crankbank

Considering my other main hobbies are: Golf (expensive) Clay/Target shooting (can be done cheap, but I tend to spend a lot on firearms) Snowboarding (expensive) As much as I would like to save a little more cash, If I was to slow down on fishing related purchase... that money would just funnel into one of the above hobbies.

I like that talk.

I have a Dobyn's Mike Long 806, Cardiff 400 and 25# Mono. it was tough deciding between the 300 and 400, chose the 400 since this rod will also be used to hunt stripers.

That is good to hear- as that is all we use it for anyways... I like having the mapping at the console, but am hoping to venture into the SI/SS world of electronics.

That is good to know- I will have to try a little harder to get boat on plane with 3 people onboard. Yeah, the crappy black and white 5" display is pretty much useless. Toying with the idea of swapping it out for a Humminbird 899.

Purchased a 2014 Z6 this past July. I went back and forth on buying a larger, used boat, but ended up purchasing a brand new z6. I had the crappy Lowrance at the console mounted at the bow (looking to upgrade ASAP to something with side imagining), put an Elite 5 HDI at the console, had a keel guard installed, added a passenger console, had the cheaper rims put on, and didn't choose the option for the $600 cover. During the season, I store the boat in my garage (barely, barely fits) and had it wrapped for winter storage. I had an issue with a cracked rim, luckily I had a spare as the tire would not hold air. When my boat was in the shop for wrapping and winterizing, the BPS guys in Hooksett, NH took care of the warranty swap and I received a new rim with no hassle. Overall, I love the boat and am very happy with the purchase. I know someone above mentioned having 36 gallons of fuel in their boat (maybe he has a second tank), but I believe my z6 holds 21 gallons. With a full tank and about 425 pounds of passengers in the boat, I topped out at just over 50mph on the GPS. However, I have not been able to get the boat on plane with 3 people in the boat and just look like a goof with 3 guys in the boat going 7mph around the lake. Granted, although the boat has 3 seats, to keep with the weight rating, it is really 2 adults or 2 adults and a child. Anyone think a stabilizer would help with this? Or is the 115 just too small to get an overweight crew on plane? I agree with Slefler, the rod strap on the deck should be on the other side as it gets in they way when the trolling motor is up. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Had the same problem.

Performance based, if they happen to match colors- then cool. But I will not sacrifice a product of greater value because it won't look good with the matching rod/reel.

Not sure if you get their emails but... http://www.kistlerrods.com/fishing-rod/kistler-promo/page251.html

Thanks for the input! It is going to be tough deciding which lakes to fish the 4 days we are going to have. I will be returning in July for a full week, but obviously want to take full advantage of the few days I will have in May.

Hoping to convince myself I can't live without a Dobyn's 684CB and 806CB.

Ahh thank you. I like that idea. Usually I only use them in shallow situations, it would be nice to toss the bigger ones when I'm out deep. I will definitely give that a go next time I am on the water... in a couple months...

This. Put a gun to my head and tell me I need to catch fish, no matter the size... Without thinking, I am grabbing a baby brush hog. A great lure, and pretty cheap. Also, it may be user error, or not giving it a fair chance, but I bought a bag of regular brush hogs and did not like them at all. The larger size did not have the action, specifically the tail wiggle, that I love with the smaller size ones.

Perfect- just wanted to make sure. I like that talk.

Hey Guys, I am planning a fishing trip this spring to southern Maine (cabin on China lake). I was curious, what time (Week/Month) do you think would be the most ideal to fish? Right now the plan is to fish a Thursday to Sunday. Any input on the conditions of that area are much appreciated. Thanks. Also please note, this trip has been in talks for a while. MLF had nothing to do with it, don't want to be one of those types.

Hm, I guess I should have made the connection that my LC hard baits are almost the same price as the Real Bluegill I just picked up. Oh well, live and learn.

Congrats! Have the old 200e7 and it is my favorite. It is going to be a long winter for you....

I have one Powell Endurance, a 714 I use for jigs. Love the rod, would definitely buy again/more. Fortunately, I have not had to deal with Powell's warranty, but I would recommend their rods to anyone.

I just ordered the Flambeau 4150FB Terminal Tackle file. Hoping to use it for a few other things besides terminal stuff... spinnerbaits and swimbaits.

Zoom baby brush hog

Related to the topic: My tackle box is made up of a hodgepodge of cranks. I mostly pick them up when I see a good sale or I think I am lacking in a particular depth range. No brand loyalty.

Not to hijack the thread, but here is a video from Swindle talking about non-sponsored lures..

Easily my favorite jigs, looking forward to making my next purchase.

Zoom super chunk and Paca craws are my main ones right now. Next up are pit bosses and d bombs.

Lots of options. Can never go wrong. Edit: unless you want to throw 5oz swimbaits on it.