TotalNoob

My 55lb Traxxis came today. I mounted it on the bow. This was the first time mounting a TM on the bow of this Pond Prowler 2. The transom has a plating material of some sort over the plastic. This plating does not exist on the bow mount area. Below is a quick vid I just took showing the mounted Traxxis on the bow. I'm not a fan of how much "flex" seems to be going on with the plastic, but, I don't know if this is normal with this kind of material. Any thoughts on this appreciated.

For those who fish reservoirs where Wiper are stocked, what kinds of areas & water temps are you looking for when targeting Wiper in Spring? I've researched Wipers and I understand their palegic nature. It seems like the best opportunities to catch them are in the Spring and Fall. It would seem they essentially spend the entirety of Summer chasing down hoards of gizzard shad in open water. I landed a handful last Spring and then a couple more in the Fall (boy did they fight hard in the Fall!). Unlike Bass or Walleyes though, I'm not really able to find much information or any kind of "pattern" on them for Spring/early Spring. For example, at about what water temp will they start to become active? What kinds of areas of the reservoir will they seek out when they initially become active?

I won't have a foot-controlled trolling motor. I ordered a 55lb Traxxis for the bow and a Big Foot switch. 45lb Endura Max will stay on the transom (w the transducer attached to it). Adding a Bullnose Rudder to the transom TM for improved maneuverability. This thing has gotten expensive... at least I'll have peace of mind with a back-up TM. I've "test run" this thing 4 times now (trying to get everything figured out before Spring) - I'm 100% sure I won't be standing up and controlling the boat the way I want to. Like Lonnie says below, I can already tell I won't be at all comfortable standing when there's wind or choppy water. Unfortunately that's often when there's some of the best fishing ☹️ Perhaps I'll learn to fish from a sitting position. Next thing I'm looking to "solve" is the anchor situation. I'm looking at this "stick pin" style, and others. Whatever holds me in place effectively and efficiently. I'm probably looking at adding some kind of "raised casting spot" (some type of deck). I don't know what it will look like but getting a little bit of height above the water to work jerkbaits and such is important to me.

I started throwing a fluke late last Fall for the first time. I have experience with hard jerkbaits so working the fluke was a pretty short learning curve. Excited about throwing it this year. My question is, what is a typical setup (line/rod) for the weightless fluke and 4/O hook? I was throwing it on a 6'10" M/F spinning rod. I used spinning because I could actually cast it out there with some distance. Braid main/fluoro leader. Drawback to longer casting distance was getting a hookset with the 4/O hook (especially when struck further out). I missed hooksets on a lot of strikes. I then tried throwing it on a casting 6'9" MH/F Veritas (braid-to-fluoro) but the problem was reverse; I couldn't get any distance on the cast but hooksets were not an issue. I even stuffed a 3/64oz nail the length of the fluke body to add some weight to it. What gear are you guys throwing weightless flukes on, or, am I possibly doing something incorrect in technique?

Are you using a trolling motor center like the minn kota battery center for those batteries? Is this the Big Foot handle extension you're referencing (bottom)? How effective do find the combination of a switch and a handle in having your hands free for staying on a spot while casting? Does the Bigfoot Switch handle moisture well? I'm trying to actively adjust with the TM while fishing. I have a 10lb anchor currently but it only holds me when wind is at a minimum or I'm tucked away in a cove. I haven't yet figured out what weight anchor I truly need (or how many). This reservoir is notorious for wind and it's not at all uncommon for strong gusts to kick up out of nowhere. I'm looking at this vessel to get me around our shoreline/back into creek channels that are largely unfishable from shore due to the rough and steep terrain. I'm not looking to cross the main body of the reservoir or be over deep water at anytime. I'm keeping a tight proximity to the shoreline at all times. Another advantage this boat has is it's agility in terms of not needing to launch from the two very busy marinas - nor are there any inspection hours to abide by for the boat ramps. I can put her in anytime, anywhere. Because of these factors I'm looking at having 2 trolling motors and probably 2 batteries. I'm also trying to determine how to have the best possible control over the boat that I can. I'll be throwing all types of presentions that require me to not be drifting too much (or at all, in the case of jerkbaits - a prime early Spring presentation). Looking for thoughts on the best type of 2nd trolling motor to get (Traxxis or another Endura Max) and what thrust is recommended for the 2nd TM given the situation. Btw the transducer is mounted to the transom trolling motor.

