JROC

Have you considered the shimano Curado rod line up? Or even the Kistler helium 3?

I would suggest that you go with the 1016 It will give you EVERYTHING. I have one in one of the two of my reels.. Distance will not be a problem

The E50 Curado is what I use too.. I say both but if your budget is for one only use spinning and braid with a leader of floro after your swivel. with casting its just as easy even to drop. I just free spool until I reach the bottom, of course a little thumb helps.

I use power pro super slick in 65# test with a leader of mono 15# bG

I too recommend that you find a club and check out the regulations. it may be more advantageous for you to fish as a nonboater. However I have had some not so pleasant experiences. But a good club will have good people running it. I've not seen anyone fish a tourney out of a jon boat but that dont mean you can't. Its about what the club will allow. You may even be able to find a Jon boat club to fish with. They can help you do things to your boat that you never thought possible.

Glad you had and anchor I know most guys dont carry one but I always have one with me in my boat..

I am glad your ok. Your ability to remain clam and not cuss is most astounding. I too, tried BoatUS and found them to be MORE expensive then my current boaters ins (Progressive) I called and asked for a qoute after the commercials I saw one day. I know there is a company called SEATOW but I have not priced them yet. One time I towed a guy and it was painful but I if it were me I'd want someone to help me too. So I over looked it and just towed them. Let us know how things pan out.

Patience is not the characteristics of a power angler

Buy a curado E50, change out the gears to a 7.1:1 if you like I have one like that and the other unchanged on a casting dropshot setup. If I can flip with 65# braid on it I dont see no reason you would be able to do the same with the reel your talking about. to me they are the same reels except for a few minor things.

I agree totally, If it were me I would not get a Zombie rod unless you've handled one before. I would go with a Powell Max Frog rod and save a few dollars. If you can get your hands on a 844 that would be great. I've used that rod for frogs and have great success with it on 30# braid. I've never used the Powell max frog rod but I've read alot about it. for flipping I use custom spiral wrapped st. croix 7'11" legend elite blank and I love that rod. I have the zombie 7'10" rod and I wouldn't use either for frogs.

I'm nearing another deployment and I wanted to know what do you guys do when you stow your boat for long periods of time? I will have mine in the garage but heat is still a factor, so I have fans running in there all the time. I try to have at least half a tank of gas, the ethanol free fuel. My electronics are in the house and all my tackle stays on the boat except rods and reels.

topwater, poppers and fluke. Maybe a jerkbait depending on the what I am trying to get the lure to do.