Cranjus McBasketball

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but my 2007 Nitro 591 (18ft) has been d**n good to me. No trailer problems, no Hull issues. The only issues I have had with her is the Optimax loves to go thru water pumps. One of the selling points to the 591 was the 96" beam. Handles the rough water well and feels stable in the water. I just don't think there is really a "bad" boat out today. Do what you feel gives you the best deal.

I am probably one of the few on this site that religiously use the C-rig. I like the lazy slow pace of fishing it. Then again, I'm not a tourney angler either. I use a MH rod with 15lb mono line and usually 12lb mono or flouro for the leader. Glass beads are good but break more often so have a steady supply of them. Use either a 1/2 or 3/4 egg sinker and really any creature bait you prefer. I use lizards, brush hogs, and wooly buggers more than anything, but I've also thrown good ole curl tail worms like power worms. It does allow you to find what is on the bottom but for me, I like the slow retrieve.

That's one of my go to's when I start throwing spinners

I haven't used one yet, but I have watched quite a few videos showing off Favorite Rods. The Defender is only $99.00. I'm about to pull the trigger on one to test it out.

Not one person listed Nitro as a viable option. I for one like my Nitro. It has been a great boat since I got it back in 2007. I have the 591 which is an 18 footer. It was $25000 before options and finished around $28000 out the door. With a budget of $30000-$45000 you could find yourself in a Z20 or Z19 easy. You could also opt for a Z18 with all of the options available. I realize most people think Nitro as junk, but I have been very happy with mine. Just another option to look at.

So take this for what it's worth. I have a GL2 casting rod and I love it. It was a good mid price range rod by Loomis. It's pretty light, and sensitive. I'm sure some of the more experienced folks will chime in but for me, mine has been great. As far as whether it would be an upgrade to the St. Croix, I couldn't tell you since I don't own one of those.

Thanks for the info. It sounds line I should be good with the dual pro

True statement. I don't mind waiting my turn, but taking up both lanes just makes me want to punch babies. (not literally of course)

I had the ProMariner ProSport 12. Three years old and completely quit during a week long trip to Lake of the Ozarks. Spent the rest of the trip disconnecting my batteries and charging them individually with portable chargers. I would like to not do that again.

If I could afford the jump to that series I would. Hopefully the RS3 is solid and will last me longer than three years like my last charger

Does anyone have any experience with the DualPro RS3 onboard charger? I'm looking at buying one soon since my charger quit last season. Its at the top of my budget already or I'd be looking at their professional line.

My kids started with the old reliable Zebco 33. My son is now 12 and has "mastered" baitcasters. I'll admit, he "mastered" them earlier than I did when I was kid. My daughter is 10 and is still content with the zebco or a smaller spinning combo. The look of excitement when they catch fish is priceless.

Lifelong Blues fan here. They are the Cubs of hock..... Wait, I can't say that anymore.

I don't have a lot of fancy expensive reels, but I recently got a Curado 300e for free and so far, I think it might be the smoothest one I own. Next would be my Johnny Morris Signature. Then my Johnny Morris Carbon.

I don't know about the Tritons other than my father-in-laws Tr-21( I think that's it) which is loaded. But I do own a '07 Nitro 591DC which is what the Z7 came from and I can tell you its a great boat for someone like me that uses it strictly for recreation. It does have plenty of storage and the 591 has a 96" beam which I like personally. However, I will tell you that the fuel tank, and live-well are so far back that getting out on plane with both full is very tough. I should mention that I have the 150 Opti on in and it will still take quite a bit of time to get on plane with a full tank and live-well. I still love my Nitro but that is something that I wish would have been addressed.

A-Jay makes solid points. I also like to let the trailer cool while I prep everything in the boat. I typically have a two hour drive to get to the lake. While I'm in the staging area, I unhook the transom straps, get the motor up, put in the plug, and take the bow safety strap off. Then I get in line and wait my turn. Once I'm ready to back it in, I loosen up the ratchet strap and back down. I don't have any fancy gadgets like I-Pilot or shallow water anchors so I jump in the boat and idle it over to the dock, leaving my truck and trailer on the ramp. I'll tie the boat off on the opposite side of the dock from the ramp and leave the motor running to warm up. (One day I might regret that but its worked for now). Then run up to move the truck. I realize some might be a little impatient at the ramp but rushing through things can lead to problems. So I just remember that the guy waiting for me, just needs to wait like I did for the guy in front of me. Now if I have an adult partner (with the kids I'm basically by myself at launch) the process is much easier because I have one at the helm so I back in until the boat leaves the bunks and them I'm out of the way quickly.

There is always a catch in the fine print.

Not to say that Carrot Stix doesn't have issues, but I have one and have had zero issues. I bought a Wild Black with micro guides about 3-4 years ago and have been using it since. I probably won't buy another one simply due to the fact that I prefer my Loomis.

I agree with the Carolina rig answer. That's what I use to "map" the local ponds around me. You will feel every little thing on the bottom and get a decent idea of what type of structure you have to work with. Plus it catches fish.

14 years USAF. 6 more to go