Goaltender

Just fished a tourney on Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend. Jerbaits and crwling jigs in 3-10' was the go to selections. Bite was rough! Friday was 50 and overcast, Saturday 70 and windy, and Sunday 55 with heavy rain for the entire event. 47 boats, only 24 caught a fish, only top 10 bagged 5. Caught one 3 1/2 lbs on first cast, then skunked the remaining 8 hours...

I got my 1st Extreme in a package deal on EBay when I bought 100 crankbaits. I loved it so much and went and bought 3 more!

I have a bumer sticker on the back of my car that reads... FISHING - It's NOT an addiction if you're not trying to QUIT

I would focus on the boat and motor first. The add-on accessories you can improve on as you go. Make sure the motor is close to the max HP allowed on the boat of you will be very unhappy with the performance. Hull design is huge too depending on the water(s) you plan to fish. Some of the lower profile boats don't take kindly to chop and larger wave action (like I have at the Lake of the Ozarks when the cruisers go by).

Actually this week is the reel trade-in, the rod trade in starts next week. I traded in a OLD shakesphere reel and got a $10 rebate on a new Orra. Heck - I watched one guy buy a $5 ice fishing reel on clearance, then turn right back around and trade it on a brand new REVO and they gave him $40 in rebate.

From the size of the boat I would say you could go up to a 10hp, but nothing more. These little engines are pull starts so no battery needed.

My understanding is that they only eat vegitation. They'll clean an area out of anything "green" and move along. Along the IL River they bow hunt 'em. They are very skiddish and jump out of the water (in mass) when a loud boat or jetski goes by. I live in the Chicagoland area and they have finally made it hear in numbers - not good for the Great Lakes. Hopefully the electronic fencing installed will hold them off but I doubt it.

Thanks for the advice! It's a big help.

I figured its time to buy a real rod or two. I fish the LOO almost exclusively year round and want to get a good rod to flip/pitch around the docks. The second rod, a multi-purpose for carolina/texas rigs and spinner/crank baits. Any suggestions? Just saw the St. Croix deal about buy 2 get a Rage free so help with their line would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Great article! I have been boating for 35 years now and bought my first boat when I was 15. I have owned over 20 boats in that span from a 12' rowboat to a 42' Gibson houseboat. I have always had realitively good luck and until recently ONLY bought used. Boats depreciate much faster than cars in the first two years - let someone else take the hit. Many people buy boats on a whim only to realize they can only take it out 3-4 times a year. Buying a boat from someone who trailers it back and forth is usually a good sign it has not seen the water very much. With a little mechanical aptitude (or bring a friend that does) a used boat is genarally the best bang for the buck! My biggest piece of advise when buying used is to request a test drive before final purchase. The sellers response will always be a good indicator of the boats performance.

This was my first fishing show. I love fishing and do alot of it. All my gear is average priced stuff so I went to the show prepared to dump some serious cash on new equipment. I was very disapointed - I expected and atmosphere similar to a flea market with tons of stuff for sale. My wife was happy though, I walked out with all my cash in hand I have been looking on line and am looking at the Powell flipping rods. Anyone have any feedback on the quality of the brand?

Being that I've been playing with Corel Photo editing software recently - it really does look faked. Hopefully I'm wrong 'cause I'm jealous!

Thanks guys!

Anyone know the dates of BPS annual spring sale this year? Trying to hold on buying stuff until then...It's just darn hard to wait in the off season

New to the forums, been viewing the site for about a year. Great site, LOTS of info. I live in Chicago but have a place at the Lake and fish regularly. Gonna try fishing tournaments this year. I'm at the 20MM on the main lake. Anyone care to share some of their favorite spots/techniques?