Tuesday, May 29, 2012

2012 Skeeter TZX 190 woes

The woes continue on my NEW 2012 TZX 190.  This past weekend, I was ALMOST left stranded on my home lake.  Initially, I lost REVERSE.  I was lucky enough to make it back to the launch ramp.  Then, as I was taking my boat out of the water the engine died..no throttle.  I had to have a guy help me muscle-F the boat back onto the trailer.  A trailer that was designed to have the boat powerloaded onto it- not winched.  Ever try to winch a 2000 lb. boat up bunks while lifting the front bow of the boat to clear the trailer roller on the winch?  Aint easy.
Anyway, got the boat out of the water and pulled the engine cowl and looked at the throttle linkage.  Low and behold, the throttle and gear cables have popped off their mounting bracket and were floating inside the engine compartment.  Question is: why did the cables pop off the bracket?  Seems like every time the engine is tilted up, the cables/hoses are jammed into the back of the rear deck of the boat.  In fact, they are jammed right on top of the rear deck (metal) latch.  There is so much force on these cables when the engine is tilted full up that it's starting to wear a hole in my rear deck carpet.
I can only imagine what's going to happen when it's colder and the cables/hoses won't flex as much.  They are either going to crack or break.
I've contacted my dealer and they've contacted Skeeter so we'll see what they say.

Here's a couple photos of the clip that came undone inside the engine compartment:




















This is what I believe is causing the problem.  The cables are being jammed down on the rear deck, when the engine is tilted up, causing stress and flexing of the cables inside the engine compartment.  There was obviously so much stress on the plastic clip holding the cables down (inside the engine compartment) that it failed to hold.




















You can also see that there is so much force on the rear deck, from the cables being jammed into it, that the carpet is already starting to wear- and I haven't had the boat for more than 3 weeks.



Stay tuned to see what Skeeter says.  Fish ON!  Rob

Lake Wallenpaupack fishing report- 5/27/12

Headed out early Sunday morning at 0530.  Air Temp 68F, water temp the same.  Didn't expect much since it was the Holiday Weekend and the boat traffic higher than normal.  Cloudy skies, no breeze.  Started fishing the bank mid-Lake with jigs, worms, tubes, etc.  Nothing on the bank except some rock bass and small bucks.  I pounded the bank pretty good too.  Used Side Imaging and didn't see anything either.  Noticed fish were sitting on the bottom in 12-15 ft. of water.  So, started fishing deeper water.  Within minutes, caught a 4-5 lb. Walleye.  I haven't caught a Walleye at the Pack in years primarily because they like deeper cooler water- especially this time of year.  I'm guessing the water temp at 12-15 ft. was still in the 50s..where they like it.  I got off the Lake at 0930 because I absolutely detest fishing with all the YAKS out on the Lake..and I'm not talking Kayaks..I'm talking pleasure boaters, jet skies, etc.

Speaking of YAKS, I might fish out of my Kayak this weekend because the boat has to go back to the dealer for some engine work.  I lost my throttle linkage this past weekend...and almost didn't make it back to the launch ramp.  I was NOT a happy camper taking my boat out of the water at the launch ramp without any power.  Ever try to winch a 2000 lb. boat onto a trailer where you have to lift the bow over the bow roller with one hand while you're winching with the other?  I had a guy help me, thank God.  Hey, you can still catch some nice size Smallies out of a Kayak.  Can't cover as much water but you can definitely fish an area more thoroughly and stealthier.  I'll have another report next weekend.

Fish ON!  Rob

Friday, May 25, 2012

Lake Wallenpaupack Camera

Here's a cool video cam mounted at Lighthouse Harbor Marina.  I like the weather window below the video image.  It gives up to the minute weather info: http://www.lighthouseharbor.com/Page.aspx/pageId/91090/Marina-Cam.aspx

Lake Wallenpaupack Fishing Report- 5/25/12

Bill, from  www.billsguideservice.com , says: "The Pack is on Fire and catching 80 smallies per day".  Seems like the 2nd wave of Spawners has invaded the shallows from one end of the Lake to the other.  Water temp has also warmed-up to 71F.

I'll be fishing Saturday and Sunday and will have an updated report on Monday.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

2012 Wallenpaupack Fishing Reports


Thought I'd post bass fishing reports for the upcoming fishing season since I haven't really seen any noteworthy reports on the internet.  Now that I have a house on the Lake, I'll be fishing "the Pack" more regularly than before.  My reports will NOT specify what lures I'm using.  Nor will they specify what particular spots I'm fishing.  Why?  Because most of the time it's NOT the particular lure that's catching the fish or the spot/location..it's the fisherman. i.e. technique, boat position, time of day, weather, etc. has a LOT to do with catching.  There are just so many variables to list.  Besides, most guys are BSing when they tell you they're killing em on a certain lure.  If they're killing em, why would they tell you?  Especially when the bite is tough.  But, what I will try to do is post information that will help you increase your chances of catching bass. e.g. water temp, moon phase, weather conditions, seasonal patterns, depths, types of lures (swimbaits, tubes, worms, jerkbaits, sp-baits, etc.), colors (that seem to catch more), etc. 

