JoshS

Lots of good ways to do it. Fresh salsa (pico de gallo).. incorporating corn and/or black beans is a nice addition... guacamole works on them... and freshly made slaw. Sliced red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, little vinegar and lime marinated together (kinda like pickled onions) is great on them. Grilled fish is nice but I like a super crunchy battered fish more. Don't forget the lime. Now I'm hungry....

I agree. I haven't fished fall smallies for the last two years so I'm no expert but one thing I noticed when using jerkbaits is not to fish them too slow unless the fish tell you to. I noticed ripping them good at first generally enticed more bites and less follows, most of the time. If they're not hitting that, slow down. I always had a tube,senko and dropshot rigged for the throw back. Fall smallies are awesome, especially when the footballs school up and fight for your bait.

My friend had a cheaper shimano Cardiff, he only got a few seasons out of it before it died and had to buy another reel... he got a calcutta D and will most likely have it for a very long time. Worth the money. I use a calcutta D (they don't make the TE's anymore) for most of my fishing. I have a curado 300 too but pretty much use the calcutta most of the time, just feels more solid, even with the smaller baits. I also have an Abu C3 that I've beat up for 5 years and it still works great. That's a good strong cheap reel IMO. I've put a lot of hours on mine and it's really easy to service yourself if needed. Think it's around the $120 mark.

I stored my boat in a barn last year with around 6-7 bowls of mouthballs. When I pulled my boat out, I found around 10 total mouse droppings... seems they went in and left. Hopefully that happens again.

Heard about this fish yesterday from my friend Kevin who was staying in the next cabin over to you. Awesome fish, congrats!!! Most die hard Musky fisherman won't see a fish like that in their lifetime.

Awesome, thanks.

Anyone know where you can you pick up Nylon or puck board? Was out looking for it last week with no luck.... Heard starboard polysheets work well too., looks like the same stuff. Are you guys securing the board with 3M 5200?

I used to have a UV setting on an old headlamp that broke that was awesome for charging glow paint. I'm going to grab one of these.. Thanks for the tip!

Some pretty good used deals out there especially south of the border if you're into saving money! That's what I'd do. Just make sure you do a diligent inspection, get the engine checked out, make sure there's no rot/mold, carpets good etc. You'll get a lot more for your money and have more for all the accessories you're gonna want! Sylvan/starcraft/smokercraft are made in the same factory I believe, not legends. I think Sylvan stopped making fishing boats however Crestliner, Princecraft and of course Lunds all are up there in the top and have some really nice new models. It all comes down to budget and your needs. But if budget is any issue, there is way more value in a used package!

What an awesome trip. Inspiring. Love how you mixed in some big pike too because they were on and the hat trick PB's! I can't wait to do LOTW one day...

If you can see them at 3 ft, I'd throw a jerkbait with a nice wobble. I've seen them follow in a lure 10 times then smack it when you get more aggressive with speed or twitches or vice versa so vary your retrieve. If they are pressured such as fish in popular spots like dams, downsizing usually gets more bites. Depending on the structure and current, I use: jigs, jerk/crankbaits, swimbaits, dropshot minnow. When they're hungry they'll eat anything!

Thanks. I'll check out city marine and Halton. Had my engine cut out on me at around 5000rpms this weekend randomly but started up fine again. Did a compression test and my compression is around 95, but it's consistent across the board. Last time I did it 16 months ago was at 120 . My water pump is getting weak and scared I overheated or something, gonna replace that asap. I'm idling a little weird and engine is louder, burning more gas, oil. It's needs some attention! Basically just want someone to check it out and let me know if I'm cool to operate it.

I might need to do a rebuild of my 75 merc 2stroke. I'm just shopping around for help. Can anyone recommend someone? Edit to add: I've found an independent mechanic at Keele and 401 area. Name is Eugene.. has anyone used him before?

Good for you guys.. unreal. Congrats!

Double uni-to-uni shouldn't break. Make sure to wet the knot before clinching. Blood knots an easy one to tie too but it slips when tying sometimes.

Heard about it on 680 this morning. I'll still provide support to the little guys but I'm not going to lie.. I'll be spending some coin there too.

I think they have the best swimbait action out there. Killer for walleye at night, bass (especially fall smallies), lakers, browns inhale it, pike. I've requested them in bulk and can be done but the tails tend to kink up in the big bag.

Man this thread cracks me up!!! Solid subject! I'd say go for it as long as you're respectful of neighbours. Peeing outside is way better any day.

Try to find something used for a decent price.. you have some time until fall.

Tough one. I'd throw a 4in natural coloured jerkbait on 20lb fluoro. Or some kind of very subtle plastic you can tantalize them with. What's that pike doing in a foot of water in the summer? My guess would be she's messed up and not into eating anything.

Looks awesome! I like that track setup.

You can drag a lure across the bottom in hopes to snag it. It can be done, not too difficult to recover it with some patience. If it's windy or very weedy though, might be a tough one.

It's not high speed but the new Calcutta D comes in lefty and it's a pretty nice reel that's versatile enough for all round use. I don't think you want to use the Curado's for jerkbaits, doesn't seem strong enough with all the hard jerks it'll take. My Curado EJ is still holding up after some abuse but feels like it's not going to last forever and I still only like it for lighter baits.

Guess Bulldawgs work?

I've always used improved clinch with fluoro, never had an issue. Just lube and clinch nicely.