HawkeyeSmallie

This is my biggest fear of getting a boat. I'm 99.9% sure I'm going to struggle with it. Whenever I do get a boat, I'm going to practice at a ramp when I think it will be SLOW.

What's the difference? I guess I just use normal FC line.

I have the 110 Special. Love it. There’s nothing more beautiful than the P5’s.

Edge disclaimer from this current sale: Yes, this will create a significant backorder, and we are building rods as fast as we can because we want you to have THE BEST USA MADE PRODUCTS. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO WAIT, PLEASE DO NOT ORDER. IT MAY BE A MONTH, IT MAY BE 4 MONTHS, BUT WITH THE PRICES OFFERED, THIS IS THE BEST DEAL ON US MADE RODS FOUND ANYWHERE AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.

Healthy looking fish! I'm assuming the water is pretty clear up there??

There's nothing better than being a father (ok maybe a mother). I have three myself but they are all growing up. Enjoy them while you can.

I'm about 2 hours east of you. Windy again today. No fishing for me though as my youngest has a track meet.

Pretty much just rain and wind here in Iowa. Saturday was the first day without rain it seemed. Went to a somewhat local 40 acre lake and it looked like Leech Lake. Goodness gracias it was packed with boats for such a small lake. Landed 3, lost a couple. One biggie.

I’ll have to look into that. You know how I want that X Bites.

Oh lol no big deal. I bought a NRX+ last year over a P5 mostly due to the warranty. If I break it in a door or ceiling fan or whatever, spending $175 for a new rod is a dang good deal.

Huh???? What do you mean "used to"? Something change?

There's a small lake within 10 minutes from me that is the perfect example. You can catch a ton of 12 inchers but there's not many more than that. Biggest all summer was 15" I think. Very nice bluegills and crappies though. Spent the majority of my fishing at this lake last summer. Only 20 acres so perfect for my kayak, and like I said close. Get off work at 4:00 and I'm in the water by 4:30. It's fun, but no lunkers.

Sounds like money well spent.

Rain all week here in Iowa. We needed it so I shouldn't complain (too much).

Lake St Clair? My wife wants to take me there this year, guided of course.

Not an expert on equipment (or anything really) so I just googled Okuma rods. Nice looking rods! Has the looks of a much more expensive rod.

Hated it until I purchased Tatsu. Just my experience.

I've thought about getting the IMX Pro Spinnerbait rod. Anyone have any experience with it? Sorry to hijack your thread but have you looked at it at all?

I have it, was my dads. Cool book.

Fish that plain or with a minnow?

Yeah my wife complains about all my stuff as well. However, I still buy what I want. She wants to take me to St Clair on a guided trip so I can't complain.

As others have mentioned above, the SLX is a d**n good reel. I bought the 24 version last year. Around $128 shipped from Japan. I don't think you can find a better reel for the money. Slings my jerkbaits out there perfect. I've had more problems with my +$450 Steez. SMH

If the conditions are right, definitely going with the spinnerbait.

I'm 48 and have never really splurged on anything my whole life. I'm a frugal saver. Fishing is my favorite thing to do but as of now, it's out of a kayak. I figure it's time to spend some money and buy a boat but at the same time not get divorced. I think I could talk my wife into spending $20-30k total on a boat. I don't fish big waters, they aren't common here in Iowa. So we are talking less than 1k acre lakes for the most part. That in the Mississippi river. Just measured the garage last night and it's 24 foot deep. I'll have to park my truck outside when I have my boat home and then I can store it in my dad's machine shed during the winter. With that budget, the size of water I fish, and my garage restrictions, what would you look for? The budget would have to include any electronic upgrades however I'm not really interested in livescope. Not even sure where to start, any help would be welcomed. Thanks!

Yep, fun stuff right there. I see you have Redears as well. Get those measured? My goal last year was to catch a 10" but fell short several times. It's happening THIS year!