I live here and I have to 100% disagree with the statement that Pueblo is mostly Largemouth Bass (though I 100% wish you were right). In my experience it's BY FAR mostly Smallmouths. Spotteds come in 2nd and then a small population of Largemouths. The fluctuating water levels don't help the LMB population - they actually stock LMB fry in the lake though I think they intentionally curtail the LMB population to protect the massive Walleye population in the lake. Check out the most recent CPW Survey Summary for Pueblo. Most of the gilnetting is done around the dam (I think) so it won't reflect well on whatever LMB population is in the lake. https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Fishery Survey Summaries/PuebloReservoir.pdf Regardless, I fished it hard for Bass last year and the LMBs were few and far between - the ones I did catch were not noteworthy. Smallies and Spots are what you'll catch most of around here. You'll catch some Wipers in the Spring, too. Please note, they have modified the rules on keeping Wiper from Pueblo in 2019. (IF you keep Bass ?). Effective this year, the bag limit is 5 Wipers with only one greater than 21". This is updated from the previous "keep as many as you like" rule. Walleye regs are identical. You'll run into more Walleyes than you can imagine in Pueblo. And you can blame low Wiper and LMB populations on the Walleye egg-take operation the State does out of Pueblo. I guess they feel like the walleyes might get outcompeted for gizzard shad if there's too many LMBs or Wipers. No shortage of Gizzard Shad in the lake that much is for certain! I don't think I saw anyone mention the State-wide Walleye population? They stock 'em everywhere, and there's some tanks around the state. Coming from MN that's something I'm sure you'll recognize right away ?

Okay so after another trip out on my reservoir I've determined I'm going with two trolling motors and two batteries. This will ensure I'll never be without propulsion should something unforeseen occur. I currently have an Endura Max 45 (on the transom). This is attached to a minn kota trolling center. What 2nd trolling motor would you get and how would you pair it with the current motor (second one in the front, etc)? What lb thrust is appropriate for a second motor given the situation? Does anyone like the Traxxis motor? My research makes me think it might not be as "powerful" as the Endura Max but I'm willing to make that trade for better control at the bow/having hands free as much as possible for casting. I intend to have both batteries in the rear and both hooked up to minn kota trolling centers. This may be a stupid question but, if it rains or water splashes in, is there any issue with the exposed terminals on the trolling centers? I know the plastic wing nuts cover most of the terminals but where the trolling motor leads attach would be potentially exposed to water. Sorry if this is a silly question but I just want to make sure I set things up correctly. Additionally, for those who use the Big Foot switch, how does the switch handle water on the deck? I have ordered a Big Foot switch, it's coming next week. These are just some of the questions that have popped into my head after going out on this thing a few times. I'm glad I'm getting this all figured out now before fishing turns on. Oh I also picked up a 7" riser for the seat and also swapped for a Butt Seat. Hoping this gives me a little more height and control over casting and presenting to the fish.

@LonnieP Is this still your setup (from last January?) You mentioned potentially adding horizontal support, was wondering if you felt the need to do that after some use? Additionally, given the location of the seat on the deck (at the one end), what is keeping the 3/4" plywood from essentially "flipping" when you're seated? I'm looking at all kinds of potential options for my Pond Prowler II. Oh also, very curious as to how the Big Foot switch handles moisture (rain, water splash, etc).

Yea

Okay so after another trip out on my reservoir I've determined I'm going with two trolling motors and two batteries. This will ensure I'll never be without propulsion should something unforeseen occur. I currently have an Endura Max 45 (on the transom). This is attached to a minn kota trolling center. What 2nd trolling motor would you get and how would you pair it with the current motor (second one in the front, etc)? What lb thrust is appropriate for a second motor given the situation? Does anyone like the Traxxis motor? My research makes me think it might not be as "powerful" as the Endura Max but I'm willing to make that trade for better control at the bow/having hands free as much as possible for casting. I intend to have both batteries in the rear and both hooked up to minn kota trolling centers. This may be a stupid question but, if it rains or water splashes in, is there any issue with the exposed terminals on the trolling centers? I know the plastic wing nuts cover most of the terminals but where the trolling motor leads attach would be potentially exposed to water. Sorry if this is a silly question but I just want to make sure I set things up correctly. Additionally, for those who use the Big Foot switch, how does the switch handle water on the deck? I have ordered a Big Foot switch, it's coming next week. These are just some of the questions that have popped into my head after going out on this thing a few times. I'm glad I'm getting this all figured out now before fishing turns on. Oh I also picked up a 7" riser for the seat and also swapped for a Butt Seat. Hoping this gives me a little more height and control over casting and presenting to the fish.

Pleased to report that after swapping the silver stock hooks for two #6 hooks the Pointer now rises (in the same water temp). So I can tinker from this point to get the desired suspension. Not bad for a $10 Pointer!

