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Zara Spook

The boat sold with a 6% discount. But it was an exceptional boat. I missed by a couple hours. After I thought about it, I likely would have paid full asking price if I had to to get it because it was exactly what I wanted and it was in fantastic condition with very little hours on the meter. But generally, people price things too high. Now, 30% too high? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Usually, I think they are too high, but not 30%. Although, when I look at high end boats, I always think no way will he get that! If somebody is going to pay really big money, he'll buy new. I bet a lot of those high end bass boats never sell, the owners get stuck. Or reduce the heck out of them.

Wow, the college man sure picked an expensive sport! I would buy 19', maybe 20' and I would buy used. If it helps any, I think it's totally unnecessary to buy more than 150hp. That will push boats that size near or over 60mph. I used to race motorcycles and fly daredevil helicopters, and 60mph on the water is actually too fast, lol. My point is, if you are thinking larger than 150hp, you can dial that back and spend it on boat length! Longer means better ride, safer and more storage. Also, more front deck space, which is where you will spend most of your time. Also realize that getting a boat means you will spend even more because you will need this and that accessories.

Motorguide makes a portable, foot-controlled trolling motor called Bulldog 54, it has 54 lbs thrust. I note that it has 5 speeds, so, does that mean it is not one of the new technology digital motors that provides much long run times due to a more efficient use of the battery? I think those are variable speed with infinite 'settings?' Also, does anyone use one of these on a Bass Raider type boat? Is there room to put it in front of you so that you are not too cramped up? I also note that this model has a 30 inch shaft. I figured it was 36". I hope 30" fits the Bass Raider okay. I don't see one like this from Minn Kota. Lastly, I have a Minn Kota Endura 50, transom mount. I use it fine on my pond jumper boat and also my jon boat. Does anyone know if there is a foot control gizmo that I can attach to this trolling motor? Seems I have seen one. If so, I wouldn't have to buy a Bulldog. (EDIT: I found it, it is called Troll King. I wonder if it works good!) Let me know, thanks.

First, I don't see a $100 Supreme online. I see higher than that. I don't recall all the prices I saw but it was more than $100 and most were $150! Second, for ultralight fishing (crappie/bream/bass), anyone have an opinion on this? The President 6920 is even lighter than the Supreme and the LE in that size reel! It's also a lot cheaper than those models. Why shouldn't I just buy the President? I can get one for $50 total. I have a 6940 President for 'regular' bass fishing and like it a lot, so, I am sold on the President quality. But I'm all ears for what is the best choice. I mean, I can't see why line capacity is a big deal, because you can't cast a long ways with small baits. And, yes, the retrieve rate is slightly less with the President than the others, but it's not a big difference, and I can't see why that is a concern for ultralight fishing because I would not be fishing fast anyway.

For 2016, they offer this limited edition with 10 ball bearings, and I think it said lighter weight, will have to check that. Anyone have an opinion on this line for (finesse model bass and also crappie) use (model 20/25) and also maybe one for the heavier end of the model lineup (30/40) for heavier bass fishing use? I have a President 6940 and like it just fine but I am no spinning expert.

Installing a step ladder is certainly wise for all boat owners. If you go overboard and the water is cold, you want to be able to get back in with minimum struggle, as you may be injured and the water cold, plus you may have full clothing on.

The only thing I know of is Nadaguides for used boat values. I am surprised they do not have a bass boat section. I haven't seen it. Hard to believe they do not show a trolling motor as an option. Haven't seen either. Is this the only blue book type service? A seller is asking $8500 and I came up with $7300 on Nadaguides, trying to figure out what's up. His boat does appear to be in great shape for an almost 20 year old boat but I want to know more about the used market price. Thanks if you have any advice.

I think I recall that there is a Double Davy knot also. Maybe it's better?

Hook it pretty? What does that mean, lol.

