Allen Der

Pflueger Trion 30 size

Pflueger supreme can be had for $80, then pick up a cheap rod like a Lightning rod or a BPS house rod

that's a solid choice without spending big bucks on a traxxis or the electric outboards. heck, we used to do just fine with a 30lb minn kota as primary propulsion

I'm primarily an evening fisherman and I have terrible luck on the chain for bass. Probably because the pleasure boats churn it up so bad during the day. I dont know where you launch, but for me it's a pain to get to the state park to launch for free and if I'm going to pay a launch fee, I'd rather go to Wisconsin or Loon. If I had a slip on the chain, it would be another story and I'd fish mornings.

I'm going to disagree on your necessities. most are now using low profile reels like the Revo Toro series, Okuma komodo, Curado 300, and ever the Tranx is technically low profile. 8ft+ is the norm now for musky rods and heavy fluoro leaders are as popular as steel. However, you can still cast small bucktails, spinnerbaits, jigs, topwater and cranks for musky with a flipping stick and bass size baitcaster with 50lb braid and a leader. bigger rods and reels are for bigger baits.

you need to do what I did this year and not buy a chain sticker. now I have no choice but to fish other IL and WI lakes.

fenwick silverhawks are on sale right now at cabelas. I'd take those any day over a LR shock.

8lb mono. never had as much luck with braid for wacky rigging

I have 3 silverhawks and they are very nice. I'd get the 6'6" medium and match it up with a 30 size Pflueger in your price range

A #5 mepps or blue fox bucktail is a good place to start especially in summer. If you've got the right equipment you can go bigger blades or double blades, big rubber baits, and more

hull weight is 878 lbs motor weight is 247 2 passengers at least 300lbs at least 2 batteries and gas and you are over 1500lbs

I think you'll be pushing the weight limit of the micro. Dont just count the dry weight of your hull. count your motor, batteries, gas, gear and passengers. I was tempted to get one for my 16.5ft lund but opted for a Dig-In shallow water anchor instead

haha, I also have a bluck Lund. I'm not fat though (yet) I Launch at Loon all the time and the ramp is good. are you sure you were on the right side? one side hasn't been redone in many years. The ramp here looks way better than the one at Long you say you have no problem using

I'll probably be on Loon tomorrow afternoon.

medium power and fast action is your best bet for an all around spinning rod. I forgot about the Triumph X deal, I'd probably go for that. Yes during spring BPS has a classic event where you can trade in old rods and reels for a coupon towards a new one.

between the St Croix Mojo Bass and Eyecon lines, you'd be able to get just about any rod length and action you'd need in that price range

I'd just go to your bass pro and get this combo for $80 with the 30 sized reel and a medium rod in 6'6 or 7'. the rod is OK and if you want you can always go back in the spring and trade it in towards a better rod during the spring classic. http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-President-Spinning-Reel/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-Rod-Spinning-Combo/product/2253985/

The new SCIII Mojo Bass 7'1 MF or Premier 6'6 or 7' MF would be your best bets. If those are too expensive I'd look to a Fenwick Silverhawk when they are on sale at Cabelas. They have much better guides than the HMX.

I think St Croix Medium Fast rods are the most versatile rods I've tried.

curious as to what issues you're having with the LE's.

well the supreme has a $20 mail in rebate. the President LE is nice too. pick whichever one looks better to you. I have both and they are pretty much the same reel

well unless he's casting without a hook or plastic, then I think he'll be well over 1/4oz

moot

read this http://www.onlinetowingguide.com/guidelines/gvwr.html I'm pretty sure your escape is rated for 3,500lbs towing, not 1,500lbs. there's more to towing than just the engine size

sounds like you're going to get a nice setup. you can always upgrade that black max in a few years when you get a little more money