Roger S

How did you do the photofinish? Did you add any weight into the body pieces? It would be simple to drill holes and add weights or create a chamber for rattles. I am very impressed with this lure and would love to try making one. What did you use to link the body parts together?

I would suggest the American Rodsmith (David Fritts Model) for cranking or the BPS Crankin Stick (7' M). However, I would also recommend a slow retrieve reel for it (5:1). Like the others said - a worm/jig rod makes all the difference when it comes to "feel" and is my favorite way to catch bass. I would suggest the BPS Pro Qualifier 6'6" MH for a $100 rod, but if you can afford $140 get the G Loomis GL2 6'6" MH. This was my first quality rod with a Shimano Bantam Curado. This rod is still one of my favorites. It is great reading posts like these - it reminds me of my posts when I started bass fishing a couple years ago.

I would like to do as much maintenance on my rig as possible without having to take it in. I have a Ranger 180 Reata (Fish and Ski). It has a 150 HP Yamaha VMAX and is on a single axle trailer with brakes. I am mainly concerned with the trailer and small / easy stuff on the motor. Where can I find information on what to do and what grease / lube to use and where to use it? Thanks!

I just founf out there are two bulbs in the bow light (post). I am going to take the light apart tonight and se if I can get replacement bulbs (several extras to keep in boat) and then see if it works. There might be a short or wiring issue in the socket that I might have to investigate as well. I might need to replace the socket. I really like the portable bow light show in the link and will probably pick one up to have just in case. Thanks. Roger

I have replaced the bow light (3 pin connector) on my Ranger Fish and Ski 3 times in 2 years. Is this normal? I am looking for an alternative so I do not have to replace this light ($30) every 5-6 months. I hardly ever use my boat at night - the lights are being used 2 or 3 times for 30 minutes. Is there a fuse or bulb that I need to replace? I was told you cannot replace the bulbs in these lights.... Thanks for any help, ideas, or suggestions. Roger

I did not see anything about stretch. I fish with both mono and fluoro and the fluoro is more sensitive and stretches less. That is based on my own tests....fishing.

Anyone have any tips on selecting a guide for a lake / area that you have never been to other than price? Thanks in advance Roger Roger

This post takes me back to last year when I was looking at boats. One of the key things with boats / recreational vehicles is you can finance for 15 years. Yes - 15 years. I was looking for my first boat and I really wanted a Ranger Z20 Comanche. Well, after I thought about a few things like: 1. Where will I store it? I really needed to store it in my garage - so that meant I had to have a trailer that was less than 21 feet. The Ranger trailer tongues fold so you can store them easier. 2. How was I going to use this boat? I wanted to fish and cruise around the lake. My wife wanted to cruise around the lake, ski, and fish. My two kids wanted to ride a tube, ski, and fish. So, it was in my best interest to get a boat that would fish and ski and hold 4 people. I ended up getting a Fish and Ski with a 150 hp motor. It has a MK 55lb thrust trolling motor and a Garmin 240 fishfinder. I have fished several tournaments with her nad it is an excellent fishing boat. It has limited rod storage, but it fits in my garage, holds 4 people, low monthly payment, and has Ranger quality. I think it was the best choice for me. I bought it new and financed for 15 years. My payments are close to $200. I pay approx. $350 a month because I have the extra money and I don't want to pay on it for 15 years. However, if I got in a jam my monthly payment is low and affordable. I think the used boat option would have been better if I took more time to look around. There are a lot - a lot of used boats on the market. I did not want to inherit someone else's problem though. The new boat has a warranty and other perks. I plan on keeping my boat for at least 10 years. The resale value of Ranger is better than most boats as well. Do your research and answer all of the questions that others have posted before you make your purchase. The most important thing is being able to use it - get something that you will use a lot.

Good stuff thanks. It seems to depend on the structure and water clarity that one is fishing that determines distance. I guess more experience on the water and operating the trolling motor will help me make those decisions.

How far on average would you say you position your boat from the bank when fishing? I like being out far enough to make a long cast in, but my friends say I am too far out. They think I should be approx. 15 feet from the bank - I seem to prefer 25 - 30 feet. We are mainly fishing t-rig plastics or flukes. I think I like being out farther because casting and controlling the trolling motor is easier for me.