Slick Willy

If it's a thru-hull it may not be properly bonded to the hull. >Bill

Hi Jeff, Try <thunderbayfishing.com> as there are many northerners on there. >Bill

Here's a few options: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...rentId=cat21276 >Bill

Hey Lew, Sonar units draw very little power. Your big engine should keep your cranking battery well - charged. I have only run mine flat once and that was due to running the livewell for 7 hours without firing up the main engine. A pair of booster cables will let you boost from your deep cycles to the cranking battery in a pinch. Not sure about charging both deep-cycle & cranking batteries at the same time with the same charger?The cranker is designed to recharge via alternator while the deep-cycle require a trickle charge. I think all you'll need is a 2 bank unless running a 36V system. >Bill

Here's a deal on this motor: http://fishingboard.thunderbayfishing.com/...?showtopic=4541 >Bill The area code is 807 / Thunder Bay

They will love 'em.

Try : <NOmap.ca> or <greenstone.ca> or call World Famous Skinners Acre in Longlac and ask for Tim. (807)876-2245 >Bill

Ten or twelve beers will do that for ya too. >Bill

When in Mexico last winter our top producers were shad-type swim baits in natural colors. These things will catch anything - anywhere! Those saltwater teeth make quick work of them though. Have a good one. >Bill

"Surely when Young One was out in the boat through the day someone must have noticed the bilge pump running or water coming in" It was probably not a good idea to make your initial trip in the dark of night. This should be done in daylight so you can see that everything is functioning OK.But I can understand being eager to get the new ship launched. My guess is that a thru-hull fitting for a livewell intake is not sealed properly. Did you use the livewell(s) during the night? A 17ft boat has a lot of room under the floor for water and if you are putting around in the dark the boat remains level and you may not be aware of leaking unless you try to get up on plane. If you were used to the boat you would undoubtedly notice the sluggish feeling of filling with water but it's pretty difficult with the excitement of a new toy etc... Real sorry for your luck but I don't think you should worry too much. As stated earlier here, boats are made to get wet. Dry it out good and pay attention to the electrical areas. If this is found to be caused by the dealer I would concentrate on getting the seats replaced as they will be difficult to dry out and the insides will be prone to rot. Check out that Humminbird closely and make sure all functions work esp. the screen lighting. Look for moisture at the screens edges to indicate internal damage. It's a beauty rig so I hope you get this sorted out and back on the water asap. Keep us posted. >Bill

I spy another eye. Can you find it? >Bill

Long Lake has walleye & pike but the main focus is on lakers. Not heavily fished as it can be very dangerous water. Nowhere to hide when things get nasty. I wouldn't be eating too much of anything caught there - see the Guide to Eating Ontario Sportfish. No info on the Augusabon. >Bill

Haven't been over to Lake Nipigon to check but the ice is rotten in the Geraldton area. Just a couple more days sunshine and a little wind and away it goes. Water levels are way down on all lakes up here. By June you will be able to watch the smoke plumes on lake Nipigon as the bush is popcorn dry. >Bill

Then you switch again before casting - that was also my point. To each their own. This is a very small amount of wasted time but if you're in a competition it may allow you an extra number of presentations which over time will mean more bites.

I agree with the advise to do what feels good for you. That being said the idea of having to switch hands before and after each cast seems like a waste of time. It also creates the possibility of missing bites while transferring the rod from one hand to the other.Not a big deal with crankbaits but moreso when flippin'. These may be tiny details but their importance can add up over time. I started out with a r. hand retreive because that's what was available at the time. When the time came to purchase a new reel I made the switch. Having used l. hand retreive spinning reels since I was old enough to hold one just made it seem more natural. I can still pick up a righty and wing it if neccessary- just like riding a bike. >Bill

Sizzlers. Across from the cop shop on the main drag. >Bill

I used to check OFC each day on the old board- until one day everyone was gone! Life is busy so until a couple days ago I noticed a reference to this board in a post on another board. It's good to be back. Enjoy the posts and pics. >Bill