Addictive Fishing Forum / Addictive Fishing / Ask the Experts

Trolling motor Copilot worth the money

Fishin Addict — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:39:48 GMT

is the copilot worth the extra money vs the hand controlled minn kota....

Dicks Sporting Goods $10 off $25 Printable Coupon

johnmaster — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:37:46 GMT

Expires 12/31/2010

Dicks Sporting Goods $10 off $25 Printable Coupon

leader to line question

redfishgarret — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:21:08 GMT

Iv'e always used the tiny spro barrel swivels to connect my leader and i was wondering if it would be better to use a knot and if so what knot should i use?

Grouper in Haulover Canal?

Fishin Addict — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:42:26 GMT

I have heard if Grouper in haulover canal..how do you catch em..is there a special technique? or just drop down a pig fish and wait...

Wanna try fishing on a kayak

Raginpyro — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:18:11 GMT

Ive never kayaked before but it looks really fun. I don't really no the price range for a kayak so i wanted to ask you guys some questions.

What kayak would you recommend for fishing mainly snook, redfish, and trout.
What would you recommend for me to bring? i.e. Tackle box, rod and etc...

Im not sure if its possible to stand on a kayak but hope you guys can tell me?
I'm a student and don't have much money so I will probably find one on craigslist.
Are there any brand names i should be aware of?

Thanks guys i will post more questions once i can think of them.

PELAGIC PLD15-LW EXTREME SERIES fishing reel

blast300 — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:31:12 GMT

hi, would like to ask, if this reel is good or is it meant for light weight fishing?

Humminbird Fish Finders/GPS

Joby @ Humminbird — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:40:36 GMT

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Joby Smith I am a Humminbird Factory Representative. If anyone has any question in regards to our product line feel free to ask.

Buying a watch

Raginpyro — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:14:28 GMT

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has a watch they would like to recommend for me. The only two spots i fish at are Port Canaveral & Sebastian inlet. So i would like a watch that would be able to automatically sync the tide graph/chart. I am constantly looking online at the graphs before i go fishing and would like to make my life a little bit easier. This watch should be able to tell me when high tide/ low tide is. It would be nice if it could tell me when the outgoing/incoming/slack tides as well, but i highly doubt it. Anyways drop your recommendations here!

Thanks,
Raginpyro

sheephead

tdm9969 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:46:42 GMT

i heard new law doesnt allow you to scrap pylons for sheephead

Duracraft boats

John* — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:46:44 GMT

Does anybody know if Duracraft Aluminum boats are still in business ?

I can't find there web site.

Thanks in advanced for your time.

Polarized Sunglasses

Raginpyro — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:31:27 GMT

Do polarized sunglasses help you see the fish? And what brand should i get. Im looking for something affordable. Wonder if walmart sunglasses will do the trick?

Snook rod

datsun — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:38:46 GMT

I'm looking for a rod for snook, I have a Shimano spheros 6000 that I'm going to be using. I'm going to be casting 1-1/2 to 2 oz bucktail and swimbaits. Im going to be fishing at sebastian inlet. I really like the St. Croix Tidemaster I'm thinking 8ft heavy power fast action(I'm guessing I shouldn't be casting topwater lures with rod, I dont know?). But would like to get a some opinions first. What rod/reel combo are you using? I would also like to get a more budget friendly recommendation (less then $100)

Bait scents?

redfishgarret — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:49:59 GMT

What type of bait scents do you guys use for your soft plastics and even for your lures. Like the doa shrimp and cals. Ive heard good things about pro cure but want to get a scent thats good all around. If you guys could tell me what you use and waht you use it on let me know thanks!

FINS LINE TESTING..... long

sar — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:02:11 GMT

TESTING OF FINS LINES

ORIGINAL PRT AND WINDTAMER 15 and 20 lb

I am always somewhat skeptical of claims by manufactures that their brand does this and that better then brand a,b, or c.

