Todd2

Ok, I found about a seven inch gash that runs along side the keel cover that was covered by epoxy. I had to sand down the peeling epoxy to find it. Shame on me for not crawling around underneath. I called him and he said the previous owner had done that and it didn't leak on him. He said he would split the cost of a repair and that he feels bad. So, sounds like I need to remove the front deck?

Well, I posted on another thread that I purchased a used 2003 Tracker 175. I took it out for the first time and it takes water. To say I'm frustrated is an understatement. The previous owner said he had it out two weeks ago with no problem. So now I'm stuck. My old fish n ski was hard to fish out of but at least it never took a drop in 12 years. So, I'm looking for some help. When I pulled the plug it ran for a good minute after about 6 hours of fishing. Back in my garage, it dripped on the floor for about a day coming from the bottom of the keel guard (?). So what am I looking at here? Can I try to get a welder to weld the outside? Do I need to pull the front deck out to weld? Thanks for any help.

I'm surprised crankbaits aren't mentioned more. It's my ultimate numbers lure when it's on.

Thanks, nothing too fancy. Just a 2003 Tracker, but it's "new" to me, lol. Here's a pic of the inside.

I sold the fish n ski, looked at a lot of boats. If I were purchasing a new aluminum, the answer would've been Ranger. Not much more expensive than Lowe or Bass Tracker but honestly a better boat after talking with the Cabelas guy for about 45 mins. As it turned out, I found a used Tracker 175 and picked it up last night. So hopefully I'll get my gear all set and get out in the next day or two. My Fish n Ski was 16.5, so technically only a foot longer but I have way more room.

#10 Mccoy Copolymer for all of my cranking.

I made the switch over 10 years ago. It took one full day on the water. The same day, my buddy with me tried the same thing. He gave up an hour or so into and still fishes right handed. I'm glad I stuck it out.

I hear ya buddy...it's tough. But I'll always have those memories. Back to topic, wide range of opinions. Ill probably keep an open mind and grab a good deal. The only way I'll make this "jump" is to sell mine first. Then I'll go crazy without something.

I don't tournament fish but if you fun fish we can get hit it sometime...

Well..I took pics to sell my current boat and I started thinking about all of my memories the last 12 years. Memories of fishing with my dad before we lost him 3 years ago, of him rebuilding the motor...wow, not sure if I can let it go. He had rebuilt auto and tractor engines but never an outboard. He told me mine was the first and the last and it was. It's been running great for about 8 years since. It's going to be hard to let go but I don't have room for two.

I'll be buying used. I mostly fish about 2 or 3 reservoirs that are about 4000 to 6000 acres. I do fish KY lake a few times a year at most and even now in my 17 footer I stay off the main lake if there is a strong South wind. My main lake is about 25 min from my house so fuel efficiency isn't a huge deal as a pro for aluminum. But I would like to fish up in the rivers a little more so I'd like to find a good welded aluminum boat. I'm just concerned about how they ride in big waves and just the stability of normal fishing. Also, it appears I can get a much nicer/newer boat if I go Aluminum. Decisions decisions.

I've fished out of a 17 foot fiberglass Fish and Ski for about 12 years. It's the only boat I've owned and has served me well..but I've got this new boat itch that won't go away so I'm looking to move up to a 18-19 Bass Boat. Enough chatter...what's the pros and cons?

Mine has a 115 and it does me fine but I don't fish tournaments. I also don't fish a lot of big water except KY lake a few times a year at the most and there I'll just trailer to the area I want to fish. Most of the time I'm fishing 4000-6000 acre lakes and can cover the areas I want to fish just fine.

I toyed around with it a few years ago. Went back to mono/copolymer.

Once or twice a year.

I'd let the bass answer. My guess is yes. I've done very well with a jig and senko trailer for years.

I'll answer with an example. Last summer, my girlfriend and I were out fishing. She was throwing a lite Carolina rig, I was throwing a jig. I don't tournament fish but was on a point that is very popular with those guys. We had caught several nice fish and decided it was time to stop and eat some lunch. Some tourney guys pulled up while we were eating sandwiches and asked if they could fish. I said go ahead as we kind of drifted off the point. They caught two nice keepers and left to go weigh in. We finished eating, trolled back over to the point and started catching them again. Some point are really that good. This one..drops right into the main river channel. The key is finding the depth they are at on the point...

Thanks Bluebasser...

I've fished stick baits on heavier jigs for years. I guess I'm going to have to try going a little lighter if my normal jigs don't work. One question......why a mushroom head? Wouldn't a lighter jig of any type work?

McCoy is great on spinning reels. Get the 8 or 10 in Clear Blue Fluorescent. I don't like green because I can't see it as good.

Barred owls are my favorite to hear...nothing like night fishing with black lights..the lake almost to yourself and hearing that "who cooks for you" call.

A guide told me one time that women almost always out fish men in his boat on a C-Rig. Patience...working it slow was his reason.

Hmm.. never thought of that. I have to drop mine to fit in my garage and I've never had a problem.

I voted Mean Green but only use their Clear Blue Fluorescent. Awesome stuff.

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