SteveFinMD

Wow, I think I would have tried to see how many times I could catch the same fish.

Chris, I have never used one so I can't comment on how they are. I do like to reposition my pedal sometimes for the sake of comfort or convenience so I am not considering one for my boat. They seem to be pretty popular so those who have them must like them. Good luck w whatever you choose. Steve

Sounds like a fine boat to me. I don't fish tourneys so I don't really know anything about them. I don't see why your boat would not be acceptable. Good luck.

Welcome and congrats on your new rig. You have already had your question answered so I will ask you one. Is that a jet motor on that rig?

I bought a Tracker that had not been run in four years. The impeller still worked fine when I took it on a test run. The following year I replaced it during a routine tune-up and it looked like it would last another season or two at least.

I have a brand new 480 and you need to hold the button down for a few seconds before it powers down. Has the unit ever worked properly for you?

I'd say that boat has a lot of potential. Good luck w your project. Keep us informed as it comes along.

Unfortunately it sounds like you did not maintain the battery properly. My guess is that it is ruined. Most places around here will allow you a $5 core credit if you purchase a new one and take the bad one in w you. Good luck.

Matt, I used a boat exactly like yours for a number of years. I never did add decks. IMO they are greatly over rated, especially in rough water. Congrats on your project. I hope you put a lot of fish in her.

I stopped in the local Sports Authority one evening and there was a whole rack of Quantum graphite rods, spinning and baitcasting, on sale for $5.00. The original price tag was $59.99. The clerk said they were trying to move some old inventory to make room for new. I bought three 7 foot bait casters and called my buddy who came in and bought one. It may pay to check out your local Sports Authority. I don't know if this was just our local store or if others were doing it as well. Good luck.

I don't think so. I have been fishing water with both species for many years. I have never observed any interaction or indication that one species behaves any differently when the other is present. Good luck in your search for knowledge, though. We are never too old to learn.

This is a great forum! I bet you have your answer. Let us know.

Welcome to this site. Since you want to build everything yourself I can't be much help. I am a klutz when it come to do-it-yourself projects. :-[ Most of the items you mentiond are available at our local Walmart. They have the lowest prices that I have seen on most things so if you decide you want to git it done and get on the water check them out. Good luck with your project.

More info might help. What have you tried so far to diagnose the problem?

I would vote (1) wait for a wider boat, (2) add outriggers if you get the narrow one. You don't want to see all of your gear going to the bottom if the boat tips over. Good luck with whatever you get.

I see a number of boats similar to that on the water I fish. I would say they are a lot better than nothing. Might be great if you always fish alone. I think they are pretty small for two people. Good luck.

A good friend of mine bought a Garmin and he is having trouble getting on their site to unlock the maps that came on a CD w the unit. Based on his many hours of frustration I would not buy a Garmin. Good luck w whatever you get.

I bought some that were very similar from BPS on sale for 50% off. If you watch BPS and Cabelas sales fliers you can probably do the same.

Great post Electrikal. Some very nice fish. I have to admit that I am glad to hear that they are still in the ecosystem and not in the freezer. I am a C&R guy myself, but I also believe that as long as what you are doing is legal it is noone's business but yours.

I think Ghoti has given you some good advice. On the water that I fish most of the tigers are caught by bass fishermen by accident. When fishing water that might hold tigers I always use a steel leader even when throwing small lures. You never know when a tiger might grab hold.

I would go for the 46#. MG is a good motor. Which is better is strictly a matter of opinion.

MattStrykul, I like it a lot. It has the original 40hp Evinrude motor that runs great. I only paid 1k for it and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to be fishing next to people in their 10k+ boats and catch just as many fish. I will say I have upgraded the trolling motor and added a fishfinder since I got her. Good luck with the one your Dad is looking at.

That depends on the height of your transom. Most small aluminum boats would use a short shaft. Measure it to be certain.

I put a vertical rod holder ($8.95 from WMart) on my console. Holds six rods in an upright position and keeps them out from underfoot. It was a very good mod, cheap and easy.

If, as you say, an electric motor scoots the boat along well then a 4 or 5 hp will make a big improvement in moving the boat. To my knowledge 55# is the largest 12v motor available. It is no where near as powerful as a 5 hp outboard. Cabelas has a very nice one that has a good reputation and the price isn't too bad. Good luck.