huey graphite

Thank you to everyone who replied. I appreciate your input. Looks like I have many decisions to make. I would prefer an aluminum boat with fish and ski package but my wife and daughter would prefer pleasure boat so we will compromise and most likely get a pleasure boat :-). The issue of a tow vehicle is a good point because I will definitely need to upgrade.

After 14 years with my current setup (14' Lund w/20hp Yamaha) I'm finally looking to upgrade. I want something to fish from between April and November and pleasure boat in the summer months. I've been looking at aluminum boats with the fish/ski package but am leaning towards a pleasure boat so I can get my wife and daughter out with me too. I fish Lake Erie mostly. Perch in the spring & fall and walleye in the summer. Anyone else on this board own a pleasure boat that is able to fish big water? I'll definitely want rod holders, downriggers, a bowmounted i-pilot and possibly a bowmount mast for planer boards. Any feedback or pics are much appreciated.

Thank you for the replies. I'm looking at aluminum boats around 16'-17'

I currently have a 14' boat and tow it with a Dodge Grand Caravan which has a tow rating of 3600lbs. I would like to upgrade to a larger boat and motor. Based on the vehicle rating of 3600 pounds, what is the max. weight for a boat/trailer.

fte r drwiving past it 43 some odd years i finally had the opportunity to fish out of Jordan Harbour last week. my nephew and i fished for 6 hours And landed two rainbows and 1 laker.

Thank you Frawlsmaster!

Awesome.. Thanks for the tip. Now I just have to decide if I keep this to myself or share it with the others in my group.

thank you so much for the advice. can't wait to hit the water this weekend.

After 13 years split between Nipissing & Bay of Quinte we've changed destinations for our annual spring fishing trip. Going to try Rice Lake. Haven't fished it since I was 13. We'll be sending 4 days at Southview Cottages next week. Any advice for walleye/musky fishing would be much appreciated. I can remember strictly trolling with worm harnesses when I fished there in my youth.

Usually this time of year, I start the planning for our annual spring fishing trip. We started it about 12 years ago with myself 2 brothers and 2-3 friends. Over the years a few have bowed out and others have taken their place. Over the 12 years we fished Hay Bay in Quinte twice but the last time was about 6 years ago. All other trips have been to the South Shore/Calendar Bay area of Nipissing but the past few years have been unproductive (that's an understatement). We typically go the 1st or 2nd weekend in June. It's time to do my homework. Any input would be greatly appreciated. HG

Great pics!

Great thread Randy and some awesome photos. Fishing is always better when it's with the people you enjoy being with the most. I've been away from the forum for too long. This is my 1st post in about 6 months. Here is a pic of my daughter in my boat about 7 years ago. If you look close you can see she has a deathgrip on a minnow. I've had a hard time getting her and her mom to join me on the water. She wants me to leave my boat at an outdoor storage facility this summer so she can park in the garage. I agreed under the condition that the two of them join me in the boat for a day of fishing.

Myself and 5 friends just returned. Fished hard Thursday to Saturday from Greening Bay. We fish there aroung this time every year. This was by far our worst year ever. 3 boats trying various depths, presentations and usual spots. Even at dusk when we normally do our best was poor fishing. Most others we spoke to reported the same, their worst year ever. Watching other boats in the area and on some nights saw no others with the nets out. Could have been the weather pattern, start of the mayfly hatch or both. I would have to guess they have already moved to their summer haunts deeper in the lake, but we tried there too. Thank god I could drown my sorrows in some ice cold beverages

No....I assume he'll be up there at he same time? With a last name like that he should make planar boards.

Well I haven't been on here much and it's for a good reason. Just have not done much fishing. Something's gotta give. (Still drop in to lurk once in awhile). I am however looking very forward to our annual spring fishing trip. Myself and 6 guys from Niagara Falls and Stoney Creek. We depart on Thursday the 10th and return on Sunday the 13th. Thanks to all of you who provided info. and pics on the thread re. low water levels. The number of us going means I'll be bringing my boat for the 1st time in years. This way I'll be able to fish during the day when the princesses go to shore for their afternoon naps Let the ball busting begin...lol.

Adams Carpet Care offers deep steam carpet & upholstery cleaning. I also do auto and boat detailing. Consider having the marine carpet in your boat steam cleaned at the end of the season prior to winter storage. My rates are very competitive. Mention you are a member of OFC and receive a 10% discount. Please click on the link below for further details. My link

I purchased a pin in order to take the test and get my operators card late last year but only recently tried to use my pin. There is a message on their website that reads; TIMING NOTICE TheOperatorCard is completing system changes at this time. The changes require regulatory approval from Transport Canada, we are waiting for this now and expect it very soon. There will be a major spring special any day now! This message has been there for a couple of weeks and am wondering if anyone on here has any information about when, if ever, they may be back up. Thanks in advance. HG

Sorry to crush your buddies dream, but the Rotato has already been invented (jk...and a little embarrased that I know of the Rotato). I remember being told a very long time ago, when looking to patent something, enclose the details in a self-addressed envelope, seal it, mail it to yourself, and NEVER open it. If it ever goes to trial, the postmark would be sufficient evidence. I have no idea whether there is any merit to this or not, but interesting nonetheless. HG

Haha! Al very good.

This one is good enough to keep in the memory bank. That's the one I was looking for. Thanks Seeker!

A long time ago I recall reading on OFC what I think was a fisherman's prayer or something similar. Kind of "I fish therefore I am" statement. The only lines I can remember read something like..... "Fishing is not something I do, it is something that I am" and "Once you understand this, you will understand me" A little vague I know....but if you can help me find this verse, it would be much appreciated. Thanks, HG

Welcome back Lew. That is a sweet looking boat. Nice job on the trailer's roof as well.

Keep in mind too, you don't have to be faster than the bear, just faster than the other campers.

Can either of you tell me where you found these prices?