I decided to do my own field testing of FINS lines. I know they are now the sponsors of the Addictive Fishing Show after PowerPro. Most of my tests are not done in a laboratory but actual fishing conditions where I think it counts a little more. Line can’t be only judged when new. It takes a few trips and lots of casting to test a line as far as I am concerned. Older line is what will fail most of the time.

What I did test in my home is abrasion resistance of 20lb test FINS WINDTAMER, ORIGINAL PRT and a 20lb test regular mono.

All my fishing tests were done on: (Shimano Curado 201E7 baitcaster, Daiwa Coastal 2500 Spinning reel, and a Shimano Stradic 3000 FI spinning reel) All very good equipment. Most of my fishing is casting lures all day. I do very little live bait fishing. I may use topwater, jigs, spoons, spinner baits, slash baits, jerk baits and many others in a single day. 99% of my fishing is saltwater.

First is the report of my field test of FINS ORIGINAL PRT.

I found this line as good as Power Pro, and many other braided lines. It performed as well as any other braid that is like Power Pro, Original Stren Braid etc. I did not get any so called “wind Knots” or nasty backlashes. This may be because I have used braided line for a long time and have learned how to use it. There is a learning curve to using braided lines. This line casts smooth, far and stays round. The color seems to stay on the line pretty good. I did not have any complaints while using this line. I hauled snook out of the mangroves without any problems. Abrasion was no worse then any other braids.

My report of the FINS WINDTAMER is even better then the ORIGINAL PRT.

This line is a little stiffer and may be better suited for many people. I liked it on both the baitcaster and the spinning reels. This line is as good as or better then the Sufix and Stren Sonic Braid that I used. You may even like it better because of the body of the line. It will definitely help with keeping the “wind knots” down to none or a minimum. It casts great on both the baitcaster and spinning reels against the wind or with it. Color retention was very good. I had no problems with redfish around oyster bars and big jacks ripping off line fast. I did manage to hook and release 1 small tarpon with it. I think there will be a lot of happy anglers with this line. Abrasion resistance was as good as any braid. I had no real problems except when a snook of about 10lb wrapped the line around barnacle-covered root of a mangrove and I tried to pull it out. No line will hold up on that. So far the line has held up very good after many fishing trips.

My abrasion test was done with Stren, Suffix, Fins and PowerPro using a piece of the lines about 36” long. The lines were placed on a sanding drum that was 3” in diameter with 4oz of weight on the lines. I then pulled the line back and forth a measured 10” until the line broke. I did the test 2 times with each line. My test with a mono was done using Ande 15lb test Backcountry. The mono line broke after 75 pulls.

All the braids broke at about the same number of pulls with the 20lb braids breaking with 2 more pulls on an average then the 14 or15lb braids. The braided 20lb lines broke between 10 to 13 pulls. I think abrasion resistance is really a matter of the diameter of the lines. The 20lb Ande is much thicker then the braids. One thing to mention is that the braids will not cut as easy as the mono lines. This will help a line caught in gill plates or an oyster as long as the line is not scraped back and forth.

My overall opinion of the FINS lines is very good. I just wish line companies would sell line starting in 100-yard spool increments. Most of the time I like to put a 100 yards on my backwater baitcaster and spinning reels with a mono backing. Most snook or reds will not run more then that.

I don’t think that the line will disappoint anyone. Everyone will have their favorites and go to line just like lures. If you give it a try you might just switch lines. I was not disappointed with their performance.

You can say my tests were not scientific but when you are fishing the fish do not know how to behave on a scientific basis. So each cast and each situation is a little different and can’t be duplicated in a lab anyway. I am in no way an affiliate of FINS or paid to report on these lines.

Thanks Loye Futch for your help. You are a great rep for the company.

need contact info for one of your featured guides Brian Sanders

Snookfanatic — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:15:26 GMT

I am interested in hiring a Snook guide for the 10,000 island area Everglades City. Brian Sanders was featured in a recent episode with Blair.

