NBR

Loop knot or a snap - no swivel. Personally I think the loop knot such as a King Sling is better than the snap but I'm to lazy to retie so I use a cross lock snap.

Go to Reel Mechanics tutorial on bait casting. Follow the instructions then practice. Your equipment should serve you well but possibly not in all situations but as you gain experience you will have a better idea of what you need and want.

On board chargers plug into a regular outlet. Because they are mounted in the boat and depending on the number of banks they really simplify battery charging. Also they are water proof so rain is not a factor.

I use my flippin stick.

I am in more or less in the Raul camp. I have from some to several made by all except for the Revo's but mine are older and include a BPS reel or two. I like them all. I hope the ice melts soon so I can give them a try.

Chris. I've read your post 3 times. What point are you trying to make?

I agree 100% with Catt. Fiends that have private ponds are told by state DNR's to harvest a sizable number of pounds of fish annually or face the small fish issue. The owner should check with the state fisheries to get an idea of the neceswsary harvest.

The charger says "Charging Systems International" But if I remember correctly that is now called "Dual Pro". My boat is now charger is now 20 years old and I bought the onboard charger about the second or third year I had the boat.

First you should recharge as soon as you get back from the lake and then again before you go. After going through several portable chargers I bought an "Onboard" and I'll never use another portable charger for my boat.

I'm with Raul and others. I have never understood the panic box concept. When I get set up to leave the ramp I have 3 to 5 outfits set up with what I think are the best approaches for the date, time, water and weather. When my catching is slow to nonexistant I rethink what I have been using and the situation, weather, previous weather, water conditions, past experience under similar conditions and make a decision. A big issue always is forage. After 30 to 45 minutes with no better results I rethink including location.

I've been baitcasting for over 60 years and still haven't found a reel I can't backlash. Read Reelmechanics post on setting up a baitcaster and the other previosly posted info. Then practice, practice practice. Did you have to cut the line off the reel? If not you were pretty successful.

I must have pushed a wrong button but I was about to write the stuff is stored and hard to get to but as I remember the rod is a 6'3" ML.

I have a BPS Prolite Finesse comb that I use for just those purposes and like it just fine. Stuff is stored

I'd use the Uglystick for cranks, spinner baits and surface. I'd get a 7' sensitive spinning rod and a new spinning reel. As Road Warrioe says line is very important. I fish very clear water so I use fluorcarbon a lot with the balance being mono. Although I use baitcasters for every thing except drop shot, skipping and baits from 1/8 ounce and smaller I'd forgo the baitsater until next year unless the budget allowed me to upgrade my spinning gear and buy a mid to top range baitcaster.

80% BC until m id summer then 70% BC. I throw down to 1/8 oz on my batcasters.

When I movewd to an area with very clear lakes I started using my flipping stick for CRigging and it works just fine.

Exterior plywood would be better than particle board but still will not last nearly as long as marine grade. You will probably have to get your local lumber yard to get you a price on marine grade.

My boat came with the same setup. The 12v allows you to go slower but it only drains one battery which is not good. In a vwery short time I decided to never use the 12v setting. When I replaced the TM I went for a 24v only.

Shane J, If you would send me the same PM I'd appreciate it. I have a 1998 Astro which except for decals was the same as the Procrafts of that time. Thanks

If the lakes you fish get rough beware of the flat bottom boats. They will beat you to death and soak you in even moderate waves. As stated it is not possible to comment on which boat. So much depends on the care the boat got during its life. Transom, outboard and TM would be my chief concerns and in that order.

On a semi rig if the seals develop a leak the brakes get oil on them and fail. Some if not all semi oilbath seal systems are warranteed for 250,000 miles and more. Although when I first heard of oilbath seals for boat trailes it was of interest I am no longer considering the switch. This looks like overkill for a boat trailer to me.

Buxkeyeone is on track. Read Reelmechanics tutorial and practice in the drive or yard.

Catt, I think it's a great idea and, intime, adding video, scuba and some graphics would increase your market size. I live too far to make a trip practical.

As said they will feed down. Your attractor is going to attract bait fish which attracts the bass.

You should always have glasses on while fishing. Litterally thousands of one eyed fishermen/women can attest to the need. My dear and now departed friend lost an eye while fishing some 40 years ago. I wear glasses anyway but have grey polarized for bright days and amber for hazier days. I have both "Fitovers" and "Cocoons". I do like the "Fitover's" slightly better but both are acceptable.