JoshS

Thanks for all the replies. So much out there... the guidance is helpful. I'm looking for info on what brands offer the best value when buying used and can be said to be dependable more so than others. I've checked out a few pathfinders, 4 runnners, liberties, cherokees, a Suzuki, I've been told to stay away from explorers... lots of options out there! Need this truck to last me a few years of fishing until I can afford to upgrade. I've heard so many mixed opinions on the liberty, heard it is known to be troublesome before '06? Also have been told rav4's are not ideal for towing because of the small frame they are built on. I don't mind the rangers but a pickup would be tough to park every night for me on my street and would need 4 seats. I would be towing in all conditions and definitely want 4x4 for sure.

Love when the sun just peaks and your confidently working your bait over your prime spot. Nothing really beats that.

I'm rolling in a 16.1 deep V with a 75. Don't know the exact weight. I will be fishing until ice up in it. Would like something equipped for most conditions. Roy - thanks for the tip. I've been looking closely at Jeeps, more so the Liberty and old Cherokee's (b/c of the price) but I've heard more bad than good on them which has kind of steered me away. I'll look at the Wranglers.

I've been fishing this lake for years.. The lunar calendar has me thinking night time will be hot this year. Probably just do first light however as it's already a long day from sunrise till sunset this time of year. Probably won't sleep anyway as I never do before openers!

I've been shopping for a tow vehicle that can tow my 16 footer aluminum. My budget is tight.. would like to keep it under 9k. Tons of info online but wanted to ask here... Can you guys offer some advice on some makes and models to look at and ones to stay away from? I know it more depends on the cars mechanics but some overall advice on the good/bad out there is what I'm looking for. Mostly looking into used SUV's over trucks b/c parking for me is always tight on my street. Also, I won't be doing a ton of towing, more city driving for work. Thanks a bunch.

I'm having a tough time deciding on whether to start at midnight or first light. Will be in the kawartha's, first year fishing it out of a real boat for me. Can't wait!!!

I've hooked myself twice, both times while grabbing small pike with jerkbait all over their faces. Both times I just pulled it out with one quick yank and everything ended up fine. One was close to tendon apparently in the base of the thumb so probably won't be pulling them out without thinking again.

That's crazy I can't believe I'm hearing that! I remember fishing those lakes every summer growing up and no pike or musky anywhere in the three lake chain. So Musky snuck in from Beech and pike from Kushog? Are you referencing walleye at beech river bridge on 35? Didn't think there were walleye in beech lake?

You can probably find a good deal on a used LSS1 in a few weeks when LSS2 comes out. I was shopping around yesterday a bit in the same situation as you. Also gotta factor in the gps chip too if you don't already own it.

OH no, doesn't sound to promising. Reviews online are mixed as usual. Room I'm not to concerned about.. the specs seem to look good in terms of power but I'm far from an expert. Anyone else?

You can probably do better towards the east end. I can't speak for the south but around the GTA is TOUGH! I've heard of them being caught by the spit and have seen the MNR shock a few. They are always nice sized eyes but far and few in between. I even thought I found a prime spawning ground this spring, went in with flashlights at night and could not see any golden eyes down there. I know there are a few spots on the TO islands where they spawn and they have been seen in rivers. Targeting them is still a mystery to me..

For bass and pike, he can take the TTC down to union and walk the harbourfront and fish the various basins, with a better luck pike fishing than bass. Spring is good on the islands for pike (when it opens May 5th) and bass when it opens. Bass down there are finicky and easiest to target early. If he's into trout and salmon, you can catch browns and salmon from shore at various river mouths and bay's around the city that are accessible by public transit. There are lots of fishing opp's close to TO. Lots of info online too. I've only seen a handful of walleye down there so not really worth targeting. If anyone figures that one out, would love to know!!

Cool! Thanks for sharing that.

If you want a quick cheap fix, berkley sells those cheap ones (around $15) that have super light frames. They're cheap glasses but very light on the face. I sometimes switch to them when I feel the pressure of the other frames on my temples.

I'd love to hit a surprise slab like that out in the lake. Awesome!!

That's a beast!! Gotta love how aggressive browns can be at times. One of my favourite spring fish to go after for sure. My buddy and I have been hitting them at night on topwaters when they're finicky during the day... We've only hooked 5 or so out of probably 30 blow ups, they're definitely not designed to take in topwaters easily. Give it a shot if they're not on in the daylight and it's relatively calm. You'll hook more on cranks though but the excitement keeps at least one of us throwing the topwater. No 20 pounders like that one though, beauty fish!!

Depends where you're fishing. I usually do a little better the following weeks after opener but this year might be sped up a little. I usually throw jigs like the rest. I have good luck at night fishing grubs, swammers and shallow cranks too.

Looking for a used, less expensive tow vehicle too and was checking out the Liberty's. The price is right.. Does anyone else have input on the liberty?

If you're going east I picked some up at JB's this weekend.

Really nice work there!!

Why not just make leaders with a swivel to connect?

I'm an advocate of Bills too. I've been ordering my rods and reels off them for the past few years, good guys to deal with. Just make your list, give them a call and they'll call you when it's in.

Nice to see a report from that area. I used to fish those lakes every year as a kid, miss them! That was before Pike snuck into the system. Good for you for getting into a few lakers!

I think it's the kind of fish you want to pickle or smoke.

I second Just for halibut in Bobcaygeon, I'm 99% sure that was the name of the place I ate at last and the fish n chips are good! If you're coming down the 401 by toronto and want a great sub, nothing really beats Belly Busters just south a few blocks on Yonge St. The chip truck on #28 south of Stoney is pretty good too.