Hello all,
Yes, another new guy making a first post. I just wanted to thank all the folks on the site for sharing their wisdom and experience with those that don't have the benefit of the years of experience.

I fished as a kid, but as time passed, I just got out of the outdoors sporting I did as a youth. About a year ago, out of the blue, I got a fishing license and went bank fishing. I caught the biggest crappie I ever caught. No it wasn't a 3 pounder, but it was enough to give me the fishing virus and remind me what it feels like to be back in God's country.

When one hasn't spent the last 20 years fishing, but instead, becomes a convert, it takes a bit of doing to get set up, especially if you are a man of modest means. First, I had to trade in the mustang for a truck, so I could move a boat. Then, you need said boat to fish out of. Well, that's been my winter project. I picked up a small 14' jon, and have been working on it over the winter. Nothing big--no big jon-bass-boat-conversions--just a bit of flooring, seat-mounting, wire-running, etc.

I have done a bit of fishing out of my yak while I've been working on that, but colder water kind of puts a damper on that. If you've ever seen a goober on one of the maumelle rivers being dragged down the river by a 30lb carp on the end of his line, that may or may not have been me.

I have just about got the work done on the boat. I've decided to go with Tohatsu or Nissan for the outboard. I'm just scratching my head on what size. The hull is rated for 20, but I'm looking at the 9.8, 15, and 20hp engines. I prefer single pole fishing on smaller water, for now at least. I imagine I'll be hitting Conway and Overcup and the Maumelle rivers mostly (that's just gorgeous scenery to me). I might even end up catching some fish every once in a while.

I have been reading these forums for a few months now. I appreciate all the advice given on types of bait, techniques, color selection, etc. I've been building up my tackle bag based on the what I've read here. I really didn't feel like I had anything to contribute, as I'm just getting started, but I can say "Thank you" to all the folks willing to share their experience.

-jt