Using the rapala subwalk XRSB15 at Sebastian inlet

Raginpyro — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:39:35 GMT

I've used many x-raps but never the topwater lures or the subwalks. Anyone ever had luck off the rocks at sebastian inlet with these lures?? And any recommendations on snook lures at sebastian inlet off the rocks?

I currently use redhawk tails and bombers and rapala x-raps. And some swimbaits/Grubs.

Looking for help on where to fish in Biscayne Bay for bonefish and permit?

K9 Matsu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:45:17 GMT

I am not looking for anyones honey hole but I am taking a trip across the alley and have never fished Biscayne Bay. I am looking for some tips on where to go. what to look for and how to navigate the waters if there are shallow spots or places to stay away from. I have a 11" draft on my boat if that helps for navigation purposes. Also if anyone knows of a boat ramp and bait store to buy some shrimp and crab. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. I am looking at getting the wife hooked up to a permit or a bonefish during this trip. Thank you and stay safe

Destin Florida

papocachete — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:45:56 GMT

Guys,

I need some help. Im going to visit Destin again next weekend for 5 days but I dont want to fish offshore this time as Im want to give freshwater a try there. I need to find some spots around the area of 1020 HWY 98 E and Gulf Shore Drive. The Indian Bayou Golf Club/Resort is also near by.

Do any of you know of some good freshwater fishing spots around there? It has to be fishing off the banks also....

ANy help on this will be greatly appreciated...

Thanks
And keep fishing!

Tips for catching Cobia

mackman — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:16:34 GMT

We fish in Tampa bay and always try to catch cobia, but never have. We have thrown artificial eels, live pinfish, and several other lures around large channel markers in the bay. This never works! Please help, cause I really want to catch this ghost fish!:)

Free Samples of Star Tron

billatstarbrite — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:20:10 GMT

We're new here, so I thought we'd start off with a good thread.

I've seen a lot of chatter about Ethanol / E10 adn how it is so bad for engines. It is, but we have the solution: Star Tron

The Mogan Man really does use this stuff, and I'll let you try it, too.

I will give free samples to the first ten who respond with an IM and your shipping address. No PO boxes - UPS can't find them.

I'll post when we hit ten, so don't dawdle and be #11 or you'll be out of luck.

Have kids, will fish.... Need glasses

SingingLines — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:33:01 GMT

Snapper

Got an invite to the Keys - must have done sumpin' good for my neighbor.

Lower Matecumbe - Atlantic side, right on a small flats area.

Kids want snapper for the grill (yes I have spoiled them). We have kayaks. Where or where can I dip a DOA shrimp drippin' with Lunker Sauce?

Glasses

The wifey got laid off so the money needs to be spent wisely.

I got $30 in my pocket and I need sunglasses -

Where are the Snapper?

mackman — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:20:53 GMT

Where are the snapper in Tampa Bay?

Star brite Non Skid Deck Cleaner

sar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:38:30 GMT

My boat (Pathfinder 15T) is going on 10 years old. People that see it ask is that a new boat? I tell them no, it almost 10. They don't believe that it is that old. They ask me do you ever use it and how do you clean it? All my fishing is in saltwater and at the end of the day there is blood, dirt, and fish poop on the decks and floor. (If I catch something)

My method is after fishing I go to our local car wash use the high pressure rinse (no soap). I do not use soap because the soap will remove any lubrication from areas that I do not want it removed.

I then use the Star brite Non Skid Deck Cleaner that I have in a spray bottle. The Deck Cleaner in the bottle is thinned down by about 30% with water. I then spray the Deck Cleaner all over the boat including the motor, decks, sides, front bow, floor, trolling motor, polling platform and transom of the boat. I then use my soft bristle brush that is on a long rod to brush each surface. While I am doing this my motor is being run and flushed.

