vernon

Man, I'm with you. No way I could stand to watch it if not able to DVR through the BS and commercials. Like Dave said, it's not as bad as some of the others but I'm of the opinion that that's primarily because the others have gotten that much worse by comparison. I put a permanent, total, never to be removed block on anything and everything that includes Mark Zona. That guy is beginning to make Ike seem like an introverted recluse. And when the heck did bass fishing become some full contact extreme sport that's NOT for the weak or infirm? Everything is "critical" to any hope of success (or one's very survival it would seem). Likewise for Fishing University and some of the others. The last one I tried to watch went something like this, "Well, Charlie, we definitely have the advantage today fishing out of our Bass Cat boats powered by our exceptionally quiet and powerful Honda outboards because we have the most Cedar Creek beef jerky in our Bass Cat boat powered by our Honda outboards which are the most powerful and smoothest running outboards on the market. And we also will be fishing our Spro signature series top water baits! Now, if I can just stop eating this delicious Cedar Creek beef jerky long enough to make a cast I just might catch a good un' on my Spro signature series top water bait. Can you believe how easy this Spro signature series top water bait is to work? Dang, this Cedar Creek beef jerky is some good stuff! What the heck do you guys at Cedar Creek put in this Cedar Creek beef jerky anyway?" And then it's time to go to a COMMERCIAL! I know I'm getting old but I used to really look forward to the weekend fishing shows. Now it's like watching Roller Ball in the 70's (or was it the 80's?). Where did you go Harold? Can you hear me talking to you Virgil?

Yes, unlike the Terrova, the Ultrex is cable steer with electric motor assist. The entire head rotates as opposed to just the motor itself. From what I've researched, it allegedly offers the same "feel" in the foot pedal as cable steer models but the electric motor is quicker to respond than the cables alone. And, yes, it can be operated exactly like the Fortrex if one chooses to not activate the GPS system. From what I understand, it also employs a "soft start" type feature that will (hopefully) prevent one from being tossed over the side by sudden and extreme starts and stops. While the head/direction of the unit is faster to respond the journey to full power of the motor is gradual - kind of like engaging the resume button on your vehicle's cruise control. I don't anticipate using the Spotlock much when fishing shallow but I do think it would be OK when working the backs of pockets and creeks where you tend to stay a full cast from the target and the boat is in, say, 15 - 20 feet of water. Only real world use will tell I guess though. As Bill alluded to I expect that the real advantage will be in deeper water fishing humps, points, drops, etc. as well as when unhooking fish or retying to avoid blowing or drifting into the bank. I haven't heard anything about the boat pivoting/spinning around the TM being an issue but, again, only practical application will tell for sure. The below video would seem to at least somewhat dispel that notion but it's only one isolated example so we'll see. At any rate, my money's already spent so I'm gonna say it's the greatest thing since sliced bread no matter what! Just kidding - I'll be sure and report back as honestly as I can once I get a chance to get it out there.

Personally, I'm hoping that the new Ultrex is the best of both worlds. At worst, it has to be the better option on Table Rock and that's my only real concern anyway. Now I realize that most of the Talon owners disagree and some say that Talons are way more important (and I'd say that too if I had 4 grand invested in a pair) but I can't count the number of boats that I've seen that got em' but I've literally never seen a boat with em' deployed that wasn't at the launch ramp. Regardless, I had an Ultrex installed in December but haven't had a chance to use it yet. Early reviews seem favorable though and I'm pretty excited about the Spotlock when fishing humps and points if nothing else. Will also be nice to not have to worry about blowing up on the rocks when retying or unhooking a fish. I'm just one of the guys that has never got or bought the Talon deal and took a $2000 rebate when I purchased my Z521 as opposed to the Talons that were originally included in the deal. If I had em' I know I'd never use em' so why bother with the extra weight and the rear deck obstruction issue. Plus I just think they look dumb and really detract from the pretty cool appearance of an otherwise beautiful boat.

Sounds like you'll be on my spots! See you there.

Wow. No kiddin'. Nice job on the intervention though Snagged.

Well, add me and my boat to the already long and growing list! We're heading down 22-29 April and again 7 May. However, unless these guys all want to try to win where there's no fish they won't come anywhere near me so I doubt I'll even notice!

Point well taken! However, and believe it or not, even when factoring in the gory details to which you refer, I still pretty much stand by my statement - which should give you an idea of how much fun I've had buying boats over the years. After a Charger, a Champion and the ten Ranger's, I'm convinced that buying a boat is the most difficult, stressful transaction that there is in life! Now, being a little on the neurotic side probably doesn't help but I've bought way more vehicles than boats, a couple of houses and Lord only knows what else and the only thing I can think of that's been a bigger pain in the posterior than buying a boat is SELLING one! Of course, the most recent purchase was also the first one (since the very first one way back in 1974) that I bought out of existing inventory. Maybe avoiding the additional angst of ordering a custom build has something to do with it (see neurotic comment).

