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You might want to put some Neosporin on that and keep an eye on it.

Cotton Cordell has a their Super Spot in a color called Royal Chrome. It's got a purple back, chrome sides, and chartreuse belly. They also have Royal Shad too which is also offered in the Xcalibur line and the coloration is the same but with white sides.

Honestly, there's not going to be a whole lot of difference between the two. I'd get the 5 if it's a good deal and keep looking. When something better comes around buy it and sell the 5.

If it isn't broke don't fix it. If you like them the way they are, there's really no need to change.

If you want to be happy get a Motorguide haha. 200 to 225 would be a pretty good deal for it. If that's what you're looking for I'd say go for it!

I just add the oil for the amount of gas I'm going to put in and when I get to that point I stop. I hardly ever fill my tank all the way up. If you need to though, figure out how much gas you think you will need, add oil, and fill. However much more gas it takes over what you though add that oil after. As much as you boat will be bouncing around on the way there the oil will get mixed in. Like Slo said, too much oil isn't going to hurt anything. The only thing that will happen is your plugs will foul faster, but I'd rather replace my plugs every year than pay for a rebuild.

Most outboards, regardless of brand, are right in that range. You drop far more that 50 rpms when put into gear. It's usually a few hundred at least depending on how low your motor is in the water. Those of us that have hydraulic jack plates will have more back pressure than those who don't. That's a good indication that you should bump your idle up just slightly.

Oh and one last thing, you need to look at your rpms at WOT. If you are running on the low end of your rpm range or below it, a lower pitch prop is going to help out quite a bit in the fact that it's quicker out of the hole and will raise your upper end rpms.

The fin will help no doubt, but so would a stainless prop and that'd give you all around better performance along with better durability. The other thing that could come into play is the mounting height of the motor on you transom. Personally that's the first thing I'd check because that will change everything else. It's easiest done with a video camera and a test drive to see where the motor is in the water on plane and also when you start trimming. I know the prop is a much more expensive investment, but dealers will usually let you try out what they have in stock. A fin would be my last resort. That's kind of a personal thing though as most bass boats with a fin are looked at as under-performing and or under powered.

Not really that many parts. If you're unsure of yourself though, go ahead and give one of these a try. http://www.basspro.com/Kalin-39;s-Carolina-Clacker-Rigs/product/1744/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT Tie it to your main line, tie on the leader, and then the hook. Keeps things simple until you feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Usually you can find some in the bargain bins at Gander. Though to pass on tatertester's offer though!

Those moments are priceless!

Berkley has the backslide that is designed for this, also a nail weight in the back of a Yum Dinger or other Senko style bait will do the trick.

Although it's not ideal, you should be ok especially since you'll be traveling such short distances. #350 is quite a bit of tongue weight for a boat that size and I think the trailer would have to be set up way out of wack for the tongue weight to be that high. Just know that in towing anything your stopping distance is going to be longer and adjust accordingly.

Jimmy Houston's is 13-1. The pro's are pro's because they can locate and then catch bass far better than the average fisherman. Sure catching big bass can be part of it, but it's more of a consistency thing. They are better at making decisions under pressure than most and they are marketable. That last one is bigger than most people realize because very few people have the funds to pay their own way in the Elite Series.

You'll be much happier camper now!

As stupid as this one sounds, it sure seems to be that way! I don't remember the pro angler, but I remember reading somewhere his first cast of the day is about 5' just to ensure he doesn't catch a fish.

I'm not sure that there is legally anything that can be done, but I'd report it anyway.

As long as you haven't run it very long or very hard it should be fine. While you aren't using it trim the motor down slightly and leave it that way for a while. If there are any leaks, you'll see lower unit grease leaking out. From the sounds of it you didn't do any damage, other than just the prop. Get a new one and get it back out on the water!

I'd either go with the 6.4:1 or the 7.1:1. Most of my reels are 7.1:1 but I don't have a problem reeling slower. Some people aren't as good at that so they can correct that with buying a slower retrieve. If I was suggesting one I'd say go with the 6.4:1

x3 on the posts above. Even if your swapping the reel to put on a musky rod that reel isn't going to be big enough. You're going to need to invest in something a bit beefier if you plan on fishing for them much. Most use baitcasters for them too for what it's worth.

You can do this out of the water, you just have to take into consideration that the rpm are going to drop with the added back pressure so you will have to set it higher out of the water than when it's in. I don't remember if those have an idle set screw like the carbureted motors do. If it does it'll be pretty evident as it's a screw that adjusts how far the throttle can go back on the side of the engine. Engine RPM should be close to 1000 in neutral. The clunk you here is normal though, although in your case probably a little more severe. If you can't figure it out yourself, or you doubt your knowledge be safe and take it to a dealer.

Am I the only one hoping this guy gets stuck with three consecutive 6's and no fives?

Never be embarrassed to fish with what you have! The important thing is that you get out there and give it your best shot.

Nice work!