There are many reasons a kid might get a fire under their butt about archery. Maybe they watched Hawkeye, Brave, or one of the Hunger Games movies and want to give it a try. Maybe they watched some of the archery competitions from the 2020 Olympic Games last year or they have a friend who is already into archery inspiring them. Were they super into that bow and arrow toy they got for their birthday one year with the suction-cup arrows? That’s a good sign. Getting a bow and arrow for kids could result in a great hobby, an avid competitor, or even a great bowhunter.

However it got there, I highly suggest supporting your kid’s interest in archery. Like football or dance, excelling in archery requires practice, discipline, persistence, decision-making, attention to detail, and other qualities that are ultimately useful in everyday life. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Shopping for a youth compound bow can seem daunting if you have little to no experience with archery. Even an experienced bowhunter might not know exactly where to start. A thousand questions probably loom, but don’t sweat it! Let’s unravel the intricacies of buying a bow and arrow set for your world-class archers-to-be into understandable terms.

Determining Dexterity

Before you shop for a youth bow, you must determine your child’s dexterity. It doesn’t matter what hand they use to write or hold a fork; it’s all about eye dominance. Don’t worry. This won’t require an expensive eye doctor appointment. All you have to do is:

• Have your child touch the tip of their index finger and thumb together to create a circle.
• Tell them to fix their gaze on a round object, like a clock or doorknob, that is at least several feet away.
• With both eyes wide open, tell them to extend their arm and center the object inside the circle they created with their hand.
• Now, tell them to close their left eye.

If the object remains centered in the circle, they are right-eye dominant and need a right-handed bow. If the object moves out of the circle when they close their left eye, it means they’re left-eye dominant and need a left-handed bow. But you’re not ready to shop just yet.

RELATED – Chris Bee Q&A: How Archery Competition Improves Bowhunting Accuracy

Will a Used or Hand-Me-Down Bow Work?

Naturally, when a new childhood interest arises, parents on a budget often seek ways for the youngins to explore that interest without breaking the bank. In this case, that means looking for a used bow or accepting a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. In some cases, this can work just fine.

First, you need to measure your child’s draw length and determine what draw weight they can comfortably pull. A cheap, used bow or even a nice hand-me-down can often not be adjusted to fit your child’s needs. Don’t let “free” or “cheap” overpower good judgment. But if a used bow can be tuned correctly, then go for it. If you’re thinking about buying a used bow from a stranger, we’ll get to that in a bit.

Determining Draw Length and Weight

You can get a good estimate of draw length at home, and here’s how to do it. But it’s best to visit a local archery pro shop to get accurate measurements taken. Sounds expensive, right? Usually, it’s not. Lots of shops won’t charge anything to measure a kid’s draw length or let them test fire a few bows to figure out their ideal draw weight. If you’re going to be shopping at a larger big-box store, be warned, they won’t have an expert on staff. It’s best to start at a pro shop.

You absolutely must have the draw length and weight for your kid’s bow dialed in out of the gate. It’s critical. Get either wrong, and archery will become nothing more than a frustration for them.

You might also be wondering if buying a bow is worth the expenditure for a continually growing child. Fortunately, some bows are designed especially for youth archers with a wide range of draw-length and draw-weight adjustability that will last them into adulthood.

RELATED – Get in Bow Shape: A 21-Day Archery Lesson Plan

So What’s the Best Bow and Arrow for Kids?

These bows are all quite affordable, especially because some will adjust to keep pace with your child’s growth spurts. Plus, that adjustability makes them easy to sell on Facebook Marketplace or eBay if your kid just doesn’t dig archery or moves on to a new bow.

PSE, Bear, Quest, Mission, and Diamond offer highly adjustable bows. None is identifiable as “the best” because that comes down to individual preference regarding fit and feel, and each bow manufacturer designs things differently. The most important attribute to consider is the bow’s grip; it must fit your child’s hand in a natural, comfortable way.

The Bear Cruzer G2 is a solid choice. Its draw weight can be adjusted from 5 to 70 pounds and it sports 12 to 30 inches of draw length. It can be set up to fit a 4-year-old girl as well as an adult man who is over 6 feet tall.

The Bear Legit is another good option with a slightly heavier overall draw weight, but it’s still adjustable from 14 to 30 inches and 10 to 70 pounds. It’s great for teenagers interested in both archery and bowhunting. Both models come with accessory packages, not including arrows.

The PSE Uprising offers similar adjustability, as does the Mission Hammr.

All of these bows offer exceptional value, but each has its own distinct fit and feel. Again, when comparing bows from top manufacturers, fit and feel make one bow “the best” for any shooter. It might also be a good idea to choose a set that includes an arm guard. If a kid gets a forearm burn from the bowstring early on, they could develop a flinch. An arm guard can let them shoot with confidence until they get their grip and stance just right.

RELATED – World Record Bulls: The Top 5 Typical Archery Elk

Should You Buy a Used Bow and Arrow for Kids?

You can likely find some of the bows mentioned above for sale in used condition online well below MSRP. But, before you buy used, consider the bow’s condition and lack of warranty.

