MidwestF1sh

That's what I thought I just wasn't sure if you could change the outboard if you bought a boat new. I really liked the Yamaha 4 strokes. My dad had one and it was awesome. It seems like Yamaha is reliable in anything they do. That being said if I were getting a used boat it'd have the Yamaha on it but if you get new the merc should be a good motor.

My personal opinion is I like tritons platform better but I've heard great things about skeeter. Rode in one and it was nice. What outboards are on them?

I'd take a look at Powell 3d max they just dropped their price on their website to $160 whichis a steal for that rod or a dobyns champion series. I've never bought a dobyns rod but have heard great things about them.

Never throw a spinner bait without a trailer hook! Other than that what ^^^^ he said.

How'd you land that gig?? Just curious what rods you use now?

Lol sorry you are right... I don't know how I didn't realize daiwa makes the best everything and anything... But honestly I'd say try to find them in a store and hold them for yourself to decide. Whatever feels best to you buy, everybody has different opinion to what is good or comfortable. You'll be happy with any of them!

Good to hear you like you're new rod! Powell is a very impressive company and I feel like they don't get as much attention as they deserve. Next spring I plan on picking up another 723,734,775 and maybe try the 714. The mag rods have such a strong backbones but like you mentioned still have the tip to cast and work the bait.

Go for the tournament pro. Listen to what the first response said. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it and out performs that daiwa in every way. People are just very brand loyal. For any reel up to $150 its nearly impossible to beat Lew's. After that shimano really takes the crown.

When you reel in fast what are you doing? Getting all the slack in to feel for the fish! Nice job though! This year I really got into frog fishing too and I can relate to you living in MN. I caught a 21" 6lb bass this spring on a frog and nearly had a heart attack. There's no better way of fishin.

I use kvd L&L and have liked it so far. Just have to respool every year like most fluorocarbon.

I would be very interested to hear how the timax compared. I have a hard time believing there's a better rod out there for under $200 than Powell but it'd be nice to hear how their top of the line stuff compares to the higher priced gear.

Those rods are amazing. They're very light and balance pretty good. I like the guides they used to. Not micros but still on the smaller side. If you want to pm me I can email or text pictures of a couple rods tonight.

Some really cool ideas from all of you guys on here! I will say though a $5 pair of jaw spreaders makes dealing with pike a lot easier.

I really like that rod along with the 723. Not to get too off topic but lets hear what you think of it when it arrives!

LOL exactly what I was thinking about people who buy shimano and daiwa... Why spend so much when you can just buy a a reel just as good if not better for way cheaper (Lew's)

3/4 for football jigs on most days. sometimes I'll go to 1/2 ounce or 1 ounce. As for my other style jigs 1/4 ounce to 1/2 ounce and in between.

I'm not a huge shimano fan but I have a shimano compre drop shot rod and I like it. It has good action. It has a very soft tip but enough backbone to handle bigger fish.

Punch any chance those reports are coming from your favorite lake?

I think that means we just have to post more. I like how punch gives us a report every time he fishes, we should all do that. Last time I was out was last Sunday and it was pretty chilly out. Caught a ton of decent bass fishing docks. The nicer fish were way up under docks and pontoons. Had a nice pike go after a bass I had on, took the bass off the hook, picked up a spinnerbait and that cast the pike hammered it. I guess he was ready to put on the feed bag.

X2They're harder to clean but I think they taste better and a 25" pike is easy to catch and has a ton of meat on it.

I like the guides but agree. A little more tip wouldn't hurt but I got used to it.

I have the Powell and love. I'm 5'10" and went from a rod similar to what you're using. It takes a little bit to get used to it but I really like it now. It can handle any cover I throw at it and it walks the frog easy. That was my first Powell rod and now I am switching all my rods to Powell. Its such a light rod so I can throw it all day even though its 7'3" heavy.

X3

I caught my biggest carp ever on a 3/8 ounce jig and burner craw this summer. Flipped it next to a dock and I didn't feel the bite but all of a sudden it just took off. Started pullen me around in my 19' boat. But then again... 8lb bass do like swim jigs.

With how it bit and the sound of how it fought I would almost bet anything on a huge carp. Or 8lb bass......