a dealership that was an 03 Triton tr186. It had no TM or graphs so they were going to set it up for me and get me a price. After some negotiating and changing this and changing that I was able to get something I wanted. I ended up with the boat with a 150 Mercury that runs really well. Has a hotfoot, tilt/trim on the steering, Minn Kota Terrova 80lb 24v, 2 Humminbird Helix 8's Mega Si and Mega Di, ram mounts, 2 new Interstate deep cycle batteries, new Interstate cranking battery, new lights on trailer, boat buckles on trailer and a full tank of gas for $14,000. A part of me wishes I would have went up to the Ultrex on the TM and a Helix 10 on the console, but hindsight is 20/20. I would have LOVED to buy a new boat, but I would have spent $40,000 or more on a new boat to get what I got. Not sure what a TRX18 is, but maybe close to that. So far, so good with mine and overall I am happy. I feel lucky to have found this boat. Like I said, I looked at a bunch and there was always something I wanted different about each of them. Good luck and be patient before you make a decision.

Thanks guys! Yea @A-Jay he will be ready on those warm Spring days in March when those big mommas will be about to explode. LOL

Took the boat out Sunday to do a little fishing. My first solo trip in the new boat (too cold for my buddy) LOL. I waited till it "warmed" up to 26 degrees before heading out. Got to the lake about 11 and when I made the turn into the parking lot I was surprised. This lake is usually busy most weekends throughout the year. Well, I had my choice of parking spots on this frigid day. The wind got up higher than advertised and it stayed cold the entire day. I threw every deep water thing I could think of without a single bite. I threw Deep cranks, A rig, Big swimbaits, Little swimbaits, vision 110, vision 110 +1, vision 110 +2, chatterbait, lipless, jig, and I'm probably forgetting something. After 4 hours of battling I decided I did not want to get skunked. Grabbed a T-Rig and headed toward the bank. On about my 5th cast I landed one on a Spicy Beaver. Doh! Ended up catching one more in the next 30 min and had to leave to go to a birthday dinner. Not much to show for, but it was better than sitting on the couch.

Thanks! I was thinking of those when I ordered it.

Just ordered some! Thanks!

I don't have the Expride, but I have the Zodias in the same model. I don't think you will have to worry about ripping hooks out. I throw squarebills with mine and throw lipless on a 6'10 MH and haven't had problems pulling hooks, hopefully not "yet" lol.