gm4511

I'm a devoted Plueger President Spinning Reel user but Bass Pro has the Pflueger Supreme® XT Spinning Reel on sale for $99.97 and I'm tempted. The XT is lighter, ok for salt water, and one more bearing. For those that have both, what differences, pro and con, stand out for you between these two reels? I'm not interested in other brand recommendations, as good as they might be. When I find a brand that works well, I stick with it until it doesn't.

You're right, I was thinking about the St. Croix Legend Tournament Spinning Rods which have been discontinued.

Tennessee Boy, you're right! I priced with I-Pilot Link and should have picked I-Pilot GPS.

Agree, I've done that many times. However, in this case, Rangers price for Ultrex exchange is $2325 installed. Minn Kota now prices the same Ultrex for $2899.99. I'm sure the OP will shop wisely.

The old Avids were long in the tooth and needed some feature improvements. Can't wait to see the new ones.

The Tracker 175 is a very nice boat and well laid out. The main negative for me is the bow sits higher on the water than the Ranger RT178. Plus, when I built each model on the respective web sites, prices were very close. A clincher for me would be the Ranger offers an Ultrex 80 lb. 45" as a factory option. Adding this to the build, prices were about the same. If you decide to go Ranger, Anglers Choice in Lexington did a great job for me when I bought my aluminum Ranger. They also have locations in Spindale, NC and Martinville, VA.

Havent' heard that. Seems to me, because a stainless prop bites better and some are cupped, you drop down in pitch making prop easier to spin up. Top speed should increase. Also, the old adage that if you hit something with a stainless you'll damage your engine just isn't true due to modern hubs ability to break away if prop hits something. Last, aluminum hubs bend and break so easy, a stainless steel prop could save money in the long run.

How fast is too fast all depends on the conditions. Match your speed to the conditions and the design of your boat and you'll be safe.

Ducketts and one Cabelas.

If I read your original post correctly, the starting battery was not charged between July and early December of last year. You made the right decision replacing the battery. Starting batteries will self discharge over time as Way2slow said. They're also subject to parasitic drain from electrical things that remains on even with your key turned off.

Progressives Propulsion Plus: We’ll pay to repair or replace the lower unit of an outboard motor, or upper & lower units of an inboard/outboard motor if you have a mechanical breakdown. And yes, we’ll still cover it if it’s caused by general wear and tear.

If your kids and wife want to go along more, it could be time to consider a multi-species model. There are many companies selling them so you should be able to find something you all like. I love the Reata and Angler series from Ranger, but they were too heavy to tow with my suv. I went with an aluminun Ranger 1782 VS. I can seat 4 comfortably and 2 more kids can sit on the edge of the back deck with their feet inside the cockpit.

Seems you need a premium map and even then, only certain lakes offer auto guidance. https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/echomapuhd/EN-US/GUID-B59A673D-C9A5-49BC-81A1-483E3E0492F6.html

Early 90's Stratos 264/Evinrude 150HP. Great boat, well laid out, would hit 64 on a good day.

No one's ever regretted getting more horsepower, do it. Vinyl flooring, yes. Once you use the boat a while, you'll come up with lots of add ons and swaps you'll want to do. Use that $2600 package money you saved to pay for a new TM and help with better electronics.

Take a look at Mustang's HIT™ HYDROSTATIC INFLATABLE PFD. Type ll rating, won't go off in rain, mist, or fog. Like you, I wear mine all the time.

I use a Duckett Micro Magic Pro, 7', ML action rod and Pflueger President 3000 reel for 4-5" Senkos and Generals. I also use it for finesse worms. It skips well and has enough backbone to set the hook and handle heavier fish.

That Penn Squadron is a surf rod, I think, and a 3500 reel is normally way too small for this rod. I doubt you'll like it for bass fishing. A 3500 reel is a great all around size for bass. Find a 7' MH or 7' M spinning rod in your price range and you'll be good.

The Viair is, hands down, the best 12V portable I've owned. Very accurate gauge and extremely tough unit. Got mine from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Whatever PFD folks choose, make sure it'll float you in an upright position. It's not uncommon to lose consiousness in an overboard event and your face needs to be out of the water for you to survive. USCG pfd types l and ll are the only recreational types that will do this. Nice looking fishing vest, but I couldn't find where it's USCG approved?

I ran a Chrysler 15 hp on a 15' jonboat back in the mid 70's. Never had a problem, but it was slow as molasses.

Seems like a solid boat. As to price, I don't know if it's good or not. However, the odds of that 15 year old boat having problems while you own it are high. Personally, I'd look some more for a newer aluminum rig. Spend a little more now, but have a lot more years of worry free fishing.

I'm confused. Are these the Chris Zaldain hooks?

Inflatable pfd rules have changed over the years. Today, if your inflatable is rated by the USCG as Type ll or Type lll for recreational use, it does not have to be worn to count. If it's rated Type V, it does have to be worn. Check the USCG label on ones your shopping or already own. If you can't read the label, you should replace the pfd because it doesn't count at all. Inflatables that use Halkey-Roberts inflators (dissovable bobbin) are subject to unintended inflation from being stored in a hot and humid boat locker, used in fog, rain, mist, or the bobbin simply deterioates from time. These pfd's are the cheapest inflatables but have more drawbacks. Inflatables that use CM Hammar or hydrostatic inflators are not subject to unintended inflation. They are more expensive but only require inflator replacement every 5 years. I hope this helps.

I'm heading inland to fish Falls Lake for 3 days and would appreciate any recent fishing reports. Not location, just how the bite's been in general.