wishin4fishin

I checked for stickies before posting this and didn't see anything this specific, so forgive me if this can already be found somewhere else. After finally getting the official OK from the Mrs., I hope to purchase my first bass boat in the next few months, and based on what I'll need, I've narrowed my search down to a used glass boat in the 18 foot range with a max power motor, probably a Merc, since that's what I can get easily serviced in my area. What I really need are (1) recommendations on which brand of boat, and (2) what features I want to make sure I get, for instance, are there any technologies that have arrived in the last 4 or 5 years that I probably want to look out for. Somebody mentioned that a recessed footwell for the front trolling motor might seem like a little thing, but in the end made a big difference after a long day on the water. I also know I don't want an older boat w/ a wooden transom, but what are other things to look for? I was looking at a 1994 Stratos today w/ a 150 Evinrude, but I'd like to buy a newer boat if possible, I was thinking no older than a 1999 model if i can afford it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I've learned so much in such a short time by reading these forums. It's really been great. Thanks in advance.

Thanks Redneck. Seems like just about everything is 7 bucks and up now days. My uncle always said, it's an inconvenient thing to be poor and a dumb #!! all at the same time. But I come by it honest.

Good as an original Rattl Trap? I've never actually bought BPShop baits before

Thanks Raul. As long as those performance features do make a difference for somebody, I can understand the higher price point. I just wanted some feedback on whether anybody out there really has experienced that performance difference. I know guys who are into racing who will spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade to a go-kart just to shave off two tenths of a second from a lap time. To them, the difference is worth every penny.

OK Raul - the cat's out of the bag thanks to your good buddy. What about these unique Japanese baits? I figured as much about the Rapalas, I loved 'em then, I love 'em now. And I'll always throw 'em. But is there anything to all the Japanese stuff out there? These magnetic weight transfer systems to aid casting, etc? You guys have put more time on the water than me, does any of that stuff make a difference?

That's just what I thought. And in another 10 years they'll be making 30 dollar baits, because somebody out there will be willing to fork it over. Still, some of these new things - like magnetic weight transfer gizmos to aid in casting - have sparked my interest a little.

After several years I've moved from the city back to KY and started fishing heavily again, and I wanted to add a few cranks to my old tackle box. I've been looking at Bass Pros XPS series, Yo-Zuris, Excaliburs and a few others. First off - dang things got expensive in 10 years. Secondly, do any of these 15 dollar baits consistently outperform, outcast, - out-fish - the good ole' Rapalas, Storms and Rebels that I threw back in the mid 90s? If so, which brands /models do you prefer for Topwater, Minnows, Lipless Rattlers, Stickbaits, etc. Sorry if this is already covered in a sticky somewhere.