New Boat Advice

[fishfeeder]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I recently tripped and feel into a heck of a deal in the form of a 18’ 2006 Carrera Flats Boat with Mercury 135 Opti Max, Garmin 178, VHF. I would greatly appreciate some advice on rigging.

1. Jack Plate? If so what brand is most reliable?
2. Bow Mount Trolling Motor. What Trust? And Brand?
3. Power Poll?

In what order of importance?

Thanks in advance?

J

I would post a pic if I could figure out how?

[mojokoko]

Well I'm no expert in rigging boats, but I would suggest a few things if you are fishing around here, which I'm sure you are. I would get a Jack Plate and a Trolling motor for sure. Also for VHF I have a Raymarine which is pretty awsome. Hope that helps a little bit.

[What a mess]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I recently tripped and feel into a heck of a deal in the form of a 18’ 2006 Carrera Flats Boat with Mercury 135 Opti Max, Garmin 178, VHF. I would greatly appreciate some advice on rigging.

1.Jack Plate? If so what brand is most reliable? Bobs
2.Bow Mount Trolling Motor. What Trust? And Brand? Bigger is better
3.Power Poll?2 grand awesome if u have the $$$

In what order of importance?

Thanks in advance?

J

I would post a pic if I could figure out how?

You can fish without any of the three.

I don't have a jack plate but they will help you run fast where you should run slow.

I got a trolling motor and think it is the bomb especially for redfish around bars and in creeks but caught plenty before I got it. I would drift or anchor so it is not necessary.

Power pole is the bomb I don't have one of those either. I rarely anchor I move & grove most of the time.

What is your target species where do you intend to fish for them how experienced / skilled a boat operator are you? The more you can tell us about you the better the response you will get.

[grim reeler]

Trolling motor first. It is a necessity for me.

The other two, while nice, are luxuries.

[Redbelly]

My boat has a Bob's JP and it is 11 years old. Still working.

[fishfeeder]

Thanks for the responses..... My inshore experience has been off and on with others. I have spent most my time offshore.

What brand Trolling Motor and what Lds Trust for an 18.5 Boat?

[birddog]

I'm not sure what kind of boat that is, a pic would help.

The trolling motor would be primary in my opinion.....I recommend the Minn Kota riptide 80lb.

I've got a Bob's Jack Plate....a lot of other people do as well.....seems very reliable.

Concerning the power pole, I don't know how I fished without it.

[fishfeeder]

Wow it is amazing what you can figure out with a little reading......

Still not sure if I did it right......but here are the pics

[fishfeeder]

[birddog]

sharp looking bote. Yep...you need a jack plate, a 4-blade prop, trolling motor, trim tabs, power pole, and a casting platform and you'll be set.

[birddog]

I see now it has trim tabs...you're part way there.

[fishfeeder]

What will the four blade prop add torque or top end? And How Much?

[birddog]

you'll lose top-end and gain torque = better hole shot and you can run your jack plate higher.

[Jumptrout51]

Nice boat,but...if I were you I would trade it on a metal boat.

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

Exactly what BD said in his first post. I run a MK 101lb Bobs jp with 4 blade powertech prop. Also had the worries about the powerpole. If I ever buy a pontoon boat, it will have a power pole on it!!! That is one of the best things I ve ever spent money on!!! (Not countin hookers!!!! )