WIGuide

I don't know that they ever made it past the prototype stage. It's a cool idea though, but I'm sure the cost was too high to really make it feasible.

I'd say go ahead and join anyway. Just be aware of the financial obligation tied to the tournaments. If you can't meet that on your end, wait before you join.

Welcome to the forums!

Get yourself some JB weld, I think that would be your best bet to fix that issue.

Running a prop that's too small will give you blistering hole shot with no top end speed. You can run it that way, just keep an eye on your rpm's and don't over rev. I wouldn't spend money on new props or anything until you're sure you're lower will last longer than a few weeks and you won't be swapping again for a while. Then you can get your rpm numbers and find out what you need to do to prop it correctly.

I think for the "average" or fair weather fisherman that's not a bad recommendation. I've talked to many guys in our area when they're coming off the water when the wind kicks up a little bit, or go tuck into a blocked bay. If it's too windy, they just won't go at all and it's not because their tm doesn't have enough power, it's more along the lines that they just don't like fighting the wind. When you're more of a diehard, and have an "I'm going no matter what" mentality or fish tournaments you want a tm that's far more powerful to allow you to do what you need to do.

I really like my rod gloves. I also have reel gloves as well to keep boat rash to a minimum and couldn't recommend them enough.

I used to use mono for everything and I would change it at the beginning of every season. I never had an issue with it.

If these are remanufactured lowers they should come with some sort of warranty. Like mentioned before, you might want to have your motor checked over just to make sure the problem is just with the lowers and not something with your motor causing it.

Changing your hooks will help. I'd also suggest using an Eco Pro Tungsten Pro Wacky Weight in the 1/16 oz version. It will help to make your Dinger fall a little faster which adds a little more action and it will help your worm last longer as well.

I don't think I've ever wacky rigged them, I usually nose hook them. I'm sure they'd work either way though.

I would swap out line to something a little heavier and tighten the drag just slightly. It sounds like you aren't getting good enough penetration with the hook to get them in past the barbs. Also remember to keep constant pressure on them, because if you don't, they're going to find a way to pull the hooks out.

Although I haven't tried them wacky rigged, I use the jrs a lot as a dropshot bait and have done well with them. This was one that fell for it

A lot of your problem is your line. 8 lb xl is designed for a spinning reel as the XL stands for extra limp because it has less memory and to get that the line had to have a little more stretch. XT was designed for bait casters and originally stood for extra tough. It has a bit more memory, but it works just fine on a bait caster. 8 lb of either might be a little too light to drive in a 7/0 hook which is a little on the big side for a Keitech. I would look for some 12 lb XT or Berkley 100% fluoro, or 50 lb Berkley Professional Braid. You also might want to consider using something like a 5/0 hook instead as well.

If you can wait a little bit St. Croix will be unveiling their redesigned LTB coming up at Icast. You could save a few bucks and buy the older model when it goes on sale or wait and try a new one. The 6'8" MH/F in the current lineup would work well for what you want.

You would want to get ahold of Tracker Marine. They will be able to help you out.

Either would be a good rod, but the Mojo is going to be a little lighter/better balanced and more sensitive. To me it's worth the extra $40 but you can get by with the Bass X if you're working on a tight budget.

Probably because you haven't been around very long. Their name is mentioned on every page you load in the forms as they are a site sponsor.

Mine is fairly self-explanatory, when I signed up here I was ready to take a break from my normal screen name that I use that was based on the nickname I received playing college basketball, mudgedaddy. I thought up something semi-original, but alas it was already claimed by someone here on BR. Since my creative side was already burnt out on the original attempt, I figured what the heck I live in Wisconsin and I'm a guide so let's combine that and WIguide was born. Creative genius at work... I know...I know

I think a lot of the cost of boat ownership depends on your ability to maintain and fix problems before/when they arise. With marine labor costs anywhere from $80 to $120 and hour most with a minimum charge of a half hour it doesn't take long for even the simplest of tasks to add up quickly. I've also seen some horrendous attempts at diy work. For example, on my boat, the front switch panel must have had some issue in the past. The previous owners chose to disconnect it, but instead of just pulling the male/female connections apart, they instead decided to clip all the wires. I'm no wiring expert, but I know enough to get me by so I fixed it myself. Had I taken it to a marina, the same job would have cost me probably $150

Given your price point, I'd suggest looking at the St. Croix Avid X line of rods. Great rod right at your price point. Also, if you're willing to wait a little bit, the St. Croix Legend Tournament rods have been given a redesign and should be making an appearance at Icast this year. The current generation will be discounted to make room for new at a lot of retailers putting those in your price range as well.

Yum Christie Craw and Berkley Chigger Craws are my two mainstays. Berkley is usually more expensive, but I keep seeing them pop up for almost 50% off.

There are days I wonder the same thing. Those are usually the days I'm chucking the same bait all day and it's working, but then there are the days you think to try something new and you have a great day. I guess enough is enough when you think it's enough and can somehow keep that darn bait monkey off your back.

It's Ike

Pretty sure they're a one and done deal unfortunately.