martintheduck

I've been wondering the same things as you. I've got an H18ss and the way the storage is arranged, theres only a tiny spot available to drop one in... I looked underneath and it seems theres a lack of "bracing" under there. Curious to see what you figure out!

Bahahaha!!! That one cut me deep (cause' I already run a Yamaha)

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This made me laugh! I'll pass on the weed, man! It's weird how when it comes to myself, all this kind of stuff slips my mind! I'll try some "meditation/napping" for sure. And I'll try leaving the fast baits at home (maybe). The big reason I've gotten into the fast fishing is because I've never done it before... I've always been a slow fisherman. I'm trying to build my confidence in fishing fast... I've always been able to DO IT, but just never enjoyed it. Now, I'm confident in my water covering techniques, but in the process I've started HATING slow fishing! I need to iron this problem out in the next year and find some balance... plan to go out for Collegiate Bass Fishing next season!

So I went out the past two evenings and couldn't BUY a bite. So frustrated.

Over the past few months (and after getting my new boat), I've hit a point where I'm generally only concerned with covering water. I'm trying to find spots, fish them as fast as possible, and move on to the next one. I haven't used softplastics in quite some time. My ole' trusty setup is usually a shaky head or c-rig, but I haven't even tossed one of those in MONTHS! I've hit this point where I'm just not feeling very patient when covering areas. Any tips on slowing myself down a bit and reacquiring some patience? I know covering water isn't always a bad thing, but strictly covering water and not properly working productive areas is just as detrimental.

I've used self-tapping stainless screws for everything

You literally own my dream boat at this moment. Would really like to hear what you think of it after a few months on the water.

Last time I went out was Sunday evening. No bites. Water is stagnant. Before that, Friday afternoon I was catching em' good on a 1/2oz flutter spoon and deep crank. Maybe this high pressure system over us will finally move in the coming days and cool us down.

Reviewing what I'm saying - don't cut the cable and run an A and a B off it..... there is a special A/B cable you can use to wire 2 transducers to 1 unit, so I imagine they make a special cable to connect 1 transducer to 2 units.

This seems like something you should be able to do with an a/b-type-switch. I did a quick search to try and find the part, but rendered nothing. Shoot Lowrance an e-mail.

That thing is gorgeous. You even chose the same colors I would.

Recently I was flippin' the river and hooked the biggest bass I've ever seen come out of there. I was in some heavy stumps and brush, muscled him up pretty well on a MH 7'2 and some 15lb fluro, but when he got to the side of the boat he took drag and I lost him in the logs. I now buy into the "heavy action rods and heavy line" for flippin'! I've got one Kistler rod already and really like it... alot. I've been looking at the Helium series for a flippin' stick. Anyone used one? Thoughts? Looking at Helium LTA 7'6" Heavy action. Want to pair it with at LEAST 30lb braid. I've also taken a look at Ducketts, but I'm hoping to find something lighter. Any suggestions on other rods to look into?

NuCanoe frontier 12'. Some ridiculous weight rating of 500-600 lbs? Super solid platform too... it is a bit pricey though

Might want to read a post I made about my experience buying a boat... Might help - might not. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/121224-real-ticked-off-buying-used-but-finally-succeed/

This freakn' guy ^^^^

For some reason that makes too much sense! I didn't even think of that. THIS is why I post on forums. So list of things - check levels in batteries and check charger. Will update once I get her back from the shop (fixing hydraulic steering).

I keep checking back everyday and nothing! For shame!

Yes sir! At first I thought it was just going to be an easy fix, but once I found the leak it was recommended to not mess with it myself. Definitely don't want to go through what happened the other day @ 58 mph - scary as all heck. I just brought it to the shop about 10 minutes ago though... will be back on the water in about a week. As for the battery issue - tested trolling batteries after a full chrage with a multimeter. Each one was only holding about 7. Wanted to check distilled water, but it's too hot outside. Going to deal with this issue when I pick her up from the shop.

Bought the boat used. I doubt previous owner had them connected 24/7. I've only owned the boat about 3 months. I merely assume everything is connected to the TM batteries b/c when the TM has started running out of juice, the livewell starts to act up. I'm have to double check what is connected to what. My best idea is to disconnect the cranking battery and see what is still working... if everything is still working I'll know it's all connected to the TM batts. Worst comes to worst I'll be replacing the batteries plus the next $100 it's running me to fix the seals on hydraulic steering.

About 3 weeks ago the river conditions were great for flipping cover on the inside banks. Theres a really steep incline right now so the banks go from 1ft to 18 ft VERY suddenly. Pulled up to a spot, flipped into a few spots and got to a little area that I could see "there's gotta be a bass in there." Flipped in, gave the jig a little nip but wouldn't take it. Flipped back in and it HAMMERED it. Was super excited because hardly any 2+ come from this river. I can feel it's a toad and start freaking out saying "aw dang it's a toad! dang. COME HERE. COMEHERE!" Set the hook, yank it out of the cover and start reeling in. Get's right near the boat, flashes in the water and it's at LEAST 5lb's. As soon as it flashed, it ran straight down and back into the logs, wrapped up, and got off. I was devastated. Since then I've been building a pile of funds for a Heavy action rod with 50lb braid. Never again want to be in that situation.

About 5 days ago I upgraded and installed to a Humminbird 898cHDSI @ the console. I was running a 365i sonar unit before. I wired the unit to the fuse panel and am using a 3amp square fuse. Everything on my boat is run to the fuse panel, but the only thing that ever sees any use is the trolling motor and livewell. Trolling motor is a 24v 70lb MK. I charged the batteries full and went out to the lake for some all day fishing, but about 3 hours into the day while running the trolling motor on 3, the batteries appeared to REALLY be drained. I turned the trolling motor up to 5 and it still wouldn't run worth a dang. I packed it in, charged the batteries and went out again today. About 1 hour in running the trolling motor on 3 and SAME problem. Batteries I have now are a little over 2 years old and really haven't been used terribly much. Am I looking at replacing the batteries? Or maybe I messed up the install somehow? Can you guys hep me diagnose the problem (why are my batteries draining so quick)? Any input is appreciated!

A decked out jon boat isn't going to be too stable imo. You can buy a new tracker 160 for around $8500 plus tax. Poke your head around craigslist and you'll get a feel for what's available. Also - there are a lot of factors you want to consider before buying the boat - are you willing to put in work on it? Fiberglass or aluminum? What do you really NEED vs WANT? Price range? etc etc etc....

What action was the Duckett?

Yea... your directions to the one in west monroe were fine. Great shop. It'd be awesome if it cooled off a bit before I start slaughtering teal.