Al Wolbach

I have never fished with George Welcome but he is well thought of on this site for these lakes. If you want to fish Lake Okeechobee I have hired Capt. Harry Simmons 6 or 8 times and have had a good time and caught many fish with him each trip. You can contact him at captharry@comcast.net

And Spro knows they have a hit crankbait. They went up between $3-$4 this year over last year. But demand is still higher than supply, at least in my area(E. Tn)................Al

If I were you I would look at the Shimano line. Good rods and lifetime warranty. Hard to beat at that price.

Did you check both circuit breakers?

I'm not sure which color battery you need but Optimas web page should help. Be sure your onboard charger is compatible with AGM batteries, otherwise you may fry them. The charging characteristics are different for AGM and gell cell batteries compared to lead acid batteries......................Al

I purchased a tool almost like this one 6-8 years ago, mine has stainless blade and hose clamp. It will keep the prop free but weeds still collect around the shaft. It helps but not the cure-all for weeds. I was using it on an 80 lb motorguide with a 4 bladed prop..........Al

I faced the same delima not to long ago and I picked the Eagle 480. I have been pleased with the unit......Al

Yes, I keep a spare in the garage not in the boat. I do carry a spare in the boat when fishing out of state. Nothing will spoil a tournament or vacation quicker than a trolling motor failure and no spare. BTW- Motorguide makes a 71 lb(Pro series) motor that operates on 12 volts, the 80 lb motor is a 24 volt model( digital or tour series)............................Al

I have had a Stearns for 6-8 years and do not recall it being uncomfortable. If it had been I would not wear it now. As someone mentioned the strap does fit high on the chest.................Al

Depends on your boats design and lay out. My 20' Champion has separate compartments for batteries and charger. Two batteries in a port side compartment and one battery and charger in a starboard side compartment. The gas and oil tanks are in the center compartment along with pumps and plumbing. Bassboats are not all the same....................Al

Great Ride. It is hard to tell from the pictures if the boat has any keel protection. If not I would add as soon as possible.............Al Glad you stayed with Champion..........

1998 Champion with a 225hp Yamaha 1998 G-III Jon with a 25hp Johnson and a 4 hp Johnson 1954 Feathercraft with a 1956 35hp Johnson

Ditto

1998 Champion 203DCX 1998 Yamaha 225 27 pitch Tempest plus

Although most reels come standard with ABEC3 bearings, Ardent reels are an exception, they are outfitted with ABEC5 bearings. Not that it really matters, just setting the record straight............Al

The rod you inquired about was a part of a combo available from BPS. I don't believe it was sold as a rod alone. I believe they still have this combo from time to time. I don't remember what it sold for. May have a listing on the BPS web site?........................Al

I have 5 Ardent reels, 2 xs models and 3 xs1000 models. Love them...................Al PS- not sponsored by Ardent

I have been considering an anti-fatigue matting sold at Lowes for my jonboat. It comes in 36 inch wide rolls(grey), sells for $4 a foot and will not absorb water. I just want something to provide better footing for my dogs.......................Al

In the winter months I give up bass fishing and fish for crappie 2/3 days a week(I'm retired). The method of crappie fishing that I do requires constant casting and movement of your wrist. I use two reels for this fishing, a Shimano Symetre and a Pfleuger Supreme. Both reels have performed flawlessly and I have no complaints with either and would recommend either. That being said, I will always start the day with the Supreme just because of the weight difference. At the end of 6-8 hours fishing there is a hugh difference. Bare in mine I'm in my sixties and the weight difference may not matter to the the younger folks.............Tight lines...Al

Ditto..........I use 20lb XPS floro. I'm not laughing, I agree................Al

When I was fishing Lake Okeechobee a few years ago my boat was searched by a county sherrif and a Florida wildlife officer at the boat ramp after I got it out of the water. I was not breaking any laws so I didn't mind and I don't remember what reason they gave me for the search, however we did talk for an hour or so. They told me it was against the law to have a cast net and fishing rods in the boat. Either one but not both. I was probably whining about the cost of shiners that started the conversation to catching shiners. I'm not sure that the law is still on the books but you may want to make sure if you are planning to carry rods and net together. As I remember the fine was pretty steep.........................Al

While I was fishing Lake Weiss last week a friend was fishing Guntersville. He said they wacked them pretty good on jerkbaits instead of the usual rattlebaits. But I would take a few red Excaliber rattlebaits with me if I were you. I didn't ask where or what color/make jerkbait he was using..................Al

I am not from that area but I have fished Murray and driven by several times in route to Santee-Cooper. There is a Dick's Sporting Goods store just off I-26 in Columbia. Sorry I don't remember the exit number but you should be able to get directions easily from locals..............Al

Ditto

You may want to check here. They have seconds that may fit your boat. They do many of seats for the origional manufacturers. I purchased new seats from them for my 98 Champion and have been very pleased. http://www.deanstop.com/seats.htm Good luck..........Al