So, a typical (Smallie) report might look something like this:

Date: Saturday, May19th, 2012
Time: 0600-1000
Depth: Primarily 6-10 ft.
Pattern: Pre-spawn/Spawn
Lures: Jerkbaits, Tubes, Jigs
Weather: Clear skies, Sunny/warm, 75F, calm winds, steady barometer
Water Temp: 59F
# Caught: 3
Size: 1.5-3 lbs.
Comments: Light boat traffic.  No fish caught off banks.  Fish were caught staging.  2 bucks and 1 female (female being the largest) caught on Jerkbaits around BIG rocks.

As always, if you REALLY want to catch BIG smallies and/or learn the lake, I highly recommend you give Bill Albright a call and book a guide trip.  You can get his number off his website at: www.billsguideservice.com  Bill has been guiding on the lake longer than anyone I know, and I've been fishing the Lake every year since 1982.  There are a couple other Guide Service's on the Pack but only Bill has the experience to put you on BIG fish.  Bill is a former B.A.S.S. Touring Professional and full-time fishing guide. 

After I post a report on this blog, feel free to reply to the report via the comment section on the bottom.  I'll be headed up to the Pack this Saturday and Sunday to fish, so I'll have a report for you on Sunday night.  Until then, Fish ON!  Rob

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Humminbird Side-Imaging Transducer Install (Part II)

Discovered a NEW Humminbird Side-Imaging (SI) transducer mount for my 2012 Skeeter TZX 190.  This new mount, sold by www.sternmate.com, allows my transducer to be lowered deeper in the water column and further away from the transom (and sponsons) giving a better look under the boat- and sideways.  Better look underwater=better resolution on my Humminbird 798.  It also puts the transducer in an undisturbed water column, void of turbulence and air bubbles that can distort images. 

I spoke with Capt. Chris (from SternMate) on the phone BEFORE I purchased the mount to ensure that it would work as advertised and that I could benefit from it.  The best part of the SternMate mount is that NO DRILLING HOLES is required.  The mount is glued to the transom with Special Glue that Capt Chris provides in the install kit.  In fact, the new mount allowed me to fill up and cover all the existing screw holes from removing my original bracket.  It also allowed me to attach both the temp probe and transducer cable to the NEW mount.  Therefore, I saved re-drilling some holes into my brand NEW boat.  The mount can also be removed in the unlikely event that it has to.  You can see the nice clean/professional install and look.  Installation was easy.  Just prep the mount and the transom (with a thorough Isopropyl Alcohol scrub down) and you're ready to mount.  The glue starts setting in 10-15 minutes and cures in 24-48 hrs. (depending on air temp).  The mount aint cheap ($120)..but what is these days that's a "quality" product?   Besides, what's $120 after you spent $1,200 on a Humminbird 798 Side Imaging Fish Finder?

It's hard to see (in the photos) but the mount allowed my SI transducer to be lowered at least 1" deeper in the water and 2" further aft from the transom than the original dealer location.  This combination, down and aft, will allow the transducer to get a "better look", thus better resolution.

Check out the SternMate at www.sternmate.com  I think you'll find this mount worth every penny (like I did).  Not only is it functional..it's good lookin'.  Fish ON!  Rob





Thursday, May 17, 2012

Humminbird 798 SI Transducer install on Skeeter TZX 190


Since I bought a 2012 Skeeter TZX 190 there isn't much information available on the internet re: the optimum Humminbird 798 Side Imaging (SI) Transducer location on the transom.  Most Skeeter boat owners have a jackplate with which to install their transducers.  The 2012 TZX 190 does NOT have a jackplate.  Therefore, the only place to install the transducer is on the transom.  The only problem with installing the SI transducer on the transom is that the port & starboard transom sponsons are partially obscuring the view.  See photos below:






Having said all this, what are the options?  In order to clear the transom sponsons, the SI transducer needs to be installed on either the e-Ladder or on a bracket that will extend the SI transducer down and out (away from the transom).  It can't be extended too far from the transom otherwise it will start interfering with the outboard engine (even with the engine trimmed up/out).  The e-Ladder might be a good place to mount it, albeit, you're going to need to pull the ladder and either drill a hole completely through the bracket or tap screw threads into the bracket which would accommodate a screw/bolt.
I'm currently deciding on which of the mounting options I'm going to go with.  I'll post more when I decide what's best.  Fish ON!  Rob

Monday, May 14, 2012

2012 Skeeter TZX 190- First Impressions


Before I give you my first impressions, I'll just preface this blog by saying this is the third bass boat I've owned and probably the 10th different bass boat brand I've ridden in over a 30+ yr. period.

