Jig Man

If I were looking for a small to medium motor I'd buy the 4 stroke then I'd not have to worry about EPA rulings.

What would be a recommended length? I was thinking of 14 to 16 ft. Depends on the size of the water. The larger the boat the safer. What is the difference between riveted and welded? I know the mechanical difference, I'm asking about long term care, water tightness, life expectance, etc. Welded boats are easier to care for it the have been well built. However, a friend of mine ran a rivited john for a long time and kept it dry with JB Weld. What is the difference in performance between flat bottom and v-bottom? V bottoms ride smoother and flat bottoms fish better. What is the estimated cost of boat/trailer/motor (website doesn't list price)? I don't have a clue. It will all depend on the size of the boat and motor and how you have them rigged out.

Some say use the 3.8/1 for crankbaits. I bought one and hated it. I bought a set of gears and changed it to 6/1. I can always slow down.

I second what grimlin says. When the bite is slow I go to a jig or tube. I know that if there are any fish present, I'll get some strikes. During these times I pay very careful attention to the looks of the area, the water depth, my boat position and what the structure feels like with my baits so that I can try to find like areas if I get some bites. Win, lose or draw it keeps my mind occupied while my body is fishing. I don't have time to lose my confidence because I am working on that next bite.

I don't ever plan to be in a boat without a depth finder or two. I'd feel like I was naked.

I don't have either one but I do run Lowrance products. I'd go for 480 pixels for a better pic depending on how you use the unit. If you night fish, the X125 has an amber back light for $100 more.

http://www.allisonboats.com/pricing/

If someone has one in stock, get a demo ride.

GMAN You have seen some of my colors. :P

I have eaten several bass species but I can't stand to clean largemouth because the smell like frogs.

Personally, I'd buy nearly anything except a Berkley product. I have never liked them. Even Bass Pro Excell is beyond them.

I will have to do some assuming here but let's see. If I am actually fishing 7 hours on an 8 hour trip that is 7X60= 420 minutes. Over all with various baits taking from 45 seconds to 5 minutes, I'd guess 2 minutes per cast. That gives an average of 210 casts. My average last year was 9.43 bass per trip so I guess I caught a bass every 22.269353 casts. Of course they were all keepers 'cause I don't mess with dinks. ;D ;D

I use an 8# on my drop shot and 14# on my jigs. I use the Stren knot with a dab of superglue on the knot. I got my butt waxed once using 8/1 braid in clear water with no leader. I use straight braid on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

It sounds like you have the bases covered. I am not sure I'd buy the battery from Sam's unless I was sure it was a true deep cycle. I'd also nix the radio because I wouldn't want the distraction.

I'd get some type of treatment and treat the whole area around the boat to get rid of the source. For those in the boat you can buy those little houses they crawl into or you can get some Home Defense and spray where they crawl.

I'd take it back. My bet is they will replace it. BPS is the best I have ever seen for customer satisfaction.

It is a personal preference thing. I only take my seats out when my wife is pulling the boat with her jeep. She needs them out to be able to see behind her. Otherwise they are in all the time.

Like stated it depends on the weight of the bait. I use a variety but mostly 843C 1/2 oz and under and 844C 1/2 oz and over. Either one can handle the 1/2 oz depending on how big the trailer is.

Didn't he just take over recently?? I'm looking for a used boat not a new one, around 00', 01', 02' etc... When did this guy take over??? At least 5 years ago. A bud of mine ran into a guy with a 22' PC / 225 and it would only do 55 at WOT. He was really pizzed because my friends little 15' would run as fast.

Since he called, we will be in his boat. I like to travel as light as possible and still have the essentials. I always ask "Where will we be launching? What do you have in mind for the early part of the trip? What baits do you plan to throw for starters? Will I need to have my XYZ baits or do you not plan to do that type of fishing?" Once I have a little knowledge, I know how to rig a few rods. For example, if he plans to start out with buzzbaits, I'd be hard pressed to use heavy jigs or trigs. On the other hand, if he plans to fish bluffs in 30+ fow I don't want a bunch of spinnerbaits or buzz baits tied on.

This morning I decided to see if a sharp point would work better. I cut off a nail and drove it into the tube. It works great.

I have had them on the transom but hope I never have to again. I have 3 on the inside and 1 on the tmotor. They are not hard to install. All you have to do is grind out a place until you get good glass and glue it down. You can even set them to an angle if you want. One of mine I have angled forward and starboard so that it shows a perfect pic in 25fow exactly where the steering wheel is located. It works well for vertical jigging.

I don't think that they are as good as the older models. They are owned by the same guy who owns Kenner, Tracker, Fisher, and Nitro. Normally, it seems that quality goes down when he takes over. I haven't ridden in any of the newer ones but I have heard that they are slow. MY opinion.

I keep mine in Plano boxes but it takes 3 of them and I don't use any plastic bags.

I have a Lowrance LMS 480 on the dash and am rat holing for a 522C on the front.