Smokinal

I was just looking for the one I bought from Cabelas and noticed they are all on a pretty good sale right now. http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/inflatable-life-jackets/_/N-1100590/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104399280

^^^It's a good anytime bait

I have had the exact same experience for years; couldn't figure it out. Then I did some reading about chargers. I purchased a ProSport ProMariner charger and everything changed after that. My batteries used to last 3-5 hrs and be done; even after "fully" charging them. Now, I can't get them to run down. I'm now a firm believer you cannot just charge a deep cycle battery with any old charger. An onboard marine deep cycle charger, like the one I bought, has 3 different charging cycles. And for the naysayers, I too thought it was a marketing gimmick but that conditioning cycle it goes through is something that a regular automotive charger, or a maintainer does not do; and it's made a night and day difference in the state of charge I now get. So, what kind of charger are you using to charge them with? Also, are you testing specific gravity with a hydrometer to test the state of charge or are you just using a voltmeter/load tester?

Welcome; and let us know how you do!

This is the way to start the diag.

well done sir! I need to start experimenting with other baits on the drop than just finesse worms. Thanks for sharing.

There it is. Good thing I don't own it; I'd be nibbling on it! Right gorgeous!

I never thought of it that way! WooooHoooooo!

Yea, I think you guys are right...thanks. Wish me luck.

All my rods are set up like this. I use an Albright and it works slick.

Me too! It reminded me of a Green Apple Jolly Rancher!

Well I got to try out this new kayak thing. I can see what the fuss is all about; it's a lot of fun. As you may have seen in another thread, I purchased a lesser expensive model just to get me started but I'm really happy with it. It's pretty stable and tracks just as I expected a 10 footer to. And distances that would be a real chore in my canoe were a breeze in this thing, it's pretty swift. I picked up a Lowrance Elite 4X and can't wait to get that mounted. I'm still working on an idea for a scupper mount for it. So I paddled around, rocked it a little to see its tipping point, got used to the sitting thing and, oh yea, cast a few as well. It doesn't have the amenities my Nitro does and you have to plan your baits ahead of time (not having my full library that I keep in the boat) but the 1 on 1 feel you have is enjoyable. I'll get in it again.

That's classic!

I was looking at it and think I will make some sort of scupper mount for it; looks like a great idea. And I'm meeting a guy this afternoon to buy a new, unopened Lowrance 4X for $100. Pretty good deal i guess. No slide trax thx though

^^^That's what I'm sayin!

I know...lol Just anxious I guess. I did some reading and found some good ideas. Then looked at the hull and found that the scupper has a pretty good sized cavity around it and I think a ducer would mount nicely right up in there. Its just a small Journey 10ss btw. I won't be out in it much as I fish mostly from my Nitro. Just wanted to try something different.

I think I was ready for something smaller and lighter; maybe easier to paddle. My canoe is a 14', 41" wide Lincoln; as in Town Car! It's comfortable but it's the USS SmokinAl ; lots of drag and lots of work to paddle. I'm an old man now and need to be able to scoot along from spot to spot.

So I want to put a small finder on my yak. Are you guys doing a permanent mount? What do you use for a battery for it? I guess I was thinking of a permanent mount; not sure of the best way to power it and how to mount the ducer.

Pretty clever.... sorry if repost

That's what I'm hoping!

It's 30" wide and only 44 lbs; much lighter than my canoe. Ya, I'm planning on taking every fitting, clip and hatch off and sealing everything.

I have been looking for a month or so now for my first kayak. I have a canoe, which I'm selling, because I want to try the kayak thing. Well, most of what I've seen has not been what I'm looking for, and what I am looking for is $500-800. I know that's not expensive for a yak but I'm in my Nitro most of the time; I just like to float some small water once in a while and kayak fishing really looks fun. Well I saw this thing at Tractor Supply on clearance for $250...I couldn't help myself; cheap paddle and all. I might use it 3 times per year. I do plan on getting a portable fish finder, like the HB 571 HD Di. There are some small areas I have been wondering what was in them for structure. Oh well, I own it now. Who knows, maybe an upgrade will be in order in a couple of years if I really like it. This will get me out in one for now at least. Anyone have any experience with this brand/length?

All of the above. Plus, they just seem to cast better. Not sure why but I like a 1/4 for t-rigged worms and they just cast better than lead, transmit the bottom better and keep the worm pegged to the bottom better than lead. I'll never go back to lead. I watch for sales and stock up when I find them. Watch your local Dick's for clearance. Check Wally world too.

Dear Raider, Pork Bellies or Oranges?

Yup. If you have oil mixed correctly and water is moving through it to keep the temp down it will run at WOT all day.