THAT'S what I'm talking about right there ? Very Nice Smallie - That's what I'm hoping to find here. I was thinking along the same lines. Doesn't kill me to lose some in the process of figuring out how/where to best place and retrieve these. It's not a $15 jerkbait that I have to baby around cover. I'll have to go back and look but I'm almost positive that at least half of them have a willow/Colorado combination. I haven't modified spinnerbaits yet but as I understand it's not difficult to swap blades to customize. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

1) Would you like a Rage Swimmer for a trailer here vs Keitechs? I have Keitechs ... I ask though because they had SK Rage Swimmers on sale, too, and I kinda went a little nuts on this Ghost Shad color. I'm not married to these Rage Swimmers at all .. in fact I've never used them, I've been using Keitechs. I picked up the Rage Swimmers (on sale) knowing I could get some feedback on them and return them if need be. 2) Can you recommend a budget a copolymer line? I have some Spiderwire "EZ Mono/Co-Polymer Construction" line - is this good enough or are there other lines with better/different properties I should consider?

There was a huge mix in Willow and Colorado blades, even in the same color/weight. I tried to grab as much diversification of blades/colors as possible without the folks behind me getting upset! A lot of them have both a Willow and Colorado.

So I was first to the $1.99 Booyah Spinnerbait rack at BPS this morning. This is a top presentation I'm looking to learn/throw this year. I know they are a proven fish catcher. I'm not 100% sure what happened but I seemed to have lost control of the part of my brain that controls reasoning and discipline. It all happened so quickly... There was a small crowd of 6-8 people behind me. I panicked or something and next thing I know I've got 21 spinnerbaits in my basket! I wasn't even counting, I didn't know how many I had until I checked out. Seven of them are 1/2oz the other fourteen are 3/8oz. I figure I can change out blades as needed to match willow on willow etc. It doesn't seem like a bad haul for $42 bucks even in retrospect ... I just need to figure out how I'm going to throw these (trailers, line, rod/reel gear ratio). My reservoir has a Gizzard Shad forage base and has mostly Smallies, some Spotteds, a small population of Largemouths, and some Wipers. I'm VERY open to any thoughts on what kinds kinds of trailers you would put on these, what type of rod/reel you'd use (action/power and gear ratio), what kind of line you'd use, and if you wanted to throw in tips on what sorts of conditions you're most likely to throw these (windy, sunny, etc) it would be much appreciated.

All I can contribute to this discussion is the following (regarding jerkbaits): I'm often fishing for walleye in the dark south of you (here in CO) and jerkbaits are the premier presentation I put my effort into learning last year. They truly catch everything. Jerkbaiting for walleyes in the dark, watching the line simply isn't an option. Sounds lame but you truly just have to "feel" the bite. It typically is not a big "thud". Your jerking cadence will bring them up to it and if they hit it it's almost always on the pause. So put extra attention into your senses on the pause. Try closing your eyes on the pause if line-watching is a strong habit you have (or practicing in the dark). Equipment will help you feel the bite better. In my mind, braid has to be your main line. I run a fluoro leader off braid, some folks prefer a mono leader because mono won't have any impact on the suspension of the jerkbait. I like fluoro for the additional sensitivity and abrasion resistance. Either way, that braid provides second-to-none sensitivity and I won't throw jerks without it. Braid also assists in getting better hooksets if the fish strikes further out. A sensitive M/F rod (choose your length, I prefer something no longer than 6'10") should do the trick. Jerkbaits have caught the majority of my biggest fish (multi-species) and really shine in Spring and then again in Fall, all the way down to 40° water. There can be a fairly substantial learning curve on them (testing suspension at home, etc) but the payoff is worth it. A must-have presentation for any serious angler IMO.

Where do you get the Big Foot brand switch? Amazon has it for $33 (non-prime). There is a $20 switch available by another manufacturer, Seachoice.

That's interesting! I hadn't even considered using my foot to manipulate the tiller for direction. Would you happen to have a pic of how you have your bigfoot switch setup in relationship to the trolling motor? Are you mostly sitting while fishing, or standing? Do you have a rudder on the transom? I've read multiple people say the Bigfoot Switch fails (or can fail) fairly quickly/often. Have you had it fail while on the water?

For an open hook underspin, I've done well with these BPS underspins. They'll be on sale during the Spring Classic (down to $2.47 from $3.69).

