Puggz

Keen's water shoes. they dry fast and have a toe protector.

Shakey head is a bit tough to fish in deep water, drop shot doesn't work so well in shallow water... VMC make nice shakey head jigs and I've gotten best results with a plastic that floats (IE Havoc). As said before, they are quite different, therefor you need to learn both. Good news is that you can do both with the same rod/reel setup.. at least to start.

I have a Loomis IMX 954C FPR flippin/punchin stick (65lb PP) and a Loomis GL2 854C (50lb PP) for pitchin, Swimjigs, C-Rigs, etc. Which reel for each? I have a Tatula Type R (8.1:1) and a Chornarch Ci4 (7.6:1) I'm thinking the Tat on the flippin stick... Thoughts???

I was going through all my plastics earlier today and this might not be such a bad idea..... The issue is that I have so many different types that I sometimes forget what I've got. It would be nice to be able to store them by category like you said.

Ranger installs hydraulic ones on their Inshore boats which are modified bass boats (520C)

Some places sell marine grade wire at rip off prices. Auto parts stores don't sell tinned wire. Here are my comments: Wire - Glad to see you're using 6 ga. Terminal connectors - didn't see any mention of these. You'll probably need up to 3 sizes per wire size. Ive seen batteries with 2 different size terminals, some are the same. then you have your plug and circuit breaker to consider. Its good practice to shrink wrap each connection, and use a proper crimper as not to damage the wire or connector. Ancor Marine makes good ones. Circuit breaker - excellent advise. Put it in a place that's easy to access. The MK model had a small tab that springs out when tripped. Install it so its accessible Batteries - they should be the same size/age or one will work more than the other and you'll have premature failure. Also, if its flooded cell, check the electolite levels regularly. Battery Trays - don't underestimate their importance. A loose battery will have a much shorter life (end more electrolyte can spill out) I prefer the HD type over the ones with straps. Plug and Socket - the MK model is decent (twist lock). Always unplug the motor when charging your batteries. Trolling Motor - Add a quick release mounting bracket for convenience. Remember to reinforce it from underneath. On board chargers - Like everything these days, they range in price and quality. I've had cheap ones and they are garbage. The Minn Kota MK or PC series is what you want. (if you like your batteries :)) Fiberglass - You didn't say if your boat is glass or not. Drilling glass is a lot different than wood or aluminum. PM me if you need pointers. Others - Grab a bag of black cable ties to keep everything neat and tidy. Also, anywhere wire is exposed, cover it with plastic cable protector. Good luck, take your time, and have fun! .

Maybe a dumb question, but why put a bag into another bag??? I would have thought you'd use the bags that came with the binder and keep extras on hand for when they blow...

This had caused some confusion for me as well.. What I find interesting is that when it comes to factory rods, the St Croix LTB are the only ones I've seen with a Mod/Fast action... All the others (ive seen) are either fast or xfast. As all my other jig/pitchin type rods are fast action, I chose that for my Flippin stick just because i know I react a certain way when a fish hits and the last thing I need is a rod that behaves differently..

Sounds like you bought one of everything Shimano makes?? JK, Best of luck!

I just purchased my 2nd Calcutta D, I now have a 400 (muskie) and a 200 (bass). I was doing some research and just leaned that they both have VBS which requires the reel to be disassembled. Has anyone played around with this? Am I to assume that turning it on means pushing the tabs outward. Also, like other reels, you turn on the tabs in a pattern.. IE opposite of each other, not next to each other. TIA!!!

Those are 2 very different reels. The Calcutta is more of a beast, excellent for hauling fish out of deep cover and/or dragging big spinner-baits/deep crankbaits. What gear ratio is the Metanium? If its the 7.4 or higher you'll probably prefer the Calcutta on that rod. Mid you, the Calcutta will hold up to a Hvy/XHvy application if you plan on going in that direction. Its all fantastic equipment as I'm sure you know. It would be a great learning experience playing with the different configurations. Cheers!

GLX crankbait rod and a 201D? Sweeet!

The calcutta will make a fine crankbait/spinnerbait reel but I think your rod selection leaves room for improvement. The Avid is a nice rod but the one you picked is more of a jig/plastics rod. For cranks or any bait with trebles, you may want to consider a rod with a more moderate action (IE Medium Heavy/Moderate Fast). Have a look at a medium heavy with a moderate action. I'll also recommend a longer rod, 7' or greater as it really helps improve casting distance and manageability of bigger fish. St Croix make a 7' MH/Moderate Avid and Avid X. For your spinning setup Med Light is the way to go (no one really uses UL tackle)and again, longer is better. Especially when you want to sling out unweighted plastics. I use a 7'6" Fenwick Aetos ML/XF for unweghted plastics, drop shotting, split shotting, and small jigs. Therefore, my recommendation would be Aetos, a St.Croix Avid X 7' ML/Fast or a Dobyns 7' ML/Fast in either a Saavy or a Champion. Good luck and let us know!

I found a great deal on a Calcutta 200D and Loomis IMX 945C FRP today, some of last years inventory that went for last years prices..:) A 30% discount compared to 2016 price hikes due to the exchange rate. I thinking about putting my Tatula Type R on the Loomis and putting the Calcutta on my frog/A-Rig/Swimbait/Swimjig rod. Thoughts??

Makes sense.. sometimes a little friction is a good thing.

I'm looking for a better way to manage my plastics. Any thoughts on this (or something else)???

Spinning - Fenwick Aetos/St. Croix Avid X Casting - Dobyns Campion Trolling - Shimano Talora Muskie - St Croix Legend Tournament

Obviously none of you have a marketing degree... they pay people big bucks to come up with this crap...lol All in all, looks like a great reel and I'll be in the market for another 2500 series this year. It would look good on an Avid X dropshot rod...:p

I use 50# on one of my Muskie setups. No issues with knots and its casting ability is excellent. I find that if and when you birdsnest, its a real pain to untangle. It seems to dig deeper for some reason. Keep in mind that I'm throwing baits north of 3 oz so when it grabs, it grabs!

17lb Trilene XT...oh.. thats Mono...

If they are good batteries and fully charged when you left them they will be fine. I've stored cars over the winter w/o a single problem. I always unhook the ground to ensure that there's no draw, even a clock...Did you happen to unhook the ground or at the very least, the TM cable? Somethings on boat have a fantom draw.

I just found a Champion 735 w/full grip gently used for $150 CAN. :-D What are your thoughts on 30lb PP w/17lb floro? I'm looking at 6 bass tournaments this year so this outfit will get a ton of use!

I have a vintage Daiwa Whisker SS 1300 (made in japan) that I bought new in late '80s. It has an amazing drag but I wish it had infinite anti reverse. I also have a circa 1990 Shimano Aero Beastmaster spinning that I still use as well. Great for Pike

I just picked up a barely used Chronarch Ci4 150HG and now I need a rod for it. The spring fishing and boat show is on this weekend so I'll be on the prowl for deals. My application will include C-Rigs, lighter pitching, long range/deep jigs and plastics, spinnerbaits, and med swim jigs. Basically the most versatile rod in my box. I'm thinking about something that's between 7' and 7'6", Medium Heavy, with a fast or xtra fast tip for under $250. Some ideas are: Fenwick Aetos 7'2" MH/XF *** Envi Black 7'3" MH/XF Loomis IMX (It would have to be quite a deal....lol) TIA

Personally I prefer a spinning rig for this application. A 6.5 to 7 ft medium light, mag lite, or medium action with 6 or 8lb FC.