Bow warranties are only valid to the original owner. If a limb splinters after you buy a used bow, the manufacturer probably won’t replace it for free. Also, bowstrings (usually not covered under warranty, even for the original owner) may have incurred wear from use and you might face the reality of buying a new bowstring-and-cable set for the used bow right away.

Lastly, don’t assume that when a used bow arrives on your doorstep that your kid can unbox it and commence shooting. Most likely, it will need to be adjusted to their specs and tuned, which will require a trip to the local archery shop. Shops usually charge by the hour for this kind of work. You might save money initially, but it could cost nearly as much or more than a new bow by the time your kid is ready to hit the archery range.

In contrast, most archery shops include setup and tuning at no additional fee with a new-bow purchase. Plus, you get the warranty, and the bow will have a fresh bowstring-and-cable set, which should last up to two years with proper care, depending on use.

RELATED – The 8 Best Archery Pro Shops From Every Region of the United States

What About Arrows?

Arrows aren’t one-size-fits-all. Arrow shafts are designed with stronger spines (stiffness) for more powerful bows and weaker spines for less powerful bows. Gold Tip, Easton, and Victory are top arrow manufacturers that offer great youth arrows.

Gold Tip Lightning arrows have been a top choice for probably two decades now and would make a great arrow set for kids. It’s a carbon-fiber arrow that’s durable and affordable. Gold Tip has additional options if your kid is interested in bowhunting.

Easton has both aluminum and carbon arrows for young archers. Understand that aluminum shafts can bend under pressure. That means the more kids use them and pull them from targets, the more likely they’ll bend, and then they won’t fly true. But, if you’re confident that your young archer will handle them carefully, consider the XX75 Neos for recreational shooting with lightweight bows. The INSPIRÉ makes for a good carbon arrow choice. Easton has bigger and better options for bowhunting arrows.

You also can’t go wrong with Victory. The Ares, Venus, GenX, and V-Force Jr. are all carbon-fiber arrows designed for youth chasing different pursuits, from recreation to competition.

Arrows will perform best when cut to length based on the bow setup. Save yourself some trouble and buy your kid’s arrows through a pro shop that will measure and cut them to the proper length for you.

Hopefully, most of your youth archery shopping questions have been answered. Should you have more, your local archery dealer should be happy to address them so you can get the little ones slinging arrows soon.

READ NEXT – Bowhunting Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Archery Hunt This Year

In many areas, fall is one of the best times to fish for yellow perch. These brightly colored fish are hard fighters and make excellent table fare. Although small fish are present during the fall season, trophy class yellow perch are often caught.

For anglers in search of jumbo sized fall yellow perch, location can be a key factor. Large fish are often caught in areas where fishing pressure is light. In many cases, yellow perch hot spots are difficult to reach or present challenges to anglers.

When targeting yellow perch during the fall season, recent information can be extremely valuable. Among the sources are catch reports from bass or crappie specialists. Both of these niche angling groups tend to catch yellow perch by accident while targeting their favorite species. Although some anglers are very tight-lipped when it comes to sharing information, most are more than happy to discuss non-target species.

Structure Fishing

In most locations, fall yellow perch are found near structure. In main rivers, they are often found along steep drops, although perch are quick to move up onto shallow flats to feed during warm periods. During the late season, river anglers sometimes find yellow perch in good numbers, often mixed in with largemouth bass, crappie, white perch, or other species.

In creeks and smaller tributaries, yellow perch move into pools or other deep sanctuaries during the fall season. They often feed aggressively, staging along areas where currents meet eddies.

In small ponds, yellow perch often stage near dropoffs during Autumn. In some impoundments, bass or crappie anglers are sometimes surprised as trophy class yellow perch attack their lures, especially near sunset.

In larger lakes, yellow perch may congregate along slopes or in deep channels near their summer feeding areas. As aquatic vegetation dies off and settles to the bottom, perch may lurk in these deeper areas, feeding on forage fish, insect larvae, crustaceans, and other food sources that are swept into the open.

Lures vs. Baits

When choosing lures or baits for fall yellow perch fishing, anglers take into consideration the type of habitat, water depth, clarity, and temperature, weather conditions, and other factors. Other species may also influence gear choices as some anglers prefer to target yellow perch exclusively, while others may seek a variety of species, including crappie, white perch, white bass, sunfish, largemouth bass, and others.

Best Lures for Catching Yellow Perch

The most common yellow perch lures include a variety of small to mid-sized jigs, spoons, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, tube lures, plastic worms, and other selections. In many environments, the best artificial lures for yellow perch are ones that can reach deep fish while moving enticingly at low speeds. When fish are found among stumps, tree trunks, or other obstructions, snagless designs become essential.

When fishing among obstructions, downsizing of traditional largemouth bass lures and techniques is sometimes effective for yellow perch. Although perch may slow down in cold water, they sometimes bite aggressively and will take plastic worms, tube lures, or other soft plastics.

Live Baits and Rigs for Catching Yellow Perch

In some areas, live baits are preferred for catching yellow perch. Minnows are by far the most common choice as live baits. Alternative live baits sometimes include small crayfish, nightcrawlers, or insect larvae (grubs).

Live minnows can be fished using a number of rigs, with each having one or more specific applications. The simplest rig consists of a basic jig such as a shad dart, tube jig, or marabou jig, tipped with a live minnow. Jig-minnow combinations work particularly well when casting or drifting over shallows or moderate depths.

