Hello everyone. I'm excited about finally deciding what my 2005 organized activity/resolution will be. My resolution for 2005, fish more and donate less tackle to the water. Catching would be nice too!

Here's where I am now and going and I would very much appreciate any positive feedback (cause I spent a fortune I don't want the negatives yet), thanks!

What's on it's way:

1. Trout Unlimited Colorado 9-foot Pontoon Boat
2. Eagle Cuda 240 S/GPS Fish Finder and GPS
3. Original Style Force Fins - New - Ebay - Australia :-)
4. Cabela's Prodigy PR200RH/TXS Casting Combo TXS I - 6'3"
5. Cabela's Prodigy PR200RH/TXS Casting Combo TXS VIII - 7'6"

Just returned from Western Sportshop (Santa Rosa). Never been, I had my significant other (Lauri) with me so I got out with out spending too much. Got my 2005 License Set Up, Tide Table and EZ-Tye thingy. Sure glad Lauri was there. Went because they are a Sponsor of the local clubs and their web sites. Sure I will be back, very soon.

By the way, they had two floating live bait net bags behind the back counter, almost got one, leave one for me if I decide to try out Spring Lake on the 8th :-)

OK, here are the dumb newbie questions:

1. I want to use my electric trolling motor on the Russian River, Lake Sonoma and other places when just playing around. Do I have to register my Pontoon Boat with the DMV?
2. Ultimately, what is the best option for me with my above Pontoon Boat for a Live Well vs floating live bait net bags? I'm guessing Live Well and if so may have to get net for now and plan on a cool design?
3. What seems to be the neatest and best weight tool for fishing kick boats? Want to get one so I can brag honestly.
4. If I can get set up in time for the January 8th Maranda Mega Bucks Tourney could I enter? I joined BASS on-line the other day, and plan on attending the SCBBBC February Meeting. Looks like I can get Dave to vouch for me so guess I would need another and?????

Thanks a head of time for any feedback and I look forward to getting on the water yesterday! Waiting for my toys to arrive is terrible. I can't stand it!

John

"When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Kid"

http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/johnstangle.htm

Merry Christmas. You sure got lots of great new toys to start the new year with. I hope you get lots of fish with that set up. Keep us informed. Its been difficult lately to get people to respond on these boards, its just like fishing-lots of watchers but few bites. So I figured I'd go first. Happy new year and good luck with your new gear. I got a new Kistler KCBS7 to start my year off with. I went out to Kaweah lake today for some rainbows but only used my 7' light rod from the shore and got skunked :(

Thanks for the reply. Sorry you did not catch lots. Next time I always say.

After a quick discussion I changed my 6' 3" rod to a 6' 6" one. My buddy said I would be much happier with that size. Love Cabela's, did it about 9:00 PM on New Years Eve, easy quick change.

Found out I don't have to be a member to fish next Saturday, but went and looked at Spring Lake today. Water to the parking lot edge a the launch ramp, chocolate, just like people said. One Pontoon on the water, two cars in the lot. Looked dead and tough, along with a nice drizzle!

Everything arrives this week, it will be like Christmas all over.

Tight Lines!

John

"When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Kid"

http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/johnstangle.htm

Answers (kind of) to your questions

1. You might want to check with the DMV but I do believe I have heard of people getting stopped and asking about registration. I think it is a little dumb (considering our pontoons don't come with VINs) but what can we do.

2. This really depends on you. Livewells are great if you use them right (remembering to turn the pump on regularly x( ) but do add a considerable amount of weight to your boat. Good thing is it does not drag like a floating one which will make you work much harder when both kicking and oaring. I personally like the livewell but you'll see a number of guys in the club with both setups.

3. I assume you mean scale, right? Most of the digital ones out there are pretty good now. I can't remember the one I have but it does save the weights of 7-10 fish which makes it nice for culling purposes.

4. Looks like this question has been answered!

Can't vouch for the equipment you have but just make sure you use it and have some fun!

Look forward to fishing with you here in 2005!

Todd

Thanks Todd! Don't worry, I am gonna use it lots this year. Wore out last years stuff, plus it was cheaper stuff, not from Cabelas or what ever.

Reading my 152 page Fish Finder book, may come out Saturday, just for fun, test the Pontoon, Fish Finder and practice my Bait Caster casting (as I am Mr. Backlash if you ever met one).

Tight Lines!

John

"When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Kid"

http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/johnstangle.htm