I was recently very pleasantly surprised with Cabela's in Kansas City for Ranger. 2016 Z521c is my tenth Ranger and maybe the easiest transaction of them all. Of the ten, I purchased from 8 different dealers. I've always checked with at least 5 dealerships when boat shopping and have always opted for the best deal available and whoever offered the best price is where I ended up. Never regretted that approach but I'm sure others with dealer loyalty would disagree. However, in most cases, the dealerships changed hands every couple of years so I never really experienced the loyalty issue. If you decide to check them out I would recommend asking for Tyler. They've got 5 or 6 2017's at the moment I believe and a couple of 2016's. Of course, after 10 Ranger's I ain't the most objective guy to be asking I guess?

Utilizing submarines perhaps? Is that a periscope in the bottom picture?

Man, talk about living the dream. Most guys are lucky if they get a new tie or some underwear every year - but you get body parts! Wow. Must be nice.

Thanks but that's actually the one I was referring to. I guess after thirty plus years of having to compose and interpret that crap everyday I've become brain numb to it all! I'm sure it makes perfect sense to whoever put it all together (typical in the government) but it gives me a headache. We're also well known for our love of printing things sideways which immediately signals me to disengage! I'm gonna get one of the passes anyway and just sort out the details as I go. For $10 it's kind of hard be disappointed. If I happen upon a launch area that's not included I'm sure somebody will let me know! Thanks again.

Glad I can remember 62! Even if barely. Gonna have to check into the COE pass. Is there a list somewhere of the lakes/ramps that it's good for? Being a COE retiree, I can fully appreciate the fact that I cannot for the life of me discern or comprehend this portion of the COE website. For instance, I know that the pass is NOT good at Smithville Lake or Longview as they're county operated. Just a simple, easy to read list of lakes and ramp sites that are eligible would be nice. Out of the question for the federal government but nice nonetheless!

Most bass fisherman don't need the rods, reels and lures (not to mention boats) that they/we have either! But, as you say, all that stuff sure is pretty when it's new though! I gotta think that most "expendable" income, regardless of how it's spent, is just another word for wasted money if need is a consideration. A dozen Pro V's or a couple of pre-Rapala warts? Custom painted jerk baits? Money blown is money blown. So long as it's not blown on blow anyways!

Hmmm. I hadn't heard that version. I might have to put a call into MY new president (since he doesn't appear to be anybody else's) and notify him of this underhanded attempt at corporate cronyism! darn monopolies. Next thing you know, they'll want to move production to Mexico!

A foot throttle is standard on the G2 but you can turn it off or on with the push of a button on the "smart gauge". I've never liked foot throttles and, consequently, have never had one before. I still use the hand throttle probably 90% of the time. However, the one on the G2 is virtually identical to the accelerator pedal in most vehicles, so it's actually really comfortable to use. It's also mounted/suspended from above like a vehicle so getting stuff wrapped around it or stuck underneath is almost a non factor. Nonetheless, I still rarely use it primarily due to lack of familiarity I guess. It is kind of beneficial in really rough water though and that's pretty much the only time it's engaged other than just playing around with it from time to time since it's new. A nice option to have though as opposed to being restricted to one method or the other. I DO really like the auto trim feature though. Never thought that I'd use it but under most conditions it works great. One less distraction when coming up on plane and normal running and it immediately disengages if you just tap the manual trim button on the throttle or the blinker trim.

It appeared to me that they were running virtually single file but if they hadn't maneuvered to the right to escape the boat in fronts wake immediately prior to the mishap, the 360 that they spun would have left them directly in the path of the oncoming boaters. It just didn't appear from the video that there were very many "safe" options if they wanted to keep their place in the launch order. My old sissy posterior would have pulled off to the side and waited till the carnage had ended. Of course, I would have finished dead last as a result which kind of defeats the purpose of entering a fishing tournament in the first place. It also explains why I DON'T enter fishing tournaments in the first place! These days, I have to satisfy my competitive needs by either catching more fish than my wife, on the golf course picking on players of way lesser ability (getting harder and harder to find) or wrestling with 8 year old grand nieces and nephews - the latter of which has about run its course as well.

I know every year that goes by I start the season by committing to be more diligent about my kill switch and PFD. This visual certainly isn't gonna discourage my efforts any that's for sure. To Thumbs comment on his steering wheel coming loose, a bunch of years ago I got the same sensation running back to the ramp at the end of the day. Took it in to get looked at and it turned out the jackplate bolts were coming loose! I do frequent "pre flight" checks on my stuff throughout the year but I can't say as I'd ever tried to shake the motor on its mounts before. Note I said "before". There's just so many critical moving parts on a high performance bass boat and each one of them is subjected to an unbelievable pounding running on plane in even normal wave and boat wake conditions that it's just inevitable that something is eventually gonna break or come loose. As I just flat out don't possess the mechanical skills or knowledge necessary to stay on top of this deal I've started every year since then with a thorough checkup at my dealer. Hopefully, those guys take it seriously cause I'm counting on them to get it right. Seems well worth the couple hundred bucks it usually costs me.

