Spring Buyer's Guide: Electronics, Boat Accessories, and Tools!

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about your boat! If you've ever owned a boat you know the incredible expense that comes with it. Boats are great but they aren't cheap! Between fuel, maintenance, and all the fun accessories we add to them, its easy to go broke while rigging a boat. Today we're showing you our top electronics, tools, and equipment that we use when we're out on the water. 

We get constant requests for videos about electronics, boat maintenance, trailer maintenance, etc. If you've ever wondered what electronics we're using, or what tools you should carry when you head down the road, or perhaps which life jacket we wear, today your questions are being answered. We're wrapping up our Spring Buyer's Guide Series with a bang and we hope you enjoy it!

Below you'll find links to the exact gear and equipment discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PLIERS... 

-Texas Tackle Executive Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0

-Rapala Long Reach Pliers: https://bit.ly/2MpUBEr

-Daiwa Cam Side Cutters: https://bit.ly/3Nvg2iu

BASIC TOOL LIST... 

-Orange Plano Tool Box: https://bit.ly/3NiWcqy

-Waterproof Plano Deep Box: http://bit.ly/2WWIrU9

-Prop Wrench - TH Prop Master: http://bit.ly/2gcaTk5

-Pro Stop- TH Prop Master: http://bit.ly/2P1N64L

-4 Screw Drivers (2 sizes/styles)

-Zip Ties (small and large)

-Marine Tex- Temporary Repairs

-Small Wrench Set

-Electrical Tape

-Wiring Kit

-Crimpers

-Rags

-Bungees

-Ratchet Strap

-Small Hammer

MOTOR SUPPORTS/TRANSOM SAVERS... 

-Moto Stop For Yamaha/Mercury: http://bit.ly/2SCCwW4

-DD26 Support For Yamaha: https://bit.ly/36kx6qN

-DD26 Support For Mercury: https://bit.ly/2BfaZlC

LIFE JACKETS... 

Inflatable- Mustang Elite: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Inflatable Mustang Re-Arm Kit: https://bit.ly/37T5N73

Traditional- Mustang Accel Foam: https://bit.ly/3uuaFHs

SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS... 

-Minn Kota 10' Raptors: https://bit.ly/3iMUrEJ

-Minn Kota 12' Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

-Talon Tilt Brackets: https://bit.ly/2VJ8O1c

OUR FAVORITE ELECTRONICS... 

Standard- Humminbird Helix 12 G4: https://bit.ly/381sRRl

Touch Screen- Humminbird Solix 15 G3: https://bit.ly/2Hazsej

High Def- Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

-LakeMaster Plus Map Cards: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

-Mega 360 Imaging: https://bit.ly/3oUt7oO

-Mega Live Imaging: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7

LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS... 

Basic- Hook Reveal 5: https://bit.ly/3BQdG7q

Mid- Elite FS 9: https://bit.ly/3sxIvtm

Top- HDS 16 Live: https://bit.ly/352Pp0d

LIVE SONARS... 

Humminbird- Mega Live Imaging: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7

Lowrance- Active Target Sonar: https://bit.ly/37Lcox8

Garmin- LiveScope Plus: https://bit.ly/3qBFA3F

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

New Boat For 2021!! Aluminum Jet Boat!

Let's go exploring! This aluminum boat has been Matt's dream for 3 years! While fast bass boats and advanced technologies are important parts of bass fishing, there is something to be said for a basic aluminum that can run in skinny water, away from the crowds. Come along as Matt shows his new (used) aluminum boat and talks about where TacticalBassin is headed in 2021!

The boat is a War Eagle 1754 With a Yamaha 4 Stroke 70 HP motor. Its going to allow Matt and Tim to explore backwaters, ponds, rivers, and creeks, that could never be explored with the bass boat or even the kayak. They will be able to venture into new areas, reach untouched fish (hopefully) and take you along on all kinds of adventures! Matt is keeping the boat very simple. He's installing a depth finder and a trolling motor so the guys can fish comfortably, but that will be the extent of the technology. 

When its time for advanced videos, the guys will be in their bass boats. When its time to just go fishing and have a good time, they'll be in the aluminum, and when its time to pick apart places that can't be reached by either one, they'll be in the kayaks. 

Below you'll find links to the handful of upgrades Matt is making to the boat, along with some of his favorite tools and equipment that he put into the boat for safety and reliability. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Depth Finder... 

-Humminbird Helix 7 G3: http://bit.ly/2SoFl8a

Trolling Motor... 

-Minn Kota Ultrex 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2NPTY6c

Life Jackets... 