Minnows can also be fished on a live bait or circle hook, rigged on traditional top and bottom leaders, dropshot rigs, or as Carolina or Texas rigs. Live bait hooks and other traditional style hooks are popular in some applications, although they do have a number of drawbacks.

Floating jig hooks are also useful in some situations, especially when rigged as a Carolina rig. Floating jig heads position live minnows just off the bottom, away from obstructions and other debris.

One option for fishing live minnows is the circle hook. Circle hooks reduce fish mortality by greatly reducing deep hooking. Although circle hooks require a higher level of skill to use than conventional hooks, most anglers find them extremely effective.

Circle hooks are available in a number of styles. Many circle hooks come with offset points, although a true circle hook, by definition, has no hook offset. Most freshwater circle hooks can be easily bent in order to remove any offset, making them less likely to snag on obstructions or gut hook yellow perch.

Circle hooks work well for drifting live minnows on Carolina rigs or on a long leader with a dropper type sinker configuration. Some anglers add a small tube body, bucktail skirt, or mylar skirt above the hook to add elements of flash and color.

Regardless of the type of rig used for catching yellow perch, late season fishing can be productive. Depending on local conditions, yellow perch fishing may continue into winter. In northern areas, more perch fishing follows as soon as lake ice over enough for winter fishing to begin.

• I tested a very, very well equipped 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel pickup truck, an off-road optimized version of the truck that captured our Car of the Year award in 2019.
• My Rebel had a potent 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that serves up 260 horsepower but an earthshaking 480 pound-feet of torque.
• My tester also featured a menacing, blacked-out exterior package.
• The Ram 1500 is a great pickup, but the diesel Rebel is something special.
• Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Here’s how the sequence usually goes for me when it comes to reviewing full-size pickup trucks. First, I sample the regular gas-powered version, and because I like big pickups, I often end up a happy guy. But then I spend some time with the diesel-engined model, and I forget all about the gas-burner.

Diesel and pickups! Two great tastes that go great together! A beautiful friendship!

Choose your cliché, but the bottom line is that diesel power, for obvious reasons, makes sense for large trucks — especially if you intend to do any sort of serious work, haul heavy loads, or tow more than a modest camper or trailer.

Ram makes a dandy full-size pickup. The Ram 1500 was Business Insider’s 2019 Car of the Year, and it was a vehicle that impressed us mightily when tested on both the East and West Coasts. But the diesel is even better if you can imagine improving on greatness, as I found out when I borrowed the 2020 edition of the pickup, in a handsome “Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat” paint job, for a week over the summer.

Rebel, Rebel … I love you so!

And what a pickup it was! The Base Crew Cab 4×4 was $47,990, but many options — including the “Rebel Level 2” equipment group ($3,000) and a $5,000 diesel motor — brought my as-tested price to $71,305. A tech package that added heated seats and a heated steering wheel also tacked $3,000 on the sticker, and assorted other goodies embellished the Ram by $200 to $500 here and there.

But that’s the usual story full-size pickups, which are best thought of these days as nearly infinitely option-able, yielding some wide price ranges for the manufacturers that sell everything from bare-bones work trucks to luxurious half-tons.

Allow me to explain why I was testing the Ram 1500 in the first place: gardening! We sort of amped- p our summertime gardening game this year and had to make a journey of modest distance to a center in New Jersey that we’d heard about from our gardening underground.

An SUV wasn’t going to cut it; we needed a proper pickup with the proper bed. And as you can see from the photo above, we made good use of it.

The Ram 1500 I tested came with both a tonneau cover, which was easily folded back, and a bed-separator — a great feature that allowed me to divide the box into one area for heavy bags of soil and one for plants. Using the divider to create a spot for the plants close to the cab meant that I could return home at highway speed without worrying about the load shifting, and I didn’t have to employ the Ram 1500’s tie-down points.

The truck also had the useful RamBox “saddlebags,” a pair of lockable storage compartments at the bed’s flanks. I didn’t need them, but the feature does use the interior of the Ram 1500’s body panels to create some additional capacity, where otherwise an owner might be looking at a third-party setup to tote tools or gear.

Trading horsepower for torque, torque, and more torque

The 3.0-liter, turbodiesel V6 makes 260 horsepower but — get this — 480 pound-feet of torque.

That translates into monumental pulling power. The Rebel can tow more than 12,500 pounds, all while putting up some tasty fuel-economy numbers: 21 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, and 24 combined. (Gas-engined trucks offer a 395-horsepower V8 and a 305-horsepower V6.)

The Ram’s eight-speed automatic handles all of that torque rather gracefully, piping it to the capable four-wheel-drive system. But it doesn’t alter the Rebel diesel’s demeanor, which put me in the mind of a small freight train when I was tooling down the highway.

The truck can go from a standstill to 60 mph in about eight seconds, and when you sum all this up, you see what the Rebel is all about: bold off-roading, an answer to the Ford F-150 Raptor.

The knobby Goodyear tires were a giveaway, but the overall packaging of my Rebel test truck suggested that one could apply the vehicle to a greater variety of tasks than just trail-busting — crammed as it was with infotainment tech, connectivity, premium appointments, and that dashing black paint job.

