Further North

OK...is it wrong that now I want to store some (probably used) Z-Man baits with some other stuff to see what happens?

...I found 8 listings on Amazon when I searched for "Zoom Super Speed Craw" and checked the Prime box.

Watermelon with red flake here, at least in clear water. Just seems to work in this part of the country.

I use the same method - but instead of regular rope, I use 1/2" bungee cord with clips on either end.

Good looking boat - enjoy it and your improved fishing.

I like it - it's a great set up.

I agree that Dual Pro and MInn Kota are the brands I see recommended most often. I can vouch for Minn Kota - I've had the same 440D in my last three boats over 6 years - never a problem and it gets used at least once a week, always tops the batteries up overnight, and stays on all winter to keep the batteries fresh.

You're on the right track, IMO. No way I'd sell my boat either...but it's really good to know that if something bad happens there's a great replacement in the form of the Pro-V Bass! Nice modeling of the HUK shirt...but in the future, I'd prefer what Brooke Thomas does for their gear...

If you sell that Predator, folks will be lined up to buy it. Don't trade it in...that's what the sales guy is hoping. He wants that boat, better that the difference between trade in and market wind up in your pocket, not his.

Outstanding, and thanks for the pictures. Love the layout and the way you've got it rigged. That boat would be as perfect here as it is there...and it's be the cat's PJs in Canada!

Wow...I've been in airplane cockpits that had fewer switches. What kind of degree do you need to operate that thing?

I fish from Ice out (This year that was late March) until the ice is thick enough to stop me from launching (usually sometime in November)...if I really wanted to I could fish the Mississippi through the winter...but it's a ways to travel and it's walleye fishing...not my thing.

FG here. Alberto in the few instances it won't work well (Knot 2 Kinky leader). Team9nine is exact right. Which one do you tie best?

Dunno why used isn't popular. I've saved thousands of dollars in fishing gear going used, particularly with fly-fishing gear.

Last time I looked on the site, St. Croix also had the Rage series on sale at $89 as well. Cabela's was also selling them at this price. Most retailed for around $150.

One of the things that blows me away is the number of boat trailers out there with no safety chain...

Outstanding - I am very interested in your experiences as you learn your new rig. I'd have set it up just like that, with one exception - I'd swap the Fortrex for an Ulterra...but that's just a preference.

Look at Skeeter WX and MX series boats.

I sure agree with that. I don't pull the boat up the ramp until the winch strap and the safety chain are hooked up

Your best solution is to get an on-board charger - I'd go 3 bank - so all you have to do is plug it in at the end of the day.

Depends what kind of rod - I think I used the 1 1/4" for spinning rods, 3/4" for casting rods. I bought one roll of red in 1/2" it was border line to skinny.

Nice work. I buy that material on Amazon and make my own rod sleeves...and the left-over pieces get used for projects like that.

I saw high 60s to low 70s surface temps on a lake on the northern edge of Chippewa County yesterday. Some smallies were on beds, some were not...so one largemouth on a bed...but it looked confused. Male smallies on beds were aggressive in protecting their turf. Lake is 1800 acres, up to 100 ft. deep and clear water. I was out from noon until just before 8:00 PM, fishing was consistent with a spike in the action right around 6:00 PM.

I forgot all about pumps because I never use mine...even better reason to go with the 3 bank. Yes Good choice - I went the other way (from a 4 battery, 4 bank system to a 5 battery, 5 bank system). Belt, suspenders and a rope tied around my waist!

"Should" is the key word in the sales guy's statement. I would (and have) install a charger to top off all the batteries every time i plug the boat in. If you run your starting battery down while you're on the water, it's a long way back on the trolling motor...or with a paddle.