sneak_e_pete

Cast adventures. I am booked with him this summer... Must have spent 20 minutes on the phone with me answering my questions. Impressed so far!

Not to hijack this thread, but it brings up the question... When buying a new boat, is a kicker really worth the $3k or will a trolling plate or drift sock do just the same?

Where are the launches? I refuse to pay $25 bucks at 50 point which is 1 minute away from me

When are the browns in shallow? Also are there any free boat launches in Grimsby?

Hey, my family has a trailer in Lowbanks (15 minutes east of Dunnville). I launch out of Mohawk Marina. If anyone is experienced in fishing this area I would really appreciate some tips. I have a 16 ft with a 40hp, so won't be going too far out.

X2 have done this and not a drop

I think that is a key point. To be honest, we only caught 5 fish over 3 days, but we went for walks, had snowball fights, played games etc. Just him and I.

Hi there, I have a 4 1/2 year old boy, a 3 year old boy and a 4 month old boy. This year, I took my oldest son ice fishing for the fist time to Nipissing the second week of January. For all you fathers out there who are as passionate about fishing as I am, you know how important this was to me. It was just him and I for 3 days in the hut. I was unsure about how it would go....I mean, how do you entertain a 4 year old for 3 days in a hut....but it was truly awesome. He loved every minute of it and got right into it. I don't think I even touched a minnow the whole time we were there because he wanted to do it. To top if off, he caught the biggest fish of the trip. I was outside having a smoke and he yelled "Daddy...I think I have a fish". I peeked in the door and the rod was doubled over. He caught a HUGE ling and had brought it all the way up to the hole...all I had to do was lift it out....he was so proud. The fish that we caught, he handled like a pro...no fear...no hesitation whatsoever. We played Trouble, Candyland, watched some movies on my laptop and ate junk food...what a great time. He asks me almost every day when we are going to go again. I have already booked for next year. For all you fathers out there...just do it. You won't regret it!

Hey man. Awesome post! I live in Grimsby and would love to get out a couple of times.

Hey, I live in Grimsby and am looking to hook up with some new guys to fish with. I have a boat, 16 ft and was thinking of some spring browns. PM me if interested in getting together.

Been going there for 5 years. Great operator! PM me and I am happy to share some info.

Hey, the GPS seminar would be great! I live in Grimsby. Where and what time on the 28th?

Do you have an aerator? If not, keep them in a bucket in the garage with some ice in the bucket. Make sure you dont use tap water for the bucket or the ice as it will kill them... Use distilled water

I bought a 587ci (w/out downscan) 2 years ago and I know i am not using it to its potential. Are you aware of any seminars or info places to help me learn how to properly use it?

Ok, what kind of run time from a charge?

That is awesome!

Wow! This is great as I had no idea an ice ducer was even an option. One more question though. I always bring my boat batteries with me with an invertor... With the boat battery already being there, is there any advantage to the battery pack?

So how do you remove a transducer every year... just re-silicone in spring?

I have a 587ci but it is mounted to the boat

Hey, I only get out once or twice a year for ice fishing, but reading some posts has me thinking ice sonar... is it worth it? How much does a unit cost?

When I wake up, I think of fishing. When I drive to work I think of fishing. When I drive home I think of fishing. When I go to sleep, I think of fishing. It's nice to know there are people out there as crazy as I am!

I have 3 sons of my own and that honestly made me cry. Your dad is proud, I have no doubt about that!

Been going to South Shore Camping and Ice Condos for 5 years. Truly EXCELLENT customer service! Pm me if you want some info on what to expect. Took my 4 year old for the first time this year and had a blast.

I thought I would start this topic to help answer some of my questions, but I am sure that there are a lot of other people out there who would really benefit from some of the knowledge on the board of previous boat buyers. I will be buying a new boat in the next couple of years, but I have started looking now. I currently have a 16ft alumacraft with a 40 4 stroke, but I bought it used. This time, I want brand new. I went to the boat show this year and I am glad I did, because it really helped me to visualize what I am looking for. However...it also brought up a TON of questions that I had a hard time getting an answer for (every dealer gave me a different answer). Hoping that some board insight will help. The model that really stood out to me at the show was the Smokercraft Ultima 172. I have 3 boys, and the seating arrangement and being able to use it for more than fishing was ideal. Size is also a consideration as I need to keep towing weight below 3,000 lbs. Budget is $30-$32K It was listed at $25,000 with a 90hp 4 stroke and came with a fisherman's top. The boat is rated for 140hp...I would 100% get the 140hp. So after a long introduction, here goes with the questions: 1. What options should I be considering? Is there anything that is a MUST have? I like the motor upgrade, battery charger, full top, ski bar...anything else? 2. Kicker or no kicker? Some people said definitely need one. Other people said don't waste your money. A couple of guys said a trolling plate on the main motor will do the same.???? 3. If yes to kicker, is there anything else I need to consider (i.e. how do I control the kicker? Does it steer with the main wheel and shift from the console? 4. 4 stroke versus 2 stroke. I got a LOT of conflicting information at the show on this one. I also thought it would be very useful if we could share some pricing tips. What is the best way to negotiate a price? With all of the options I thought of so far....the Ultima would come out to around $33-$34K give or take. I know these are a lot of questions, probably with many long answers as well, but any information is greatly appreciated.

I really like this boat (the 172 Superfisherman). 100" Beam, 17ft 8" length...good layout. Anyone ever been in one? They seem to be paired up with Suzuki outboards....any opinions on Suzuki? http://www.starcraftmarine.com/Showroom/Specifications.aspx?TypeId=37&SeriesId=131&ModelId=1597&Type=Fishing%20Boats&Series=Superfisherman&Model=176