I feel a good angler should use line/rod and reel combos like a good golfer uses dif. clubs! With that being said – here are my preferences with lines:

Trilene XT 14 to 17 for bass and big walleye cranks (Salmo #6 Hornets and DT-6 through DT-16) spooled on a baitcaster – lighter cranks – XT 10.

Trilene XL 8 on a spinning rod – when you need to cast smaller cranks like a #4 or #5 Hornet, Flicker Shad or Shad Rap. I prefer mono over superline 80% of the time because of the stretch (Less fish come “unbuttoned”).

Fireline 14lb – On a spinning reel – when you really need to get the crank back (IE Devils Lake, Mississippi River wood, Etc) IF Northerns or clear water become a factor – 20 pound Fluro Leader – 3 to 6 feet in length.

Berkley Nano Fill 10 lb – when you really need to chuck a light crank a LLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG ways. Careful not to “overcast” to avoid ending up in the “salad” on shore.

That is really cool – I really enjoyed the photos and how you narrated – looking forward to more! I want to get a vintage Ranger Tiller Model after watching John Campbell fish out of one at the last NWT!!!!

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Please don’t tell anybody, but I am a “closet” catman!

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LOL! I’ve been keeping it on the down low too. I’m a “closet” walleye guy!

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How hard was it for you to “dumb it down”? LOL

Dan,

I will have to agree with Mike on this one = You can never have too much power! With the newer electronics these days, as well as livewells and other accessories, the word “overkill” can be replaced with “prudent” or “prepared”!

I also like the way you and your bro run dedicated “lines” from your ‘Birds to your Bats’! I do the same in my boat. I also run Optima Blue Tops – and use the biggest they have – which are the 31’s.

Another Item of importance is the alternator on you Big Motor. I run E-TEC’s – and they have one of the highest output alternators available and will charge the bats when trolling or idling, some motors at idle will actually tap the battery, not charge it.

Power On!

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hi Tommy
Wanted to say HI, long time fan.
Have a great 2013.
Jack

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Hi Jack! I’ll take that as quite a compliment.

Also wanted to add to the thread that there are now battery holders available that were specially designed to hold the “six-pack-shaped” Optimas

Please don’t tell anybody, but I am a “closet” catman!

I don’t believe they offer a shorter tiller arm, but I will check – and if I find out differently, I will post.

I do like the idea of a fixed Jackplate! That may be your answer.

Buckshot – I have always believed in the biggest batteries available. I happen to run Optima and have done incredibly well with them. Also – with a 620, it has always been my belief that a 36 volt system is best for that size of boat – and if your trolling motor is getting up there in hours – they do wear out in time – it may be time to upgrade that as well.

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You can’t bring rods, reels, or tackle. That should be right in the rules. You have to use what they give you.

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Is there any particular reason for that?

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I found this in the NWT Rules:

“10. Boat operation
Pros will have control of boat operation and waters to be fished. Pros must provide all presentation equipment such as downriggers, planer boards, side planers, rods, reels, bait, line and terminal tackle for their own use and the use of their co-angler partners. With the exception of two rods and reels, co-anglers are not permitted to bring tackle into their pro’s boat without permission from the pro.”

I personally would prefer the co uses my gear – but have allowed them to bring a favorite rigging or jigging rod along – when it was compliant with the rules.

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looks like the yeti and grizzly are about the same price or close anyway, anybody compare the two maybe?

I use my yeti for a deck extension too, thinking of picking up either another one or a bigger one to run across the front of the back deck.

al

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Al – I will have a 60 and a 150 with me at Red Wing NWT if you want to look them over?

In the NWT – the fish that are caught by both the Co-Angler and The Boater are counted together in the same bag – or tournament weight.

I know it has been said before – but hard work and focus go a long way! And approaching the experience as one to learn from, usually seems to be the best approach.

Also – Homemade cookies always work with me!

Thanks for having me! Although I’ve been a member for years – haven’t really been a big contributor – just a “watcher”!

To Folmerpa: The biggest one (400) is really huge – Third of a log box pick-up bed! You would probably be interested more in the 60 or 150. The 150 is what I put in the boat, and works great for taking out west.
After this Fall – I will let you know how many Antelope it will hold!

I would agree with the IRP cooler – which happens to now be what we know of as a Grizzly. IRP – has been making professional-grade coolers for quite some time. First time I used one was over 6 years ago for a hunting trip. I used Three different Grizzlys all last season and was extremely impressed.

What I like about them over a “traditional” cooler is that you can stand on them when fishing – mine lines up fairly even with the “lids and Livewell decks” in the back of my boat – and that is just the start of how durable they are. (Lifetime Warranty) I’ve had them hold Ice for well over 11 days.