I might put a hand control trolling motor with a foot off/on switch on it. If there is a will there is a way. It's better than nothing and could be rigged out. Might even put a fish finder on it with the transducer on the trolling motor. Then again I'm crazy and would do anything to get out on the water.

I am glad someone brought it up. Fishing is only part of the experience. Enjoying the great outdoors is what the whole experience is about. Anytime I put pressure on catching a fish I usually struggle. When I go to enjoy the trip I usually catch a boatload and usually a big fish. There's a reason it's called fishing and not catching. Enjoy the views, the relaxation, and especially the reviving of the mind and body. Hope you all catch a big one.

Way to go dad. Nothing like an old man teaching his son how to catch fish. We old men know how to hold our mouth right when fishing.
You make me proud to be an old man.

I use 12 lb. Trilene XL for almost everything and always have. The larger spool can fill 3 bait casting rods so it is cheaper to me to use it on almost all plus after 50 yrs. of fishing, I just feel comfortable with it. Works great for me on just about all baits except the heavier lures. XL stands for extra lymph in the sense it doesn't have the same memory as stiffer line like the XT extra tuff. I would use low vis green for crank baits, swim baits, etc. Baits that move but is hard to use worm fishing, with jigs, ned rig, etc because it is harder to see. Some people fish by feel some by sight. I try to use feel and site. Sometimes the bite is so light that you never feel it but you can see it. It will just start moving or you might see just a little tick or jump when the fish sucks it into its mouth. A fish can suck a bait in and blow it back out really, really, really fast. It's amazing how fast.

I just bought a black Max from Walmart. Works great. Have the same set up you have and it works great. The Blue Max has to be adjusted just right but it works well. Buy what you can afford. Your fishing to catch fish, not an audience like a pro. I always buy what my wallet says I can afford. Sometimes the answer is no. hahaha

Thanks, I hope you get as much or more out of them as I have my friend in fishing.

If the fish are short striking use aquamarine air hose large enough to go over the eye of the trailer hook. Slide the plastic hose over the eye of the hook and then punch a hole through the plastic so the spinnerbait hook goes through it. The smaller the hole the tighter the fit but it makes the hook stand straight out which helps it be weedless ( getting caught in something) and better hookups.

They are Mepps spinners. They also catch bass, striped bass, etc. Just about anything just right place at the right time.

Listen to Ceralkiller. I have gotten good results that way. Texas rig worm, lizard, etc works just about everywhere. I have found top waters works well from the bank. If you know what's under the water (stumps, humps, grass, drop-offs, piers are killer but fish them before you ever walk on them) allows you to know what to use. PopRs are great in ponds in Alabama along with shallow crankbaits. Buzz baits, spinner baits, original Rapala minow and jointed Rapala minnow worked real slow on top leaving a slight ripple as it swims. Some of my biggest have come from ponds ( 9lbs, 8.6, 8.2, several over 5) but these ponds were built for big fish and I was given the opportunity to fish it. Talk to people that have ponds on their property offering to help do work on their property. Always leave it cleaner than you found. Offered to help a farmer on his farm to use his pond. He called and I went and helped him load hay on trailers that had been cut. Always asked to go ahead of time and ask if they want any fish if you catch. He gave me a key to all of the locks on the gates so I designed (numbered the areas like a golf course) a layout of pond/lake and gave the info of what I caught, what bait, the time, the weather, etc each time I went. He was so impressed with my willingness to return his favor he took me to a pond I did not know about. Caught one over 10 lbs the first cast. Not allowed to tell the rest due to a promise I made to him. People are willing to let you fish if you follow their rules and go out of your way to return their kindness.

I see a lot of post/questions on how to fish, how to do this/that, what baits to use, what bait is this. I am really impressed with the questions and the answers that are given. I have been fishing for over 50 yrs. with some of it at the semi-pro level back in the 80'. Things have evolved so much during this time that no one person(s) have the answers. We are all continuously learning or we go stale and get left behind. I came along during the power fishing years and kinda faded out due to health but am now getting back into what is working now and boy it is totally different. I am reading and watching videos daily. I would like to put a list of places that I learn from and invite you to use them also. Fishing digest has been great and I will continue to read it daily. If you want to go to hyper-drive about fishing check these references. Thanks for reading.

Bassmaster, FLW, Major League Fishing, Jay Kumars Bass Blast, Mark@bassresource, Rapala USA, Humminbird, Lowrance, Field & Stream, YO-ZURI America (Fresh & Saltwater), Fishing Digest

That's what is left of a ribbon tail worm for bass fishing. You can still use but you would probably want to use it on some type of jig head. Search Bass Pro, Flw and go to the tips section. There are videos on what to use for different setups. I know what to do but I am not able to give you what you can learn from the pros in these videos.

Take it back to whoever rebuilt it. There may be an air release/escape valve or screw. If you have an air release screw release your manual should show you and explain how to do it or search/google it.

We stop at MANN'S Bait's in Eufaula Alabama. They do the same. Great deals on some baits and colors that are not offered anywhere else.

I am totally jealous. I love going to Yellowstone. I only get to go every 100 yrs. hahaha Vacation is too short to stop and fish. Out of state license, etc. Enjoy your summer.

Harbor Freight is not a bad idea. Have you checked in to used boats in your area? Do you have a local bulletin board magazine in your area? We have a free mag called boats. That's all it has and it covers the U.S. Do you know anybody that has a boat so they can go with you to look at used boats. Just bought a 16' stick steer boat with a 50 h.p. motor for $2000. Needs some work but you want to make it yours anyway. Had a Hummingbird on it and I had one from my last boat I sold so I used it for the trolling motor. It has side imaging which gives me way more coverage giving each finder specific work. If you call hold out till Fall you can get great deals on boats due to people selling them to buy hunting gear. I'm with the other guy's on that's a lot of money for a 16' boat. There are a lot of really good boats for that amount of cash. Good luck. If you wait for the boat that is for you it will amazingly appear. I use that thought process when buying a vehicle, boat or most big buys.