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Good suggestion. I did a destructive test on one last nite. I bent it with the needle nose and broke it off near the point. It took so much force though that it would be hard to see any fish smaller than a bluefin breaking it. Surely the line would go first!

I purchased a paddle duck lure for $2.50 and a multi jointed stick bait (6) for $3.00 from Aliexpress. The quality is pretty good. I target pike and musky. So far these lures have held up and I like the fact I saved over $30.00. Not all stuff from Aliexpress is junk.

I’d just call customs. I’d sure as heck wouldn’t be dragging a boat back to the states.

This is the boat were all discussing

I have no problem with folks getting a "good deal". I'm all for competitive free markets that offer the best products/services at the lowest price. Its the "knock offs" that I have an issue with. As a former business owner, I know the $$$, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, it takes to build a brand and the reputation that brand reflects. These "companies" (I use the term loosely) in China that blatantly use the same name (or very similar), logos, and "look alike" products as established brands are no better (if not worse) than common thieves. In China they operate without impunity because they don't respect or enforce global copyright laws...in fact, it's encouraged by that regime. Frankly, purchasing these products is the moral equivalent of buying goods from a break and enter criminal that robbed your neighbour.

This is well worth the hassle.

someone here suggested being limited in what you tell border patrol, I’m going to recommend the complete opposite. documentation and honesty were absolutely key when I crossed the border while it was still closed! (Yes I did that) my story was so pure, honest, my paperwork so organized, the border agents couldn’t help but take me up on my request for exception to enter the United States on the basis of conducting legal commerce. I used their literal wording from the law itself when I requested entry. they wanted to know every little detail, who my seller was, where he lived, why he was selling this boat to me, why not buy a boat in canada, what was the structure of our transaction, how much I was paying etc etc. and I answered every question honestly with full conviction. I don’t know where you live specifically, hopefully in the gta? A day trip down to Buffalo is in reality nothing if it means you get to buy that boat for $2,000. it’s not different IMO then me saving 10+ grand on my boat by buying from a guy in New York. Obviously 100% worth it. make sure you check if Ohio is a “title state” if it is you will need to complete a title search on the trailer and show proof of clean title! you will also need to complete the exception for the trailer from the trailer inspection component. start reading! There’s a few pieces of documentation you are going to need in order to import that trailer you can get them all online. It takes some time but it’s not that bad. go figure, kindness and honesty will break down even the most hardened border agent. The guys absolutely grilled me and acted like tough guys right up until the moment that they decided to let me in. The guy that interviewed me inside US customs came out and said “go get your boat and make sure you leave immediately, have fun”

I did speak to a friend of mine that works at Canada customs. He too had suggested I deliver the boat to my friend where he could legally export it to me sounds like a major headache..

Thx, guys. It looks like I am out $2-3---almost enough for a small Starbux!! (BTW--I just noticed the little blue circles. It rates me as 'all knowing angler"---what a laff!! Best chuckle in a while. Wait until I tell my buds!!😁 )

Well what fantastic information, thanks. As always this site doesn't disappoint! Looks like I may have to get myself a passport. As for the boat itself. It was winterized, lower unit oil changed out and all 3 batteries left on a tender. Ot was stored inside with the cover on it. It did have half a tank of gas in her, but I have already pumped out 40 litres and added 60 litres of fresh premium marine fuel. Gen 7 gas station in Roseneath has actual marine grade gas..Who knew! I'll be launching the boat this weekend and will use it all summer as a "borrowed" boat and will haul it to the border in the fall to have it properly imported. It's a Crestliner fish hawk 1750 those seats are terrible for foam separating. So I will have to repair or replace those seats Anyway thanks again for your reply..cheers!

If you Google "fake Gamakatsu hooks" you will see a number of posts/reports of knock-offs being sold on-line. It seems the fake ones have steel that has a lower carbon content (more likely to snap or bend) and aren't chemically sharpened...Gamakatsu has a proprietary process (try the fingernail test). Personally, for all the $$$ I spend to get out fishing....boats, gas, gear, etc...the last place I would want to save a few pennies is the business end of your tackle. After all, hooking fish and keeping them pinned is the primary objective in fishing. In the grand scheme of things, even the best hooks are relatively cheap.

Bring many jig heads. Might be the only place I've ever gone and wished I'd brought more tackle.