DogBone_384

I use a Milwaulkee M12 extended life batteries for my Lowrance Elite-4 HDI. I get two full days out of one. I keep two in a Pelican case in the hatch of my Lure 11.5.

How many reels are you planning on having serviced? You mention spending a few hundred dollars. I just had three reels cleaned & super-tuned by Deleware Valley Tackle (a forum sponsor) for just over $100, which included a drag upgrade for one of them.

Stopped by BHR for a few after work, mostly to try out my new Con**pt E the Tackle Monkey forced me to buy on sale at TW - STEEP DISCOUNT. Was only there for 45 minutes or so, but the new reel, right out of the box and mounted on a 6'6" MF Veritas tossed a Rapala Shadow Rap Shad and Rapala lipless crank at least as far as other reels DVT tuned for me. I sure wouldn't pay full retail for this new reel, but at its discounted price, first impression is it's a steal. I also tossed a 1/8 oz Ned rig on one of my ML spinning rigs a little. Not so much of a whiff, but that's to be expected there. There are a few big fish there, but I don't think there are many fish in there. BHR is only 7 or 8 years old, and the last couple years I've seen very few bait fish, little bass, or any other species there.

Have you seen the boat in person? I'd contact eBay to verify the seler's claims and find out their buyer protection policies. If it's legit, pay with PayPal. Grampa Casey always said, "believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see." Add to that the old saying 'if it seems too good to be true, it probably is'. Lastly, what's your gut tell you?

Easy on the catalog bride stuff... I got mine from Manila Brides, catalog 12, page 17....

...cash...

I bought a SpiderWire backpack in '11. It's still in excellent shape. What I like best about it is the two rod holders. I use Plano half height boxes instead of the SpiderWire, I can get two more in the bag & sort my toys better.

I drive a Toyota Tundra with ladder racks. When I fish alone I slide my kayak in the bed. When I take multiple kayaks, two go on the racks and a third in the bed. ADD: hey booster, I can toss my Lure 11.5 on my ladder racks by myself, even after a full day of fishing. Unladen, it's about 75 pounds.

X2 - he's dialed in for sure

Look at it this way: his music is still here and he's 'upstairs' jamming with Johnny Cash again.

I own several Pflueger spinning reels. No, it's not normal. Box it back up & exchange it for another one. They're great reels.

I bought my Lure 11.5 in 2014 and was, like you are now, concerned about dropping $1,000+ on a fishing kayak. My first kayak was the Ascend 128T, which I bought more on price than anything else. The Lure has a great seat, is ALL DAY comfortable, and is steady as a rock. I stand pretty much all the time when out with it, without a hitch. The integrated wheel helps transport it short distances quite well, with the exception of dirt/gravel ramps. It's light enough that I can still lift it onto my ladder racks at the end of a full day fishing, where my 128T is more difficult. Storage space in the Lure is at a premium, but I try to pack light. I used a scupper mount for my Lowrance's transducer, though I believe the '16 Lure has a pod for it now. You state that you're not planning on adding any electronics. I didn't when I bought the Ascend, but that changed the more I fished with it. If you're budget allows, get a kayak with a pod/transducer mount. Electronics are getting so cheap, you'll be glad you did. Of my two kayaks, I like the Lure more than my 128T, and the fit/finish is reflected in the price differences. I'm happy I spent the extra money on the Lure. If possible, paddle the models you're interested in before you buy. If your budget is locked in at $600, you might look at last year's FS12T at Bass Pro. Their '16 looks great, but the reviews touched on stability. Bass Pro's return policy is pretty liberal, which helps. Also remember that you'll need a paddle and life jacket, at the very least. Best of luck with your decision.

Thanks for the info, and welcome to the forum. dress warm

Welcome to the forum.... BHR is Blue Hills Reservoir, and DVT is Delaware Valley Tackle. DVT is a forum sponsor and a great place to have reels serviced and upgraded.

I feel your pain. I'm not a season ticket holder for any sport, but I try to take my daughter to at least one Red Sox & Bruins game each season. I found four lodge seats to the last Bruins game. They were $1,000 before fees. Not bad for a team unlikely to get to the playoffs this year....

Good luck, travel safe, catch some bass, and let us know when you're back...

Dropped by BHR for a couple hours before dusk yesterday. Threw a black/blue Chatterbait & Shadow Rap Shad deep along the NW shoreline, then moved to the S corner where I caught the 4 pounders. I switched to a green/red-flake Hula-grub & 1/8 oz Ned. Not so much as a whiff. Water temps were in the mid 40's and barometric pressure was 29.2.

I just sent him 3 reels. The bill was $113 + shipping, which included one $8 drag upgrade for a Shimano Core. Mike tuned both my Lews bait casters: TS1SH & TLP1SH. Both showed improved casting & smoothness, with the Pro a little more.

I agree completely. I tuned my first couple casting reels myself, but for what DVT charges... I'd rather send my reels to him and work (or fish) while he's doing his thing...

Got out of work this morning, did my chores, spec'd out a side job, and bolted to Ponkie to get some bass. That WAS the plan. Started on East end and worked towards the SE area where the big rocks are. Used a Shadow Rap Shad and blue/black Chigger-Craw (that netted my pair of 4 pounders..). Managed a 10 oz perch (great colors) and two dink pickerels. It got windy after lunch, which made for a tough afternoon with the bait casters. I switched to a Yozuri perch colored jerk bait and Hula Grub for a while, working back toward the boat launch. No go. Surface temps were low 47.x when I got there around 11:00 and just over 48.X when I left at 3:00. No bass today, but I didn't get skunked. ADD: I got to test out my Con_ept C I just got tuned by DVT. What a difference! Ever see a Shadow Rap Shad FLY? If you've not already done so, send your favorite reels to Mike @ DVT and get them tuned up... very worth it!

Look up Doug Gray. He own's Billington Sea Kayak in Plymouth. He's a good guy. His shop is on Billington Sea (hence the name) and lets you paddle before you buy. I bought my Lure 11.5 from him and love it. He had a '15 11.5 leftover I was going to buy for my wife, but I snapped a leaf spring and allocated fun money for the repair. He was selling it at a nice discount. Consider giving him a call.

Stopped by BHR on the way back from Fall River. On the 4th or 5th cast I felt a dead line, so I leaned back a little bit, then set the hook. My blue/black Chatterbait rewarded me with a 4 pound 6 ounce bass in the same area my 4/11 came from. Today's wind was a little much, even for spinning gear, so I packed it up to get home, finish some housework, and get myself ready for work. If there's no extra work tomorrow, I'll likely be back there for a while, unless I decide toss the kayak in my truck and look for other waters. I didn't get the water temp. The wind was 15+ mph, coming from the north. Good luck to everyone else.

Depending on the weather, I might just beat the bank a little before work Monday morning.

Welcome Chris. You're in a good spot. I fished once this year with Fishing Rhino & JG233 at Sawdy and am making it a point to get more local members to fish in groups. A ton of knowledge/experience to be found & shared too. Do you have a kayak or canoe?

18 ball bearings ?!?!? What's it weigh? 12 ounces?