The blacked-out treatment went further than the paint: the $525 exterior package brought a black grille with black framing, a black Ram badge, and black 18-inch wheels.

As far as off-roading goes, I could point out that black shows dirt, but the Rebel looks so dang cool that I doubt it would stay dirty for long, if ever. This is a pickup that wants to pay frequent visits to the car wash.

Note, however, that there are textured running boards, making getting in and out of the lifted pickup much easier, but also making it possible to scrape mud off your boots before soiling the primo cab.

A high-end interior and a high-end verdict

The all-black exterior theme continues inside the Rebel, with plush front bucket seats and a comfy, capacious rear configuration. A dual-pane sunroof brightens the cabin considerably, but it’s a $1,500 extra.

My test truck was chock full o’ tech, starting with the 8.4-inch central touchscreen running Fiat Chrysler’s underrated Uconnect infotainment system. This setup handles everything from Bluetooth and USB device connectivity to GPS navigation (with USB ports dedicated to charging). I enjoyed the dulcet tones of a 19-speaker Harman-Kardon premium audio system and had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in reserve.

The Ram 1500 was the best full-size pick we drove, off all the half-tons on the market, in the period from about 2015 until last year, when the new Ram grabbed top prize in our Car of Year competition.

I had no complaints about the gas-engined V8 I tested in 2019, but the diesel V6 was something special. If you aren’t driving fast all the time, you grow to love the succulent surge of torque that an awesome diesel produces, and the visual presentation of the Ram 1500 Rebel intensifies that impression.

Simply put, the Ram 1500 Rebel diesel is addictive to drive and addictive to look at, in a totally badass sort of way. I think it shook up the gardening center on that day I visited — Darth Vader unsettling the ‘burbs.

It’s worth pointing out that although the truck has attitude galore, it also gets the job done. This imitating pickup carried flowers and potting soil home, safely and it style. And that says more about the modern, full-size pickup truck world these days than just about anything else.

If you are looking for a new or pre-owned bass boat, you’ll find no shortage of popular bass boat brands available. These brands specialize in creating boats designed and equipped for bass fishing primarily in freshwater, but some are ready for the rigors of saltwater as well. Bass boats typically have a powerful outboard motor for fast access to where the fish are and a stealthy electric trolling motor to avoid spooking them once you arrive. The boats also include specialized fishing features like livewells, fish-finders, open decks for casting, and storage spaces for rods and tackle.

With the wide array of brands on the market, working out which type of bass boat may be best for you will take some study. This guide should give you a good start towards understanding the advantages of different types of bass boats and learning about the best bass boat brands on the market today.

Different Types of Bass Boats

Before we begin exploring the different brands, let’s talk about the big differentiator among bass boats, the construction material. Bass boats are usually made out of either fiberglass or aluminum, with some bass boat brands focusing on one or the other, and others utilizing both materials. Here are the advantages of each type.

Advantages of aluminum

• Aluminum hulls are lighter, making them easier to tow and launch, reducing draft, giving them a higher power-to-weight ratio, and making them some of the most fuel-efficient boats on the water.
• Aluminum construction is usually less expensive when it comes to small -boat models, including bass boats (which generally top out at around 22 feet), creating boats that are more affordable.
• Aluminum boats require minimal maintenance.
• Impact damage is usually easier to repair with aluminum, since it tends to dent instead of shattering or cracking.

More information: The Best Aluminum Bass Boats on the Market Today

Alumacraft Classic 165 Sport aluminium bass boat. Photo credit: Alumacraft

Advantages of fiberglass

• Fiberglass construction allows for more complex shapes in the hull and topsides, and more molded-in integrated features and components.
• The strength, weight, and seaworthiness of many fiberglass boats allow them to be used more comfortably in heavier seas and at faster speeds than than many aluminum boats.
• With more weight and a bit more draft, fiberglass boats tend to drift slower in a breeze and don’t get buffeted around as much at the dock or boat ramp.
• Fiberglass boats can be made in nearly any color desired, and most people feel they have more visual appeal.

Nitro Z17 fiberglass bass boat. Photo credit: Nitro

Popular Bass Boat Brands

We’ve chosen 10 top brands based on performance, reputation, and value. However, there are many other factors that might make a brand the top brand for you. The companies below offer a wide array of models, from boats that are affordable to top performers.

Bass Cat

Founded in 1971, Bass Cat is a small-volume builder of top-tier competition-level bass boats. All their models are available with a lifetime, transferable structural warranty.

Bass Cat offers six models of bass boats in their Premium range, two models in their Advantage range, and two in their Vision range. Their models have long lists of standard features that go well beyond the norm and include items like dip -net scabbards, digital switch panels, jack plates, and custom welded and fitted trailers.

Bass Cat bass boats for sale

Crestliner

Crestliner has won CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) awards for 15 consecutive years for its boats, and the company’s aluminum bass boats are considered some of the best in the industry. Crestliner bass boats have all-welded aluminum hulls for strength and durability and back up their boats with a limited lifetime warranty on all main seam welds and a three-year bow-to-stern warranty.

