martymonsta

What range do you get with your handheld? Thanks

I have just recently bought an 80lb Motorguide and have bought this 50AH battery which I'll be charging at home after each session. If I find it's not big enough may get another 50AH for a parallel 24v set up or opt for a larger 100AH battery for $1,200. Prishda 24v 50AH

While I haven't fished out of a tuff tender (I love my 4.1 challenger though) check out some of the things you can catch out of one. Found this on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo0alcjPJuo Marty

A speed limit of 60knots for towing kids - I hope so!!!

I carry a small plastic container filled with fresh water with me when I go out, each time I swap lures they go into the fresh water. Then when I get home I simply take them out and leave them to air dry (saves rinsing when you get home plus by that time the reaction to the metal from the salt water may have already started). Just don't leave them in the fresh water too long as they'll start to rust in there too (eventually). I've found cooking oil spray on the hooks once they've tried helps to ward off rust as well. Might even do the same thing as WD40/Inox etc at a lower cost and no chemical residue/smell either. Marty

Google the Raymarine Dragonfly - awesome sounders. If you don't need GPS and mapping you can pick up a 4DVS (down scan + traditional chirp sonar) for $250. If you want GPS that will set you back around $400 for the 4Pro model and that also includes handy wifi for being able to connect to your smart phone/tablet via an app to send the sonar signal to the screen. I find it particularly handy on my boat which has a casting deck allowing me to see what is on the sounder even if the sounder head unit is out of sight (fixed to the rear facing dash). The detail on the Dragonfly's is awesome. Marty

Don't rule out something like a Polycraft 4.1 for that price range. Most of the ones for that price are the open tiller steer boats but you may be lucky and pick up a side console around the $7K mark. I have one and love it, very stable and low maintenance. Look for a 40-50hp outboard on it. Marty

Stradic for me as well but don't limit yourself to just the ci4, they've also got the FK model which is a beauty! Marty

Hi mate, how did you set up that rod holder on your ceiling? Great use of space! Marty

What are you fishing for and where - river/estuary/lake/harbour/offshore etc.... this should be the main consideration for deciding what type of kayak to get mate. Marty

If you can stretch the budget to a Stradic (Ci4 or FJ) you won't be disappointed. I have both a Symetre 2500 on a 2-4kg rod and a Stradic 2500 Ci4 on a 1-3kg rod and the Stradic is much much better. Marty

What about a Polycraft 5.3m Centre console?

Well done mate! Were the goldfish flakes a secret ingredient in your recipe? :-) Marty

Apart from being 4kg over your 25kg limit (you'll struggle to find something that long under 25kg with your price limit) checkout something like the Scorpio Terrapin XL kayak with rudder, paddle and seat under $700. http://www.kayaksonline.net/kayaks/scorpio-terrapin-xl-kayak Marty

If you are after a 4.5m Centre console why not a 4.5m Polycraft? Should be able to find a nice one with a 4stroke outboard for under $15k & if you're lucky a 4.8m Brumby for around $18k. Marty

I use mine out of a kayak trolling for pelagics and they are simple but great reels for the job. Apparently you can pimp them up a bit especially the drags (see Alan Tani website) but for my use they are perfect - simple and functional. Marty

I have a Stradic Ci4 2500 matched to a Crucis Aegis 1-3kg rod and fish 4lb braid with it, great combo in my opinion. Rod retails for around the $120 - $130 mark. Marty

What line class are you looking at jigging with and also what weight jigs are you looking at using (water depth also)? Marty

Only issue with keeper nets could be sharks. Google precision pak kayak catch bags. Stick in an ice brick, dispatch and bleed the fish on capture and stick it in there. Depending on your hull shape you can have it above or below deck and either bow or stern. Marty

I've got a Crucis Aegis 6'6" 1-3kg rod which I reckon is great for around $120-$130. Check em out via Google and in the shops. Marty

Oops, was going to put the link to Jordan's in. Here it is http://www.jordans.com.au/

Lake Cathie also offers pleasant fishing land based east of the bridge. I haven't stayed there but you've also got Jordan's holiday park situated right on the river and they do boat hire as well. If the weather's nice try and do the 1.5hr sunset cruise on the river. Only $10 and you can bring your own food/drink. Well worth it in my opinion but I did it in summer on a balmy evening and it was great. Marty

I don't have the boat anymore but it was fairly easy to put the aluminium frame (with replaced windscreen) back on the boat myself. Just screwed/bolted back into the original holes on the hull. Marty

The place in Seven Hills quoted me (about 18 months ago) about a grand to replace the plastic screen on my Ally Craft half cabin. Found a guy in Lidcombe who quoted me $700 if he'd come to my place and remove the windscreen himself before replacing or $600 for me to bring it to him to be replaced. I took the 2nd option and the result was great, but exxy for what it is. Not sure if links are allowed. Marty

Drummer, they can have pale patches too. Marty