RickOnt

Hey Rizzo Hope you get the 'Big' Guy!! Rick

You have the Contact info for that Exorcist!! I think I could use the service also!!! Rick

Simon Good for you, Enjoy Here in the Banana Belt there is Zero ice on Simcoe!! Rick

Yes Lew an incredibly sad day for sure. But you are a very proud Father of a Great Son and you have some fantastic memories. Rick

"Heavy" LOL I will bring the 'minnows' anytime!!! Rick

Marcum LX-7

It will be Good!! 2 x 10's will be a little heavy, But sometimes you gotta use what you have, I am sure you young Lads won't let that stop you from having some 'Fun' on the Ice. Rick

Well Vin you asked for "View Points" So here's my $.02! I have been using the H-Bird 55 since Dec '08 and it is a great unit and I would highly recommend it! But having said that I have seen all the makes at work Vex,Marcum and H Bird and they all work and all do mark fish and all are accurate. You need to learn how to set up your machine, how to read it and to trust what it is telling you. The H-Bird 45 and 55,The Marcum Lx-5 and Lx-7 and the Vex Fl 18 and Fl 20 have similar functions and do pretty much the same job. As for interference I have fished within 30' of my friends Lx 5 and no issues and a Bud has set up his Lowrance x67 in my portable so within 5 ft of the H Bird and no interference on either unit. As for the best unit for the $$ and what will work as advertised you will be hard pressed to find a better deal right now than the Lowrance 67-Icemachine, Gagnons had them on for $249 as a door crasher but you can still get them for $279. On another note!! In '08 when I bought my H-Bird 55 I did not have a fishing boat. This last summer I bought a boat and am now looking at a Lowrance HDS Gen 2 Likely the 7. As Terry stated this gives you more options again, GPS with mapping and set up to be portable would be a year round use!! SaltyDawg Whenever we get Ice here on Simcoe/Cooks Bay and you are in the neihborhood look me up and I would be more than happy to show you the H-Bird in action Rick

Great shot! Very Nice! Rick

This HNS Gen 2 info has been out for about a week!! Kinda coincided with the Ptice Drop and Rebate on the current HDS Units. Rick So Now who has the Best price on a Gen 2 HDS-7??

Rizzo Beauty Fish. By the Pic I would guess mid forties for sure!! Rick

Nice Ride and Looks Great!! Rick

E TEc info the E-TEC engine has what is called a total loss oiling system. The oil is recirculated throughout the motor and some is caught in the airstream and travels to the combustion chamber. The oil is consumed completely during the combustion process. The E-TEC design is so efficient that it is still one of the cleanest internal combustion engines on record, yet it includes the oil that is used. It's emissions remain the same over time. On a 4-stroke motor, as the hours add up, the pistons, rings and valve guides begin to wear and oil starts to leak into the combustion chambers through those parts and that INCREASES the emission output by a large amount. A 4-stroke gets dirtier and gives off more air pollution as it grows older. 4-stroke engine oil is not made to be burned in the motor so when it gets into the cylinder and is combusted, it gives off a large amount of emissions, deposits, and metallic byproducts. Two-stroke oil such as XD-50 and XD-100 is formulated to be consumed and burned efficiently with minimal emissions or deposits.

E-Tec for sure. Great fuel economy, minimal emmisions, as light or lighter than any 4 Stroke, the bottom end torque of a 2 Stroke,and winterizes itself!! Gotta Like That Rick

"When Emil sets his mind to doing something, he works hard at it and gets it done." That is So very very true!! I can remember Emile's first days of Ice Fishing for Whities. He was the most determined person I have ever met, And was quick to learn something he has a real passion for "IceFishing" and fishing in general. He had a few 'Skunk' Days but now He puts as many, and usually more Fish on the Ice than anyone. 'Ice' Great to hear you are gettin' out. Enjoy Rick

Colin Is the 'Neutral' light comming on?? Rick

OK I found a couple of local Ariens dealers, Gonna see what they say!! Rick

Dave That is one 'Serious' Snow Blower!! Cliff I use the ATV with plow most of the time, But if we get a big dump with lots of wind the Bike will only push so uch, and by mid winter the driveway is getting narrower!! Looks like Ariens is the most recommended. Home Depot has a 28" and I am gonna look for a Dealer. Rick

I was wondering about the Honda and the Tracks!!

So looks like Toro or Ariens 28-30" 10-12 HP anything more?? Rick

I am looking for a Blower. I have a 4 wheeler/ATV with plow but sometimes if the snow is drifted or we get more than I can push and Ramp up, a Blower would help. I have been spoiled as the neihbour has a big blower on His Tractor and He was doing some cleanup for me, However this year He is going to Florida for 3 Months, What Size,HP,Brands etc would anyone recommend. Rick

Hey Colin I was asking the same ? last year Some on the IceShanty Forum suggested an arrow case made by Plano. However not sure if it would fit a 42" Rod likely OK for up to 32" I never did get to BPS to look for one! So I am still using the modified 'Bucket' Rick

Basskicker Having the Wheels/trailer as part of the Hut could be a challlenge A great idea for moving to and from the Lake and likely OK for the initial launch. But When you get to the mid season with deep snow it will be very difficult to move, and at the end of season you never know what you might have!! Could be deep snow or Slush or cracks which would make the tires a tough move However I have seen it as smooth as the 401 and you could drive the truck out to get it off!! Great Place This Canada Rick You going out on Simcoe? or the Bog? or??

David Great report and pics!! Thanks for Posting Rick

Rob Your Motor will drain if it is in the Full down position, Less than 2 months 'till 'Hard Water' Rick