Crestliner offers a wide variety of bass boat options for anglers, ranging from 16 feet to 21 feet, inches in length. Power options range from 20 horsepower to 250 horsepower. Their high-end offerings are tournament-ready and are built with 0.125” gauge aluminum, as opposed to the more common 0.10” gauge.

Crestliner bass boats for sale

Crestliner XF 189. Photo credit: Crestliner

Lowe

Lowe builds aluminum boats only and has a reputation for making highly versatile bass boats with multiple power and interior options. Customization options include a multitude of innovative fishing features and style choices such as different electric trolling motors, fishfinders, and jack plates.

Lowe currently offers two series of boat models for bass fishing. The economical Skorpion line has three models available from 16 to 17 feet. The Stinger line includes four models dedicated to bass alone, plus two multispecies models, and ranges from 17 feet, 7 inches, to 19 feet, 10 inches. All feature angling accouterments like lockable rod storage, livewells, fish-finders, and tournament-style seating.

Lowe bass boats for sale

Lowe WV1260. Photo credi: Lowe Boats

Lund

In business since 1948, the Lund brand is extremely popular with people who know a lot about boats. This boatbuilder uses innovative layouts to create bass boats that use space efficiently without sacrificing comfort.

Lund’s aluminum boat line includes two bass boat styles between 17 feet, 9 inches and 20 feet, 10 inches long. One, the Pro-V Bass XS, is a premium-priced boat designed for tournament fishing that has all the features an angler could want, including a four-seat layout with hydraulic steering, lighted instrumentation, and a custom fiberglass console and dash. The more affordable Renegade line includes smaller, simpler models intended for crossover fishing for multiple species.

Lund bass boats for sale

Lund 1875 Pro V Bass XS. Photo credit: Lund Boats

Nitro

Nitro is a top brand among fiberglass bass boats and its Z series has nine different models from 17 feet, 4 inches to 21 feet, 2 inches, widely ranging in both price and performance. All are sold as fully equipped boat-motor-trailer packages, and the vast majority of the options Nitro offers are upgrades to existing stock equipment.

Many of their models include high-tech electronics with features like side-scanning not just at the helm, but also on the bow. And these are often networked via NMEA2000, so units like the fishfinders and the trolling motors can work in sync.

Nitro bass boats for sale

Nitro Z18. Photo credit: Nitro

Ranger

Founded in 1968, the Ranger brand is a household name in the world of bass boats and has a reputation or creating boats that are built to last. The company makes a wide range of bass boats, both fiberglass and aluminum, to appeal to various types of anglers.

Ranger’s aluminum bass boat line has six models. Each one offers foam-filled hulls, all-welded construction, and numerous fishing features. Their fiberglass lineup has 11 models from 18 feet, 8 inches to 21 feet, 9 inches.

Ranger bass boats for sale

Ranger Z519. Photo credit: Ranger Boats

Skeeter

Skeeter is a bass fishing -boat brand that has been in business for 75 years. The company designs tournament-worthy, high-end bass boats from 18 feet, 6 inches, to 21 feet, 4 inches. They come with an eye-opening lifetime limited structural warranty, a 10-year transferable warranty, and a three -year component warranty.

These are not inexpensive boats, and even in stock form are outfitted with powerful outboards, advanced electronics, jack plates, and potent electric trolling motors. You’ll have a difficult time finding any bass fishing features you can dream of that doesn’t appear on their list

Skeeter bass boats for sale

Skeeter FXR20 Apex. Photo credit: Skeeter Boats

Tracker

Tracker has taken the top spot as America’s No. 1 seller of aluminum fishing boats by offering a wide selection of affordable boat models through the popular Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Boating Centers, as well as additional area dealers. Made with all-welded aluminum hulls, Tracker boats come packed with fishing features like a Lowrance color fish-finder, pedestal seating at the bow and stern, and Minn Kota trolling motors.

Tracker offers a lineup of six modified-V bass boats ranging from 16 feet, 8 inches to 18 feet, 7 inches. Tracker models come with generally modest price tags and most don’t offer tournament-level performance, but they are packed with standard features and offer a tremendous bang for the buck.

Tracker bass boats for sale

Bass Tracker Classic XL. Photo credit: Tracker Boats

Triton

Triton builds a wide range of fiberglass bass boats from 18 feet, six6 inches to 21 feet in length. These are tournament-level boats and the newest, the 2024 20XP Patriot, boasts speeds of over 70 mph. Triton utilizes a double-brace, seven -cross-member stringer system to reduce hull and deck twisting and attain top-level performance.

Along with the top-tier performance, Triton brings a visual flair to the table. Their boats are available in 14 different color packages which are coordinated with the trailer. They also feature high-end accessories, like Centric II mesh pedestal seats, ResQ retractable reboarding ladders, and Vault trailer hubs.

Triton bass boats for sale

Triton 21XRT. Photo credit: Triton Boats

Xpress

Xpress boats build a line of eight aluminum bass boats from 17 to 21 feet, ranging from tournament-level to beginner boats. While they come fairly well equipped, a huge list of optional items allows for a lot of customization ranging from blinker-style trim control to premium sound systems with RGB lighting.

One unusual component of the Xpress bass boat offerings is the Xplorer lineup, which is designed to serve as a bass fishing machine during the summer and a waterfowl hunting boat in the winter. It has a basic bass boat design but a smaller foredeck coupled with an enlarged cockpit, and is finished completely in camo.

