Daniel My Brother

Congrats! Looks fast just sitting still. Details?

Couldn't agree more.

Thank you Wayne. That's a lot of very helpful advice to chew on.

OK, you're really giving me too much credit here...or maybe I'm asking for too much at once. If I knew what I wanted in a unit, I would buy that unit. I know color is easier to read, but I don't know much more than that. GPS...so I can mark waypoints, check my speed, use maps? That would be helpful. Display size? I see 5" screens with a lot going on. Is that too small? Regular sonar or imaging? This seems to be where the dollars come into play. I noticed a Humminbird with Down Imaging for $650. Sounds like a nice unit. http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-597ci-HD-DI-Internal-GPS-Fishfinder-Combo/product/10210562/120991#description

I just picked up a ‘new to me’ boat with no fish finder. My old boat had a $100 unit that showed depth, surface temp, and bottom composition. The actual fish finding abilities of the unit were questionable but it gave me an idea of what was going on down there. Now it’s time for a new fish finder. What can I get for $500 that I can’t get from a $100 unit? What can I get from a high dollar unit that I can’t get for $500? Most of my fishing is done on a handful of lakes that are around 1,800 acres. I don’t tourney fish so there’s no way this unit is going to “pay for itself.” I’m really out of my element here and would appreciate any advice.

I watched it with my girls. Everybody jumped when the Mermaid on the cell phone video popped up. It's just good fun, sort of like wrestling.

Pretty straight forward. Bud Light longnecks at home. Busch Light cans in the great outdoors. Corona with a lime when I'm feeling fancy.

My wife drives an '08 Sienna mini-van. Gets about 19-20 mpg. Very smooth on the highway and roomy, even by mini-van standards. We could fold down and flip up the seats and sleep in the back if we wanted to. If you can get past the stigma of driving a van, you might actually like it. I do love my 4Runner, but if we're going someplace as a family, I'll take the Sienna any day. I've also heard good things about the Highlander...and of course the Ford Explorer has a great track record as well. I hope you find a good deal on whatever it is you decide on.

Are you fishing the same time of day, every time out? We fish one particular lake that seldom produces any good fish during daylight hours. But once that sun goes down the big girls come out.

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Welcome from Southeast Missouri!

I got stopped by an IDNR cop at the ramp last year. He checked my jon boat and asked if they were biting. I shared some pictures from my camera, then he shared some pictures from his phone. A third guy came over and shared what worked for him. Nobody gave away any specific spots, but the information I gained helped me find more fish the next time out. I've learned a lot from this forum, but good local knowledge is priceless.

I fish a strip pit pretty regular, and the water can sometimes be gin clear. When there's little wind and few clouds the fish get more skittish and it's usually the boat that spooks them before the line or lure. If I'm quiet and make long casts, I have my best luck. If you're close enough to see them refuse your bait, they're close enough to see you offer.

I'm happy for folks who have the finest things. I'm happy with my gear. Let's go fishing.

Great point. When I go fishing with my daughters I often say "Hey, I think you got a fish" while they're holding the rod and talking.

I have 2 BPS Extreme rods, 1 BPS Pro-Qualifier rod, and 1 BPS crankin' stick. I have 1 BPS Extreme Reel, and 1 BPS Pro-Qualifier reel. Not a single problem with any of this gear yet. I'm very fond of the Extreme Rods, especially on sale.

Fun thread. Here are my favs Silver Carp. Dime a dozen, but loads of fun It be a garrrrr! Oh, and by the way...GREAT Sunnies!

I hope you're right. Best of luck.

For years I've been reading "What's it Worth?" in Bassmaster. I'm continually surprised at how little most vintage tackle is worth. I may be wrong, but I'm gonna guess that their real value is on the end of your line catching fish.

I feel for you. That's some crap luck.

I post pictures of fish on facebook.

Way to get back in the saddle!

I can be a bit of a smartazz...your post could certainly help others. Mine won't.

Incredible, beautiful fish. I've had 'em hit inline spinners before, but never one that big. Congrats.

Congrats! We've been getting good numbers on inline spinners (black & yellow mepps) this spring as well. Great spring bait in muddy ponds.