MI.Kayaker

Boat: Alumacraft 1648 MV NCS I framed the two decks using 2x4s with 19/32in untreated plywood. The upper surface of the deck was sealed with two coats of Durabak and then 16oz marine carpet. The carpet was attached using only spray adhesive and staples which I did not have any durability issues with. The four hatches used stainless piano hinges and a pair of air springs. I went with a 24v 70# thurst Minn Kota Maxxum which was bolted to a mount made of angled aluminum and riveted to the preexisting aluminum deck. Four group 27 batteries were stored in the back for weight distribution; two in 24v series for bow trolling motor, one for 12v transom motor, and one accessory battery. Under the deck storage provided plenty of space for tackle and room for rods up to 8'. Overall, the boat proved to be an excellent platform for 2-3 guys on the smaller bodies of water that I fish. I bought the boat new, a more costly option that was worth it to me as I was able to customize it to my standards rather than taking on the project of a used boat with unwanted modifications and uncertain wiring/structural integrity/maintenance. Open to questions + critiques!

106 this year. Missed 4 days since May 10th.

tomorrow will be 98 straight days... so no.

"*Wire Extension Length refers to the distance from the batteries to the trolling motor leads."

Minn Kota's recommended gauge table is based of the distance from the end of the factory leads. As far as the stock terminal rings, I cut mine off and ran a butt splice with the circuit breaker near the batteries.

Small jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwater will give you a chance at any of the exotic species living in Miami waters. The toughest part is usually access in N. Miami so use satellite images to make a list of spots. Check them for any signs of life and cover water in the best looking areas.

They guard their beds and fry pretty aggressively. You can get them to eat if you find the right pair and downsize.

Midas Cichlid, Spotted Tilapia

You would need both a Humminbird unit with networking capabilities and a Minn Kota trolling motor with iPilot LINK to network them in order to follow the contour, return to a waypoint etc. http://www.minnkotamotors.com/ipilotlink/

owner sled head

I've tested it to over 100 yards with my Ulterra.

The Falls Mall can be tough. Focus on the bridges and the drains to the east or west to narrow your search. Flukes are a good idea and a shakeyhead would be ok for bed fish. I would choose a small jerkbait or crankbait to cover water. Your travel setup will work well.

Peacocks are spawning right now and will eat anything sinking near their beds. Find smaller canals with bank access on google maps and use your car to work around no fishing signs and find fish. Lakes are much more private and difficult to access than canals. Rock is better than grass. Parallel the banks with small, fast moving lures and look out for beds. Coral Reef Park is a good starting point. You will see a lot of exotics with a chance at some solid peas. Look around.

Anything can happen in saltwater. I prefer to fish the most appropriate gear for the fish I catch 95% of the time. When I break a large fish off in cover on a lighter live bait setup I accept it as the tradeoff. I never expect to hook an inshore fish on a lure I cannot land with my alphas sv. If you want to take the opposite approach and be ready for anything that could happen, by all means use the heaviest set up you can. If a larger reel is what you want the Lexa 300's capacity is enough for saltwater casting applications.

I would pick up a saltwater rated low profile with #30 braid to use for throwing plugs and a heavier spinning setup for fishing larger live baits. 5000-6000 reel. Typically the larger saltwater fish are caught with live bait and that is where a spinning gear excels. 30# braid for open water and 40-50# in heavy cover.

those look incredible. love the rock bass

I ordered two last week. They cancelled my order saying the rods were out of stock.

The Revo Beast is a different reel than the Revo Toro Beast. The Beast is marketed for heavy duty bass applications whereas the Toro Beast is marketed for musky fishing.

Tarpon

I bought a 250$ kayak 3 years ago and after hundreds of trips and many modifications I still use it every day. If I could do it again I would save my money and purchase a kayak I could stand in and modify more easily. I would look into the BPS Ascend sit on top kayaks if you are looking for something inexpensive and still fishable.

1. Shoreline immediately left of the ramp to the point across from the small island has stumps, pads, and laydowns in shallow water. 2. Most Western cove is filled with wood cover and moderate grass. Pads are mostly choked out in shallow water but areas closest to the main lake produce. 3. Eastern cove with 60fow has a few quality laydowns, pads, deep docks, and stumps. 4. Southern shore including the marina has scattered docks that all hold bass. 5. There are three offshore humps and a long tapering point within the deepest basin that are not visible on Navionics. Check out Bing satellite images (closely) or the Insight Genesis social map for the most accurate view of this structure.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Ultrex.aspx

Caught this MB-inspired fish on a 1/4oz Livetarget this afternoon. Good suggestion!

You don't even need 5# to catch fish on swimbaits. 2015 total average: 14.19". Average fish caught on BBZ1 Rat 50: 14.68". I also caught a 10" rock bass and this bluegill off his bed using the one swimbait I had last year.