Xpress bass boats for sale

Xpress X21Pro. Photo credit: Xpress boats

If you love bass fishing, there’s no doubt that sooner or later there will be a bass boat in your future. Just which one you choose will be a tough call. Maybe it will be one of the top 10 brands we’ve called out here, and maybe a smaller builder or a custom make that strikes your fancy. Either way, it’s a sure thing that once you make your choice your bass fishing will get a whole lot better.

By Jonathan Kilburn

The Hellcat is a formidable carry pistol that provides a compact carry option with exceptional performance. And since Springfield released the Hellcat OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) version along with the standard, its optics options have expanded quite a bit.

One of my favorite features has always been the iron sights that come standard on the pistol. The tritium/luminescent U-Dot sight picture makes the perfect daytime and nighttime set of irons for fast target acquisition.

But, as good as irons can be, as technology has advanced, the use of red dot pistol optics has gained in popularity. This could be because of the ability to gain fast target acquisition, having an illuminated sight, or even the moderately low cost compared to similar optics in the past. None of these are specific to the Hellcat, but a general statement for all pistols used in defensive applications.

No matter what the reason for wanting to explore and use red dot pistol mounted optics, there is no denying their ability to assist aiming. When defending oneself and others, milliseconds matter.

Topping It Off

Today, we are considering two Holosun micro red dots released in 2022 — the EPS and EPS Carry. Since then, it’s been requested in many gun shops across the country. There is a lot to like about these optics. Holosun has developed a reputation for good quality in their products, and the EPS and EPS Carry are no different.

The EPS family, which stands for “Enclosed Pistol Sight”, come from the factory with a host of features. Each model offers several different options. While standard shake awake features, 50k hour battery life, parallax free objective glass and other various features come standard on all, one of Holosun’s claim-to-fame offerings is the optional solar back-up.

General features of the line include CNC-machined 7075 aluminum housings, Shake Awake Technology with last setting recall, CR1620 battery offering up to 50,000 hours of continuous use, multi-coated lenses, IPX8 water and dust resistance, aspherical glass lenses, and good window sizes (0.90 x 0.63 on the larger EPS, and 0.77 x 0.58 on the smaller EPS Carry). Weight of the EPS is 1.4 oz., and the EPS Carry comes in at 1.23 oz.

Holosun EPS Carry Mounting Options

C&H Precision Weapons has been in the firearms industry for quite some time, with a focus on slide milling and optics mounting plates. Some of their biggest clients has been various federal law enforcement agencies. Currently, they have a large lineup of optics mounting plates that work with most of the big names in pistol-mounted optics.

There is no standard plate that comes with the EPS lineup that will fit directly to the Hellcat. Holosun has partnered with C&H Precision to offer a plate marrying these two powerhouses. A kit can be purchased directly from C&H that provides the plate, screws and red Loctite or alternative. FixIT sticks and torque limiters are recommended. Overall, installing the EPS Carry on the Hellcat using C&H Precision plates is straightforward and as simple as possible.

Off and On the Pistol

There is a difference between the EPS, and EPS Carry. Holosun sent one of each for photos and examination. The EPS we received did not have the solar backup system and featured a simple 6 MOA dot. The EPS Carry did have the solar backup and a 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA circle. All options are available on both platforms. Side by side, the EPS is slightly larger than the Carry in overall width and height. While not a drastic difference on paper, it can make a difference on a micro-compact pistol.

The Hellcat is known for being one of the smallest micro-compact pistols with a larger-than-average capacity. Due to the overall size, the EPS Carry was mounted to the Hellcat OSP. Dimensionally, the EPS Carry is 1.09” wide and the EPS is 1.19” wide, while the Hellcat is reported to be exactly 1” wide. No matter which optic was chosen, it would protrude over the side of the rounded slide edge slightly.

When mounted, a full view of the iron sights was still possible. The EPS Carry had slight wings that helped to line up the iron sights while protecting the elevation adjustment knob. This was something missing from the EPS which offered a flat surface, despite the deck being the same height. For intended use on a Hellcat, I would lean toward the EPS Carry, and save the EPS for a larger pistol.

Drop Testing the Holosun EPS

7075 T6 aluminum makes up the overall housing on both models. They’re robust and lightweight without looking like a set of “birth control” glasses from the military. Despite the look, the real test represents how they perform after a drop.

No optic is designed for excessive drops. They will all fail at some point. So, the most realistic option for a drop test would be the most probable type of fall for a concealed carry pistol — from waist height to shoulder height. As the Hellcat itself has been well-tested for drops and falls, it deserves an optic that can match that.

Taking the EPS Carry, the sight was adjusted out to 25 yards while being mounted and matched to the factory irons for co-witness. Firing two magazines seemed enough for the first accuracy test. The upcoming goal wasn’t to be as accurate as possible, but to see if the reticle will drift after a fall.

From the Waist: I dropped the chamber-empty Hellcat OSP three times from waist high onto a hard — but not abrasive — surface. Physically, it appeared nothing was wrong with the optic, even cosmetically. The reticle did not move.