Does anyone use a product that you put on the carpeted bunk boards so that the boat slides easier off/on the trailer? I can't remember what it's called, I think it is a girl's name, like Mary Kate. (EDIT: Yep, that is the name. Anyone used it?) I could also buy the glide pads like BPS sells but those are $42, plus buying the right screws. I don't know if it would require special screws. Makes me SO mad... I bought two treated 2x4s and the carpet. I redid one of the bunks because it was worn; didn't have time to do both yet. But anyway, it didn't last long at all, a gash tore in the carpet about a foot long. I have no idea how that happened. I wonder if I could glue it down with any glue that would hold? If I could buy just TWO of the glide-on things, I could do it cheap but I have only seen a set of 10, and it's $42. If I could buy a couple, just cover up the worn spot on the one bunk and mirror it on the other. Glue would be better, the carpet is intact. Seems I recall reading something about people using a product and said watch out, don't unhook your boat if it's on the ramp, else it will fly off the trailer! That would be really bad. EDIT 2: Found this online... " get some cake wax at the supermarket used for canning preserves. Use a camp stove and a coffee can (metal) to melt it at the ramp with the boat off. pour it over the bunks and let it cool/dry. The first time I used it, the boat came off so easily, that it scared the wife. BTW, it lasted 10 years that I had the boat. " Now, the only problem with using slick stuff is... I fish alone alot and loading the boat back onto the trailer... I don't want the boat sliding back off the trailer once I load it up to the bow stop roller. Hopefully, it will stick well enough for me to get up there and attach the winch hook.

Nice mods.Looks like a really nice rig. Do you plan on having this rod holder with the rods in the air in front of or behind you in the boat? Having them in the air would not work for me, we have too many trees in the water, but I'm curious, for more open lakes. I am not exactly a strongman and I put mine in my truck by myself. But it isn't exactly a piece of cake. I get it done, though. Just pick up one corner end of it and slide it up to your tailgate. Then slide it over so it's square. Then pick up the back end and slide it in.

Thanks, good idea! I see one at Lowe's for $6 and it has polyester line, so, the line might be okay. The dog leash idea is good, it's just not the smallest idea. An el cheapo dog leash breaks easily for dog use, but for this, it might last a long time, and it might be stronger line of all ideas. Whomever suggested the H-shape thingy, that doesn't take up much room. Can put the entire gizmo in a baggy. The telescoping pole, I haven't used one, but if they work good, that's an advantage to having to maneuver a large bass boat if you are in stumpy waters. Plus, you could use to yank a lure out of a tree. Been there, done that, lol.

LOL, I could put it on an old casting reel, but that defeats 'lightweight and small.' I just wrapped it around some cardboard and added an rubber band around it but it's cumbersome. I guess I will put into a food baggy to keep it from unravelling.

Plug knockers like this photo here (or you can find homemade ones cheap on ebay)... this one has a long line attached. I just cut it off because I am going to retie the knot. (There are some cheap ones on ebay that don't even have a line, you just slide it down your fishing line and hope it all comes up.) Anyone come up with a tidy solution to storing these and the long line? I could wrap the line around a piece of cardboard or something... just wondering if anyone came up with something ingenious, lol. I forgot to try the bow and arrow method yesterday, lol, but this guy got my crankbait out right away. Always looking for ways to lessen space for tackle! I think I will buy one of the cheap ebay ones, they appear to be lighter, but if it works, that's good because it weighs less in my tackle box! This guy here is pretty heavy.

I have kinda done the same thing except it is a Plano extra large "shooter's case." The version that is nothing more than a large, open box, with no rifle mount thingy. I found it on sale at Academy months ago. I have been storing lots of plastic bags (original bag) of soft plastics. Still intend to cut me a divider or two, just haven't found the right material... plastic or thin plywood or even stiff cardboard would work.

That is something I have def considered. Does anyone know if you can cut down the length of the TM shaft? If you have a TM with a much longer shaft than you need for your boat, I guess it will work, but it just sticks up higher above the bow.

Thanks for that. Do you have any idea how much a trailer would weigh? Single axle, with spare tire. I found the placard but they didn't fill it out, it is blank.

