MrGiggles

I got a question for those that know a little about the walleye spawn. What makes a "good" spawning area? I've heard people say that they will go back into Creek arms, and also that they will go to the dam. Is it just a matter of bottom substrate (the rubble on the dam)? On an unrelated note, is this the old quarry that I've heard about? Thought it was strange that it has steep cliff banks, but the whole area is relatively shallow.

Think it's still a little early yet. I'm eagerly waiting too.

Just my opinion, a standard bar on the lower unit has the most leverage on the motor, and therefore provides the best support.

I have never been much of a swimmer. I think I'm one of the few that are not naturally buoyant. I'm 5'8" and 250lbs, with only 15-20lbs of fat. I can swim for a little ways, but usually end up on the bottom. An inflatable vest was a lifesaver for me. Fits easily over my jacket in the winter, and is not terribly uncomfortable in the summer. West Marine usually has them on sale now and then.

Yeah, I think these green carp guys get a little stir crazy when they haven't thrown a topwater in a while.

This thread has taken a very strange segue... One that I sure wasn't expecting. Thanks all for the advice. Not even sure if I'll be getting this motor, I'll know more in a few days.

Well, I hate to spend 600 dollars on the motor and then have to drop another 200+ on batteries. I understand that it's pretty trivial in the world of boats, but my budget is stretched already, it's not just a matter of me being cheap. I can't imagine that my battery has degraded that much in a year, I don't think I've ever discharged it more than 50%, since my trips are usually pretty short.

Looks like I may have a chance to upgrade trolling motors. Unfortunately the new one is 24 volt. I run a single group 29 battery now, it's a little over a year old and is in good shape. Am I asking for trouble by buying a single new battery connecting it to my old one in series?

I've wanted to do this. Might give it a shot tomorrow. Do you search for any kind of structure (channel swings, points, etc.), or do you just find the shad and go from there?

Did it look the same when you were traveling faster? When at a standstill or drifting very slowly like you were anything will just show up as horizontal lines. Best thing to do is turn around and make another pass at idle speed.

First of 2019 was a drum, no picture. Redeemed myself after with a mess of crappie from Pomme.

It's still swimming, came down with the flu on Monday, and have been super busy at work. Thinking I'm over the hump now, might make it out this weekend.

Wanted to go yesterday, but ran short on time. Hard to find when the says are so short. Good job, hoping to get out this weekend, weather looks decent.

Already purchased and in the garage.

Dang man leave some for us!

Sometimes the Bendix gear can get sticky as well, the starter will just spin and not engage the flywheel. Had that problem now and then on a 9.8 Merc, a little spray lube fixed it.

Want to get on Bull Shoals sometime during the spring or summer for some big walleyes. Would have to make a trip out of it, because it's a bit of a drive. As far as boat upgrades: Finish rear mounted trolling rod rack, before summer Trolling motor upgrade to one with spot lock. Network my bow and console sonars River boat build? Strong maybe on that one.... All smaller goals working to a single big one, which is "catch more fish."

Spiderwire stealth, Power pro, and Sufix are pretty popular. I use mono most of the time, but braid has advantages. The slim profile gets more depth with less line out for trolling, and it's more sensitive. Braid does not degrade in the sun either. There are a lot of specialized knots for braid, but I'm not that good at remembering them, so I just use a triline knot with a couple extra twists and leave a little tag line. There are also fused lines that behave similar to braid like Fireline and Nanofil, if you want to experiment more.

Dang man, good job. I was out there last night too, only caught 1.

Selling my mini bass boat. 81 Alumacraft F7 model, 80 Spartan trailer, and an 83 Johnson 25hp. Everything works well. Has a livewell under the deck and storage areas. Fully wired with nav lights, bilge pump, etc. Bow sonar included, it's a Pirahnax 4 DI. The boat is a little beat up on the right side. It does weep a little water, but not even enough to make the floor wet. I fished a couple times a week with it on Stockton, Pomme, and Truman from Aug 17 until recently. Clean titles for all, 1200 bucks and it's yours. Drop a battery in and it's ready to fish.

I have it spooled on one reel. It's decent stuff, but difficult to tie knots with. Because of that I use a mono leader, makes it easier to swap jigs. I probably wouldn't buy it again, just not worth it to deal with the knot issues.

Tries tonight, thought I was gonna get skunked until I drug this guy out of 40 feet on a spoon.

Yep. And for every pile that is marked, there are a dozen more that aren't. Some of my favorites (which I found trolling) are not marked on Navionics or the MOfish app. Last year I did all my winter fishing at Pomme (which is also where the above images were captured), and did pretty well over there. Stockton has always been a bit more of a puzzle for me.

I have noticed on my Garmins that it seems to depend on the speed of the boat and activity of the fish. If the boat is moving along at walking speed panfish seem to show up as footballs, and larger fish as arches. If I'm sitting still, they will show up as straight horizontal lines. On DI, fish are supposed to show up as white specks, although I don't have as much experience with it. I captured these a month ago, thought it was pretty interesting. I fished Thursday evening, didn't have much time. Only caught one crappie, same spot that I was tearing them up at a week before. My bass boat is broke down, so I was in my little boat without all the fancy electronics. I'll use that as my excuse.