dwendt1978

I'd definitely want to know about the trolling motor. How many pounds thrust is it? For that size boat you'd definitely want around an 80 or better. Definitely check out the live wells, all the electrical components, and such. My buddy bought a BassCat that was 10 yrs old and never tested the trolling motor. When he first took it out it steers incredibly hard. Cost about 1K for a new one. But another buddy had a 97 Javelin w/ a Johnson 225 and it smoked also. And as for starting, once you get the hang of what the boat likes, you'll start it the first time everytime.

Pretty much all I'd want to do is install breakers on the trolling motor. Fishing in slop you blow fuses quite often. Sometimes it can take a 1/2 hr. to change. Because the glass breaks. With breakers I can flip the switch and keep on fishing.

Does anyone know if you can get rid of the inline fuses that run to your batteries from your trolling motor? I blow mine occasionally when I wrap up too many weeds on the prop. And when that happens 90% of the time there a pain to get out. I was thinking if it would be possible to use a breaker system. Similar if not the same as the type you use for your house?? Heck maybe they already have something like this for all I know. Also I was thinking of switching my glass tube fuse box on the boat to the little automotive type fuses, is this worth the switch?

If your not improving, you're coasting, and the only way to coast is downhill" Not a clue who wrote it, but I like it.

I can understand where both sides are coming from to an extent. A small business trying to keep up with thousands of calls and orders, probably more than that. But one thing that I believe is that if your going to run a business, and a customer's item is backordered, they need to be notified. They have a small business, so do we. Remember the old saying...."IT TAKES MONTHS TO FIND A CUSTOMER, SECONDS TO LOSE ONE." And the most important..."CUSTOMER IS KING"

All I can say is SWEET!!!!!

lol this is funny. I totally agree with Vodkaman on this. Looking worn is a much better look in my opinion. "Hey check this guy out, just bought a whole new set of rods!" But then again I'm anal on not letting my reels get any boat rash so to each his own. I have Curado's that are 5 seasons old that look like they just came out of the box.

Great topic. I am left handed also. I use right handed Curado's and I cast with my right hand, switch and reel with my right hand. My partner who just got involved in baitcasters this past season, is right handed and because of always using spinning equipment with the handle on the left, he uses left handed curado's. Cast right, reels left. My spinning gear, I cast right, don't change hands and reel left. Vodka, my partner looks completely novice the way he fishes also but he gets the job done. As far as missing a hit from changing hands.... It's never happened. When your used to switching hands, it's so quick it's never a factor in setting the hook. Watch the pro's, 95% of them do the same thing.

Just use a very thin coat on each side of the washer. I use Shimano drag grease, it's probably the best out there.

Not Erie just great ole Northern Michigan. You can take your pick too, from Hardy Dam, Burt Mullett, Torch and so on. Hit alot of them this year. Haven't broke the 5lb mark yet but when you set the hook on a 4lb Smallie, you know you have something BIG!!

Awesome fish. Definitely didn't come from Michigan or it would be about 5lbs lighter!

Also before I forget. The little drag washers, located under the star wheel, are cupped and MUST be installed facing AGAINEST one another. Otherwise your drag will not work properly.

Hope this helps some. This is a 5500 C3 upgraded to a C5. This is done by upgrading the level wind worm gear from bushings to bearings. Huge difference. I also upgraded the bearing from stock to Abec 7's available through Heartland Tackle. Greatest guy on the planet. Buying from him or not, he'll talk you through anything. I'd also recommend Yellow Rocket Fuel Oil also. I'm a die hard Curado fan and I'm quick to admit my Garcia 5500 will outcast any curado or chronarch hands down. I also know that someone on here might say something about the Abec 7's not being Abec 7's but they are a tremendous upgrade over stock. You won't be disapointed.

4.5lb Smallie caught over the summer. Landed 4 of them this size on the same day. Buddy I was with caught 4 also along with two 5lbers! What a fighting machine! I'd pit one of these againest a 10lb Largemouth anyday!

The Abu Garcia 5500's and 5601's are an incredibly simple design. Probably the reason they are so bulletproof. I rebuild mine every year along with my Uncle's (6 of them) my brothers (4) and friend (3). There will be a little C clip under the handle you'll need to remove and the star wheel will twist off. Take pics with a digital camera and you'll do fine.