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Sounds like a great weekend for everybody Will

I've never fished for frogs before, but would never have guessed they fought hard enough to require a heavy action rod

My ShelterLogic has a low pitched roof and sits in the open and I have to clean it off after every snowfall. Don't know how much snow it would hold but I don't take any chances. Not a big deal though as it only takes a few minutes. My neighbor on the other hand has a tent with a high pitched roof and it sits under some cedar trees. The trees keep most of the snow off the roof and what does land basically just slides off. Never once last winter did his roof need cleaning. Just something to think about.

Maybe not alot of fish Dave, but the ones you got all looked to be gooduns.

Some great pictures there Mike and they'll bring back fond memories for many years to come. My dad's been gone for 14 years now and like you, I was very close to him and I think about him probably dozens of times a day. I've got lotsa pics of both him and my late Mom and they sure help with the loss. Out in the workshop above the bench I've got a favorite picture of my dad and I hung his favorite pike lure beneath it. I've also got his old tape measure sitting beside the picture. Crazy stuff maybe, but when I'm working at the bench and his picture and a couple of his favorite things are there, it sorta keeps him close to me. You'll also figure a way to keep your dad with you too.

What about Mountain Equipment Co-Op in Toronto ?? Outdoor gear is what their all about.

Sounds like a fantastic trip Jon, good luck and I'll definetely be watching for your story when you get home.

If there is indeed a cork shortage, I wonder if that's one of the reasons some manufacturers are switching to the split grips ?? Seems like it'd be a good way to cut down on the amount of cork they'd need. I just ordered a new Compre musky rod for my daughter for Christmas and the split grip is the only way they come now.

I use a 10 X 20 Shelter Logic for storing firewood out behind the garage and sofar so good after 2 seasons. Sposed to stand up well against UV and is well built with a strong metal frame, although a bit of a pain to put together initially. As mentioned by Drifter though, you definetely need to knock the snow off the roof. Once this one gives up the ghost though, I think I'll be either building or buying a permanent one, then no need to worry about it collapsing or tearing during big winds or heavy snowfalls.

15 years ago my wife and I decided to go for a 2 week drive thru the States with no particular destination. When I got to the Detroit border and the customs dood asked my destination, I told him just that, I won't know where I'm going until I get there and didn't even know where we were gonna sleep that night, and that was a big mistake. I was more or less trying to be funny with the guy but he didn't see it that way. He didn't pull me aside, but held us up, along with everyone behind us, for quite awhile with a million different questions. I wouldn't tell any lies to those guys but would definetely give him the name of a specific destination. Humour stops BEFORE the border

I know a fella that left his fiberglass boat outside at his cottage for the winter a couple years back with just the canvas cover over it. The coons got into it and totally destroyed the interior over the winter. They actually ate thru the carpet and wooden floor, then ripped apart the seats and upholstery and built themselves a very cozy home in the bilge area. I saw the boat in the spring and couldn't believe how much damage was done.

Right in the boat Skip, a bowl full in front and another in the back. Cover the boat for the winter and your good to go. Been working well for me for alot of years anyways.

I'm another fan of mothballs, been using them for years and have never had a critter in the boat, not even all the years my boats wintered in a barn. And as mentioned, the smell goes away very fast when the boat is uncovered to the fresh air.

Sounds like a blast Bruce, hope you and the Mrs. have a great trip.

Thanks for that Roger :lol:

I use the Tekota 600LC and it does a great job with no issues. It's an excellent reel both for trolling huge baits and also for cranking them back to the boat. My next trolling reel will also be another Tekota 600LC

The trucks for hauling boats Brian, not groceries

I use the Extang on my 150 Mike and it's excellent. Has the 3 folds your talking about, is very strong and pretty well water proof and when the tailgate is locked, is quite secure , but we all know locks only keep out the honest folks. I can remove it myself very easily when required and reinstall it in about 5 minutes. It can be folded up towards the rear window when you want to carry bigger items which is nice. I worked the price of it into the price of my truck when I bought it, but I think the value is around $900 if your purchase it seperately and I think their available from Van & Truck World. You can buy cheaper ones, but you get what you pay for IMHO It's an item I'd definetely recommend. http://extang.com/docs/solidfold.html

That was a GREAT story Cliff !!

You never put the boat away Skip, if there's any chance you'll want to get back on the water before the season closes. Nice weather this time of year isn't the least bit unusual.

I got old on Sunday Skip, so a license is no longer necessary

Outstannding Ben and congrats on a VERY successful fall !! Some extremely nice fish there for sure !!

FREE for the rest of time :lol:

As I said before Mike, it's a sad thing to go thru but at least now the hurting is over and he's resting peacefully. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and the memories will be with you & yours forever.

Again, I'll thank everyone for their well wishes, very much !! Sorry you missed the party Pete, it was alot of fun, but I sure did appreciate the VERY long distance phone call.