The "comments" below the video in the original post states that about five or six boats were stopped to help but were out of the camera's view. Either way, it doesn't seem to me that the others flying by on plane and creating additional boat wakes could have been much help to the two guys trying to climb back in the bobbing and disabled boat. I get not stopping and overcrowding the area but dropping back to idle speed until clear of the area would seem to me to be more appropriate. Of course, hindsight usually is 20/20. Either way, glad those two were OK and the video just might save somebody else's life.

I've been doing lots of the same - including enduring the cold and ice as I'm just across the river from you - and think I'm gonna go with the Falcon Cara T7. A little bit more money but I've been beyond pleased with the other Falcon's that I picked up last year (McClelland Swimjig and 2 Kreit Squirrel Tails) based on Champ and Mr. Babler's recommendations. Only hesitation at this point is whether to go with the basic T7 jerk bait rod or the McClelland. Probably ought to get with Bill too as I could save shipping by just swinging by his place on my next trip down. Although that IS kinda hard to do as I'm not the most patient guy in the world! Although that Lew's is kind of tempting I think I'm gonna go with what I know I like and what guys that know way more about this stuff than me recommend. Good luck and keep warm (and off the roads)!

On the recommendation of Donna and Champ, I picked up some of these heads last year and they are awesome. Saves time and mess which is always a good thing. We have three or four eagles that spend most of the winter on the golf course pond where we live. My brother and I spend hours sitting and watching these marvelous creatures as they pillage and otherwise terrorize the rather undesirable (read - poop everywhere) Canada geese that also populate the area. Don't know if the upload will work or not but we took a couple of videos and photos from his kitchen window the other day of them doing just that.

Personally, I find Kaley Cuoco to be hilarious and one of the great actresses of our time! Comedy, drama, you name it - she's one of the all time best! The scene in the laundry room with Sheldon is a perfect example. The timing, the presentation, the believe-ability, if you will. The "little black dress" is another episode that comes to mind. Timeless! A true gift to the art.

So far we're planning on playing Silver Rock, Indian Wells (Celebrity), Desert Willow (Firecliff), PGA West (Nicklaus Tournament Course), Eagle Falls, Classic Club and a course called Rams Hill in Borrego Springs. A few locals have been telling me for a couple of years now that we're really missing the "boat" (now this should qualifiy as a fishing post!) by not taking a road trip over to Rams Hill. It's about an hour and fifteen minutes from where we're staying - west towards San Diego. It used to be an ultra private, high roller destination location for the Sand Diego and LA crowd. Apparently it went under five or six years ago and was reopened as part of a somewhat more reasonable resort effort. Anyways, they all say it's way better than any public access course in Palm Springs and even better than many of the privates which is saying something. And it's $95 Mon-Wed which is less than most in the area. They have a couple of really cool youtube videos of the place on their website if you'd like to take a look. At worst, looking at all of the green grass is kind of uplifting to see this time of the year! Palm Springs ain't the cheapest place in the world for a winter golf trip but the weather is guaranteed perfect and the golf courses are magnificent. We've gone other places that were less expensive but gotten rained out, sleeted on, you name it (kind of like a FISHING trip) so we decided a few years ago that it was worth the extra cash. If you're gonna hunt bear, hunt grizzly right? Plus, hitting a tee shot off into the backdrop of emerald green grass and the desert framed by mountains is pretty cool and extremely therapeutic in February! Toss in a bloody Mary in a glass that doesn't perspire, a fantastic Mexican breakfast, 85 degrees, sunshine and family and what's not to love? Oh yeah, as for the Kirkland's - no - unless I can find some when we get out there. I've heard that the Costco's in the warm weather, winter destination areas get some from time to time so maybe. Otherwise, I've stocked up on about seven or eight dozen Bridgestone's that I picked up for between $15 and $18 a dozen during some of the holiday online specials. And I've always got my stash of el cheapo Wilson Staff's in the event of emergency!

Unfortunately, it's that time of the year that pretty much whenever the temperature gets above 50 the wind's gonna howl. Most days for the next few months will probably be like that. Calm = cold, warm = wind. Well, except for those REALLY good days when wind = cold too!

Nuckleheads?

YES! I'm dying here! The only thing keeping me going is the anticipation of going to Palm Springs in February. Of course that's a golf trip so I'm NOT going to mention it on a fishing forum. Just wouldn't be appropriate!