Sk8man

Good "old school" rod holders. mr 580 is right on target with his info. Safety lines are a real good idea.

The information on that page on the website is a good example of an "apples and oranges" comparison. Each of those units is an example of special purpose use and it depends on what purpose or particular fishing YOU have in mind for starters. Before looking any further you need to decide what YOUR needs are and not just ask for an easy answer to a complex decision. Then do some research based on those needs including reading reviews etc. and then pose questions here about comparisons of particular units based on your needs. It is virtually impossible to answer your original question accurately the way it is posed above.

Good thinking.

Note that original post from 2014 Seagers in Canandaigua is reliable. Talk with either Doug or Bob at the Parrish Street location. They have some older OMC parts Jeff is an excellent mechanic. 21 Parrish Street Canandaigua 585-394-1372 (Service Department)

Even with new motors or cars etc. you have a 50/50 chance much of the time, but again if they are taken good care of and properly maintained (winterized, new pump and impellers etc.) I've had two outboard mechanics tell me that the Opti's are great engines and they don't see many in for repair and these are guys I know and trust their judgment and information and one of them is with a mainly Honda outboard dealership but that deals with fixing/maintaining all brands of outboards.

The difference is this is New York State and I don't think the emperor and his cronies care one way or another about fish and game it is all about $$$$ but liberal downstate mentality about sanctions for offenders.

Usually the best water for them is the edge of the colorline. You exploit it by trolling your stuff in and out of the edge itself rather than the colored water. Most fish don't like the muddy water. Take perch for example they usually won't be found in muddy water itself but murky water is what they like where it isn't crystal clear or muddy. There is usually a slight difference in the water temp at the edge of the mudline but if the chocolate stuff is real thick and muddy they won't be found there usually.

I think you'll find mixed reviews on just about any outboard and you can't assume that everyone takes care of them in the same way for starters and it makes a difference. I've had a 135 Opti since it was brand new in 2002 and it is basically the same as the 150. It has been a very good reliable engine. I broke it in carefully and have used non ethanol gas and the Mercury Optimax synthetic oil since day one. By the way it is about $50 (including tax) per gallon today. Although it trolls down I don't use it for that because that can load the plugs up pretty good so I use my 9.8 for that and the 135 for getting from place to place. I've been very happy with the performance of mine but again, I take good care of it too. I use fuel stabilizer year round and keep my gas tank full (much to the dismay of my mechanic buddy who doesn't believe in it)

If you are considering Lake Ontario (not clear from your post) you could fish in the bay at Sodus Point. Folks often over look it in the Spring but sometimes there are some good trout and salmon in there feeding and it is fairly well protected.

How the hell did this stuff get going?...You guys do make me sound like a real piece of work and that part is probably accurate

You guys are too much.but Mike I appreciate the kind words especially coming from you. Hey Stan I don't think they will put the book (if it is even published) on Kindle so maybe the worries are over Many people don't look at actual books anymore....

Thanks guys and PCPete that will be a wonderful gift all the way around... congrats in advance. Nothing like parenthood. I got my son into fishing at age 2 1/2 starting with brief exposures. He has been my fishing partner ever since and in fact outfished me tonight with 8 keeper Crappies to my 2 throwbacks