Big_Jake

Good information, thanks!

I'll give you a call the next time I'm over there. I'd like to see it.

I Didn't like it much on day one but by day three I was getting used to it. It's much louder than a prop. I don't intend to row - not my style of fishing.

Also, open to any tips/advice on things to have in the boat to improve safety and enjoyment. I would like to figure out a way to mount the paddle and net where they are easily accessible, secure and off the floor. Thanks, Jacob

Well the new TopWater 2160 has arrived. In limited use over this past weekend we were very impressed with its stability and smooth ride. Decided to go with the 40hp Mercury jet and that will be a learning curve for sure. I was shocked at how differently it handled compared to a prop. The boat isn't 100% completed as they will add SeaDek to the front and rear decks and a few other little items. But, all-in-all it is a fantastic boat I think we'll get many many years of enjoyment out of it.

Guys, how do you approach this with so much water? I was throwing a 1/8th and putting on a split shot above the jig but even then I wasn't able to get the jig down very well. Thanks for the help! Jacob

I can not disagree with that at all. Its all about the character of the person in charge I suppose.

Yes, but it's not published. Basically a limited lifetime warranty on the hull. To quote the owner "if you're out there jumping rocks, that's not warranty. If something happens, just call me".

Jet for me - My logic is that I don't know the river will enough to not destroy prop after prop (which I've been efficiently doing). Also, I'm really limited to where I fish during minimum flow.

I've also been boat shopping. I feel pretty confident in going with Topwater at this point. I went by their shop and saw different boats in various stages of production - I came away impressed with them. I love the idea of the 60" but I have kids, friends, customers, etc so I think it makes more sense. Anyway, I'm excited, hopefully I won't have to wait too long to get the boat.

Thanks for the input. I'm close to ordering a boat and just wasn't sure. I was told by someone that Tohatsu actually builds the Mercury jet.

BigD, why did you choose the merc? How do you like it so far?

Your picture isn't showing up for me but I'll bet its a really nice boat!

Nicely done, Ham! Sounds fantastic... I'm headed to that part of the world tomorrow - cant wait!

Why do you trade boats so often? Just curious.

This was our 2nd day on the river (my first and second days ever to fish the Norfork). I think I'm in love. Haha. Just from the quantity and size of fish it was so much fun. We boated several rainbows, browns and cuts that went 15"+. I landed one rainbow at 17". I had a 20"+ cut to the boat but we weren't able to get the net on him before it rolled off of the Barbless hook. My five year old daughter caught a 16.5" brown. She was so proud (I was more proud). To top it off I got my first grand slam, (which included my first Brook too!) ! What a great day we had. Hopefully the water is right for a return this weekend.

Great to meet all of you! We thoroughly enjoyed it, and getting to know you guys. The fishing, food, and fellowship was fantastic! If any of you find yourself at Cotter stop by and say hi, drink a cup of coffee - We are the house nearest Cotter Bridge. I would love to fish with each of you. We are talking about coming back around the New Year if anyone is interested. Jacob

We'll be arriving Thursday afternoon/evening and leaving Sunday afternoon. Looks like we have plenty of boats available so we'll bring one - If we need the other its not far away. Also, I am hopeful we can fish with some of you guys and keep learning. See you all soon, Looking forward to meeting everyone. Jacob

Guys, what can we bring or do? We could bring appetizer type stuff or pitch in money to help offset some of the cost for those bringing more.

It looks like I will be attending and will have my father with me. We will just stay at our place in Cotter and drive over. With that said, we have two boats that we can bring if needed. Obviously, each of us could captain one and that would open up at least 4 available seats to whomever. If more seats aren't needed then we'll just bring one boat and have one open seat. Give me some guidance on if you guys want us to bring anything. I guess we could just put money towards food or whatever if that easier. I've never fished the river in December so I am looking forward to learning from you guys and getting to know you as well. Thanks, Jacob

Thanks for the report, Phil. We had another great weekend and nice weather too.

Headed to the river for the weekend, anyone have a recent report? Thanks!