1st fishing trip of the year

Well I finally got the boat on the water after its winter slumber. Went up to Depere WI for some early season walleyes. I have my first major tournament in two weeks so I needed to make sure everything was in good working order. The boat is a 2011 Puma FTD with a 250 ProXS with a 26 Fury. I put a 5 gallon Kool Ice cooler in the center front compartment for my minnows. The boat was loaded with a full tournament load. Every compartment was full and you could not get another drop in the gas or oil tanks. Livewells were empty. Holeshot was good (not great) and top end was 76.4mph. I played with the jack plate a little but is was cold (45 degrees) so we only made a few passes. This was on old 87 gas and I am sure that is costing me a little mph. I was hoping for 78 and I believe that new gas will put me there. This gas was over 3 months old.This was my first actual fishing trip out of the boat. It handled great and it is a real joy to fish from. Very stable and tons of room. We managed around 20 walleyes and had a lot of fun.My biggest beef with this boat is that it needs a 52" shaft trolling motor. I am getting an extension put on in the next week or so but will not be able to open the rod locker once completed. I know I brought this up last year when I first picked up the boat but it really bugs me. I am not sure how you guys fish with those short shafted bow mounts. Even with it all the way down it was out of the water constantly and this was on a river. Having the lid so big is nice but I would much rather have it 6" shorter and be able to put a 52" on without any interference.I did get a bunch of compliments and a few even noticed the red motor stripe and "had to get one". I love the boat even more after finally getting to fish from it and glad the first fish was the right kind. I forgot the camera or I would post some pics.

This topic has 7 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 1 month ago by richstadler.

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March 8, 2012 at 12:36 am #411877

basscat tyler
Participant

Congrats on the 1st trip of the year. You mustve been on the Fox. My brother lives in DePere. We fish the river for smallies though and usually do quite well above the dam there. Hope you can get something figured out with your trolling motor situation.

March 8, 2012 at 10:22 am #411880

richstadler
Participant

Yes, we launched at Fox Point and vertical jigged for walleyes by the 172 bridge. The docks are in and is completely ice free. I actually saw quite a few bass boats fishing walleyes!

March 8, 2012 at 10:53 am #411881

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The trolling motor isnt a big deal. I have a 52 ” shaft on my Sabre and the rod locker opens wide enough to easily access the rods. I usually have the trolling motor down when I need in there anyway.I dont see it as a problem at all.

March 8, 2012 at 1:50 pm #411883

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Rich, the 45″ shaft should not vent in most waters if it is fully deployed. There is little need for more unless you open water fish.

March 8, 2012 at 2:24 pm #411888

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

All I do is open water fish with a little river fishing mixed in. I got it all the way in, all the way down. Even small boat wakes pull it out of the water. It is a 36V Fortrex. I guess I just have to realize you bass guys dont fish in waves. To be honest I am not even sure the 52 will be enough. The 60 would be ideal but I will try the 52 first. My buddy owns a dealership up here and sells the T brand. He wont even let a guy buy one with a 45 on it. Just a different world up here I guess.Like WJH said I am sure this will be just a minor inconvienence. If I do order a new Puma in the next few years is getting a split lid even an option?

March 8, 2012 at 2:39 pm #411890

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

No, that explains it! A Fortrex looses a few inches in depth as they sit higher and the frame pivot takes up space. Look at the added height stowed and you can see how high it is in comparison.

March 8, 2012 at 2:50 pm #411894

richstadler
Participant

I figured that might be the case. Finally there is something better about a MG over a MK lol (just kidding Phil). It is what is it. I will get the extension put on and deal with it. Thanks for the response, it is appreciated.
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