Misty IV

I'll second the Sub-Troll. Oh, no, did I just tie things up again?

I'll also vouch for the Expeditions, as that is what I tow with and is my daily driver. Mine is a 2002 with the 5.4, trailer towing package and 130,000+ miles. I have never had any issues with her. The newer models are very nice, especially the EL model, if you need some extra cargo room. Are you looking specifically at a pickup or would you go with a large SUV? One drawback to a pickup is if you carry gear in your bed, you'll need to buy a cap or a tonneau cover to protect your belongings from inclement weather, where with an SUV you're 100% protected. I know caps or tonneau covers aren't that expensive, but just throwing that thought out there, as well.

I've ridden in a few F-150 crew-cabs and they ride really nice, lots of power with the 5.4L 3-valve, and tons of interior room.

Found it. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0001945013566a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=EZ+Jack&Ntk=Product_liberal&sort=all&Go.y=0&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0

What a monster! Nice fish!

Good point, Ray. Didn't think of that. Thanks!

I saw an ad for a "drive-on" tandem axle trailer jack a few weeks ago somewhere, but can't remember where I saw it. I have seen the ones for single axle trailers, where you place the crescent-shaped jack under the axle and drive forward until your tire is off the ground. This tandem unit I saw works in that you place it in front (or behind) the good tire and drive up onto it, thus lifting the flat tire off the ground. Has anyone seen this type of ramp around? It was compact enough that it was stowable in your tow vehicle, yet, at the same time, sturdy & heavy-duty enough to support a boat's weight. Help!! Thanks.

I was actually just looking at the Saltist's, Bill. I like what I see in them, too.

Just a follow-up response. I got everything wired up between the 2 units and it works perfectly. All data is shown on the DS500X, like I wanted. Thanks for all the help!

In my arsenal, I run the Eagle Claw SF-400A rods with Daiwa SG-47LCA reels for my downrigger rods. Seeing I am going to have more people on the boat this year, I added 2 more rods this spring. I'm thinking of putting the 47LCA's on them, as well, since they have been an incredible reel for me. However, wanted to see what other reels everyone uses and if there are any you'd recommend I look at and consider. Must be a line counter reel. Thanks for all input!

Yes, I did look. Happy April Fool's Day to you, as well!

Just from personal use, I'd take the Johnson. My previous boat had a similar 75hp Evinrude and that engine was awesome. It started every time, was very reliable, and would troll all day long without a hiccup.

That's great. Just when I was looking forward to my splashdown run, now I see winterization in the future. That's ok, though. Have 1/2 a year of fishing to do before then!

Nice going! This is definitely a good sign and a great way to start the 2010 season.

Thanks, Tim. I was kinda thinking the same thing with the FF supplying info to the GPS having no purpose. May hook it up just to see if I get anything. But, the first part is definitely what I need to do to make the GPS things display on the FF's screen. Thanks again!!

Exactly!!! I don't want to burn-up $1500 worth of electronics. That's why I am asking.

I have both manuals here in front of me. So, essentially, the GPS's NMEA output (+) and (-) needs to go to the fishfinder's NMEA input (+) and (-), while the GPS's NMEA inputs need to be connected to the fishfinder's NMEA outputs, correct?

If your engine doesn't already have one, I'd suggest adding a water/fuel separator and carry spare filters, just in case.