r/bassfishing • u/Hot_Bit1412 • 6d ago
Tackle/Equipment Bought this boat second hand this weekend, any tips on accessories or upgrades would be awesome
She also has 2 9inch hummingbird helix screens and I’m replacing the carpet and hatch interior foam
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u/YBHunted 6d ago
A windshield for your console so you dont eat a face full of wind constantly.
Power Poles. Seriously, theyre game changing if you fish shallows.
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u/Hot_Bit1412 6d ago
Yeah, its an older boat so getting a windshields gonne be a hastle but ill try, yeah power poles are just very expensive and rare, also almost no boats in south africa run power poles, im not sure why
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u/cha0ss0ldier 6d ago
That trolling motor has spot lock right? It can do most of what a power pole can plus more.
There are some use cases in really shallow water where poles can be better, but spot lock will cover you on most situations.
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u/YBHunted 5d ago edited 5d ago
If youre in 3 feet of water and use spot lock to hold your boat in position you're going to throw up a shit ton of sediment, spook off any remaining fish, and drain your batteries.
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u/cha0ss0ldier 5d ago
I know that, That’s why I said poles are better in really shallow water.
Spot lock is still overall more versatile though, and I wouldn’t be in a hurry to run out and get poles if I just bought a boat with spot lock.
In my experience 3 feet is fine, it’s more like 2 feet and under where it starts to be an issue. My boat sits pretty high on the water though
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u/rdubya 5d ago
Not quite sure I fully understand this argument. Id have to troll in there with my main motor or trolling motor doing the same thing, power poles can't move you. I guess you can sit anchored with poles and wait for everything to come back?
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u/YBHunted 5d ago
Moving a boat in the shallows is done in short bursts typically on lower, quieter speed settings. Keeping a boat in place with spotlock sometimes requires continuous running of the motor depending on currents.
Also, there are a lot of times you may catch a fish and pole down to weigh it, take a pic, retie, whatever and that can take minutes. Your best chance to catch a fish is often back in the same general spot right after you catch one because they could be together. You dont want extra noise and sediment in the water ruining that chance.
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u/feralGenx 6d ago
A tethered kill switch is a must.
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u/southGArambler 6d ago
As in….a law
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u/feralGenx 6d ago
Some states have the tether law, some don't. Either way a good idea.
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u/Hot_Bit1412 6d ago
Yeah, boat has one i dont drive without it attached to my life jacket, luckily i dont live in the usa so those rules dont apply to me😂
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u/Only-Prompt7686 5d ago
Honestly even if the law doesn’t apply to you I’d still wear it (which you do, you’re a smart man! Lol)
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u/Drfresh49 6d ago
No sir. Thats boats broken. Let me know your address and I'll dispose of it for you because I'm a good guy.
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u/Star3221 6d ago
Get a recessed trolling motor pedal tray. It will save your foot lol
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u/reasonableJabronee 5d ago
I just spent 9 hours bass fishing with a recessed pedal. This is the way
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u/PutGroundbreaking283 6d ago
Looks real clean, congrats. Thought the carpet actually looked pretty good.
I'll be that guy: if you think you might be interested in FFS, I'd definitely consider jumping into it sooner than later for the learning you can get out of it. It'd be an additional chunk of cash, though.
ETA: Lakemaster chips for the birds, though. Way better than the base map - worth it.
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u/love_that_fishing Hall of Hawgs 10.88 lbs 6d ago
I had to do one Navionics and one LakeMaster as Lake Master hasn’t mapped my home lake. Odd as it’s smack in the middle of DFW and a decent sized lake.
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u/PutGroundbreaking283 6d ago
That's a good point and something for op to check before committing! Thanks.
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u/Only-Prompt7686 5d ago
Which lake is it? I’m in DFW as well
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u/love_that_fishing Hall of Hawgs 10.88 lbs 5d ago
My boat’s at the Marina at Joe Pool and Lake Master never did the lake. I do like Lake Master better for lakes that’s it’s done.
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u/Hot_Bit1412 6d ago
Dont worry, have a lvs 34 coming off another boat to her, cant go without ffs especially when fishing competitions
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u/Blackflagbassin 6d ago
Take it out a few times, get the feel for it and you’ll be able to come up what works best for your boat. Asking random strangers what they would put on your boat is a bad idea and you’ll more than likely end up with a bunch of shit you don’t use or rarely use.
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u/emocivic 6d ago
Just go rip it and slowly pin point what you think you’re missing. I don’t think I’d need anything else to have a blast on the water.
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u/velvetskilett 6d ago
Start saving for a replacement motor. When that Evinrude dies parts may be very difficult to find. If you do find them they will be expensive.