From the Chest: Moving to chest height, the pistol was again dropped three times onto compacted dirt at the range. No reticle movement was witnessed when firing. It appeared as if the housing was even tougher than advertised.

From the Shoulder: The final tests came from shoulder height. With an outstretched arm, the Hellcat was dropped onto a tiled floor three times, leaving some small dings and a few compacted pieces of rubber in the optic. I test-fired the pistol and noted no reticle movement. Next, the pistol was dropped on the compacted gravel roadway leading to the range from this height. The exterior of the optic had some impacts, with slightly marred rubber pieces. There was no intentional attempt to hit any specific area. The entire test also caused some cosmetic damage to my personal Hellcat.

After the shoulder height tests, the optic didn’t appear to have any issues with reticle movement. While no longer as pretty or “new,” the reticle didn’t move and the buttons were still fully operational with the glass intact. Anodized coatings are great, but not impact-proof.

Concealing the Hellcat and Holosun RDS

With a 1.09” width, it’s not hard to see why this is a perfect choice for concealed carry pistols. This minimal protrusion over the slide of the Hellcat is so small it’s barely noticeable. When tucked away in an IWB holster designed for an optic, the pistol was comfortable with little to no noticeable difference. However, not all holsters used were able to secure the Hellcat with the optic attached. Some of these were just too narrow to even adapt that extra .09 inches of width over the slide.

When looking for a holster for any pistols with mounted optics, it’s best to find one with an open top adaptable for any width pistol optic.

EPS Carry Review — Conclusion

Both the EPS and EPS Carry are excellent pistol optics. The size, durability, and price are the perfect trifecta. When utilizing the EPS Carry, I found that it is not only exceptionally well built for the size, but the options available and solar back-up make it extremely appealing. To me, an adaptive solar back-up takes the worry out regarding the battery performance.

For me, the real stand-out feature with Holosun is the solar back-up. Ranging from an MSRP of $389 to $506, these Holosuns break the mold. For the Hellcat, an additional adaptor plate from C&H Precision Weapons also adds $50 MSRP. Overall, I think this makes for the perfect conceal carry combo.

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Bull sharks and crocodiles are enigmatic oceanic creatures. Let us together draw a comparative analysis on them.

Both bull sharks and crocodiles are powerful predators with excellent combat skills. While sharks keep biting their prey till it is mutilated and dead, crocodiles hang on to their flesh and remove it from their bodies before feeding on it. In addition, crocodiles live on both land and water, whereas sharks can survive only in water.

Today, we will together look at some of the most common questions people ask about the differences between bull sharks and crocodiles.

Image Credits: “Hartley’s Creek Crocodile farm” by Sue Waters is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Image Credits: “オオメジロザメ Bull shark” by ume-y is marked with CC BY 2.0.

Do bull sharks attack crocodiles?

Bull sharks and crocodiles are hostile animals, without a doubt. Let us explore whether bull sharks attack crocodiles.

Bull sharks do not attack crocodiles, but the opposite is entirely possible. There have been several recorded instances over the years of crocodiles biting and eating bull sharks, along with other shark species such as lemon sharks. In fact, saltwater crocodiles are notorious for attacking and eating bull sharks.

Crocodiles are aggressive animals known for their ferocity. Therefore, they often prey on bull sharks and other shark species in addition to fishes and other marine animals.

Is a shark stronger than a crocodile?

Sharks are powerful animals with tremendous strength. But are sharks stronger than crocodiles? Let us find out.

Sharks are not stronger than crocodiles, with the exception of the great white sharks. Bull sharks are often attacked by crocodiles, and so are lemon sharks and tiger sharks. Great white sharks are powerful enough to engage in combat with crocodiles, and they are also fast swimmers, which gives them an added advantage.

Crocodiles are massive animals that kill marine creatures quite indiscriminately. From sharks to fishes and seagulls, crocodiles attack one and all because of their tremendous strength.

Saltwater crocodile vs bull shark

Image Credits: “Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)” by berniedup is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Image credits: “オオメジロザメ Bull shark” by ume-y is marked with CC BY 2.0.

Saltwater crocodiles and bull sharks are two distinct species. Let us draw a comparative analysis on them.

Saltwater crocodiles are humongous animals who eat indiscriminately, whereas bull sharks adhere to a very specific diet comprising fishes and smaller sharks. Saltwater crocodiles are powerful and can easily munch through a bull shark. In fact, bull sharks prefer occupying freshwaters and do not thrive in saltwater regions. Therefore, attacking them becomes easier.

Saltwater crocodiles have a tremendous advantage over bull sharks and can easily overpower them. In fact, there have been several recorded instances of bull sharks being eaten by saltwater crocodiles.

Bull sharks vs saltwater crocodile bite

Image Credits: “Crocodiles Mouth-01&” by Sheba Also 18 Million Views is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.

Both bull sharks and crocodiles have a strong bite that can injure possible victims. Let us learn which of the two has a stronger bite.

Saltwater crocodiles are fantastic biters and have the most powerful bite among all crocodile species, whereas bull sharks have the best bite among the shark species. Although both bull sharks and crocodiles are excellent biters, saltwater crocodiles have a biting force of 3,700 pounds per square inch to bite through hard and soft-shelled prey.