Now, that is innovative, lol. Are you serious? Are you talking about wiring the Endura in with the same switch on the bow mount troll motor so that they are powered in tandem? If I could get the slop out of the steering in my current front mounted motor, that could make sense. But one of the main complaints about the front mount is the steering slop. Makes lots of noise and is herky jerky to steer. OTOH... wanting more speed is for one reason, primarily, and that is to get between one target (Cypress tree) to the next target (another tree). If the steering slop problem is solved, I don't need to go faster for general use, but trying to go between trees faster, it would help to then engage the transom mounted Endura to get it more gas, lol. A negative for hanging a TM off the transom is getting snagged on underwater logs, we have a lot of those. With the big motor, just hit the tilt switch. An interesting exercise, anyway. Both of these units are 12v motors, must they act independently on separate batteries? On a side note, about the max thrust I have seen for a 12v system is 55lb thrust. That's only 5lb more thrust than my Endura. If I were to want to buy a 70+ lb thrust motor, I would need to add another battery. I just checked my boat, I do have room for another battery at the transom, as I could take the onboard charger out, because it doesn't work. I use a portable charger. I guess I could also move both TM batteries up front into a storage compartment. But, hmmm... they would be subject to a beating running through rough chop and I have heard that is not good for batteries.

I do not but I have been wanting to look into this after a buddy told me about it and it looks awesome, my problem of a hard-to-get-to plug would be solved. If I keep my boat longer term, I am going to get one of these. What a great idea, somebody was thinking! That is, assuming it works good!

I have 1997 Tracker Pro Team17 17' aluminum, 40hp Tracker Mercury Marine motor, troll motor, 2 batteries, gear. How do I determine the overall weight?

I am undecided but leaning toward keeping my boat versus buying a new one... for this year. One thing that drives me nuts is my crappy trolling motor that is noisy due to the steering slop and not powerful enough. It is a 1997 Tracker Pro17 boat, 40hp Mercury Marine Tracker motor and the trolling motor is a Minn Kota 37 lb thrust foot-control. It is a 12v (one battery) motor. I have considered a few things. First, I could spend as little as possible on a new or used one with more thrust. (Might buy a new boat in, say, one year.) Whether to go with foot-control or hand steered tiller... not sure what to do there. I am accustomed to using a foot control, both hands are free. Anyone use a tiller handle on a bassboat? Why do you like it if you do? Do you have an extended handle? Do you steer with your knee ever? Do you have an on/off footswitch? Second, I own a 50 lb thrust tiller handle Minn Kota Endura, transom mount, that I used on my jon boat and my puddle jumper. I wonder if this could serve on my Tracker on the bow? 50 lbs is certainly more than 37 and I guess it might be more efficient with battery drain. And I don't know how I could bow mount it. Third, I fish some Cypress tree-filled lakes and have to troll between scattered trees (they hold fish) in some lake sections, so the faster I get there, the better. So, lbs thrust is key. I can't see going to more than a 24v 2-battery system due to my boat is not a large boat and room for batteries is an issue. But I wonder about buying one with quite a bit more thrust. A 70 lb thrust motor would be roughly twice as much as what I have. I generally favor Minn Kota but I'm open to considering another. Thanks if you have any input.

I am happy to report that I successfully tied an FG knot first time I tried it. Bad news is, even though I tied the two extra hitch knots at the end, the snag end and hitch knots make too big of a bump and reeling the FC leader up into the rod is bumpy. It casts okay, but it has to be bad on that knot to take those rod guide bumps for each cast. This is a Cashion 7'6" MHF rod for frogs/flipping and the guides are really small. Do your knots go through easy? Anyone have a good knot to tie? I found the FG knot easy enough to tie, disappointed in this problem. This is 4' of 25lb Red Label FC tied to 60lb FX2 braid.

I keep seeing Big Game mentioned as a good line and I bought some, in the Solar Collector color. WOW! Now, that glowing green line is definitely visible! In the sunlight, amazing! I wonder if fish can see it easier in the water, since it's insanely visible above water to me! As for knowing where your line is in the water, no problem now. I bought 15lb test. Is there any technique that this line is NOT suitable for? I fish soft plastics t-rig a lot, spinnerbait, crankbait, chatterbait. I was shocked at such a low price. I wonder how many people 'swear by it' just because it's inexpensive? Or is really a good line? I love this price, holy cow!

Some fishermen, like pro Gary Klein, keep an index finger and thumb touching the line as it is worked in.