After a couple of minutes I then rinse off the entire boat. I also wipe dry my boat even though it is not necessary.

Yes, it takes a little time but the end result is worth it. I will not use anything but the Star Brite Deck Cleaner because it has be a great product for me and I see no use in trying to change. I was disappointed when Wal-Mart changed brands of products they carry to Attwood. I was then informed that Star brite makes the Attwood deck cleaner and it is the same thing.

Snook Records

kfsnookstyle — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:38:16 GMT

Is the Florida State record for snook seperate for the East coast and the West coast?? If so does anyone know what those records are, I live on the West coast. Also, what do I do if I think I have a state record? Thanks, Kevin :cool:

Reels in Japan

Raginpyro — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:24:25 GMT

Anyone ever went to japan to see the prices on the shimano stellas? I want to know if they are any cheaper.

Sustain Vs Saragosa.

Raginpyro — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:42:33 GMT

Im getting one of them.

I honestly like the sustain but i wanna see someone tell me some information. Im looking to buy 1 of them at 5000 size.

They are both priced similarly. Sustain has more bearings though. I will be snook/red fishing at sebastian inlet!

going to keys in june help please!!!

inshorefisherman247 — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:04:16 GMT

well im goin to the keys in june and goin to be doin alot of wade fishing and kayak fishin in the back country. i have never caught any of the fish in the slam or super slam down there (bonefish,tarpon,snook,permit) being as i live in northern florida around the destin area where we catch trout reds and flounder. im not a novice fisherman and i was wanting to know any and all advice for catchin any of these fish and spots to catch them at

Question regarding a new reel.

Raginpyro — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:32:36 GMT

Okay I've had the shimano sustain 4000 fb for quite a while now. Only problem is its a little to small. I want to upgrade to a bigger reel. Preferable a shimano 5000 sized reel. I really really want a shimano stella but it is way out of my budget. SO.... If i am selling my shimano sustain for $150.00 what reels would you guys recommend for me. I want a saltwater spinning reel. I like shimanos, but willing to try something new.

Type of fishing- Snook and redfish mainly at sebastian inlet.
Use- 40-50lb braided line.
Preferences- Far casting!

Thanks!

canoe fishing

nativespearfisher — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:14:21 GMT

Hey. I was just watching a video on youtube called canoe fishing. I was just wondering if anyone knew wat kind of boat capt. blair and capt. carl were using. i think its a gheenoe but was just wondering cause it looks perfect for wat i am looking for. and where do you find those giant stools to put on them? thanks -Zack

Power-Pole

dolphinanchor — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:10:46 GMT

I just bought a new to me boat. It came with a 6ft power-pole. I was thinking about upgrading to the 8ft model. What would be my best course of action? I'd also like to add the remotes!!! Greatest thing since sliced bread!!!

Bob

Dicks Sporting good

norman — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:16:44 GMT

I am looking for a staff person that works at the Dicks store close to Lakeland. I will in Lakeland on March 16th and am looking for assistance in getting set up for some flats fishing.

We do not have Dicks stores in Canada , so I am note sure how much saltwater fishing equipment they carry.

Thanks,

Norm

Key Marathon Grouper Holes?

hookasnook — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:00:15 GMT

I am heading heading to Marathon on 4/3/09 for some grouper and snapper fishing. I have been there several times and fished several grouper holes. However, we seem to be catching mostly undersized fish. Is anybody will to give me a number or two. It would be confidential and greatly appreciated. Just trying to hook up with a nice grouper sandwich:) Thx.

Casting Platform height?

CaptBS — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:31:59 GMT

I am having a new custom boat built, and I have been giving the option of getting the "standard" 12-inch leg height or some other height of my choice. I have never had a CP before, so I am looking for some advice here. What do you think is the best height for a casting platform?

