DogBone_384

I do what @tander does.

I have Curado and SLX DC's. I don't get any more distance than any of my non-DC reels, but the DC technology is very helpful in windy conditions. I also purchased a couple Lew's Custom Pro reels last year that have a magnetic cast control mechanism that's supposed to compete with DC technology. After using both for almost a full season, I might give the Custom Pro's the nod by a hair, but for the money, Shimano's XT DC is a better value in my book. Yeah, WINTER sure has set in. BassResource is going to be interesting over the next couple of months!

Three little fishing lines .... BOY, it's going to be a LONG winter, isn't it @Swamp Girl!

We usually just eat leftovers or junk, but 'boss-lady' made pancit. MUCH better.....

My 'if you could only have one' winter rig, it would be my Kistler 7' LMH Helium. It's got a nice soft time but just a little more backbone than my medium Helium. I'd hang a Diawa Tatula LT3000 under it. Hopefully I'll be on Cape Cod next week catching SMB with it - if the temperature gets above 30* and wind stays below 15-20 mph.

Firstly, welcome to the forum. I use a Kistler Helium 7' LMH (light-medium-heavy) for finesse plastics. It's rated for 3/16 - 5/8 oz baits, but I throw almost anything bigger than a Ned on it. It's got a light tip with more backbone. I also use a Douglas Outdoors LRS-724XF, rated 1/8-3/4 oz. It's got a softer tip than my Kistler. I use it more for drop shot, Senkos, and small swimbaits, but it's a nice rod. The Kistler is my #1 choice. They're made in Texas, and if you have any questions, Trey himself, or Reuben answer the phone and reply to emails. Good luck picking out your new rod.

My big LMB for '25 was 5-2 with a shiner, through the ice (I don't really count it, but I landed it). My next biggest LMB was 4-14 on a perch Berkley Stunna 112+1. 3-13 was my big SMB on a perch Berkley Stunna 112+1.

No.

Happy 2026 to all.

The MUSTACHE has spoken....

I've owned FeelFree Lure's for the last 10 years and have the itch for something new for 2026. Native's pedal drive kayaks caught my eye. FeelFree's customer service and spare parts availability has been phenomenal, from spare props, to rigging cord, to knobs and screws. Anything I've needed is a phone call or email away. That's what's kept me in one for so long. FeelFree's build quality and durability is good, likely on par with all the other major manufacturers. Anyway, I'm looking for any and all feedback (the more the better, it's 20* out and I'm iced out here in Massachusetts) from members that own Native pedal drive kayaks. How you rig them, how durable the've been, etc., etc.. Thanks, in advance, for your feedback.

I took the long way around to do errands today. Everything I passed from Braintree to Canton and back is very locked up. Hopefully Cape Cod still has open water. My ice fishing gear is ready to go, if necessary.

I'll let you know when they stop bouncing!

Yep. I was an Engine guy but swapped over when needed. I saw the 'regular' Truck guys stick that thing where I didn't think I could get my engine. It's amazing to see.

The same spot as my '68 Buick GS400 convertible. As far as trailering, I tow @Fishing Rhino's Nitro with his capped Chevy pickup and my Tundra. My RT178 is a breeze. I use mirrors, and only mirrors. The turning radius between the two isn't bad at all. I spent the last two years of my FD career driving a tiller, front and back. Getting that 52' monster through city streets makes you really good, really fast.

I added AT1 and an Elite FS12 to my boat last July. It was powered by a four year old series 24 lead acid battery. It would work fine but the picture quality went to poop when the battery discharged by the end of the day. The battery voltage started around 12.4V but would be 11.6/11.7 by day's end. It was originally powered with its own 12 gauge power & ground. The guys at BassFishinElectronics were very helpful and recommended I upgrade to an 8 gauge and a lithium battery. I installed the 8 gauge power cable but wasn't going to spend another $1,300+ for a new lithium battery and charger so I upgraded to a size 27 AGM battery. The picture is better and my battery voltage is between 12.4 and 12.6V throughout the day. All my network/transducer cables are as far away from the power cable as possible. Transformers are available on the web that will step voltage up or down to get what you want. I was told that my Lowrance AT1 takes voltage between 10.8- 31.2V and regulates it internally so you can power it from whatever source you might prefer on your boat. Hope this helps.

RIP Tom.

Keitech’s Krazy Flapper for warmer water and more action. Yamamoto’s large Flappin Hog for cold water and less action are my picks. A 7/0 hook is a big ask though. My choices might not be big enough.

Get @Fishing Rhino out on my boat. He’s in his ‘80’s, doesn’t drive & can’t run his Nitro anymore. He’s got dementia creeping in quickly. I got him out once last year & he caught a 4#. Hopefully it wasn’t his last trip. Additionally, I’d like to fish with more members in ‘26.

Six or seven, unless 'boss lady' is with me. There was one occasion at work we had to go to the 11th floor in full gear. It was the biggest test of my cardio during my career.

Striper fishing can be great, but there's a reason those of us that live in the Boston area travel. Northern New England can be tremendous.

I often feel the same way, as a lot of the membership might too, but look around this forum. The kid didn’t stray too far.

Merry Christmas to all.

When I got back into fishing I bought budget reels, working my way up the price point scale gradually. Now I buy out of curiosity (early adopter). Lew’s Custom Pro was my last purchase. I found it on sale and wanted to see how it stacked up against Shimano’s DC technology. It’s been on my jerkbait rod for a year now, replacing the XT DC that was on it.

YEP ... Being career military, I can't see you NOT checking your re-check list @ 0230 hours the night before. You set a great example for the rest of us. I have print copies in my boat, kayak, glove box, plus a digital copy on my phone. I've only run into an Environmental Cop twice in forever. It got very casual both times when they saw my FD plates and sticker on my truck.