Fishstalker001

Thanks for the complement, I surely can relate to the airbrush comment.

Here's a few designs I've came up with, only been painting baits for a couple months now. I'vebecome addicted lol

I've been looking into this as well. Look into Alumilite products. They seem to have everything you would need and there's some youtube video's on the subjects as well

Just to add to the conversation, my trim went inop on my merc 150 recently. Did all the voltage checks ect. Had voltage at all the switches and relays. Turned out the wires in the shift/throttle lever were catching and chaffed through. The green and blue wire were shorting to the housing. I guess improper routing from the factory or dealer. Just something to keep in mind if you have trim issues.

Follow this procedure to remove cherrymax rivets. www.cherryaerospace.com/product/video/rivetremoval You need remove the locking device with a drill.

I believe that bass will face into the current most of the time, but I also believe that fishing the lure with the current gives the fish more time to scrutinize the lure. Fishing against the current, the lure comes by the fish from behind and triggers a reaction strike. There's been numerous times I've fished up a feeder creek with no success, turn the boat around (fishing against the current) and limit out quickly. Just my 2 cents.

I gave up on the Costa's because of fogging, vented or not. The best option I have found are the glasses with an open frame at the bottom. Seastriker makes a decent cheap polarized pair. Here in Florida with high humidity and temps, glasses will fog some no matter what. The open style lens seems to fog the least.

Bass fishing was terrible, I couldn't put anything together for the day. I did mange to find my back seater big bass of the tourney at 5.1 lbs. Caught lots of Jacks and even a catfish. Water temp was 62 to 62 and dirty.

Couple thoughts, I have dual Power Pole Pro's series II installed on my boat. First realize that pre-series II poles are way behind on soft ware and hardware. This means if you want to add another pole in the future, they can't be linked, I believe one remote can be used for both but syncing and diagnostics may be an issue. I got mine in 2015 and I'm already behind on the operating system. I have 1.0 and the new is 2.0 and they are not compatible with each other. Power pole does have the best product support team, bar none. But you may want to look into part availability for pre-series II poles. I love my poles, don't get me wrong, but I have had issues with them. Power Pole has always backed their product and sent parts right away at no cost, but again mine are under warranty. Dual poles are the way to go in my opinion, so the ability to add a second one later would be paramount. This is where the compatibility factor comes into play. $600 maybe a good deal if it is in working order, the mount alone would cost about half that. Look at the hydraulic cylinders for leakage, hardware for corrosion, and condition of the pump. I would see if it could be connected to a battery to ensure its operational. This is just my opinion. If one pole will work for you and you don't plan on upgrading to two poles in the future, this may be a good deal. Again, check and see if parts are available. I'm sure they are.

Thanks, I'll be in a White Triton 18XS pulled by an F250, should get there sometime around 2pm on Sat. The bass fishing should be good, high of 78 on Sunday (moving up to bed). Good luck with the Crappie fishing, lots of crappie fisherman there this weekend. Talquin Lodge was booked up.

I'll probably see you there, our club has a bass tourney on the 17th. launching from Talquin Lodge.

This ^^, Been through the same thing with a 9.9. Stuck in the middle of the sound, blisters on your hand from pulling and still had to use trolling motor to get back. BTW, motor had just came from the shop with a full tune up and operational check.

The lake is only .3 ft above average. As far as fishing goes, reports I've heard that it is slow at the moment. If there is a warming trend for a week or so, bass will be moving up to spawn. Our club has a tourney there near the end of Feb., I would except the fish to be in all stages of the spawn by then. Of course, this all depends on the weather.

2 June 2013, 8 am foggy, isolated floating grass mat. 12.3 on spinner bait.

I suggest learning from a Pro that fishes the same style you like to fish. All these guys can catch fish. For example, if you like to throw frogs, follow a pro how excels with a frog. If you like to power fish, follow a power fisherman. Greg Hackney and KVD would be examples of the above. Bottom line, improve on the styles you personally like to fish. Once you get comfortable with those, expand into new stuff.

First club tourney of the year on Lake Seminole Fl. 2 of the better ones. Lucky for us no snow or ice involved.

I have the Merc 150 four stroke and run ethanol free 87. No issues and its been 4 years.

When bass are feeding on shad in the back of a creek, I always throw a top water. A Super Fluke Jr. or Torpedo has worked really well for me in Alabama waters. Both baits mimic an injured bait fish trying to escape. If that doesn't produce, a small Rapala Scatter Rap crank worked erratically near the bait ball seems to work.

I would check you batter switch first, had a 200 opti and when the voltage drops below 11.5(I believe) the ECU will not function. I had corrosion in the switch, once cleaned the issue disappeared. I think the length of battery cable run and cold weather are probably contributing to the voltage drop. Only takes a minute to check voltage past the switch.

Thanks for the warm welcome, looking forward to picking the brains of all the knowledgeable folks on this site.

We hold our meeting at a restaurant on Mary Esther Cut off, in Ft Walton Beach. You can PM me for more specific info. Not sure of the rules for posting the name of the restaurant.

20 Years active duty Air Force Special OPs retired

Hi everyone, decided to join the forum so I could post if I had anything helpful to say. I'm a long time bass angler in the NW Florida panhandle region. Currently the President of the Miracle Strip Bass Club in Ft. Walton Beach Fl. Thanks for having me.

The lake is fishing very good right now, several tournaments took 20+ pounds to make the top 10. Places to stay as far as I know. East side Marianna Fl., West side Bainbridge Ga.