Sinker

I use the seafoam as a stabilizer. Its just a bonus that it keeps my fuel system clean at the same time. I must admit, I don't run it in every tank........but most of the time I do. I'd say at least 80% of the fuel that runs thru my engine has seafoam in it. If I fill up and plan on trolling the whole tank away, I'll say screw it, then add a little extra for the next time I'm taking a good run. My engine is a '93 40HP 2 stroke and it runs like a dream.......always has. Good thing too, its a pull start Two pulls from a cold start........every time......one half pull after that. I run it at least twice a week from april till december, and through some real nasty stuff in the fall chasing ducks. I"d love to know how many hours are on it, I'm sure I'm well into the thousands...... Preventative maintenance is the way to go for sure. S.

Get a tranny cooler for sure. I just put one in my Forester. Its rated to tow 2000lbs. My rig is well under, but for $50 + the time to install it, its money well spent. A lot cheaper than a new tranny, and its even cheaper than a tranny flush which I also had done. S.

I run that in every tank. S.

IF a stashed boat is locked, leave it alone. I've never locked any of ours, but I've found lots of them locked up. To each thier own. Good point about leaving all the stuff in the boat where you found it. I know if I use a stashed boat, I don't take anything out I didn't take in......unless its garbage of course. S.

IF you have a set up with braid on it, run the dipsey off that. 8lb mono will stretch like a rubber band........if it doesn't break first.......behind a dipsey. If you don't have a line counter reel, count the # of rips of line you let out, so you have a basic idea how deep your fishing, and you can do it again if you do get a fish. There are a lot of better lakes for lakers in that area BTW. S.

I use stashed boats all the time, and I have left a couple as well. In the ones I've left, I spray paint in orange paint, USE DON'T ABUSE. So far, so good. If I get to a back lake and there are boats full of water or in danger of being damaged, I always take the time to empty them, or move them to a safer area. None of mine are locked, I don't see the point in locking them. I've also wondered what would happen if I was out fishin in a stashed boat and the owner showed up to use it. I'd have no problem giving up the boat. I just hope the guy isn't a tool about it and lose his cool. If I see somone show up, I always tour back just to make sure I'm not in thier boat. You never know. Most people you run into in a back lake are pretty cool doods though, so I"m sure after sharing a beer and shooting the bull for a bit, things would be fine. S.

Mike, your speed seems way to fast for a newer 4 stroke. I have a 40 mariner 2 stroke that idles at 2 MPH, and less into a wind. I have to use the electric to go slower than that, or install a trolling plate. If your 4 stroke is running 5mph at idle, that's way too fast I think. My Hull might be a little wider than yours, but weight would be about the same. A change in props could help you out a little, but not enough to lose 3mph at idle. Those trolling plates look cool, and prolly work, but I wonder how long until you forget them down and whack them off something? I wouldn't put them on my boat, I'd just break them for sure!! I could be wrong, but that seems very fast for a 4 stroke........I thought the hype on them was how great they troll?? Ya shoulda got the 2 stroke I'd love to have that engine on my boat though!! The old mariner works great, but you have some nice options in the yammy tiller handle that I don't have, and could use them!!! S.

Its mostly willows, you don't want them, trust me. I'm prolly gonna spend some time removing trees from trails this week......nothing like kevlar chainsaw chaps on a hot summer day S.

I can see the riggers on there now........and the rod holders, rods, nets, lures,.........I thought you said it came with everything Nice rig for cruisin around though, you guys will have lots of fun in that. s.

I swear by it. I put some in every tank of gas since the ethanol in gas started. Worth every penny. I get mine at NAPA. Most of them will have it, if they don't they can order it in for ya! S.

Take the 401, even if you hit traffic, its still quicker than 407. once the 407 ends, its all traffic lights and mostly single lane. Traffic on the 401 will still be faster. S.

Ditto! My problem was a bad o ring on the fuel filter cansiter. So far so good. If I pumped the ball while going WOT she ran fine, so I started at the tank, and worked my way back to the carbs and found the split O-ring. S.

I don't think they'll be all that deep. Its been cold and windy. The lakes won't be set up very well yet IMO. I'd troll the first main drop off. Cast to shore in the mornings and evenings. GL! S.

Awesome trip TJ. Will you adopt me? Those ducks are goldeneyes BTW S.

Trip of a lifetime for most of us Drifter. Great report. Love the look on that chessie's face in the one picture. Great dogs! Sinker

Its funny you post this, because my 2 stroke 40 mariner started doing the same thing. Only at WOT. I can run 3/4 throttle no problem, but as soon as I crack on it, she misses. I have no idea what it is. I was going to post the same question.......it will idle, troll, run at any speed but wide open no problem. As soon as I crank it open it misses, so I back off. I don't think running seafoam is going to help, I run it in every tank of gas, and I decarb it a few times a year too. She's as clean as a whistle, and the carbs are mint. I almost thought it was starving for fuel at full throttle? S.

Have you been on one when its rough? I was out on simcoe in one when it was pretty rough, and it was much more comfortable then in my boat. Where do you get the impression they can't handle rough water? Just curious...... S.

Red hooks dont rust either. I like them as well. Once the red wears off, they're gold. S.

I've been on a 26ft toon, with a 115 merc on the back. Let me tell ya, it flies!! NO PROBLEM to ski or even wakeboard behind it. Awesome platform for fishing. Rough water is a breeze! I'd rather be on a toon than in my deep V hull anyday when its rough. Wind is a bit of an issue, but pretty much the same with any 26ft boat I'd guess? I know my old mans 26fter with a full cuddy is a pain in the ass in a big wind at slow speeds, the toon would be a lot lighter anyways......so who knows. S.

All the kawartha lakes are loaded with eyes. Pick one, learn it, and you'll get your fish. They're all pretty much the same. Rice lake has been good for me this year, but mostly because its close to home. I do well in all the K-lakes for eyes, even if I'm not fishing them. S.

I like all fish. They all taste good in thier own way. I have noticed that swampy taste in crappies from certain lakes, when compared to crappies from different lakes. I call it a "bassy" smell S.

We've been putting a hurtin on the eyes there all season this year. I might head out there too.......I"m off wed/thurs. S.

Agreed, you gotta tell us details Where, and on what? No need to tell your secret spot, just general body of water or region of ontario would be fine. It makes a difference. A fish like that out of the kawartha's is a friggen trophy, a fish like that out of a larger body of water is a trophy, but not as uncommon. Kinda like a quinte 14lb eye, and a kawartha lake 14lb eye........totally different class of trophy. Congrats on that fish though regardless, I know I'd be proud of that baby for sure!!! The pics are great too, nice going!! You gotta love those days when front after front are rolling through. They always produce fish. S.

Nice musky Carole!! WTG!!! Losing a big one just makes you want to get back out there again, doesn't it.........Cliff?? No worries, I've lost my share too, its part of the game. Sinker

Yep, BJ bait and Tackle in Bewdley rents pontoons. As well as a couple others close by. I'm not sure about wheelchair access though, but I'm sure they'd help you out any way they could. Give them a call. The walleye fishing has been great there so far this season too Sinker