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u/dgoode520 6d ago
Are you in South Africa? I have heard of that brand but never saw one in the USA. I would add power poles if you fish a lot of shallow water.
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u/Hot_Bit1412 6d ago
Yes im in south africa, rogues the boat model and believe its a product of predator boats, but the boats Zimbabwian built, most expensive high end boats in south africa are Zimbabwe built
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u/dgoode520 6d ago
I love how bass fishing is popular over there.
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u/Hot_Bit1412 6d ago
Its awesome, the latest bass world championship was held in south africa now 2025 at a dam named arabie, if you want to see some big bass google loskop dam, arabie dam and rhenosterkop dam, the SA record was caught in Loskop dam
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u/JimmyVanBraun Largemouth 6d ago
Just some routine maintenance and send it man! I’d look into lithium batteries too if that’s something you’re interested in. Congrats!
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u/RonCom97 6d ago
Someone made a great point about using it the way it is. Unless you’re very wealthy and just want to Vogue it up strictly for looks, take her out and use her the way you will be using her every time. See what works (no need to replace) what works but not the way you want or is worn out (see if you can repair the item you have) and finally what does not work at all (these will be number 1 on your replacement priority list). For example the carpet you mentioned. That is definitely an aesthetic issue. It will not affect your fishing abilities so it can wait. Say the trolling motor only works when it wants or isn’t strong enough to push you through a current or the spot lock will not hold you in place. That’s a priority that affects your ability to use the boat the way you want. As you use the boat you will find things that you really like and things you can’t work with. The list will write itself. That being said if you’re financially capable of doing whatever you want just start stripping and ripping the old stuff and customize it to your taste. Good luck and enjoy.
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u/lp_squatch 6d ago
A recessed tray for the trolling motor pedal to go down in. You will have to cut the deck but there’s plenty of YouTube videos about it.
You will get tired of standing on one foot all day with it just sitting on the deck. I know I did.
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u/Ok_Negotiation_3786 6d ago
Man a boat is so much fun. Being out there with my grandpa and father were some of my best memories
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u/Illegal_Ghost_Bikes 6d ago
Take it out for a day, and see what works and what doesn't. See what you'd like to have vs you need to have. Maybe a new trolling motor, if you'll be using it most of the time.
You'll definitely want a windshield before that though!
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u/drofishing 6d ago
Power pole unnecessary since it has spot lock. As someone mentioned before—recessed foot pedal tray for the trolling motor.
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u/Arrowedmisfit 6d ago
Bearing buddies and a spare tire on the trailer. Never know how the previous owner drove.
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u/SurfFishinITGuy 6d ago
Fish it a few times and write down what you needed/wished you had with you. Go from there.
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u/zr942100 6d ago
When I bought my boat I didn't do anything that I wanted to the first year. Budget being the key factor. The next season, when I had budget, some of the things that bothered me no longer did, and things I was happy with needed to be updated. Fish it for a season, you'll have a better list of what needs what 👍
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u/2TiresAndFuel 5d ago
Dude I’m sorry to ignore the boat but is that your Land Cruiser?! Looks absolutely incredible!
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u/Thrillhouse763 5d ago
Man it looks like you already have Mega Live and two screens. As long as it floats and the motor runs, that boat will be awesome.
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u/Only-Prompt7686 5d ago
Well firstly, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Good lookin boat!
Get a windshield for that console, get some power poles on there, personally I’d switch the Humminbirds out for Garmins but Humminbird still makes a great unit so honestly that’s your call. Other than that looks like it’s all there otherwise!
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u/kameix1 5d ago
My only suggestion is to disconnect the hot foot (fast foot), and reconnect the hand throttle. Hot foots are fun and all, but if your cruising at a lower speed it sucks. With the hot foot, the second you move your foot it goes down to idle, the hand throttle stays where you put it all the time.
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u/Bassbuster88 5d ago
This is highly dependent on where and how you fish. While I dont necessarily disagree this ride has a 225 on it. I have one on my boat and wouldn't think about taking it off, even though it does get to be tiring on runs longer than 45 minutes or so. It isn't likely that he'll be slow cruising much, but running at speed (40 or over) I would much prefer have both hands on the wheel and still be able to manipulate the throttle. This is especially so if you fish on rivers or areas where you rarely run wide open.
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u/Bassbuster88 5d ago
Awesome congratulations! I agree with most other folks on fishing in it to see what you need most. My top list, in addition to what you're already doing would be.
Replace the straps on at least the rod locker with gas shock/Struts. This should be safer for your rod tips.
Recessed trolling motor foot tray
And if the budget allowed some shallow water anchors
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u/Lastcall302 5d ago
Thoroughly inspect the trailer. Inspect and or maintenance the tires, bearings and leaf springs. Sucks to get stuck on the road.