Thanks,
Capt. Brent

New Humminbird Down Looking Software and Other Features

Joby @ Humminbird — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:32:24 GMT

As many of you know there has been a considerable amount of discussion on the Humminbird -vs- Lowrance 2D Downlooking sonar over the last year or so. We have been working on a new software release that will address everyone's concern on this issue. This enhancement is in downlooking sonar. We have been working on a major upgrade to our downlooking sonar for over a year. The amount of detail that you will be able to get on the downlooking sonar is incredible.

Just to explain the process a little:
As I have mentioned before we are constantly looking for areas where we can improve our product to assure that it is the very best product on the market. The goal of our efforts was to create a downlooking sonar that was superior to anything on the market today. We gathered feedback from consumers who were critical of our downlooking sonar and talked to them to make sure we understood what they felt were the shortcomings of our downlooking sonar.

Marketing and Engineering then worked together to develop a downlooking sonar that would address the shortcomings that were brought up by the critics. We also wanted to make sure that we didn’t loose the features that we now have in our downlooking sonar that people love.

When we had what we thought we were looking for we went back out to these critics and gave them pre-released software with the changes incorporated and asked their opinion on the new software. So far the feedback from this group that has tested the software is that they are blown away with the incredible detail of the software and the great lure tracking performance. We also have given the pre-released software to some of our regular pros and field testers and their comments have been along the same as those of the critics.

One of the primary advances in the software is the enhanced jig tracking capability. Other advantages are enhanced detail of both structure and fish. There is one main NEW setting in the unit. This new setting is a setting for TVG. Currently our units use TVG. TVG for those that might not know is Time Variable Gain. The great value of Time Variable Gain is that it adjusts sonar returns to compensate for differences in depth. For example if you were fishing with another brand of fishfinder (no names mentioned) they don’t use TVG so if there were a 10 pound bass in 10 foot of water and the same exact 10 pound bass in 50 foot of water the return from the 10 pound bass in 10 foot of water would be much larger and stronger than the 10 pound bass in 50 foot of water because of the differences in depth. With our current software the TVG will make adjustments to the returns to compensate for the different depths and both returns will have the same strength and size. The downside of TVG is that to accomplish the compensation there is some reduction in overall signal strength capability.

The new software will provide more flexibility to the user than other products on the market. If the user wants to get a cleaner screen presentation and utilize the advantages of TVG then they would operate with the TVG ON setting, which is comparable to how our product currently works. This setting is also best for very shallow water conditions, which explains why our product outperforms the competition in very shallow water. If the user wants to track jigs, spoons or drop shot or get the absolute greatest amount of detail of fish and structure they would use the TVG OFF setting. By utilizing this approach we have provided more flexibility in our units than the competition has. I am going to create an album called TVG OFF to show some of the detail you can expect with the TVG OFF setting. One of the downsides of not using TVG is increased surface clutter. If you have used competitive products you are aware of this. We have also included an much improved Surface Clutter adjustment in the new software as well.

E10?

fish4reds — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:46:38 GMT

So I have been hearing of people having problems with the E10 gas eating away at fuel lines. Has anyone had any problems like this yet and is it only the fuel lines in the outboard or does it also have an effect on the fuel lines from the tank to the motor?

I have a '98 60hp Johnson that I got earlier this year that I've run with what ever gas I can get, E10 or not (no problems yet). I've heard that year 2000+ outboards don't have any issues with the new fuel. Is any of this true?

Any answers for these questions would be very helpful to us outboard owners.

Austin

FINS Superlines

futch13 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:06:22 GMT

Hi all,

My name is Loye Futch and I am the Florida Market Development Manager for Fins Superlines. I have fished braided lines for years and was on the IFA, FLW, and Red cup Tours for 9 Years.

The parent company of Fins, BBS Tech Inc., has been producing braided lines for the fishing industry since 1994. If you have fished superlines, chances are you have fished a product BBS has produced. BBS has been contracted to manufacture over 15 different brands of superlines since 1994.

