lew

Sounds like you've got ALOT of practicing to do

Grandparents are special Bruce and always sad when they leave us, but at 99, it sounds like your Grandfather lived a nice long, full life. Condolances my friend .

Problem is, the way I understand it, there is no central data base where anyone can check to see if you ever had a license in the event you lose the original. If the company that gave you the exam is no longer around your outta luck and will need to take the exam over again and pay whatever the going price is today. If your just a young guy now, you better look after that piece of paper cause you need to keep it for many many years. I got my license the 1st year they became available and it's nothing more than a cheap piece of paper with no protection. I had it laminated for protection and while I was at it I had a bunch of copies made and laminated them too. I carry one in the boat, one in my wallet, plus one in each of my tackle boxes. Just another screw up by our government

I never unload my boat so with the exception of cleaning it, topping off the gas tanks and making a samich, I'm always ready to go. Thing is though, I never hurry anymore cause if the fish aren't where I am, I'll just move over to where they are. Fact is, I spend ALOT more time now smelling the roses than I used to.

Sorry to hear the news Darren, a dog is one of the best friends we can ever have, and losing him is always tough to go through. Condolances from one dog lover to another.

I'm thinking the heavy steering may possibly be caused by the trim tab on your motor needing some adjustment. It's a small fin that hangs down just above the prop and can be adjusted either direction to relieve the torque you feel thru the steering wheel. Loosen the nut and adjust the angle of the fin a SMALL bit, then tighten it and go for a test run. You'll probably need to adjust it several times till you get it right, but if that's the problem you'll notice a big difference in how the boat steers. It's been about 10 years since I've had to adjust one and honestly can't remember which way to go, but it seems to me you turn the fin in the same direction you need to turn the steering wheel to fight the torque....I think. As for hydraulic steering, it's excellent. I've got it on my 150 Yamaha and am very impressed with how easy it is to steer and as mentioned above, there is absolutely no torque at all, no matter how fast your going and is very similar to steering your car.

It's always sad when this kinda stuff happens, a couple buds out having some laffs and a few beers, then in seconds it's all over. One friends is dead and the others life is ruined forever. A terrible tragedy all around.

My brother lived in Ceasarea for close to 20 years and was a volunteer firemen there for about 10 years. Lotsa different problems fighting fires in rural areas compared to towns and cities with hydrants every couple hundred feet.

Doncha hate when guys mess around with the gear ??

Atta boy Steve, a chunky musky is better than some ole tuna any day Very purty fish indeed !!

Thanks for that Kevin, a very enjoyable read with some excellent pictures to go along with it. I've been wanting some rod socks too, so I may look into that company you got yours from.

I payed around $60 for mine a few years ago so I think $50 is a good deal but other than Lowes I don't know of any other retailers that carry them. I think I heard somewhere that you can get them thru Muskies Canada but I'm no longer a member and don't know for sure, but one of our members should be able to help. Maybe contact PigeonTroller or MIkeP

After you've cut a few 7/0 hooks you'll wonder how you ever got along without the Knipex. Well worth the $$$$, both for your safety and the fish.

Always enjoyed restaurant fires Phil, it meant we had vittles at the hall for weeks after

I hope your at least changing the lower unit oil

I shovelled gravel for 6 hours yesterday and thought I was having a bad day.....it doesn't seem so bad now Hope you have better luck with your next fish'n trip.

Best line I've read all week :lol:

If you know it's junk, what choice is there to make ??

Haven't we all Bill

All the best in your new job Jack but there's no doubt you'll be an asset to the company. I've still got a couple Believers I bought from you waaay back when you had your own tackle shop, and their still catching fish

All the best Paul, wish'n I was fish'n with you guys.

Absolutely fantastic Simon and congrats to you !! I also was addicted to those filthy stinkin things for 30 years but have been off them for 20 years now and before you know it, you'll be saying the same thing

I use 130# fluoro for my musky leaders simply because it doesn't kink like wire.

Beautiful picture there Dan !!!! Congrats to everyone on a very successful day on the lake.

What an incredible trip to take the kids on and definetely something they'll never forget, specially those monster pike their holding. As for the groundhog, he better start backing away from the snack table