ChrisD46

I have a new spool of Sufix #20 lb. Performance Braid I want to try on a small H2O Express Mettle baitcast reel . In order to put the best odds in my favor I am thinking to put #4 lb. ~ #6 lb. mono backing on first (wound tight) and then top that with approx. 65 to 70 yrds. of the Sufix #20 lb. braid (also wound tight) . Lastly , keeping my drag on the reel slightly weak to guard against the braid digging in . That's about all I know to do ... Those who run #20 lb. braid on a baitcaster - what are your experiences and tips in setting up your reels to run #20 lb. braid ?

I am guessing that the Dad was using #20 lb. braid with a #6 lb. mono conversion (most likely written on the factory spool label) - hence why the son saw : " #6 lb." ...

^^This^^ !! I went gonzo with Gliss in #8 lb. on an ultra lght and could have done just as well with #12 lb. Gliss (or greater) ...Very thin and very slick indeed !! For a baitcaster staying with #30 lb. ( or greater) is the better option than Gliss which I only suggest for spinning reels.

Any issues with the #20 lb. braid on your baitcaster ? What are your tips for using such a light weight braid on your baitcaster ?

^^This^^ ... New upgraded blanks in the Mojo bass series at the same price as previous Mojo models = sweet !

The ATAK would be in my top #3 considerations for sure ...

I have three and love them !! I bought them until I could upgrade to the BPS PQ series and have no complaints ... Mine are the previous version which were going on sale for $39 and sometimes even lower . At $49 still a very good deal ! For those that like to experiment with upgrades - there are aftermarket drags and bearings (Boca) which you can find exact fits for on Google .

I apreciate the excellent replies !! One thing I read is that just because a kayak may be rated for 500 lbs. the optimum performance will come from loading yourself and your gear to between 50% to 75% of total weight rating of the kayak . Anything more than loading beyond 75% of the total weight rating of the kayak and you will sit lower in the water , encounter sluggesh performance , etc. *I may have to push back from the dinner table a bit more with this kayak weight rating in mind !

As an ex-offensive lineman still weighing in at 300 lbs. - I need a kayak with enough weight capacity head room for me and my gear , so I don't resemble a mammoth shallow water jerkbait running below the surface while out on the water !! ...Current research for my needs takes me to the Jackson Big Rig ... Any other comparable recommendations with what the Big Rig offers for those of us tipping the scales at 3+ bills ? Thanks in advance !!

I've eliminated the 195 from consideration , the 190 appears to be a better buy , proven hull and I can't tell any real difference between the two for the extra price difference ?

What is your retrieve(s) for say a Keitech 3.8" ~ 4.8" paddle tail swimbait ? ... Straight steady retrieve top or bottom of water column ? ... Lift and drrop ? ... Another retrieve technique ? ...Thanks in advance !

Perhaps the 115HP would be the safest bet ? ... Specifically the 115HP Optimax 2 stroke for lighter weight ?

For those of you who invested in power poles - what were the main reasons which factored into your decision ? I plan to have a boat in Florida soon so not sure of the key questions to be asking ? I do not tournement fish so I won't be needing power poles for that aspect . Thanks in advance for replies !

So far , I am in the carpet camp... Aprevious boat with a vinyl deck was slippery and marred easily . I would be concerned a paint with grit in it for traction would be harde to clean as the grit would hold dirt . In the end I thin I'd reather just scotch guuard the heck out of the carpet and do my best to keep it clean .

For those who have bass boats where a vinyl deck was offered as an option - what factored into your decision and if you started over would you choose vinyl decking again ? For those who stayed with the standard carpeted decking - are you happy with your decision and if you could start over would you choose carpet decking again ?

Revising an old post here with a useful update : Pan Phillips style sheet metal screws in sizes #10 x 3/4" are working well for Senko style stick baits on a Neko rig ... Slightly wider , heavier head than a #8 size which fits flush with the wider stick bait giving the bait a nice fall rate and presentation . Cost is $1.30 for 8 pcs. in hardware section of large box stores .

^^This^^ !

^^This^^ - absolutely need to stay away from this technique ! It would be best to send your remaining supply to Catt to be desposed of properly then make an appointment with a sports psych to get this technique out of your head ...

Good choice on the two stroke 115HP Optimax - I really think it is the best recommendation for a bass boat of this type : Not that much more expensive and you never have to second guess yourself on power ! At cruising speed gas usage is surprisingly good as well . I now believe the tracker PT190 with the Merc Optimax 115HP is THE sweetspot in the tracker bassboat series mainly because of the two stroke engine option .

You read my mind - very quickly I went from being interested a PT175 with a 60HP to the 75HP upgrade (still viable if funds are limited) and then the PT190 TX or TXM with the 115HP Optimax (I think better for this boat than a 115HP 4 stroke - unless your trolling slow a lot) . *A couple of guys both over 225 lbs. , their gear , plus twin power polls and gas becomes a bit more weight . I believe even the PT175 with the 75HP is still going to have a bit more of a challenge than moving up to the PT190 with the 115HP . As long as funds are no trouble I think the new sweet spot for a aluminum bass boat is the Tracker PT190 with the Merc 115HP 2 stroke .

Looks like you can either get a 4 or 2 stroke Merc 115 for this boat - if the Optimax 2 stroke 115 won't get you in future emmissions trouble then that would be my choice (less expensive and lighter) .

Thanks mredd07 - yes definately the bass boat TXW version ... Now have to study would a PT190 be the better option for two fairly large fishermen with more driver leg room or will the PT175 get it done in Florida lakes and St. Johns river ?

For 2016 models - besides the 20 HP increase for the Pro 175TXW , what are the other differenes between the Tracker Pro 175TF and the 175TXW ? The web site really wasn't clear to me as the both have the diamond coat finish and other features of the two Trackers appear the same .

Thanks - yes correct ... parallel to worm with hook point pointing up .

For those who have experience with a Neko rig worm - where are you placing the hook ? As an example if you were using a 6" trick worm with a nail weight in the head where would you place the hook for best action , less fouling and hook up percentage ? : In the middle of the worm (3" mark) ... 2/3rds up from the head (4" mark) ? ...3/4ths up from the head (5" mark ? . It appears hook placement in the middle of the worm or slightly up from there about an inch further up from the head towards the tail are what most instructional articles state to do - then there is Ike who has hook placement way up about 1.5" from the tail of a trick worm for the Neko rig . Thanks in advance for sharing where hook placement works best for you on a 6" Neko rig worm ?