PAGreg

Wow, really!? I just assumed everything was locked up. I'm 2-2.5 hours from the finger lakes, so not easy to go check for open water. Might think about getting the boat out next warm stretch.

I find it interesting and am ordering a few. I want to see what it looks like with a dream shot on it.

I tried a few different kinds and kept having troubles with them opening up from time to time. Then, I tried the Gamakatsu and never had that issue again. I will admit that the trade off is that the can be a PITA to get on the lure sometimes, but I'll take that over losing a lure. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_G-Finesse_Tournament_Snaps_10pk/descpage-GTS.html?from=basres

My guess would be that they just follow a route and doesn't care how many submerged logs it encounters along that route.

I've spent a few hours this winter changing out trebles on brand new lures straight out of the package. If you decide to do this there's two things that will make your life easier: 1. A good set of split ring pliers. Not rapala or berkley deals. I've found most "fishing" split ring pliers are too big. I bought a quality set off of amazon that is used for jewelry. Much finer point for those tiny split rings. 2. Buy hooks in bulk off of ebay. I'm buying them in 50 hook lots and its much cheaper.

On wired_2_fish, Mark Zona shows how to tie what he calls the shark knot for fluorocarbon. I switched to it in the early fall and I'm really liking it. Super easy to tie and has held well.

I use an 8.3:1 model for pitching docks. The extra speed helps me take up slack in a hurry when a fish hits on the fall and then tries to run back under the dock. Also makes follow up casts faster. I put the 95mm handle with the oversized knobs on it and like it a bunch more. The big knobs make it easier to get a grip after making a pitch. Especially useful in the times when fish strike the instant the bait enters the water.

Since first replying to this thread, I picked up another BB1 Pro. I now have a 5.1:1, 7.1:1, & 8.0:1. I pitch docks with a tournament mb, but anything I want to bomb a mile, I throw on a bb1 pro. BTW, the bb1 pro is far better than the bb1. I think my next Lews reel will be a tournament pro g.

I use the magnum as a coangler and its huge. 3600 series plano fit easily in the side pockets. Since I've started using the slimmer 3701s, its ridiculous how much fits in the magnum. It should be all you need.

Faygo, here's one on ebay that holds 6.5" baits. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Plano-3744-FlipSider-Tackle-Box-Hard-Side-Storage-for-6-1-2-Large-Body-Baits-/171628342133?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2526meid%253De39be86c204c405ba55261a7d45ec200%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D2%2526rkt%253D4%2526sd%253D381489802173&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460

Awesome, guys. With your leads, I believe they are Plano Flipsider boxes.

Can someone identify this storage box that has angled dividers? Its from Dean Rojas' boat and it looks great for frogs but would be awesome for jigs.

Fyi for anyone else looking at this, my dealer was able to do the x3 digital for $100 over the standard 70# x3. Boat was ordered yesterday. Was able to get a cover thrown in. Come on spring!

I'm glad to see yet another stellar review. I just placed the order yesterday for a rt188 with the yamaha sho 115. Cannot wait until March!

I've found that JJs is much faster to get good color saturation. It does smell strong, but its nothing compared to the Hog Tonic I use.

In addition to fixing my beat up plastics, I also use it on my albright knots to smooth it going through the guides. Great stuff.

Another vote for McCoys. Been using Mean Green. Just ordered a spool of Xtra Clear to try.

This is exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for with this. I had thought of just shooting Mike an email but thought I'd see if other folks had the same thoughts first. Hopefully we can figure some sort of guide out because I know I'm ordering a bunch of Siebert jigs before spring.

I've been using Mike's jigs for a couple years now and the selection seems to have exploded. I spend hours on the website trying to pick and choose jigs, but I find myself constantly looking at the differences between the different styles. Anyone else find themselves scratching their heads? What would be awesome is some sort of comparison chart that details the different jigs and their purpose. I start to get lost now in arky, grid iron, dredge, dock rocker, etc selection.

Tournament MB will be a great introduction to the Lews products. I use one for pitching. I am a huge Bb1 Pro fan. I own 3 now and will probably add another and a Tournament Pro G in the offseason.

Thank you all! I knew someone here would have some answers.

I'm about the place an order for a new RT188 and I'm just trying to figure out options and I can't seem to nail down the details on a couple of things. 1. Does the front deck step open to have some storage inside? 2. Is the digital Motorguide X3 an option? I'm pretty sure the 70 lb X3 they show is the standard 5 speed, but I'd like to step up to the digital model. I'm sending an email to the salesman to get some answers, but I figured my BR brothern would be helpful as well. BTW, looks like I'm going with the silver metallic with a dual console and the Yamaha SHO. Salesman says if I get my order in by the end of the year, I should see it in March.

The main difference is the old tp has dual magnetic/centrifugal brakes and the G gets the externally adjustable centrifugal brakes like the BB1 Pro has had for years. For that difference alone, I'd go with the G.

I have started taking the split rings off and using a snap to the eye. I found it is much quicker and easier to get the snap on the stationary eye.

I know how you feel. I keep thinking to myself "it doesn't take that long to fog a motor, again..."