WIGuide

I haven't used any of the *** products so I can't comment on them. I haven't had the chance to use the AvidX yet either, however the action would be very similar as my ML/XF LTB dropshot rod which I absolutely love!! Really nice soft tip but doesn't feel like a limp noodle in the hand. I would definitely check it out.

Haha well it depends on what you were targeting those lunker sized panfish with. If you are fishing for them with something other than panfish baits and something like an ultralight you can be fined. If they catch you with fish that you're keeping out of season, I'm pretty sure they can treat it the same as poaching which would allow them to take anything used in the capture of the illegal game including tackle, boats, even tow vehicles used to get to the lake. They definitely make it not worth the risk :/

Congrats! It looks like someone took care of it.

I've got the 7' St. Croix Mojo Bass Frog-N-Slop rod and love it for frogs. That thing is built like a tank and has tons of power. The longer rod helps in getting good hooksets and getting the fish to come up and over the cover. I don't think I'd want to go too much longer than 7' just because walking the frog might get a little tougher the longer you go as well as losing some casting accuracy with it.

I'm not sure if it's just a thing up by me, but black/blue laminate seems to work well in clear water as well. Usually I try it and if it's a no go, I'll switch to a more natural color.

I just carry a cheap pair of Stanley ones I think. Nothing fancy, but they'll get the job done.

The Rapala pliers with carbide cutters did wonders until they somehow made their way into the drink. I use the KVD split ring pliers with braid cutter on them. They made it through a season and are still going strong. I wouldn't say they're the best ever, but I think they were only $7 at walmart so I can't really complain.

You can always give it a shot. Some people like them, if not put it on the for sale board on here as many here seem to like them. About the Okuma, I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Welcome to Bass Resource!

That's one of those even if it doesn't catch a fish it still looks sweet! I'm sure it'll catch something though. Similar to the look of the old tinsel tail spinnerbaits that were pretty darn deadly.

This thread just makes me realize how lucky I am to live in the country. In the summer, my baby sleeps in a portable garage behind the house. In the winter, our neighbors next door go to Florida and are nice enough to let me borrow their 2 car garage for free so it sleeps over there less than 50 yards from my house over the winter.

It's most likely due to the bad 0 rings. Mercury for whatever reason has the worst design for those. Most of the time they tend to fall apart when you unscrew them. Run it and recheck the oil for both discoloration as well as excess metal shavings. If it's milky there's an issue and you're probably going to have to replace all the seals. The extra water coming out might be a different issue. Make sure the water coming out of the tell tale is not hot to the touch or excessively warm. Also, be sure to turn your hose on FULL when you run it with the muffs. On a even on a 20 hp the volume of water that can run through those is more than a lot of people think and you're not going to hurt anything by doing so.

Haha same here! Bait monkey gets revenge in the end. Oh well at least at that point we know they work!

Either style would work for your case. If you choose to make them yourself, I'd suggest using galvanized pipe for strength, and then use pvc pipe that fits over the top. The side bunks will most likely provide the most support along the boat and help to truly guide it on.

Definitely go with the 45" shaft. 52 will be too long for your application. A lot of of the mod v's like yours even run a 42" so the 45" will be plenty for what you've got.

Try either taking the anchors our or moving them to the back of the boat and emptying out your front livewell and see how it runs then. From the sounds of it, you might just have too much weight up front for your motor to lift. If it gets better with less weight up front but still exists, maybe try to find someone or a marina that will let you borrow a 4 blade prop. If neither of these work, I'd probably look into the weld issue.

Being that you have an aftermarket trim unit, you might just look into mounting that higher up on the transom and avoid the jackplate all together. That would be your cheapest option anyway.

I'm not 100% sure but I'm thinking you could just set something on top of it like a ziplock back with sand in it to hold it in place to make sure it reads in that spot that you have it. Once you find the place you want it, you can go ahead and follow the recommended install process.

For the techniques you're looking for using the rod for, I'd take a look at the 7' MH/F St. Croix Mojo Bass rod. It might not be the perfect match for everything, but it'll do what you're asking of it.

Welcome back

I buy one to try it and if it works I'll go back for more.

The spinshot hooks and the like are actually pretty legit. Next to no line twist is a great thing.

Still frozen over up here. People were still ice fishing this past weekend, but it won't be long before parts of the lake start to open up.

I believe our club pays entry plus $150 for expenses for Mr. Bass or something similar. It'd be a stretch to get a reimbursement for a less than stellar finish. When it all comes down to it fishing is still fishing and there are going to be times someone doesn't do well no matter how much effort they put into it.

It was ripped up after 10 bass?