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I have no qualms with Rapala QC never having had any real issues. The finishes may not be top tier but that is reflected in the price and,they sure do catch fish. If they have an achilles heel its the hooks; sharp but too weak. I dont use their reels or rods but like the sufix line offerings.

And those of us close to it are glad its not an easy reach for the hordes

Trout Lake near Noelville, After ice out find the flats in under 15 FOW preferably with a stream feed. Tie on a J-13 Rap and enjoy. Several years ago I picked up a 22 lbs there and had one on for 30min which I could not winch off the bottom. Save for some massive air bubbles it released, I never got a glimpse of it. Likely the largest fish Ive ever had on and that includes other LT's and kings at over 35 lbs. I recall I went thru 3 cigarettes with that beast sitting directly on bottom 10' below the boat and I could not move him an inch. Eventually the hooks worked themselves free and the rap floated to the top. Have always wanted to go back but moved out west and LOTW aint too shabby and under 2 hrs away.

The most respected braid amongst experienced salties is Jerry Brown line: http://www.meltontackle.com/products/jerry-brown-non-hollow-spectra.html Its an upper tier product with a loyal following.

I tried to count how many fly-ins Ive done.......came up with 27 that I can remember, likely a few more if I include moose hunts. In any event, if you are going to go mid August or later, one can negotiate a much better price at many camps as they are slow at that time. A lodge with a tremendous fishery is Cat Island Lodge on Trout Lake, a short 15 min flight out of Red Lake. Cat Island lodge offers an American Plan at housekeeping prices come mid August. Expect 100+ walleye days with the majority over 20". My PB LT came out of there at 33lbs in addition to a 47" NP. The lake is big and offers countless days of exploring if thats what you want or, you can start catching right from the dock. Take in a portable downrigger and depth finder and you will average a laker every 10 min with most over 5 lbs and many over 10. That said, I rediscovered Lake of the Woods this year after a few years absence. The MNR has done an outstanding job of managing the fishery there. During our week in mid Aug the action was steady and we caught dozens over 23" including a 29". Despite it being our 1st time in the N-W area (S-W of Kenora) we had no trouble finding lots of large fish. In some respects (ave fish size) the lake surpasses any fly-in Ive been on and rivals the upper tier lakes in quantity. Moreover, most camps are drive to with a few boat in options. Two camps I would recommend are Ash Rapids and, Crow Rock (American Plan only) but, there are many others.

Hard to beat Cabela's rainwear for price/quality. Their Dry Wear Tourney Trail series is an exceptional product(s) and priced reasonably.

Those rechargeables based on my buddy's experience have a relatively short shelf life....generally around 5 years before the battery wont hold a charge any longer. It can ruin a trip if if dies. I depend on my depth finder too much and always take two in with me and both will run over a week on 8 D's.

Been a good year however the fish are in different pattern this year much shallower than in a more typical summer. I use slower presentations and choose my days more carefully. The flip flop in weather has been far more pronounced this summer but I try and go out on days preceeded by some stable weather.

For fly-ins all you really need is something that will give you accurate depths. The more bells and whistles the more it sucks valuable battery juice. Forget color and GPS as they will drain battery life at 10x the rate. Go for a simple hand held GPS if the lake is that large. Most fly in lakes are not large enough to require anything more than a compass. If the depth finder wont go a week on 8 D cells, Im not interested in it.

His performance in Good Will Hunting has that film in my top 10. Great entertainer.

or, lots of $ portable depth finder...I even take a 2nd as backup and, fresh batteries.

3/8 oz swimbait,hooked weedless on 50 lbs braid, high speed reel.

Aug 16 I will be into the Ash Rapids area of LOTW for a week with my son. Your stories have me stoked.Thanks for posting.

Ive owned Maui's, Costa's but my favorite for clarity and comfort are Kaenon's.

Just wait till late Sunday evening ...thats what the Seahawks are gonna leave on the field....tenderized Bronco