Under the Radar

Think for a moment... "I tied on a crank and rooted it through the area and it only came up with a few strands" If it died, it would still be there somewhere. Since it's a GC pond, I'd wager that they came in and clipped it and took it out. They've been doing that on the lakes here in FL for years.

Don't know what your budget is like, but I've got two sea eagles and wouldn't trade them. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Best of luck in your quest.

I'll chime in here. I bought the 898 si for the console first. Six months later I got a 798 si for the bow. One year later it's time to upgrade the TM. I opted for the Terrova 80 w/iPilot. I've never looked back. If I had it to do over again, I would get the Terrova iPilot before the SI units. Even without the lakemaster chips, the iPilot is like having another guy on the boat to just drive. I believe I may catch a few more fish at the end of the day, because I am fishing more and having to concentrate less on that TM. I'm waiting for the Lakemaster chips to come out with more of the lakes I fish here in central fl, then I'll not only get the LM chip, but the iPilot Link as well. Best of luck in your quest.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned, Closing the bail. Close the bail manually, never by turning the reel handle. Nuff said

Indomitable Cognizant Analytical Adaptive Intuitive Memory Studious

Had my Boga for 4 yrs now,if you're not worried about ounces & tenth's of ounces you can't do better.

PM sent

Whoa etommy, Castnetting maybe illegal where you are in FL. but here in central FL, we cast net shiners for live bait all the time, it's legal and you don't need a licsence to net them but don't try to sell them. Now granted it's illegal to use bream for live bait if they've been caught in a cast net. But if you catch the bream on hook and line he's legal bait.

Most nay sayers have no experience using said equipment, (what ever it is). That being said. Last year I mounted 2 HB SI units on my boat. And the MK Terrova iPilot 80# replacing the MK Edge 40# that came on the boat. I'm not the greatest mechanic in the world, but a buddy & I did the installs after I did the research for installations. No one item took more than a couple of hours to install. They all have worked flawlessly for the last year. Do your research, then decide what unit you want. I guess if I had to make a decision to get only one, the Terrova iPilot or SI, I'd probably have to go with the iPilot (tho I love my SI units) the iPilot is like having a chauffeur on the boat, leaving me more time to concentrate on my fishing. Does Lowrance make good units? sure. Do they have dis-satisfied customers? sure Does Motorguide make good TM's sure. Do they have dis-satisfied customers? sure What company today doesn't. Just sayin' don't knock it til you've tried it and if you have problems, get with customer service and work it out before you start badmouthing. There is such a wealth of information to be found online today, these forums are one of my daily reads. Guys like Wayne P are such a wealth of info and willing to share their knowledge. Thanks Wayne. OK, rant over. Happy New Year Everyone.

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I've got 2 733 CB's and use them as you listed. Good choice.

I replaced the minnkota 12v 40# edge that came on my Stratos 176XT with a 24v 80# Terrova w/iPilot. Late Last Spring. All I can say is WOW.. I think the response is just as fast as the cable steer on my old Edge.

If you're near Winter Springs, Oviedo area send me a PM

Central Florida covers over 8,000 sq mi. help us help you. where are you located?

I've got 8 Powells They comprise the largest representation of any single manufacturer in my rod locker. That being said, I just bought a Veritas last month to fill in while my broken Cumara is in for warranty replacement. For the buck, the Veritas is one helluva rod. ain't it great the way technology advances and my wallet decreases.

Fished Baldwin a week ago last Saturday. Plenty of grass some schooling be patient. Traps, worms & flukes.

Hawk, You didn't mention what TM you have. BUT I can tell you this. Assuming that your new Downscan has internal GPS antenna, youll want to mount it as close to the Transducer as possible. And since it's downscan you WILL want it on the bow. Now back to the problem... Tell us which TM you have and we'll go from there

I don't think you've got many gators up in your neck of the woods. And I'm assuming that you actually put a scales on your rod to check the pull of drag. Trust me when I tell you that a true 19# of drag pulled with the rod pointed straight at the scales will pull you off your feet when the rod is bent and the added friction of the guides on a hook set. BUT the issue here is your weakest link sounds like as stated above your vanish and the knot. Seaguar red label is a very good line for the price point.

They have their time and place, Try them out on your flippin stick. I usually have on rigged on deck. You don't want to throw them in shallow vegitation unless you plan on becoming a vegetarion . They will give a great upper body workout if you throw one all day. Nick

Here in Central Fla, we have a lot of clearwater shallow lakes and ponds. So on most days that I'm fishing a top water such as you ask, it's a chug bug. Occasionally conditions dictate something else like a Pop-R, a Devil's Horse or a walk the dog type such as Sammy or Jimmy. My preference for the Chug Bug is predicated on the fact that it's a little more subtle than the Pop R and it can walk the dog as well. I think that the fish in these shallow waters can be a little more spooky, and thus require a quieter presentation. My best days with the top water have almost always had some wind. Calm days not so much.

jmed I fish the 'bama rig in a lot of shallow florida ponds and lakes. Go weightless. Try a 3" or 5" single tail grub on a 2/0 offset roundbend worm hook.

I've got 5 101 D's and 3 51 E's. (and 3 200 E7's) Wouldn't trade any of them. The 51 E's I use for lighter baits in our CFL ponds and light topwaters. Go with what feels good and you can afford outright.

Just upgraded from an Edge to the Terrova w/iPilot 2 10 days ago. have fished hard in 15-20 mph winds last 2 trips out. Couldn't have even thought about it before. The new (2012) remotes are a nice upgrade. Pros far outweigh any Cons there might be. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Went out yesterday afternoon, netted a few shiners and sent them out on a float. 2 of us got about 22 in three hrs. most in the 2 lbclass big fish was 7.11 and ready to pop. Went out for 45 min tonight, took a few shiners to a smaller pond and got 2 dinks. Lipless cranks have been doing pretty good lately. Got most fish on the drop/flutter. They are out there, just be patient. Fish slow Nick O