InfantryMP

No trust here. I also do not plan on going "pro". I think this is just something for me to do competitively as I get older. I am a disabled Vet, so there are some thing that my body does not allow me to do anymore without regretting it for a few months. I think this will be a good way to scratch that competitive itch. I have joined a club as previously mentioned, so I will start there. I like drama free, but I get how easily this could happen.

yea I am definitely goin in open minded. I want to do well and I have a lot of fishing experience on new lakes etc. I think my main worry for this all was not with the fishing but everything else. Like dropping in and then what? Go beach some where or just wait around until I am allowed to leave? That experience I do not have. Stuff like that I was more worried about. I am not worried about entry fee money. I more than likely will be doing 1 tournament a month 2 at the most.

I dont know if the sounds are the reason it catches fish, but the one I have is a lipless crank, and I catch fish on them all year round.

Hey Everyone! My triton boat trailer was re-wired in 2018ish with new LED lights. Last year I had issues with the lights flickering because my F150 had a bad connection at the hitch wiring. I have a new truck now, and I went to plug in the boat to ensure the lights are still good. The only lights that are working are my front running lights (amber). No reverse lights, no tail lights, nothing. Before I take it in to get rewired, I have checked grounds and they are good. The plug internally is wired correctly as I check that as well. Is there any obvious thing I am missing here? I did not move the truck while looking at the lights, I was just checking them stationary.

Livingston Lures has a battery operated line that is supposed to make "bait" noises once they hit the water. I think I have a lipless crank from them that does that

You could use either of them for those applications. The light rod will probably be just fine for smaller bass, It will be a fun fight for sure. I like 6'8-6'10 for my finesse setups. That being said I do have a large 7'6 I think Medium spinning setup that can really sling some worms around.

The 7' MH can be your all purpose setup. You have a nice reel with it so you should be able to cast a lot of great baits with it. T-rigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits etc. Your spinning setup, will be nice for your shaky heads, ned rigs, and drop shot applications. If you cannot cast light weight lures with the casting setup, use them on the spinning rod. Like 1/4oz squarebills etc. If I were going to add anything to what you have. I would add a 7'3 or larger, heavy action rod for big jigs, frogs, punching if you have that type of fishing near you.

Yes. On 2D sonar, the far right of the screen is your boat. Everything to the left on the screen is what the sonar has painted. Meaning your on it, or moving over it. If you have side scan, you will be able to gauge better the sides of the boat the fish are on, and distance from the boat. Also it depends on where your transducer is mounted as well for your 2D sonar. I have mine mounted on trolling motor, but if it were in the back of the boat, then I am physically already passed what has been painted already. My Side imaging and Down imaging transducer is mounted on the back of the boat. When I look at those, and see something I need to understand I have already passed it. I will typically mark it on the graph, and then turn around if I want to fish it. I would need to fan cast that side where I saw it, and the depth range it showed up at.

You could always soak the meet before grinding it to help eliminate some of that strong game taste you experience. Some people use milk. I have used a little beef broth before as well.

I have yet to go out this year. I think that may change here soon. I do not ice fish, but in Central Indiana, we had about a week or so with thick enough ice to do that. Today it is supposed to be like 63*, but super windy. I have a pay pit 2 miles away, I may hit it up before I get the boat out for the year! Good luck getting the first one!

Here is one of the newer model tongue's https://www.pacifictrailers.com/products/ufp-a-60-inner-member-slide-7500lb-1-axle-disc-brakes-34043?currency=USD&variant=37152282634&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=&utm_content=340182651085&keyword=&utm_campaign=smart-all-test&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1pyCBhCtARIsAHaY_5e6kmQvKRKt7QtfNdXCjRPHygJzcKKyxgEpM6obeL9iFQevX_LD28IaAoeAEALw_wcB

Here is another option as well: https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Megaforce-Telescopic-Allround-Fishing/dp/B07N934TWP?th=1&psc=1

You can grind some, and add fat to it while grinding. I have done this a lot and made jerky, brats, and even burgers. The last thing I made with venison was venison enchiladas, and they were delicious! Venison chili is also a winner here.

Daiwa has a collapsible spinning rod. I think it is like $70ish. You may be able to grab a few, spool em up with whatever your fishing for and be good? They may not be the best, but a lot cheaper in my opinion than shipping good equipment, and hope it makes it.

Same for me...close second is a drop shot

Welcome! 1. I am not sure of a lot of good magazines, but there are a lot of great Youtube channels out there to help with things as previously mentioned. A lot of the pro anglers now have their own channels as well. 2. I like Triton boats personally, but I think it is preference on your style, layout, and what type of fishing you will do. Are you taking someone out with you all the time? If you are going to be solo, do you need a 21, or just a 19? Are you going to be on rough water a lot? Those are the questions I would start figuring out, especially if you are thinking new, or have a healthy boat budget. Also what do you need/ want on the boat. Graphs etc. I also would think about is this going to be your last boat? Your boating experience may come in to play here as well. 3. I think it is safe to say some of the best overall bass fishing comes from; Texas, Alabama, Florida. I am sure there are more, but those seem to be the places that are very popular, and house some hammers.

For sure. That is sound advice. So far I have spent: $70 on club dues $120 on MISC things I needed for the boat (Type IV PFD, Type B extinguisher, Flares, etc) I think I am in good shape. I had the first tournament meeting last night. I have my first derby on the 25th of April. I have never fished any of the lakes we will be fishing at. I think it will be fun. The guys were cool. I may have been the 2nd or 3rd youngest person there. 95% of the folks are over the age of 55, but they are all cool so far. I am stoked.

I am an Oakley guy normally, but UA has a few fishing sets that are not bad, and are half the price of Oakley etc. I am going to play with lens color this year to see if there is a difference. I have only used blue.

I will try them out! Thanks for the recommendation

I am hoping so! I think that is my goal, is to like it and keep doing it. I have my first meeting on Sunday with the local club. I will pay my dues then, and be ready to go. I do need to grab a few things for the boat this year. Type IV flotation etc.

I do not really care what others think of me, or my gear. I think I was trying to say I was worried about messing up at the ramp etc since I am inexperienced with tournaments and the trafffic etc. I have launched hundred of times solo, it is just a little different when there are 60 boats around, and all eyes on the ramp. All my equipment is mid to upper range in my opinion, minus my trolling motor. I do not have livescope etc, but I have enough.

Same as a lot of others. They all go in the rod socks prior to going in the rod locker for guide protection and an easy smooth way to get them in and out. They do help with line tangles as well. I think for me it is a cheap protection for my gear. If I have a $350 setup, having a $4.99 rod sock to protect the rod is a no brainer for me. it just sucks when a hook gets stuck in one...

I like watching top water bites. Not as much as I like feeling them of course. One thing I cannot stand is watching someone spend an hour on a single bed trying to catch that one fish. I mean if it is a 10lb bass on bed and she is locked, then fine especially if you are in contention for W. I feel like there could be some moves to other beds, and then come back to that one. I also will second the, "Its a biggun" and then it comes in barely scoreable. I can see the younger folks not being able to determine size based on bite, and head shakes of course, but not the pros at the highest levels.

Progressive here as well. I like that the electronics / gear is covered as well as the trailer and actual boat. They have great options for new boats with total loss coverage. I am sure it is pricey, I did not look at that though.

Thanks! I hope your dad is enjoying his retirement!