helms83

Thanks for the reply!

For my first boat, I'm considering buying an alumacraft jon boat. However, I have questions that I would rather ask fellow anglers rather than the company itself. So here we go... What would be a recommended length? I was thinking of 14 to 16 ft. 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. What is the difference in performance between flat bottom and v-bottom? What is the estimated cost of boat/trailer/motor (website doesn't list price)? Any other advice would be great!

I just got back from buying my first baitcasting setup. I got a Shimano Convergence 6'6" medium power fast action 8-17 lb test 1/4-5/8 lure weight rod with a Shimano Callisto 100 6.2:1 reel. Any tips for learning how to use a baitcaster???

Wow, what a turn around! Glad to see everything workout for this event, especially after having to tell kids "no" 3 days prior. They will be even more excited!

Thanks for the tip, thats a great looking rod/reel combo for a cheap price. I think I'm going to go to BPS tomorrow and pick it up! Thanks again!

I currently have a cheap spinning setup and am interested in trying a baitcasting rod/reel? What's a good beginner rod/reel setup that is fairly cheap and great for learning?

What an awesome story! I couldn't imagine going through that work and then finally seeing a lunker like that come out! The best ending to this story is when you let her back to the depths. AMAZING!!!

I recently just began bass fishing. I've been twice and have been studying since. Reading articles, magazines, posts on the forums and watching ESPN outdoors. I've begun with reading about bass and the physiology and psychology. Then I read about lake habitats for bass and terminology for beginners. Then I read about basic equipment: rods, reels, lines. The I read about the basic lures: spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwaters. Then to the little more advanced: jigs, soft plastics, and setups (carolina, texas, drop shot). I cannot believe the amount of studying that needs to be done to understand this sport. It's simply amazing!

I'm curious how many rods you use for a tournament and what are their setups and usages???

JDW - I sent you a PM! I haven't decide on a boat style yet. Everyone is providind valid points as to each style: john boat or bass boat. My philosophy is to buy the one you know you'll want, but then again, if I get a john boat I could be on the lake alot sooner. Tough call...

Is it best to leave these baits in the ziplock bags they come in or is it ok to store the baits in plastic tackle boxes??? May seem dumb, just curious...

I'm about to admit my ignorance... What is the average weight of a boat/trailer? I have a 1991 ford ranger 4 cylinder standard (I bought for $500 a year ago). I'm not sure if this will be able to tow. What kind of towing power do I need?

northgabassfisher - if you don't mind me asking, what were your beginning payments like, did you put anything down? I've thought of doing the samething. cart7 - That is a coincidence! The lake is beautiful, but HUGE. I launch from Paris Landing, only been a couple of times. I love the line "We stringered our rods, reels and tackle to the boat in case we went down. We figured if we sank and the boat was recovered later at least our tackle would still be attached." LOL Now that's thinking ahead!

Thats a very good point. I'll be fishing Kentucky Lake, it's a decently sized area

Your post was exactly what I was hoping to read!!! If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing to your boat? I thought about buying a flat bottom aluminum with a flat top (for better standning) instead of the benched version. I've seen a few of these on ebay. How much were the legal fees? What safety aspects should I consider? I appreciate your help!

I'm curious how you guys fund (or funded) your first boat? Did you get a simple john boat with a handle motor or save for a nice steerable bass boat? I know about the possibility of loans, saving money, etc. I'm curious how long it took and what you did to expidite your purchase.

good tips, thanks! also, how do you find a good beginner boat that won't cost an arm and a leg?

I'm thinking of buying a used bass boat, any tips???

Thanks for the great advise!!! What is terminal tackle and what are the beads for? Which Germantown do you live in, there's 3 in TN. I live in Clarksville, stationed at Campbell. I'm guessing I can find all the stuff you listed at Bass Pro in Nashville. Thanks again!!!

I've just begun bass fishing. My tackle box consists of 4 bandit crankbaits (100, 2 x 200, 300), rat-l trap, deep runner, 2 spinnerbaits, and soft plastics of fluke (silver/blue), horny toads (watermelon), lizards (purple), and 6" worms (pumpkin). I made some drop shot rigs as well (after watching The Bass Edge), ranging from 6" to 12" with 1/8 to 1/4 ounce weight and a 1/0 hook. I used a swivel to quick attach while using 10lb test. My rod/reel is a 6'6, med action, 12 lb test, spinning reel. I'd like to get 2 more rods, more lures/baits, line setups....and a boat...but have no idea what I should consider, colors, etc. Any help?

Thanks everyone! MendotaBassMaster - did you attend WIU? I noticed the shirt in your pic. I went there for 2 years, 03-05.

Thanks! I saw you're from Champaign, I'm orginally from Byron, IL (15 minutes SW from Rockford). I'm stationed here at FT Campbell. Do you know any good bass areas in IL?

I'm 23 and caught my first bass this weekend! I caught two fish for the day, both largemouths. First was a 1#er, the second was a 2.5#er. I hooked three for the day, the first I didn't fully set the hook, I was told it looked to be a 3#er. I've always wanted to catch a largemouth. I've been deep sea and walleye fishing, but never bass fishing. Needless to say, I'm the one who is hooked!!!