NBR

I should have read Raul's post before my reply. He could well be right on. Currently the reel I have with 17# line is spooled up with Sensation so I don't have a good comparison with XT.

You should be able to cast that combo very well. So I would look to the adjustments in the reel. Go to Reel Mechanic's site for a good way to set up your reel. If I am having a bit of trouble with over runs I'll set the cast control knob a bit tighter than the normal. I have one out fit (can't remember the details of which rod and reel) but I often tighten the cast control knob so the bait/sinker comb won't fall at all when the spool is released. Re line going on the reel like it came off the spool. I think this means if it came off the top of the spool did it go on the top of the reel. With a bait caster I can't think this means a twit but then that is the way I always fill my baitcasters.

Years ago the word was to run your TM batteries way down before you recharged but today those who know battery technology say to charge up after each use and keep them charged. Idon't know whether the technology has changed or the batteries and charger are better but since I put an onboard in my boat I have been much better served. Onboard chargers are so much more convient that most people will just take care of their batteries better with an onboard. A new onboard will provide the lates technology although my 15 year old 3 bank Dual Pro has served me very well. Most boats are set up with the cranking battery serving the big engine, live wells, lights, depth sounders , everything except the TM. Unless you run very long distances the big motor charging system won't keep the cranking battery at full charge on some or maybe most boats.

I think Simp is on to the cause.

17# XT should not be a problem. Think about the rod and the lures you are trying to cast. Years ago I moved from an area with lots of cover n the lakes, wood, weeds and lilly pads to a placew where most of the cover are rocks. I switched to XL and find I like it a bit better. A bit of KVD conditioner migfht help. I'm with Wayne on the rating. When mono was the only resonaible choice I fished 30# for musky and pike with no problem but you are generally throwing heavier baits.

Silver Buddy jig grub hair or rubber jig & pig

A brand new motor that won't tilt or trim is a dealer problem. Maybe they didn't put fluid in the system.

It might just be the seal rings or gasket on the fill and drain screws in your lower unit.

If you are talking a spinning outfit then I'd go with the rod. If it is a baitcaster question I think a lot is your skill level. If your skill level is high I'd still go with the rod but if the bait caster skill level is average to low then I'd go with the reel. Both the above are affected by what you want to do with the rig!

I use spinning outfits for lures less than 1/8 ounce, skipping and drop shots everything else is bait casting.

I usually stand an d lean against my butt seal. When the legs and back are tired I'll sit.

I suggest you contact your state DNR for suggestions. The biggest problems with private ponds is over crowding and stunted fish.

My dad had one but if I remember correctly it was yellow. I have an old Shakesoeare Marhoff and another reel that I think is a also a Shakespeare but it says "Master" Precision Built and Model 300 on the gear box side. The Marhoff has 1964 on the end plate but I am positive this was not the build date. We were married in 1964 and I can't recall anyone in the family buying a reel at that time or after that didn't have some sort of a drag and anti reverse. Neither reel is in prime shape. I am positive they have been worked hard. They do still have the old braided line which could either be braided nylon or silk. I don't have a clue as to their value but if you have any interest I'll try to find out.

I bought a combo 2 or 3 years ago if I recall correctly I paired the reel with a 6'6"ML rod. I throw down to 1/8 ounce baits but for the real light stuff nothing beats a spinning outfit even for this diehard old bait caster.

It sounds to me like one of three things. Either the lower unit trim tab isn't set right or and in my opinion more likely you aren't trimmed out properly. It might also be steering cables. Although I run a fiberglass my boat is the same age as yours and my steer cables seem to be nearing the end of their life.

I replaced a 43# MG 12/24v with a 68# MK Maxxum 24v about 4 years ago, Just before the lifth assist came on the market. I went with a variable speed and a built in depth sounder tranaducer. I am super pleased. The holes matched up but since the MG hadn't used all the holes I did put in two more.

The Johnson Silver has been a great bait for years although not mentioned much any more and maybe not used as much. Including myself. Just get the file out and sharpen the hook. Over the years I have used them where there were few weeds and just cut the weed guard olff.

I should have gone to a bit more detail in my first reply. My Fitovers are just more comfortable over my regular glasses. The Fitovers are grey and the Cocoon's are amber. The Fitovers seem a tad lighter but that may be fit rather than weight. Both have adequate side shields and performance seems about equal. I think the price was about the same but I've had both for nearly 10 years so I don't recall exactly.

I moved some years ago from an area with more LM's. than SM's. To an area with very few LM's. I fish more now with spinning gear than before but I prefer bait casters. I added a lighter action bait caster so I could throw smaller lures (down to 1/8 oz.). Outside of that I use my regular baitcasters for surface baits, crank baits and spinner baits.My flippin stick and reelhas become my Carolina rig outfit and it works very well in moving a lot of line and a heavy sinker. Early in the year my deck has 4 BC's and 1 Spinning outfit. About now I switch to 3 BC's and 2 spinning.

I have Coocoons and Fitovers and I prefer the Fitoves

Lard Bass is right on. Also don't reel against a slipping drag nothing makes a line twist faster. If it gets twists trolling gets it out. P

New one on me. I don't see a reason for it not charging up. Give us some details on your charger. How do you know it is not charging to full capacity?

I've used it for years with no problem at all. It is my general purpose line of choice. Now with a little KVD line treatment I have it on reels for more than two years with no problem. I respool when I need more line. Little wood or weed in my lakes but lots of rock. I watch for abrasion very closely.

I am a big fan of glass. They ride better, fish better and are generally more stable. BUUUT, when you are going to beach the boat often or rub bottom without a doubt I'd opt for the aluminum.

A 1/2 ounce sinker is heavier than many if not most baits an d it is not wind resistant at all. I've been bait casting more than 60 years and on occasion try a long cast into the wind and pay the price with a backlash of monster proportions. I'd do my yard work with a 3/8 ounce sinker and then with a 1/4 ounce. You haven't told us about your line or rod. Both play a big roll in casting. I don't agree with Micro. I think you learn to cast in the yard and learn to fish with the reel on the lake. When you are in the yard you are thinking of accuracy, distance and freedom from backlash. When youre on the lake you add many other variables.