DaubsNU1

I agree with @rangerjockey....any reel will work. All of my casting reels are Shimano Citca and Curado's, 1990's vintage. I like them so much...when I need a new reel, I scour eBay and swap meets to find them. I like the feel and performance...and the price...most can be had for $40-50 used. Most of my rods are Cabela's branded from the 1990's and early 2000's. I have added a few Fenwick's to the stable here in the past year. Good luck!

Grab your tape measure and look at some boats. You might be surprised what will fit in your garage. And remember, you can angle the boat and/or motor to gain a few inches here and there. My new boat is ~6" shorter than my old boat.

PowerPro high visibility 10lb yellow on all my spinning rods. Use 6, 8, 10, or 12 lb fluoro leaders ranging from 2-5 feet in length. It has been a good set up for me. All my casting rods are running braid, from 15-20 lbs. Experimented with high visibility 10lb yellow on one casting rod...mated to 12 lb fluoro leader. This is my currently my favorite t-rigged worm set up. Spool up some high visibility yellow!

Whelp @NorthernBasser, let's start with this month : )

If you would have asked for my 2023 fishing budget...it would have included this purchase... This year's budget is considerably less. I did gear up for a Canada pike fishing trip, so I'm thinking that skewed the budget for 2024. If you are asking for specifics.... : )

Like@gimruis, my boat is garage kept during the fishing season. Two garage bays are 21' deep...the third bay, where the boat sits, is 19'4" My Lund is 20' with motor and trailer. I dolly it in through the middle bay...and don't have to use the swing tongue. I am fortunate, able to move boat to the 40x30 shop for winter storage. I did a ton of research, and measuring when looking for a boat. Did not think the 1775 was going to fit...and technically it is too long to fit in that third bay...but angling it in was 100% the way to go. It's so convenient to leave all my gear in the boat, electronics hooked up, plugged in, etc. Another thing to consider...winter storage, you want to make sure mice are not getting in your boat. Thankfully I have been able to keep mice out of my shop

I usually have at least one jig rod and one worm rod tied up and ready to fish any time I'm on the water. Four of my casting rods are Cabela's branded from the 1990's....they still catch fish. This year I picked up two Scheels Outfitter Pro Angler rods, and two Fenwick HMX (on sale). They all do the job. Don't get too wrapped up with manufacturer's "technique specific" rod labels. Find rods that feel good in your hands, have good balance, and fit your budget. Pair up with reels you like...hard to go wrong.

Although I have a bow, I have never bow hunted. Love waterfowl hunting, and that usually gets the nod in fall. And now that I have a good boat, spend more time fishing. Brother and I found a ranch in the Sandhills a few years back for rifle season. We both tagged nice Mule deer that first year...but the Rancher leased hunting rights to another group the next year. We were able to get back on that land last year...but could only hunt whitetails. I tagged this buck I absolutely love the Sandhills. Rancher allows us access with ATV's...we ride around, enjoy scenery, and spot-n-stalk. Not sure if I will hunt deer this year...likely wait until next year to head back to that Ranch (If he will allow us access). I've shot some nice bucks...wife really likes the deer brats...that's the main reason I hunt now. And we have bunches of brats left over from last season.

Agree 100% with @gimruis, keep that spot to yourself! Don't tell another soul. Don't post pictures anywhere on the internet. Don't take people there. Fishing pressure is a real thing. Brother and I fished the Churchill River system in Canada this summer. To say it's HUGE does not do it justice...boat ride from lodge to our fishing areas was 30+ miles up river....and we saw just two boats in the five days we fished. The walleye were hitting our pike spoons and bucktails. Let me say that again...catching walleye on pike spoons(!) Another story: work buddy discovered large bass sitting beneath a fishing pier on a local pond, right in town. There is a small walking trail around this pond...it's maybe 3-4 acres total, and has two fountains. Does not look like any sizeable bass would be there. Lots of bluegill. Kids love to fish this pond...it's easy, close, and fun. Buddy figured out the large bass were sitting under the pier, snagging bluegill as the kids were releasing them back in to the water. He would catch a few gills, back hook them, and pitch off the pier....BAM, huge bass! I'm talking 23"+. My suggestion: don't tell anyone, don't post pictures, and above all, don't catch those big bass when anyone can see you. Whelp, he couldn't keep this quiet....and the gig was up shortly. Sadness.

Found a Fenwick HMG GPX 69ML-FS 6'-9" (medium light, 6-12lb | 1/8-5/8oz.) at Scheels on sale for $79. Pretty darn versatile rod in my stable. One of my favorites. Get a few in your hands and see what feels best.

I've been very happy with the Lund and Mercury. Picked up used just over a year ago. Heck, I've fished 26 times already this year (counted my fishing logs this evening). The motor / H-bird battery crapped out last weekend...I think it was original to the boat. Aside from that, no issues, no problems (knock on wood). @UmairF, you might consider used boat? I saved some $$ buying used...and put that money towards brand new electronics. The used market is about to pick up....all those fishermen looking to dump boats before they have to store them for the winter. Nice thing about the Lund V-hulls....I've had it in 8" of water here in Nebraska....and on the Missouri reservoirs in South Dakota running through heavy chop. Handles both with ease. Be careful though...you want the Lunds with composite transoms...I think they transitioned to all with composite in 2018. Good luck!!

I don't throw huge jigs, and utilize medium to medium heavy rods. They work just fine. And are a little lighter (helps with the old wrists). All my rods are 7 foot or less...that's all that will fit in my boat : ) I do really like 6'6" rods...but my jig rods are 7' Good luck!

I've had Garmin Echomap and my brother had Humminbird Helix. When I got my new boat, I went with H-Bird Helix 9's, networked. Side and down imaging is much better than the Echomap. If I ever add FFS, then I will add a separate screen and go Garmin. Note: I have never fished Lowrance.

Here is what the Lund web site lists...

I agree with @gimruis, safety and especially stopping ability is paramount! My wife's Outback 3.6L is rated to tow 3,000 lbs. We have never towed anything with her car, but I would be very hesitant to put my Lund behind it. My Lund 1775 listed right around 2,000 dry weight. Add in fuel, all my junk, I am probably right around 2,400-2,500 lbs., for reference.