Pro Staffer, Lance Valentine receives a lot of inquires this time of year from anglers seeking recommendations about making new purchases for their boats. Below are some general things to remember if you are looking to add or upgrade gear on your boat this winter.

1.  No one has ever complained about having too much battery power! Buy BIG ones and fill EVERY battery compartment you have.

2.  No one has ever complained about Sonar/GPS screens being too big. Buy the biggest you can afford. There are LOTS of ways to make it fit in the space you have.

3. No one has ever complained about a bow mount trolling motor shaft  is too long, or a bow mount trolling motor with too much thrust!

4.  No one has ever complained about having too many rod holders, too much track, or too many places to put pliers, scissors, planer boards etc. and keep them out of the way, yet easy to get to

5.  No one has ever complained about a net handle being too long, or a basket that is too deep when a big fish is on the line.

6.  No one has ever complained about being TOO organized! Take time to evaluate how you store items in your boat, think about using more smaller boxes to separate items into specific use instead of bigger "general storage" boxes.

7.  No one has ever complained about adding an auto-pilot to their main engine. It's an amazing addition and makes fishing much easier.

Take time to think about what you are going to add/upgrade and what you REALLY need to make your time on the boat more productive and successful. As always, if I can help, send me an email.

Lance Valentine 

teachinfishin@gmail.com