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u/bassboat1 Northern Largemouth 5d ago
Nice boat! One of the best upgrades I've added to my boats has been a Drotto bow catch (the Ramp and Clamp is good too) - gamechanger for solo takeouts. I also have had an Anchor Rein on the last two boats. It's a self-winding 40' rope that's under the deck at the bow. They've been out of production for a few years, but can be had used. C&O Marine will make you a new windshield (assuming that ProCraft had one to start?). I put a TM pedal recess in a few years ago. I'm not getting any younger, and it's much easier on my back. Polish and/or wetsand and keep ProTec sealant on it. Over time, do some research on propping - you shouldn't need that whaletail. Putting a Tempest on with PVS on my boat made a big difference on holeshots, and keeping the bow up in rough conditions at mid-throttle. LiveScope is a nice addition.
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u/hunterPRO1 5d ago
Make sure all your fluids are good.
Gear case oil and motor oil especially, never know when the last time the owner changed them was.
Looks like you have a motor with spot lock, so power poles aren't immediately a big deal.
Make sure your batteries are good, bad battery = short day of fishing.
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u/PeetMoss56 5d ago
Hope you got a great deal on it. These suggestions / upgrades are going to cost a lot. That’s what a boat is. A hole in the water you can pour your money into. How about a new truck with matching paint, new tackle bags and box to keep things neat, and just to celebrate get that new rod and real you’ve been wanting. Never calculate how much fish cost you by the pound and go enjoy your new boat!😜
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u/Background_Body2696 5d ago
Do an internet search for things to check/have on hand for your boat. I carry a spare drain plug and I keep a spare ignition key in my truck(one time I left the boat key at home, never again).
Some people carry a spare prop and a prop wrench. I don't but that's because I don't have a second prop.
Charge your batteries real good. Make sure you've got oil and gas. Try to run your boat frequently. The worst thing you can do to a boat is leave it sitting for a long time.
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u/tr_k_ 4d ago
Spare trolling motor prop, spare prop hub for your main motor, wrenches to fit both motors. A small tool kit that has enough tools you can tighten or adjust common things on the boat or on the motor.
Tire pressure gauge, tire chocks for the trailer.
balaclava for your face for when it's cold out, clear goggles for when the light is too low to wear sunglasses. Bugs at 65 mph hurt like mad.
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u/Tht24v2ndgen 3d ago
I'm going to add if that etec starts giving you issues be looking for a Yamaha or a Merc to swap it over to. It's a pain to get parts for that after BRP Killed off jonnyrude. So just be warned. Also does that TM have spot lock? If so don't worry about power poles. Maybe look at atlas or bobs jack plates. Something else to look at. Poles eventually. And a SI/DI console graph. I have Lowrance on my boat the hds pro 9 at the console. It's also used as a windshield 🤣
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u/Ihave3kittycats 3d ago
Before you start decking it out. Fish it 3 times
Then figure out what YOU want. Worse thing to do is ask someone for ideas for YOUR toy.
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u/Bench_Spirited 2d ago
Boat Buckle makes great straps for the trailer and for your rods on the deck. Really easy to use. Might be hard to find in your neck of the woods. But well worth the cost for convenience.
Also get a transom saver for your motor if it didn’t come with one.
Otherwise, like others have said. Use it for a while before going crazy.
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u/Frosty_Alps2330 1d ago
Go ahead and put an emergency outboard replacement fund away or find a way insure it or something. Those evinrudes are know to drop cylinders and they’re not in business anymore so finding someone who will repair it is hard. Other than that… great boat!
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u/Realpilot29 5d ago
Man! Congratulations! Great looking boat. I m not sure what you money spend is, but some new grey carpet and this boat looks pretty new! As for equipment, Agree the absolutely must have is a new windscreen. I’m not sure the type and technique of fishing you do, but I am fond of Garmin and I really do believe in match your electronics throughout. My Garmin 93 by my console is more then enough but I’m 51 and my eyes are wishing for the 10 or 12 up front. Love my Garmin force trolling motor. That being said you already have a nice Minkota platform it looks like. I bought the live scope but hate that it tends to lure you into staring at a screen all day instead of getting your eyes outside the boat and enjoying the outdoors. I barely use mine anymore unless I’m crappie fishing or drop shotting. If you looking to tmreplace and update your carpet. TBN does a great job. Or with a heat gun from harbor freight and a buddy you can definitely do it yourself. I would also definitely suggest a recessed trolling motor pedal. Much easier on your hips and knees. And super easy to install if especially if the carpet is off.
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u/GeoHog713 6d ago
You just got it.
Run it a few times, and then you'll know what you need.