Kyle S

I've done it a fair amount, and like it! quite weedless like any other texas rigged bait. DO IT!!!

4/0 Gamakatsu offset shank round bend worm hooks for me

Do your ears a favor and check this one out...

Fellow Virginian here @Sam, everywhere has been noticeably busier lately like you've stated. I went into Surfside Bait and tackle over the weekend to buy the fiancé a fishing license, and the couple that owns the place are quite worried about being able to keep up with the tackle demand. Like that at many places I would imagine. Glad to see things slowly returning to 'normal.'

same here

2020 Tracker grizzly All weld, 1648 Utility boat with a few changes. I really like this boat.

Thanks @Junk Fisherman ! I can't take all of the credit, my grandfather has been a huge help throughout the entire process. I love the tacomas! I've got a 2010 model year, trd 4x4. Purchased used in 2014 with 26,000 miles, and I just cracked 77,000 miles! The truck has treated me well and I hope it continues to do so. I washed it for the first time in about a year yesterday and a bird decided to use my shiny hood as a bathroom target...guess I should've just left the dirt on it lol?‍♂️

@Quarry ManA buddy of mine has an 1860 tracker set up similar to what you say you want. He fishes all electric tournaments. Aluminum casting deck that covers essentially the entire boat. 7 batteries...minn kota fortrex at the front, minn kota Riptide at the rear. A bunch of other bells and whistles but overall a pretty slick all electric rig. He also has a 40hp gas tiller for places other than the reservoir. I'm enjoying my 16' tracker pretty well so far. It fishes quite comfortably if I do say so myself!

Love spinner baits. Booyah has me covered.

@Tealthe seats are rather high. I’ve got some lower profile seats however they’re nowhere near as comfortable.

Thanks @Bluebasser86, I've been working hard on it. Only taken it out twice since I purchased it. Deeply looking forward to spending some quality time on it and learning some bigger water.

The last two pictures are of the bare boat, and exactly what it looked like when I purchased it about a month ago. So far I've.... - installed a bow mount minn kota trolling motor - installed a tachometer to help break in the new mercury outboard, correctly - put a recessed trolling motor foot pedal tray in - upgraded the stock trolling motor pull string to a TH marine g-force handle - elongated the deck and created two decent storage hatches - carpeted deck - installed some fairly nice high back seats - installed a pedestal seat at the bow - purchased a Lowrance elite 9 Ti2 - mounted the 3 in 1 AI transducer on the transom - mounted the fish finder unit on the side drivers console - purchased and installed a spare tire for the trailer - installed a rod strap - made a 'fishing tool' bin on the side of the drivers console - mounted a fire extinguisher below the drivers console - installed two 12v deep cycle batteries in the front most storage hatch, one for the 12v trolling motor and one for backup - installed a '250 PRO XS' homemade sticker on the 40 HP outboard for added performance? the new boat has come a long way....what else would you do to it!!!???

Hello and welcome fellow Virginian!

Thanks everyone for all of the helpful advice! The boat has been in my possession for going on a week now and she still has yet to see the water...I've wanted to be sure that I have all of my ducks in a row before the maiden voyage! I've already started making some modifications! Check em out

I just bought a brand new tracker 1648 side console earlier this week, from Cabelas. Bass pro and Cabelas both have their, 'No Hassle, No Haggle' guarantee. Which means, cash in hand is useless and the price they have listed is the price you pay. The only sort of 'discount' you are going to get from either of these two dealers is if you buy a previous years model. I would be willing to bet other local dealers in your area would be willing to negotiate on pricing however. Also...are you planning on only spending 5k for a new boat? What kind of features are you looking for in a new boat!? Perhaps you could share some models that you've been looking at. Good luck in your search and please report back with whatever you pull the trigger on!

Thanks everyone! I'm working my way down a list of to do's and must haves for the boat before its maiden voyage. Fire extinguisher, type 4 pfd, extra drain plugs, boat cover, boaters license, insurance, second battery holder, have all been taken care of. I've mounted some very basic seats that I have that should serve me well for a while. Going to cut a big ol hole in the brand new boat and put a recessed trolling motor foot pedal tray, and install the trolling motor in just a wee bit also. Pics on here shortly!!!!

I recently bought a new Tracker 1648 Side console with a 40 hp on the back and am looking to accessorize it... I've never owned a fish finder so I don't even know where to begin...thats where you guys come in? As features go, I don't have the slightest clue as to what I ought to be looking for in a unit(s) or what a good budget to have is?? Any recommendations?! Thanks!

Thanks @haggard! I'm headed to Bass pro shops here shortly. I'll certainly be adding 'extra drain plug(s) to the list? Definitely going to be taking things very slow... Greatly looking forward to learning though!

Like the title says, I bought a boat! Not just any boat, my first boat. I've had jon boats and the like, however this will be the first rig I've owned that will surpass 5mph lol. Tons of excitement as you can imagine! I've been looking for quite some time and finally decided to pull the trigger on a Tracker 1648 side console, with a 40 hp mercury four stoke. Purchased it new from Cabela's. I've wanted to fish some of the surrounding rivers (Chickahominy River, James River, Rappahannock River, and learn bigger waters for a few years now. I feel this boat will help me do just that, and hopefully serve me well for many years to come. I need your help... Loads of responsibility that automatically comes with this purchase. Due to my inexperience with owning my own vessel, I'm asking for ANY and ALL advice to help me have a safe and enjoyable experience on and off of the water. I've already completed my Boater Exam course, and printed off my temporary license. I've purchased insurance for the boat, just have to print off insurance cards to have on hand I already have a Virginia freshwater fishing license Things I still need to purchase for the boat... Fire extinguisher, type 4 throwable pfd, pfd's for passenger (already own on for myself) Any other mandatory equipment, or equipment that you feel is mandatory, that I should have?? I already own a minn kota edge 45lb foot controlled trolling motor, and am planning to mount that and a recessed foot pedal tray sometime this weekend!

Not all of us youngsters have the 'just get a new one' mentality....some of us like myself, are actually listening to what you more 'experienced' folks are telling us, and are most grateful for the advice!

3/8-oz pitching style jig Buzz bait Rage bug Texas rigged Spinner bait Senko Hollow body frog

Hahaha? Thats awesome Breaking down the cost per year is an excellent way to approach quality gear, and something I never considered! I was looking pretty closely at those carbonlite rods while at BPS the other day too...now I'll have an excuse to go back and look even closer! Thanks @OnthePotomac Will certainly keep that in mind @scaleface

Picked up a bunch of Big game this winter and am deeply looking forward to trying it out!