FryDog62

I kind of wondered if the FTC was going to step in during the BPS-Cabelas merger. A bit like GM and Ford merging leaving just Chrysler to compete at 20% their size. But the emergence of online retailers gives this all a big twist since that is largely the direction the fishing industry is going. BPS may not be in the top 10 someday.

Mainline Abrazx 15 lb ?

My favorite river/smallie rod is a Phenix as well. I find the 7'1" MHXF Feather to work well for many lures - flukes, caffeine shads, tubes, Rugby jig/Hula Grub, Neko, Shaky, etc. It fishes somewhere between a Medium and MH. The extra fast tip paired with 10-12 lb fluorocarbon is great for sensitivity, bottom contact, etc. and the backbone can get fish out and away from cover or heavy current really well.

For me and needing 2 batteries on a small boat - small size and light weight of the second battery just to run the depth finder is the priority for me. This is a second boat that I will only use for a couple months and then put away and/or limited use.

I did stop by the local Cabelas today and asked my series of questions. Guy really thought a 10AH is all I need for the Helix 8 for 4-6 hours of fishing. But then he said SI burns more and if I ever added 360 Imaging, etc. he said go with 20AH. I thought I was getting an "upsell" pitch but they did have a 20AH on sale for only $2 more than the 10AH. Still haven't bought anything yet -

Thx, Okay another nub question - when you say the 'ducer should be mounted parallel to the surface - does it need to be on a flat surface facing up, hanging from the transom shooting down, and/or does it need to be in the water like the 360 imaging transducer/pod?

Sounds good any links? And... what size lithium for a 55 lb thrust TM?

Alternatives?

Something like this? Spendy but only 5 pounds on a small boat might be nice.

Yes, 400 acres is bigger than most of the lakes I fish around here anyway ?‍♂️

I will, maybe even holding a fish if I catch any... its a 400 acre freshwater lake, will see if there are any good largemouth in there. My luck I get sawed off by a pike ?

No, but rigging a boat for Florida this winter... its my aversion to ice fishing

Does it have to be another 12V battery? Would rather not have 2 heavy batteries in a smaller boat. Or, could a Lithium serve both the Trolling motor and Helix better than a lead-acid?

I need to mount the transducer for a new Helix 8 Mega-SI Chirp Gen4 to a 12 foot inflatable pontoon. Any suggestions best place/method to mount it? It has an aluminum floor, 2 PVC pontoons, no real transom although a small board could be added. And a stupid question - the pontoon is powered by a 12V 55 lb thrust bow trolling motor so that is the only battery on the boat - can the Helix run off that too or do I need something in addition to that? Funny, I used to do custom and tricky installs of stereos, speakers in cars back in the 1970's... cutting into sheet metal, customizing, wiring, etc... but I haven't done any boat electronics in my life. I think I can figure it out, but I'm a nub from scratch on this stuff... Thx, -Fry

7 foot ALX IKOS Buzz rod is perfect. $150 and if you want to add a cork handle they will do this (they are semi-custom) might get you closer to $200. The rod is made for throwing buzzbaits. Great for flukes, T-rig Senkos, etc. Its rated up to 3/4 oz and I throw a lot of Whopper Popper 75, 90's and the Choppo 105.

Heckuva lot cheaper too!

Rugby heads are great, I put 4 inch Hula Grubs on them and smallmouth love them!

Racks look good - only suggestion is to have a door or some way to keep the rods out of sight. You don't want the wife to find out that you have as many rod/reels as she has pairs of shoes...

Interesting process they have at TW. I had ordered an H'bird last week that says won't be in stock until Dec 4. Would be interesting to know in the meantime if it goes on sale if that will be reflected in the final price I'm charged.

I haven't either - and I've ordered plenty this past year from TW. Anyone know if Humminbird units will be included in their sale?

I usually don't get there until Jan 1 ish... by then they are just starting to think about pre-spawn. Are you pond fishing? The Tilapia usually stage first, then bass.

Yes, although this is a second boat for down south and its an issue of storing the boat and kayak is only option. Will have SI, might just start with that but would like to explore 360 and the Universal Boat Mount looks like it could work but I'm a newb to rigging a yak...

Good for him and a monster catch, but that would not be good meat to eat even if it wasn't frozen. Pretty fleshy stuff when they get big not to mention the likelihood of mercury... I'd pass ~

On my NRX 852c I have paired with a Steez SV TW. I frequently skip Nekos under docks and like to feel if the worm lands on bottom or weeds to know if I need to wiggle loose or let sit. The Steez will skip Nekos as well as weightless wacky worms better than any baitcasting combo I’ve tried.

Anyone use 360 Imaging on their kayak? If so, how well does it work and how did you mount. Did you use the Universal Boat Mount?