NBR

This is likely in response to a Field and Stream article a few months maybe several months back. The research for the article was not well done and in my opinion was full of holes. If the Maine legislature goes forward with this they will prove my theory that state legislators are at the low end of the spectrum in intelectual capacity. Just below their federal counter parts and a bit above toads. I have seen bass with Senko like lures coming out of their vent. Seeing it doesn't mean they expelled it saferly but in doesn't mean they didn't either.

Don't ever get under your trailer/boat unless it is secured on your hitch.

Questions, 1) did the person that sold you the boat take you for a ride, 2)If not would he, 3) Have you operated a planing hull before, 4) How big is the boat and what is the motor size? I would assume the boat and motor are properly sized so you just need to learn to operate the rig SAFELY. If you have a buddy that has a step hull boat have him take you for a ride in your boat. If not can you hire someone? These things are not toys and they can be dangerous to you and others. When I go my first go fast boat I was amazed at how much further it coasted after you chop the throttle. WEAR YOUR KILL SWITCH LANYARD. There is a book "the Bass Boat Bible" by Warren Betz that is pretty good. The other posts are pretty much right on target. You sure as H don't need to be thinking about jack plates and different props. Learn to drive what you have first.

Unless you are using a very heavy weight that plummets the Senko to the bottom I would bet my next pay check that you have been bit on the fall. Effective line watching comes with time; you will soon learn it. I only fish Senkos unweighted except on a CRig and occasionally on a drop shot rig. I fish the brush hog type lures on a light jig but they can be Trigged and Crigged for that matter.

As said. They take up too much room, they are heavier so slower, the outboard hangs out of the boat and is much easier to service. You have a trim option you don't have on a conventional inboard. If you take out the lower unit you don't sink. I have done it and it gets costly $2200 but maybe not much more than taking off either an IO or a conventional inboard.

I've used one for over 20 years. It really improves the hole shot. The brand (I think) is a Leading Edge. It is nothing more than an aluminum plate with the trailing edge tipped down a bit. I think it is a great product.

I haven't fished Dale Hollow in years but I have a friend who fishes there pretty regular. If I remember correctly he says that it is pretty much a night time bite in the summer. DH is a big clear lake and I would go with a guide at least the first day.

Yes it will work for bass. Lube it, spool it up make sure the drag slips and go fishing. If you decide to keep fishing as a major hobby then start to up grade and moderize your tackle per Reelmechanic.

If every line you use is twisting up in a short time you are doing something else that is causing this to happen. Without more detail I'd guess the lure is spinning either an improperly rigged plastic like a worm not on straight or a spinning lure like an inline spinner.

I have a 1989 Astro that no one believes is that old but it has been well cared for and garaged. I would have him pull the boat to you, If it doesn't work out to bad. Better yet meet someplace at a lake in between. You both see what you are getting and each have a 12 hour drive.

Ask Motorguide!

They help with hole shot. I don't see anyway they could help with speed unless maybe you do a better job of trimming out the motor. A bunch of people trim out too far. The rooster tail shouldn't be higher than the engine cowl. Depends some on the boat but often the foil is out of the water after planning and trimming out. Mine is called a Leading Edge. It is a piece of aluminum with the trailing edge tipped down a bit. Works just fine and I'd buy another.

I've been baitcasting so long I make Raul look like a rookie and I second his post. Sooner or later you do something stupid or sloppy and you backlash. I will say its been 5, 6 or more years since I had to cut one off but then my memory might have slipped. I've never met a reel I couldn't backlash but except for very light lures, drop shotting and skipping the benefits of bait casting make it worthwhile.

I put Vanish Transition on a reel two years ago and I'm still using it with no breakoffs. Tie your knots carefully and slobber them up. Trilene is good line. You might want to check your guides with a Q-tip to see if they are okay.

I would bet the reel is fine. Not the top of the line but useable. Practise makes you a bait caster.

Call your state DNR they can fill you in regarding the how's and legality.

I have used the screw in type from the outside for over 30 years with no problems.

My 150's book gives a value. Ask a dealer although it may not be as critical on a 25.

I don't run it out at all. In the winter I fill it up so there is less room for condensation. I do add Sta-Bil if it is going to be laid up a long time.

If thr lake/river is north much slower than if it's south. Florida fish gain weight all year in michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota etc. they might lose weight in the winter and if the do grow it is very very little.

Not knowing how old he is but I'm thinking not yet a teen ager I'd put 6# easy cast mono. It provides some stretch to help with fighting fish. I prefer Trilene XL but there are a lot of good mono's.

I replied rarely and I mean real rare. Twice a summer would cover it. Trailer hooks are a different matter and always would cover them.

Dog Face I should have been more specific. I bought my sounder at a Tackle, Gun and Boat dealer and just went in and bought a new transducer. I took the model number and old transducer to be sure the connections were correct. If you bought your unit through a catalog or on line you can probably do a Google search for dealers local to your area. I bought new transducers on two different sounders because I banged them into the rocks too many times.

I'm with SFC Al. I want to hear the fish sounds.

Dogface, I have replaced 3 or 4 transducers on Eagle Sounders and if my memory is correct about 1/5 the cost of a new sounder.