Al w.

I work with a high school fishing team in Alabama. Unfortunately, we receive no monetary help from the school system. However, there are several local businesses that have graciously donated money to our team. We put their names or logos on our jerseys, and their support helps pay for travel expenses, tournament fees, association dues, etc.

I mainly use a leader so that if I get hung up in deeper water I can break off without having to cut the braid. However when using a lighter hook I will go straight braid so that I can just pull and straighten the hook and get my lure back.

I used to hunt a lot (still do some) and thought that was expensive. Now I realize it is nowhere near the expense of fishing. Maybe that is because of my lack of self control. Seems I’m always wanting to piddle around with my boat. Had to replace some switches and while doing that was looking for another fish finder. Happened across a gen 1 Helix 10 di from Cabela’s for $539 (they sold out within the day). I couldn’t pass that up. Also got a Tatula sv103 and of course needed a rod to go with it. I now understand the problem with the bait monkey ?.

I have used it for about a year now (12 lb). I fish just a few times a month, but it has worked well enough for me. I think it is worth a try for you.

Nice looking boat. I know you’re proud.

Congratulations on getting a new boat. Mine is far from new with a few dings and scratches, but I will often use a car exterior detailer (spray bottle from auto store). It works good for removing scum in between washes.

That’s good to know. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to keep an eye out.

I like Seaguar Red Label. However I don’t have a lot of experience with other brands. I can get 200 yards for $11. That seems like a pretty good price and I have never had any problems with it.

I have a few Abu rods. All are good. Never any problems.

For around $150, you can get an Abu Garcia Orra sx and an Abu Veritas rod. I have both of these and like them a lot. I prefer a medium power rod under 7 foot. The Veritas seems to me to be a little stiffer than some other mediums. I feel I have my bases covered pretty well with a medium power rod plus I just like the “feel” of them. Just an option to consider...

Sorry for your loss. May you be strengthened by good memories.

I have a trion that is 5+ years old. It still works great. It is one of my favorite spinning reels. Highly recommend.

That’ll be fun. Nothing like getting to see the rewards of hard work and elbow grease. Looking forward to seeing your finished product.

I have used the flicker shad with some decent success. Medium diving with somewhat of a tighter wobble. They have been durable also.

My family and I go camping a few times a year at state parks. I sometimes take my boat. I put valuables in rod lockers, etc. I’ve never had anyone mess with anything. I think most folks that are camping respect each other’s “stuff.” At least around here. Hopefully it’ll stay that way.

Just saw this boat earlier today. I kind of like it. It does look like a good price for a boat that is almost 17 ft. long. It also has a 4 stroke motor. When I first saw it, I thought it may not have a trolling motor or fishfinder. But after checking, it has both of those. Maybe it'll be a good boat for those that are in the market for it. Nice retro look.

Abu Garcia Orra Winch is a good reel. It has a 5.4 ratio and is available left handed. Cost is around $75. My son has one. He likes it and so do I.

Welcome aboard!

Congratulations! Sounds like a great job and opportunity.

I have a mix. I tend to look for good deals and check reviews on ones that I may be interested in. That’s worked well for me. If money were no object, maybe it would be different.

I have one of the no bolts required models. It fits well and I’ve never had a problem with it coming loose or anything like that. I got it just so my bow wouldn’t be so high when I’m just moving around slowly. It’s also been helpful when I pull the kids around on a tube. Sometimes I take it off just because (no bolts is great for that). I have the SE Sport 400. It’s on a 19.5 foot aluminum boat with a 200 Mercury. When I have it on, top end speed is not as good but it works well for the purposes that I got it for. Hope this helps.

Good luck Michael. Praying that it all works out for the best for you. Keep the faith.

Grew up in the country. Spent a lot of time as a kid walking around in the pasture with cows, fishing in the creek, and riding bikes with my siblings and cousins. Still in the country with my wife and kids, and a few cows. I am thankful that my kids enjoy being outside as I did.

I have a Triton that is 19’ 4” with a 200 hp Mercury. It serves me well even when my son and his friend are on board fishing also. It’s a good size for me.

I like to use the hi vis braid also. It helps me see the line better. I do like to use a short leader. Don’t know if the leader helps or not but it makes me feel better.