BBS has taken this knowledge and expertise and designed a range of Spectra superlines, marketed under their own brand, Fins. BBS has clearly seen that no one style of line is appropriate for all fishing applications, and angler’s preferences. To cover the spectrum of applications and preferences BBS has developed 4 styles of superlines.

Fins offers two 100% Spectra braids; Original PRT Braid which is soft, supple and extremely abrasion resistant for those that like to fish heavy cover, PRT is available in a range of tensiles from 4 to 200 pound tests. Fins second 100% Spectra braid is named Windtamer Braid, designed to eliminate windknots and enable exceptionally long cast for those shallow water Reds and Bones.

Our Shock Absorbing Braid (SAB) has 10% stretch and was designed for applications where a little stretch is a good thing. Offshore anglers find SAB to help reduce hook pulls and line breaks on hook set and hard strikes while trolling or deep dropping. Also, inshore fishermen have started using SAB along the mangroves to keep the fish from running back under the bushes without pulling the hook while stopping the spool.

Fins (BBS) also produces Smooth Cast Superline (SCS) designed to feel and handle like nylon monofilament. SCS is not a braid of Spectra but a Spectra yarn with a bonded polyethylene layer making the line round and smooth, to help prevent the line from digging into the spool causing line breaks and backlashes when the drag is pulled on good fish.

If you have any line questions or comments, please post them and I will answer them or get answers to them. To see our full line of superlines, go to www.finsfishing.com.

Thank you

Loye

Minn Kota Problem

chumhead — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:42 GMT

A friend from another forum has a problem and is looking for advice, here is a copy/paste of his issue.....thanks in advance for any help you can give....

chumhead

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a 2004 Minn-kota riptide RT70 co-pilot trolling motor. Recently, the motor starting running at different speeds than the controller. Now, the motor barely runs. With the foot pedal, the left turn works great but the right sticks. The remote turns the motor fine both ways. But the motor won't run past slooooooooow even on the highest setting.

I found a loose connection and cleaned all connections and thought, "thats it!", but no.

On some of the I-boat forums, they talk about the circuit boards going bad.

Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you know of good references to contact about trolling motors?

I'll call minn-kota tomorrow to see if they can help.

Thanks for any advice.

addictive fishing dvds

hello288 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:32:17 GMT

i was wondering if the show had a dvd episodes that you can buy..??? i would like to know where to buy them..? any info...??

NEED HELP

irl jeff — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:28:53 GMT

went to a island last night, while ferrying friends back hit a big set of waves and took on lots of water, sunk the boat and sunk the motor. motor was running till went under. then a bunch of other bs, but anyway where do i go from here? swamped 25 horse in saltwater, totally submerged.

DOA scamming?

scinshore — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:32:22 GMT

BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER - I want to let you know that I fish DOA lures all the time and think they are great, and I have nothing against DOA or CAL.

I'm sure most all of you have tied on either a DOA shrimp or CAL soft plastic before. But, have you ever noticed how on the shrimp package it says that the lure is scented and stuffed with real shrimp. And on the CAL bag it says that the lure is stuffed with Farm Grown baitfish to conserve our marine resources? (making it sound like they are doing us all a good deed)

Anyway In my research I have found that they are not "Stuffed with real shrimp" or "Stuffed with Farm-Grown baitfish"

I sliced up a CAL for some evidence...

(I relize that there will not be large chunks of baitfish or anything like that inside the lure but, I was not able to find any traces of "Farm-Grown Baitfish" inside the lure. And by the way have you ever smelled a CAL?

To me it smells like any other soft plastic, plasticy and unscented...

I apologize for not dissecting a doa shrimp but with the economy in the state that it is in it would not be reasonable as that 3-pack cost me $7.99

Anyway I feel that I am being "Jipped" by doa because their lures are not what they claim.

I think most of you will agree with me but, I probably will get an earfull from a few of you.