MN Fisher

For my canoe, as I unplug the TM to charge the batter, I went with this option...one receptacle (battery), two plugs (TM/Charger). For you, I'd do two receptacles (one in each boat) and one plug (TM) https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-trolling-motor-plugs-or-receptacles

What size Rapala - 5, 7, 11... Lighter lures require a lighter power rod to load and cast properly.

I'd do that too...except it's illegal to use panfish for bait in MN.

One I'd toss in the hat in that price ballpark - Pflueger Supreme. I've been using Pfluegers for 40+ years...heck I could put my mid-70s era 640 on a rod and use it today if I wanted.

Under normal circumstances - a #1 or 1/0 hook with a 7" Berkley Power Worm in light, medium or dark color depending on water stain. If they're being finicky, I downsize to a #2 hook and use a 3" Keitech Leech - again, color depending on water clarity.

Ya - a Pflueger 30 is about a 2000, a 35 a little smaller than a 3000 but bigger than a 2500

This makes me feel even better about the FR 702SF I picked up as my new finesse rod.

You do the best you can, with the best tools you can get...and remember that sometimes it's not to be. Gut-hooked fish dying is a fact of life...if you've done all you can, just try to leave it behind you.

I guess I have it a little easier. I am in a canoe, but the seating mod I made puts the base level with the gunwale, so I'm above that a bit. Plus with the outriggers, I can stand to do casting if I need to.

That's one of those that just explodes out of the water on the hit.

Ya, me too. Even the hammer-handle northern I got last year (1.5#) was netted even though it was on my MH rod. Only thing I flip into the canoe with the rod is panfish...unless it's a BIG crappie - then it gets netted.

Ouch - that's gotta hurt...how much depends on the cost of that rod.

If any rod was THAT delicate, I'd return it. Still, netting every fish...unless it's a 5" bluegill...insures you don't have an accident.

Pitching for me involves more than just a 'few feet' of line. Usually a rod-length.

I know the Aird isn't an XT - but being from the same manufacturer and only a few steps down (XT, Procyon, Fuego, Aird) they can't be TOO much different in use.

I was jut mentioning it for the 'multipurpose' part of your header. I think a H/F rod can be used for much more than just flip/pitch/punch. I'd probably consider using mine for 1/2oz or larger jigs - either football or swim - as well as other heavier lures.

I have the Aird-X Heavy/Fast which is primarily for flipping/pitching. I also use it for frogs, WPs and spooks.

Minor differences. The Tatula CT has the T-Wing system and two additional bearings...in the handle-knobs. Otherwise they are the same reel.

Canoe vs Kayak No one else with me Otherwise, the reasons are the same. In addition, different lures load the rod differently. The distance between lure and rod-tip varies based on that.

If it's a dink (1# or less), not a problem...otherwise I'd invest in a net. I net all my bass when in the canoe...even the dinks.

That's a good distance. Seriously, I'm not that...OCD about how close the lure is to the rod-tip before I cast. Sometimes it's almost touching the tip, other times it's a foot or more away. Don't worry it too much.

Closest to me is 440 miles - Overland Park, KS.

Nice write-up. My schedule for the winter. October - reels off soon after my last outing, strip line from those that are getting replaced November - Review what I have, make up wishlist - do this before Black Friday December-January is filled with getting items, sorting them and prepping for maintenance. February - rod/reel maintenance. I've only got 8 rigs total, so one-reel every three-four days handles it March - warm enough in the garage now to do the upgrades on the canoe...I've got a list April - spool line on reels, finalize organization of tackle-bags With luck, the water opens up mid-April and I can get out...though it's only panfishing as bass season doesn't start until mid-May.

I don't use FC myself - but I do use KVD on both mono and YZH...don't go casting without it.