-Mustang Survival Elite Inflatable PFD: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Tools... 

-Rapala Long Reach Pliers: https://bit.ly/2MpUBEr

-Gerber Neat Freak Braid Scissors: https://bit.ly/2JyvFJI

-Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat!

Today we're doing a simple project that every fishing boat on the market should do. Boat Buckles are a retractable rod strap that hold your fishing rods in place when the boat is moving and conveniently store inside the gunwale when you stop.  Most used boats have bungee straps or old velcro straps and are desperately in need of an upgrade. Watch step by step as Matt installs a set of Boat Buckle straps. 

We just picked up CC's new boat, a used Champion 198. Any time you purchase used boats you know there will be some work involved. The Boat Buckles are just the beginning as we plan to upgrade the batteries, trolling motor, electronics, and wiring in the coming weeks. We do these first because its a mandatory upgrade on all our boats, its relatively inexpensive, and can be done very quickly with minimal tools. 

A lot of anglers are afraid to work on their own boats. There is something taboo about pulling off a motor cowling and going to work. While some jobs really do need a boat mechanic, a job like this can be done quickly and easily at home. Below are links to the parts we used for this upgrade. Also linked if you're curious are the additional upgrades we'll be doing to the rest of the boat. 

-Boat Buckle Rod Straps: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

**Be sure to add the concealment kit if you want your buckles mounted on the inside of the hull like we did on this boat**

Additional items we're upgrading on CC's boat... 

-Ultrex 112 MEGA I-Pilot Link 52" Shaft Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

-Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp G3 Electronics: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

-Kong Wave Tamer Mount: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Boat Buckle Retractable Transom Straps: https://bit.ly/2QYpbEz

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Bass Boat Restoration Complete: Full build with rigging, Rewire, Repower, and Electronics Tour!

The used boat restoration is complete! After nearly 2 years of upgrading wiring, parts, electronics, and motors, both of the Champion 210 Elite bass boat restoration projects are done! Come along for a full boat tour of Tim's and Matt's finished projects as they show you what is possible if you decide to buy a used boat instead of a new boat.

The project began nearly 2 years ago when Tim decided he wanted a larger boat. Shortly thereafter Matt's boat was lost in a crash and he too was searching for a new option. Each chose a used boat instead of jumping into the new boat market. With the high cost of new bass boats the duo looked toward one of the greatest rough water hulls of all time, the Champion 210 Elite. The boats were discontinued around 2008 but the anglers realized that if they could find a pair of boats in great shape that the money they'd saved would allow them to build two truly incredible fishing machines, complete with every part and component they'd ever wanted.

The boat Tim located was in near factory condition. Matt's was beautiful outside but needed a bit more work inside. Both boats were about to get a makeover that would make them near unrecognizable to the previous owners! The anglers started from the ground up and filled both boats with state of the art equipment from the money they had saved on the purchase price. Since these projects were done at the same time the anglers researched together and built two virtually identical boats with the best components they could find. Undertaking a project off this size is a commitment but is worth the effort and saves a lot of money over buying new boats. In case this is something you're considering doing or you liked one of the items we installed on our boats, here is the list of upgraded equipment on the boats.

At The Bow...

Trolling Motor- Ultrex 112 MEGA DI I-Pilot: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

Trolling Motor Sleeve- Troll Jacket: http://bit.ly/2xBxoVf

Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15 CHIRP G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Electronics Mount- T-H Marine Wave Tamer: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

Electronics- Hydrowave H2 KVD Feeding Stimulator: http://bit.ly/2rcbebU

Electronics- Humminbird 360 Imaging: http://bit.ly/2K8jPl4

Security- Loc-R-Bar: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Talon Wireless Foot Switch: http://bit.ly/2O7zWUE

At The Console...

Hot Foot Throttle: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO

Main Unit- Humminbird Solix 15 G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Side Unit- Humminbird Solix 12 G2: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB

Main Mount- Bass Boat Technologies: Direct From Manufacturer

Side Mount- BalzOut Mount w/ 6" arm: http://bit.ly/2HnxLtu

At The Stern...

Anchors- Talon 15' Shallow Water Anchors: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

Jack Plate- Atlas Hydraulic 12": http://bit.ly/2QpkCkS

Remote Drain Plug System: http://bit.ly/2jkZqjS

Battery Charger- Minn Kota Precision: http://bit.ly/2vcrbjA

Additional Equipment…

Battery- Odyssey PC 2150M

Power Switch- Perko Battery Disconnect

Motor- 2018 Yamaha VMAX SHO 250