Chris Brunk

Nothing against used boats but I just have been burned to many times trying to find a good boat. I have been scammed out of thousands of dollars and yes now at days i know a little more of what to look out for but its just left a bad taste in my mouth. I recently found a dealer near me for these and that is exactly what I am buying now (it will be ready for pick up tomorrow). I do not think this is the best boat available, but I do think this is the best boat for me. I appreciate the advise, thank you!

I have been going through this debate also. I really want a flats boat but cant seam to give up the bass fishing. Really don't want two boats that one of gets neglected. Bass boats can be fished in the intracostal, but lets face it, the salt is ruff on them. Flats and bay boats are better suited for this but they lack space and storage. I have priced out some intracoastal bass boats but cant seam to find anything under 40k (and that is for the smaller ones). I see a lot of forums that discuss this but very few companies take it into consideration. I guess its because most of the U.S.A is land locked and will never see saltwater, whereas most areas with saltwater people tend to go for salt rather than fresh, and the cost to make a bass boat saltwater is a bit higher. Most bass fishermen don't want the extra cost for something they wont ever use. (just my thoughts). I have seen some companies offer it for short periods of time, but they too stop doing it (maybe the market just isn't there). The only one I know holding strong is Ranger. I wonder if this will ever become a real trend, or is this something only a select few people have to deal with so it will never be a priority for manufactures.

Here is my problem, I do local/club bass tournaments. I started doing this about three years ago. I do not want to quit. I love the competition, it pushes me to do better; However, I have always had a fondness for intracoastal fishing, and want to get back into it. I want a boat that can do it all. Rather than have multiple boats, or spending too much on one boat. The intracoastal bass boats from Skeeter, Ranger, and Triton are more than I can afford new, however I refuse to buy another used boat again! I am looking for something around 30k base price, and at least 18ft (I know that is asking a lot, lol). Anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best way to go? Keep in mind it has to meet tournament regulations for bass fishing. Is there anything out there that fits my needs, or do I just need to pick one and go with it?

I have done sit in and on top, I think every kayak has its pros, and cons. however if its for fishing then it should be set up for fishing. That don't matter in my eyes if you buy one and set it up or if its already set up when you buy it, however, Having places for your gear in my opinion is critical. you will want a rod holder(s), some sort of dry storage and a cargo area for a cooler or tackle. I agree with above as well as for seats. also look at the design and fit it to your preference. Some kayaks are faster than others meaning less work to move. Others may be slow but they hold more, or maybe corner better. I would certainly say not to buy the first one you see, and maybe find some rentals/ borrow from a friend. That may give you something to compare too before buying.

Before making my first cast, I check for people around me (even when no one was there, someone may walk up behind you). location of where I want to cast. does it look like a good spot, Am I in someone else's spot, is there structure? take note of wind, temp, depth of water. I also look for schooling fish on the surface.

I have used a lot of different rigs but I have never used drop shot or wacky worm. I know a lot of people that are successful with both. For some reason I cant seam to pull myself out of my comfort zone for either one. I also tend to fish large amounts of vegetation anywhere from banks to 20 feet of water (that is about as deep as it gets around here), and the wacky worm just seams like it would snag a lot of that. For those that do use them, Am I crazy? what would you suggest to be optimal conditions for these?

Ok, so I did find a few other resources that state the same thing you said and go into explaining why you need to get the hook out. (hooks can rust and poison the fish, they can heal around the hook causing scare tissue that prevents the hook from being removed and most starve because the hook is there) however I kid you not. I have had many fish I have released into my tanks to find the hooks later, so far with no fatalities, and safely released the fish once they are ready or to big. I still cant find the actual case study though. Me personally I always cut the line and wait tell after weigh-in to remove. I feel its the safest for me, so I don't get penalized for a dead fish lol. I will look further into this to find the case study and share if you like? unless you have it.

Thank you! I stumbled apon this by accident and have been reading formus all day! I am hopeful to be a produtive member in the future and hopefully pick up some information to better my personal fishing game.

I apologize. I am going off of personal experiences only, however, if someone is new and trying to learn this wont they be more likely to kill it just from being out of the water to long or failure in technique? I am just not sure I agree with that I believe someone with practice would have no problem with this and even then it still may die, not trying to discredit just trying to understand. Do you know where I can find these studies? I don't see anything regarding this. Maybe I am scanning to fast. p.s. I love the illustration

I am confused on this one, topic say how to remove a hook but the question is in regards to a net. For the net I say its very important. you can pick up one just about anywhere but I prefer a plastic collapsible to save on space and if you have a net be sure to have it out and ready when fishing. It sucks to try to find it after you catch a big one. as for hook removal once swallowed I can tell you this. If you try to remove it you may kill it. its best if your not sure to cut the line. in time it will come out on its own. I have caught many small fish to put in my tank and gut hooked them. in about 3 days I find the hook on the bottom of the tank. so if your unsure on weather you can get it out safely then don't do it. however a lot of the time you can cut the line and reverse the direction it is facing through the gills and pull it strait through its mouth to get it out. If your trying to save the fish just cut the line and let it go.

My name is Chris and I have lived most of my live in Florida, I grew up fishing the Intracoastal as well as freshwater from shore chasing just about everything you can think of from Snapper, Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead to Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, and Red Drum, but my favorite was and always will be Snook. here over the last 5 years I started doing local and club tournaments. I have over 30 years of knowledge when it comes to fishing Florida's waterways. I love to help new anglers improve apon their abilities and knowledge. If anyone has a question I am happy to help, I am not a know it all, and and can admit when a species or strategy is out of my depth, I am always looking for more way to improve my own abilities as well. I am a catch and release fisherman and a firm supporter of keeping the sport going for future generations.

I have to say that it depends on what your chasing and where? For example if I am fishing for mangrove snapper, or bream with live bait then 1 is all you need. really its too difficult to fish with more than that and you tend to loose more fish than you catch. if they are biting then it does not take long to get a bite and you more than likely will get your bites at the same time causing frustration and lost fish. If I am fishing catfish I tend to bring three and cast at different depths to figure out where I am getting the most bites. Then I turn all three to the same area to increase my odds. once I find my sweet zone i do not leave it. If I am fishing for snook or reds then its two, one for live bait and one for lures. I have a few spots where we anchor down and just use live bait. If the bite is slow I may pick up the lure rod just to have a wider search area without constantly pulling my bait in and recasting it over and over killing my bait. However, if I am fishing a bass tournament then I tend to bring about 8-12. I am not about to change lures while chasing bass. Here is the problem, if I am chasing bass with say a worm and near by I see the bass schooling on the surface. By the time I change my rig, they will be gone, and they may not want the worm. When it comes to lure fishing for bass, you really don't know what they are hitting until you start hooking up. I keep an assortment of lures pre-set up so that I don't miss an opportunity or keep changing lures to find what is working. In the end I normally only use about 2-3 rods with 1 of them being used about 90% of the day. Its not a matter of having a lot of rods out, but being prepared for anything. In the end its up to your comfort level and funds, but this is what works for me. cheers and good luck hunting!