Choporoz

I'm impressed that you're going the extra miles to git 'er done, @Delaware Valley Tackle . Last year, I made the mistake of trying to support a local guy instead of going back to DVT. I got one back that wasn't fixed because he said it's old and he wouldn't be able to get parts. I'm not convinced he tried, nor did he contact me before sending it back. Pretty sure I could have cannibalized one I have here, even. As I'm sure @F14A-B knows, there's value in Hangar Queens.

I really like that he can open that locker under the rods. That is one of my biggest problems. Rod locker goes down the port side and I always have a number of rods on top. Keeps me from going in there sometimes, even when I think maybe I should grab another. I don't see any pics with spinning rods. Wonder how (if) the bigger reels and guides will work

Does back-reeling play into the calculus for pros? No idea how many of them do it, but might drag and control be a factor in choosing spinning over BFS?

Back when we had cable, two movies I always stopped on while surfing were Rio Bravo and Sierra Madre. I tried re-watchting a couple Sergio/Clint movies a few years ago and found I no longer have the patience for that pacing.

@MontanaBasser , do you have access to military bases? If so, your options are a bit better.

15# InvisX. The 20 might work ok with 1/2 oz and heavier, but it is more than I'd use. 12# ok for 3/8 oz in open water.

Let's see what Phil has to say tomorrow. It looks like the great white north here in NC. 6 inches of snow on top of 2-3 inches of ice. Risky just going the 10 miles to town.

Mine is similar. My coupler has very little tolerance for any difference in angles. Truck and trailer have to be very level.

I don't go looking for deals. I go for the seminars and to talk with and support the 'little guys'. I love buying and fishing with lures made by individuals and small local companies.

Good idea, @Bird . I guess I might normally be concerned with introducing moisture, but the air is awfully dry right now. I pulled the boat out last Friday and didn't get a chance before storm hit. I'm hoping my off season only lasts for another week.

@TOXIC ,yes, 4 stroke. Just anxious to get it back in the water by next week when temps expected to stabilize above freezing. Hard for me to justify to myself that it is too cold to work on it outside, when I know full well, I'd fish in this weather..lol. Got reel and tackle maintenance to work on for a couple days, I suppose.

Highs in mid 30s next week or so. Boat is under a carport. Any reason NOT to change engine oil/filter, and gear case lube now? Seems like drain will be slow, but any other reason to wait?

I've lived through 2 and 3 foot snowfalls in places that are used to it and equipped to handle it, no problem. Here in NC, we just got some sleet and mixed precip that have turned into a couple inches of solid ice on most of the (non-main) roads. Difficult for most folks to get out of their homes last several days.

True. But that won't keep people from trying. Couple years ago a local tourney guy weighed in a bass that was within 3# of state record and the word got out... fast. Pressure increased almost immediately. Though it did die down before too long.

Those Xuron look great. I like my Texas Tackle pliers, but admit that the 'hook jaw' would work better if skinnier, even for larger split rings. Probably would risk durability, though.

Ty, @txchaser . Appreciate the deep dive. I have a but of a love-hate relationship with the A-rig. Your tips may tip the scales back closer to the love side.

Have used mine 3 times in last 3 or 4 years. Once for my motor, once for an old couple that was stranded, and once for our truck.

Committed? Not yet, but pretty sure my wife is considering it

I fish up to and through breaking skim ice in boat and kayak. Air temp is somewhat immaterial to me. High 20s with sun and no wind can be almost pleasant with right humidity if guides, spool, level wind all stay thawed. I fished a couple days ago in mixed precip and wind close to 40°, and I was in pretty bad shape by the time I finally acknowledged the stupidity of staying out. Glad I could just motor home, tie up and come in.... I doubt I could have managed loading on trailer in those weatherand ramp conditions...not to mention my condition

Never understood why Reins never achieved profile of other JDM lure makers. I love Swamp Movers, Bub shakers, Rockville shads... Maybe they need a successful hardbait....or better marketing department? But lack of visibility has led to challenges in finding them at times.

I don't own any of them, but a couple years ago when I was still breaking skim ice to kayak fish I decided that if I went one more season, I would go the float suit route, as opposed to dry suit. Seemed like a better choice for fishing.

Electric socks for the win. Now, if I could just learn to fish with gloves on.

The 10' Slayer Propel is a light and stable little barge. Great fishing platform as long as you don't have to paddle. Never heard of swivel seat option, but it would be welcome. One of my few complaints is that the seat and mounting track aren't aligned perfectly, so removing and placing seat is a bit of a pain. New better seat would be welcome