djflats58

I used a couple today and they took a beating by some pretty nice largemouths and a bunch of big hard fighting whites. So far no issues.

I just bought a couple. I'm going to try them out tomorrow.

I'm going to use it on a local lake that's pretty clear. Also going to Lake Ozarks in a couple weeks.

I've been reading reviews about Rapala's Shadow Rap, the one with the gradual vertical fall. Seems a lot of the reviews mentioned they catch a lot of fish all right but they're having problems with them breaking and also taking on water causing no action and causing it to sink rapidly. Has anyone tried the Rap and if so what's your opinions/experiences? Thanks.

Thanks for clarifying. I'm going to set all of my reels.

W....when you say pull do you mean in a straight line pull or with the rod tip up, bending the rod?

To those that use the Black Max. Have you had any problems with the reel seating to the rod? I tried mine on a Lightning Rod Shock and also a Loomis. Never did really get a good seat on either one. I caught a 1 1/2 pounder on it and felt the reel slide on the rod seat. A bigger bass and I believe I'd have lost the reel.

I found a place for the cushion so it's out of the way. The boat bumpers fit in the battery compartment. I slid a divider between the batteries and gas tank. The top of the bumpers slide down between the tank and side of the boat. The bumpers will ride fine now but if I want I can secure them to the divider with a velcro tab.

Of all the boats that have storage under the seats, I have to get one without that storage option. The seats don't lift. I sure wish they did. Thank you though.

It's not quite the Triton TR20 I had in the past but it floats. 2002 Alumacraft...

I talked to a guy yesterday and he mentioned the battery boxes that have tops to them. There was probably tops that came with the ones I have but the previous owner probably got rid of them. The lids would protect any connections and also allow proper ventilation.

It would be easy access stored there. I guess my main concern is the battery connections and fuel tank hose..any way the cushion and bumpers could cause any damage? There is no metal in either item. Guess there may be a concern of some connections being knocked loose. I wouldn't think so as tight as they are. I'm open to more input from others. Thanks.

I'm mainly referring while on the water. The life jackets aren't a real problem because they're in use if I'm on the water. The bumpers and throw cushion take up a lot of space. Good idea on the paddle. I'll do that today.

Having to down size from a 21' bass boat to a 17 1/2' Alumacraft, I'm having problems with storage. The small paddle, boat bumpers, throw cushion, and 2 life jackets(when not in use)take up a lot of the storage. In the Triton I had I just stored these items in the back compartment where the batteries and gas tank is. It had a tray for these items, keeping them off of the batteries/tank. There's no way that I can see to put a tray in this Alumacraft. Would it be safe to store these items in the battery/gas compartment of the Alumacraft? Just seeing if anyone else has this problem. Thanks.

How did you like the Black Max?

Hank...sounds like you've had pretty good luck with them. Four seasons is a good test. Thanks for the info!

I always used the Ambassador 4600's for years...started using them back in the late 80's. I just wanted to try something different.

I took the Max reels out to a small fishing lake today just to see how they feel. They cast great including the Black Max. By tightening the spool tension and cranking down the brake I was able to skip a jig too. The next test is to catch some bass and see how they perform.

I really like Lake of the Ozarks, especially in the off season before all of the big boats and partying starts.

It's good to hear your positive opinions on the Max. I'm looking at 2 more of the PM3's..new in box on eBay...that would give me 4. I looked at the Black and Silver also but I may just stick to the Pro model. Thanks for the input guys!

I picked up a couple of the Abu Garcia Pro Max reels. I know the Revo and Orra reels are "better" reels but at this time I'm not in a position to get them. I've had guys say to cough up the extra $20 or so but like I said I can't right now. Anyway I'd like to know if anyone uses or used any of the Max reels? I've read a lot of good reviews. The negatives were mainly about the graphite frames..flexing. I haven't had a chance to use the Pro Max yet but they do feel good. So if anyone has used any of the Max series your input is appreciated. I don't fish tournaments anymore. If I would it would only be one or two a year. I usually fish 3-5 times a month, whatever the crazy weather of Missouri allows. Thanks.

Just signed up to the site. I started bass fishing in the 80's and fished till around 2006. Had to stop for personal reasons...family stuff. I just started again a couple years ago. I had a new Triton TR20 back in 2004 but had to sell it. Now I'm down to an old 2002 Alumacraft 175 with a 80 hp Yamaha. I live in Missouri. I use to fish Lake Ozarks, Mark Twain and Kinkaid quite a bit. Now I mainly fish a small 500 acre lake called Goose Creek here in Missouri. I guess that's about it for now.