Appearance/Aesthetics/Colors, etc.-  Except for maybe Ranger and Triton, I think Skeeter makes the best looking bass boat.  Yeah, I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder..but that's just me.  The glass on my boat looks good as well as carpet, trim, paint, etc.  I didn't see any major flaws, imperfections, etc.  I can't tell you how many compliments I got at the dock and out on the boat/water by other boat owners.

Layout-  Can't say I'm too impressed with the layout of the boat..especially the fact that there is NO storage room/area under the seats.  I have to store my anchor in one of the front or rear storage compartments.  I'm not crazy about that thing bouncing around in there.  Having said that, the other storage compartments are fine.  The built-in cooler works fine and is well insulated.  I put ice in the cooler on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon it had not all melted.  They also put the fire extinguisher right under the drivers feet.  So, when I get up out of the seat the back of my sneaker hooked on to the plastic bracket and broke it off.  What's with that?  The compartment latches are terrible.  They are hard to open and the latches are sharp.  The recessed anchor cleats are terrible too..so hard to lift and they are so small I can barely wrap a rope around it and tie if off.  I cut my finger on either the cleat or compartment latch..not sure.  Pretty deep too.  I'm glad I got the tilt steering wheel because the wheel would normally obstruct the view of my helm/console mounted fish finder.  The front deck is HUGE..much bigger than any other 19 foot bass boat I've been on.

Hot foot- I'm not crazy about the fact that my hand throttle is not able to accelerate only put the boat in gear.  All acceleration is done by the pedal.  I thought I remember on my Ranger the Hot foot and side throttle worked independently. i.e. I could use the Hot foot or use the stick/throttle.  I like that option.

Electronics- My Humminbird Side Imaging could use some fine tuning.  I have to read the manual.  I was also getting some interference on it.  Not sure where that was coming from since nothing was on other than the outboard.  I'll have to look at the SI transducer to see if it's clear of the transom sponsons.  It might be getting bounce-back/feedback from them.  Skeeter has sponsons on the transom that stick out a LOT further than other bass boats.

Ride- the ride was stable and dry.  I can't say it was as comfortable as my old Ranger but my old Ranger was a lead sled. i.e. very heavy with a deeper V than the Skeeter.  The hole shot was much quicker than my Ranger or Nitro probably because it's lighter and I have an 175 hp outboard rather than a 150.  Overall a nice ride!  The boat was running a little tilted to the left (off-balance). I'm not sure why.  My daughter was in the passenger seat and she only weighs 125#.  I weigh 185#.  Granted, the two trolling motor batteries are on her side.  But, that difference shouldn't take it off center that much.  I'll have to look into this more.  I'm sure with just me driving, it would be perfectly balanced.  I'll be fishing by myself primarily so it shouldn't be an issue.

Gauges/switches- all the gauges/switches are well setup at the helm and easy to read..no problems here.  I love the EFI..one turn of the key and the outboard fires right up. I didn't even have to prime the gas line bulb the first time.  Why anyone would get a carbed engine these days is beyond me.  I had a local dealer try to sell me a boat with a Carbed engine that said it's as good as an EFI.  What a joke, and probably the reason I didn't buy a boat from the guy.  How can you say that?

Trolling Motor-  absolutely LOVE my Minn-Kota Fortrex 80 TM.  It's so easy to lift and release.  Plenty of power too.

Trailer-  well, if I had to bitch about one thing..it would be on how HARD it is to load the boat on the trailer.  In order to power load the boat on the trailer you have to have the trailer out of the water further than most bass boats.  Otherwise, the bow and trolling motor will dive right underneath the trailer winch/bow roller.  And, if you don't wet the carpets of the boat when you retrieve your boat, it will make it very difficult to load.  To tell you the truth, I still haven't found the sweet spot on how shallow/deep to back the trailer in.  I'm afraid to pull it too far up the ramp for fear I'll bottom out the prop on the launch ramp or have to throttle so hard the front bow pin will smack the trailer winch and bend something.  I've been tempted to spray the bunks with silicone to see if it will make loading the boat easier.  But, I'm afraid of that..for fear it will be so slippery that it hits the winch roller and slides back in the water before I get the winch strap on the boat.  I'm going to try to wet the bunks first.
The trailer towed VERY well..easy to maneuver and absolutely no sway at any speed.  That's pretty good for a single axle trailer.

Fishing- caught my first Smallie within 10 minutes of launching my boat..so it catches fish..ha.  Really stable platform to fish from.  I haven't used the livewells yet (catch n release).  I won't use them until it's tourney time.  Not going to enter any tourneys anytime soon.  Going to learn how to use everything properly on the boat first- specifically the Side-Imaging Fish Finder.

Overall, I'm VERY happy with the boat.  It doesn't sound like it from my first impression but there's nothing that I can't fix or resolve on the boat..other than a place for my anchor.  Why couldn't Skeeter have allowed space under one of the seats?  I don't think that space is being used for anything.

Stay tuned for a further, in-depth review.  Fish ON!  Rob