https://outdoortroop.com/how-much-does-a-bass-boat-and-trailer-weigh-with-17-examples/
The above tells you more than you want to know about towing and the weights of a number of boats . Personally I believe would feel you would be just OK in towing the boat I would say your in the 1200-1500 range .
It sounds like you are leaving some loops in your line after your cast . It may not be a backlash and you can reel in line and re cast . The problem happens on the re cast , as the centrifugal force of the spinning spool brings out the loop , the line is “burnt “ against the frame of the reel . This results in a weak point in the line , eventually it breaks and the lure is thrown off for seemingly no reason .
No matter how tight the line is on the spool , the cause is related to the loop in the line beating against the frame of the reel and causing the weak spot . The only solution is becoming more proficient at casting or checks the reel for loops after each cast . I suspect it generally happens then you try to throw the lure harder and get greater distance .
I understand your issues , It has happened to me more times that you can imagine . Fluorocarbon is the worst because it is stiff and the loop in more predominate . Tighten you spool tension , back out all the cast control magnates and avoid casting into the wind . While it may not seem so but bait casting reels are much easier to become proficient with than spinning reels . We’re it not for braid line spinning reels would be for pros only .
Where are KastKing Reels Made?
Who makes KastKing reels
Anyone that’s curious about where are KastKing reels made will be happy to find out that they are made in the USA. That’s right, it all started by a few college friends in Syracuse, New York because they enjoyed their fishing trips on the Finger Lakes.
They decided to combine their business and technology skills with their passion for fishing and created quality fishing tackle affordable to everyone. In March 2013 the Eposeidon company was up and running, ready to create the KastKing brand.
Their main goal is to keep fishing fun and affordable, having the equipment designed by anglers for anglers. Today, they are selling their products all over the world and winning many industry awards everywhere.
Please note, that some of their cheaper models are made in China.
CastKing made in USA. I have 4 spinning reels and 3 bait casting reel . They are fine, not as smooth as a high dollar Shimano . It is an interesting company .
I live in Florida , Bass spawn from January to March . Don t worry about waiting for 55 degree water , you won t live that long . Most of the studies, I have read say that spawning is almost totally related to the length of day . Water temperature has little to do with the process , it does have something to do with survival.
I m with a Ben Bragg good equipment is very cheap on the lake and very expensive in front of the TV . Good stuff last and makes you comfortable . If you want anything in Gore Tex is going to be expensive . The Cabela s outfit Ben referred to is Gore Tex
I ve owned bass boats for 50 years , my current boat is a 1875 proV Lund with a 150 HP merc . Prior to that was a 21 ft Triton that would top out at about 72 on a gps . I don t need to go nearly as fast as I once did and like you, getting banged around, hurts the next day . My deep V Lund has solved that problem , it s a slug , about 48 mph is the best she will do .
I have fished Lake Erie , unlike Ben Bragg , I’m not going 16 mile off shore unless I have a great forecast . Smooth Moves seats are nice but I have not found a need for them. They might provide you an additional aid . I saw someone mentioned a Ranger , and they are a very nice heavy boats . They can handle rough water but are a “ step hull “ which is another way of saying they beat your brains out . Deep Vee hulls are the only answer to smooth rides in rough water .......period full stop .
All that said , 16 miles in 3 footers is going to be rough in any fishing boat . There are several good deep vee hulls available , Crestline , Smoker , even Tracker offers a deep vee hulls .
Was there any doubt after my post ! You can t make this stuff up !
I always took lessons from the guys that raced , you would never catch one of those guys using an oil pump . The 2.5 mercury racing engine was mixed oil and gas only , the 6500 rpm was normal . Your engines are old , mixing oil is not that big of a deal , having extra oil at low RPM s make the engine a little sluggish but I think your engine will last just as long or longer . There will be a small addition oil cost but you save the stupid repair . Find a shop that races 2 cycle outboards an ask them of they use oil pumps .
Bass Oreno by south bend ?
I have two Curado DC reels . I quit freshwater fishing fo 5 years and own a dozen green curado and few of the other high dollar Shimano . I looked at the SLX and chose the curado and paid a few extra dollars . It just seem to be of a higher quality for little addition money . They are fine pieces of equipment . From an ambassador they are light years ahead . I bought my first Ambassador some 60 years ago . It is almost impossible to backlash the Dc model . Casting into the wind is not an issue . I think you will enjoy the SLX or the Curado DC
Lexington , Ky. In the summer and So. Fl. In the winter
I m interested in getting started crappie fishing , primarily spider rigging . I m have a problem finding a good location for buying equipment . I ve been to Bass Pro , Slater s ,Monk s , Grizzly jig , Southern Pro . All have some stuff but not everything . Is there a Tackle Warehouse for Crappie fishing ?
And the color is a “Christmas Tree”