Having major frustrations "controlling" the boat while trying to use both hands to fish. I posted this earlier in the long-running "Any Pelican Bass Raider Owners Out There?" thread, thinking this might be most applicable there. I now realize I may have limited visibility of my general concerns exclusively to readers of that thread. Hoping to tap into a larger pool of eyeballs with knowledge/experience of the Minn Kota Traxxis bow mount trolling motor. Currently have a Minn Kota 45lb Endura Max at the transom. It's terrific for getting me around to areas. But I can't do anything with this motor in terms of making adjustments to the boat while standing and slowly working a jerkbait (or any slow presentation for that matter). The motor handle sits too far down, so I'm constantly sitting back down to make adjustments... total mess. Putting this motor on the bow really doesn't change much in terms of how much time is taken away from actually fishing. I'm exploring all options including: 1) Engineering some kind of deck to add a traditional bowmount foot-controlled trolling motor 2) Minn Kota Traxxis 55lb for bow (possibly paired with a Bigfoot Switch) 3) Adding just a Bigfoot Switch 4) This "Troll King" contraption, though I can't find any reviews. Looks like a possibility but I don't see anyone else talking about it 5) "Motorguide Bulldog Peak Thrust Foot Control Trolling Motor, 54-Pound". Seems a little pricey and lists as a transom mount rather than a bow mount. The ideal scenario is 100% foot control of boat while standing. Assuming that can't happen, thoughts on second best scenario? If I go option 2, I'm thinking I would leave the Endura Max 45 on the transom and add a Bullnose Rudder to it. The Traxxis looks pretty good in theory, would seem to offer some boat control while standing. Can anyone speak to their experience with the Minn Kota Traxxis in terms of fishing while standing and controlling the boat at the same time? Additionally, what shaft lengths are you guys running on your trolling motor on these small crafts? Amazon has the Traxxis 55 available in 36" and 42". The 42" is actually cheaper than the 36" (both have the Digital Maximizer). I'm thinking the longer shaft might allow me to keep the motor head in a higher position, offering even better access to the tilting handle while standing. Are there any "cons" to the 42" shaft I should consider if I go this route? Any/all feedback much appreciated.

Okay well lesson learned. Received in mail today. She doesn't suspend, she slow sinks in 51° water (see clip). Tried again in even colder water (44°) and it seems to sink a little faster - which confuses me because I thought colder water was denser and thus it would sink slower?? Or does that only apply to how quickly a (suspending) jerkbait would rise? Guess I'll chalk this up to being the "Japan" version of the pointer. At least it's got a nice nose-down orientation and what should be a FANTASTIC color for my reservoir full of Smallies and Walleyes. Maybe I'll swap for #6 hooks and see if that slows the fall a little.

Having major frustrations "controlling" the boat while trying to use both hands to fish. I actually have a 10ft Pond Prowler II (essentially the same deal as the Bass Raider 10E). Figured I'd post here to try to draw as many eyes as possible. Currently have a Minn Kota 45lb Endura Max at the transom. It's terrific for getting me around to areas. But I can't do anything with this motor in terms of making adjustments to the boat while standing and slowly working a jerkbait (or any slow presentation that matter). The motor handle sits too far down, so I'm constantly sitting back down to make adjustments... total mess. I'm exploring all options including: 1) Engineering some kind of deck to add a traditional bowmount foot-controlled trolling motor 2) Minn Kota Traxxis 55lb for bow (possibly paired with this Bigfoot Switch everyone raves about in this thread) 3) Adding just a Bigfoot Switch 4) This "Troll King" contraption, though I can't find any reviews. Looks like a possibility but I don't see anyone else talking about it 5) "Motorguide Bulldog Peak Thrust Foot Control Trolling Motor, 54-Pound". Seems a little pricey and lists as a transom mount rather than a bow mount. The ideal scenario is 100% foot control of boat while standing. If that can't happen, thoughts on second best scenario? If I go option 2, I'm thinking I would leave the Endura Max 45 on the transom and add a Bullnose Rudder to it. The Traxxis looks pretty good in theory, would seem to offer some boat control while standing. Can anyone speak to their experience with the Minn Kota Traxxis on these boats? Additionally, what shaft lengths are you guys running on your trolling motor? Amazon has the Traxxis 55 available in 36" and 42". The 42" is actually cheaper than the 36" (both have the Digital Maximizer). I'm thinking the longer shaft might allow me to keep the motor head in a higher position, offering even better access to the tilting handle while standing. Are there any substantial "cons" to the 42" shaft I should consider if I go this route? Any feedback appreciated.

The other one (the white one) also is marked the same way on the bottom, I just couldn't fit it into the screenshot. I was thinking the "SP" was lucky craft's way of saying "suspending". I'll find out one way or another when this arrives.

I'm going to start out throwing the baits I already own (in the OP) on a 7'6" H/F Bionic Blade rod w 15 fluoro. Being able to cast from a boat now (vs shore) I'm hoping to be able to see more clearly how they move in the water and how I can work them. I think I prefer this route for the time being until I know more about how I like this style of fishing. Hopefully this isn't too terrible of an idea and doesn't end up backfiring!

Haha no worries this store looks legit, I didn't have any worries there Excellent, thank you!