turfman

I just switched to baitcasters from spinning this year myself. I had a Curado/St. Croix Premier set-up and did OK, then I splurged and boat a Shimano Chronarch (with advise from this forum)/St. Croix Avid set up and I'm hooked. I now have three of them and save every penny for the next one. I still fish a few Shimano/St. Croix spinning rigs but once you get set up you're going to love it. Basically buy the best reel you can afford, you won't be happy learning with a cheap baitcaster. There are some great reels out there for $ 129 and up but you will have a harder time learning with a basic reel unless you catch a sale. Also, start with lighter line like 10 - 12 lb while you're learning. MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Thanks for all the great input. I went with the Ranger Z20 with the E-Tec 225 HO. The Bass Cat dealer was great and very well imformed, Resale and fit and finish closed the deal for Ranger with me. Time to go fishing. Thanks again to all, your input defineatley taught me a lot and did influence my decision.

You can't clean the salt from all of your electrical, your boat will get Cancer! Ranger and others make a bass boat with no carpets and all stainless fixtures, upgraded electrical, etc. Intracostal maybe, outside is risky.

I fished out of Ranger, Triton & Skeeter with guides and thought they were nice, then fished last year in N.C. with a guide with an 7 -8 year old Javelin and just blew my socks off. What a great boat, fished an 8 hour day and just liked it more and more as the day went on. There are tons of great boats around, shop, shop, shop.

Shop a lot! I jumped too early trying to downsize from a 24 ft. Cuddy w/ 250 HPDI to a small boat to go lake fishing, fell back in love with bass fishing and lake boating now I'm trying to trade in a 2007 Lund Alaskan w/ 90 hp Honda for a bass boat (I'll give you a deal on the Lund) and through the advise from the guys on this site and one other I've learned a bunch. If you want a bass boat I'd go with an older reputable brand like Bass Cat, Champion or Ranger. Many guys take such great care of their bass boats that they in just fantastic condition and they're fully depreciated. If you have to have new boat, shop hard, find a left over and don't sacrifice on your gotta have items whatever those are to you because you need to keep that new boat for a while or you'll end up like me (I'm a little slow) and loose a bunch of money right out of the chute chasing your passion. As I've learned from the guys on this site, you have to make your own choices, just buy the best quality you can afford and you'll be happy. A smaller nicer boat is better than a bigger junky boat everytime.

I went back to the Ranger dealer today to look at the 520 at your and other folks recommendation. The drivers cockpit is very small and I just don't care for the consoles. I'm in the home stretch on the Z20 or Pantera II - salesman on vacation etc., trying to button things up fast, it's all in the numbers now, both boats are awesome although different.

I've got Minn Kota on my Lund, after speaking with my Bass Cat dealer I'll be sticking with it. Thanks again to all.

Yeh, I've got a bunch of decisions to make in the next bit here - I'm all set on electronics, etc. - thanks for the smartass answer. Didn't know if there was a huge difference or not. Thanks for the help. I've learned a lot this week re: boats, ignorant brand loyaly, etc. all of the great input and referals to some owner boards have helped dispell some myths.

Yeh, I've got to take another road trip this week to both dealers and button up the details.

I've had a bunch of saltwater boats, never a bass boat. What trolling motor do I want on a 19 - 20 bass boat Minn Kota or Motorguide? I'm not into gimicks, just want a great quality solid motor.

For that price I can get a Bass Cat Pantera II w/ 200 hp or a left over Ranger. I'm down to those two, now the dealers have to get me their deals and what they're going to give me for my Lund/Honda. Thanks again to all for the help.

Being here in Maine I don't have that many choices. I am fortunate to have a large/reputable Ranger dealer, a Bass Cat dealer in NH and other than that it's just Nitro or Triton 2 hrs. north or south. I'm either going with a 20 ft. 2006 leftover Ranger or ordering a new 19' Bass Cat Pantera II, just have see how bad the Ranger dealer wants to sell a boat and what he's going to give for my trade in. From all I've heard/read seems like the Bass Cat 19' is a pretty good ride.

My local Ranger dealer has 30 new Rangers in stock, I'll have to check them all out. Bass Cat is definately high on the list as well. It was interesting to read the owner forums on Bass Boat Connection.com. The Ranger, Bass Cat & Bullet owners were all positive and loyal, all others had major issues. Every Triton owner reported "I love this boat - but the chin walk is pretty bad, I'm still learning to drive it" and most others loved their motors and referenced for the money it wasn't a bad boat. Thanks again to all for all the input, it has been very helpful.

Thanks for all the help guys. If my Ranger dealer wants to sell me a Z boat he better hurry because the Bass Cat is winning me over by the minute. Thanks especially for the link to the likes/dislikes page.

Money isn't an issue up to $ 35,000. I was leaning towards the Ranger but the "getting wet" part here in Maine where it's very cold in the morning isn't good. Any one else have any real experience with this? Any 2005 or newer 19 -20 ft. boat owners out there who could unconditionally recommend their brand?

Thanks for the input. There only appears to be +/- $ 800 difference between the 19 - 20 ft boat. I'll take a harder look at the 20

I'm buying a new boat, thinking 19 ft. is the magic number. I fish rocky lakes in Maine/NH some rough, tough ramp conditions, lots of rocks. Any/all input is welcome

If you look the boats over good there is no question the Ranger is nicer than the others, the Triton gets a lot of press but is a little gimicky, Bass Cat seems all business. Didn't know about the getting wet part, I would have thought that Ranger of all companies could have dealt with that. Is it spray from just running or in a quartering sea?

My Local Ranger dealer has a 2005 Demo Z 20 w/ 225 E Tec w/ 25 hrs. for $ 35,000. I'm torn between the existing boat or ordering a Bass Cat Pantera II or the new Triton 19X2 for the same money. I love the Ranger but I'm nervous as this was the first year for both the Z boats and E Tec. I've heard these boats need a jack plate. Were there any real concerns with either the boat or motor in 2005.

I own all Shimano reels now, so I stick with Shimano. Which Chronarch do I want for a Crankbait rod and/or Rattle Traps?

I was going to get the Avid but keep hearing about Glass for Crankbaits!

I've decided on the St. Croix Premier Glass Crankbait Rod. Now tossing between Daiwa Zillion or Shimano Chrono or Curado. Anyone tried the Zillion?

That's what my gut tells me. I own 5 St. Croix rods now, love them. I went to a large tackle dealer today and tried most available reels they didn't have any Abu Revo's (I'm curious about those) Flueger & Quantum didn't appear to have the quality of Shimano & Diawa. After handling the Diawa seemed to be the better reel. I own a Curado now and like it but the Diawa Zillion feel waaaay nicer. Should I have any concerns. And regarding St. Croix - I have all Premier rods now, are the Avid's worth the extra $$ for a Cranking rod or go with the Premier Glass Crankbait Rod?

Buying a new baitcaster. Anyone tried the BPS Johnny Morris Signature Series and who makes BPS reels? If I don't go this way considering the St. Croix Avid with Diawa Zillion.