That being said, bull sharks are strong biters, too but lack the force that characterizes crocodiles.

Bull shark vs crocodile appearance

Bull sharks and crocodiles have very distinct appearances, and even a layman can tell them apart. Let us learn more in this regard.

Bull sharks are essentially shark species that are cartilaginous and live in water at all times, whereas crocodiles belong to the family of reptiles and live on land too. Besides, bull sharks grow up to 11-20 feet, whereas most crocodiles attain a similar height and grow anywhere between 10 to 20 feet.

We must mention here that grown up bull sharks weigh slightly more than crocodiles. On average, most bull sharks will weigh 1,000 to 2,400 lbs, whereas crocodiles can weigh 2,000 pounds at maximum.

Bull sharks vs crocodiles teeth

One major point of dissimilarity between bull sharks and crocodiles is their teeth structure. Allow us to tell you more in this regard.

Bull sharks have around 50 odd teeth in the front row itself, and overall, they have 300 teeth on average, whereas crocodiles have around 66 conical-shaped teeth. As some of you might already know, sharks lose and regrow their teeth several times during their lifetime. Even crocodiles shed their old teeth but not as frequently as sharks.

Needless to say, both bull sharks and crocodiles need a strong set of teeth to survive in the ocean and hunt for potential prey.

Bull sharks vs crocodiles lifespan

Bull sharks and crocodiles also vary in terms of their lifespan. Allow us to tell you more on this topic.

On average, saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years, whereas bull sharks can live up to 12-16 years. Most crocodile species live merely up to 30-40 years, with the Nile crocodile clocking in a lifespan of 50-60 years. In captivity, bull sharks have been known to live up to 30 years. Most sharks have a similar lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Bull sharks vs crocodiles movement

Image Credits: “Bull Shark” by Relativiox is marked with CC BY 2.0.

A common question asked about bull sharks and crocodiles is how they vary in terms of speed. Let us learn more in this regard.

Most sharks can swim faster than crocodiles, especially the great white sharks. On average, bull sharks can swim at the rate of 35 mph, whereas crocodiles can swim only up to 15mph when in water and around 22mph when they are on land. Since sharks swim faster in water, they might sometimes escape attacks from crocodiles.

Conclusion

Bull sharks and crocodiles are two of the most fierce, dangerous aquatic species. They have a powerful jaw and can easily bite into and tear apart their prey. In terms of senses, sharks see better when they are in water and can also smell blood. Crocodiles, on the other hand, have better defenses since they can move on both land and water and have really tough skin, which makes recoveries from injuries quicker.

How To Cook A Pig In The Ground Southern Style

When it comes to traditional Southern cooking, few things beat the rich flavors and succulent tenderness of a whole pig cooked in the ground. This age-old cooking method, known as “pig roasting” or “hog roasting,” brings together an entire community for a hearty feast. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of cooking a pig in the ground like a true Southerner.

1. Choose the Right Pig

The key to a successful pig roast is selecting the right pig. Look for a young pig, preferably weighing between 60 and 100 pounds. It’s important to choose a pig that is fresh and sourced from a reputable butcher or farm.

2. Prepare the Pit

Prepare a pit in your backyard or designated cooking area. The pit should be large enough to accommodate the pig and have sufficient depth for hot coals or wood. Line the pit with bricks or rocks for insulation.

3. Build the Fire

Start by building a fire in the pit. Use hardwood such as oak, hickory, or mesquite for a traditional smoky flavor. Allow the fire to burn until you have a good bed of hot coals. You can also add some soaked wood chips for additional flavor.

4. Season the Pig

While the fire is burning, it’s time to season the pig. Generously rub a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite dry rub all over the pig, both inside and out. This will help to enhance the flavor and ensure a crispy, flavorful skin.

5. Secure the Pig

Place the pig on a large wire mesh or grill grate and securely attach it to a metal rod or rebar. This will make it easier to handle and rotate the pig during the cooking process. Make sure it is properly positioned above the hot coals.

6. Lower the Pig into the Pit

Using heat-resistant gloves or hooks, carefully lower the pig into the pit, positioning it directly above the hot coals. Ensure that it is centered and not touching the sides of the pit to facilitate even cooking.

7. Cover and Cook

Once the pig is securely in the pit, cover it with a layer of burlap or wet banana leaves. This will help to retain moisture and create a steaming effect during the cooking process. Then, cover the pit with a layer of dirt or sand to seal in the heat.

8. Monitor the Cooking

Allow the pig to cook slowly over the hot coals for approximately 12 hours. It’s crucial to monitor the cooking temperature, maintaining it around 225-250°F. Rotate the pig every few hours to ensure even cooking and baste it with a mixture of vinegar and water or your desired marinade.

9. Test for Doneness

To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pig without touching the bone. The internal temperature should read 160°F for the meat to be safely cooked. Additionally, the skin should be crispy and golden brown.

10. Carve and Serve

Once the pig is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pit and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife or cleaver to carve the pig into succulent pieces, including the crispy skin. Serve alongside traditional Southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and barbecue sauce.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to cooking a pig in the ground Southern Style. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or a festive gathering, this traditional method is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more of that smoky, tender goodness. So gather your friends and family, and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the South with a mouthwatering pig roast!