Tom McCutcheon

I understand the idea of the aerodynamics Wayne but I am having a hard time picturing where or how you place the boat on the plane. Have you a photo to help me out? Certainly not the way I would have done it and that is why I leave the flying to the pro's,

I would check out rivers and lakes where the primary species is Pike, Walleye or Trout. In late May or early June there are not many places within that 4 to 5 hour drive that seasons are open for bass also.

1966 Ceeps Tavern in London. 15 cents for a 12oz draught beer and 1/2 rack of ribs for 30 cents. Of course I wasn't legal age at that time in my life

I'll be honest here. That is definately a cool commercial but I know I would have taken my bride and popcorn and got my money back. Or scalped the tickets to the next two guys on Harleys

Don't let the PITA bother you. As you have said, his experience is invaluable. Just say "Thanks for the help POP" and then move on. One day you may be looking for his advice on something and it won't be there. That is going to be one comfy shack..

Very extreme but it is happening right now as I type this. The Obrien fish was caught in the 80's. Killed and verified for length and weight by respected and knowledgeable people, and then verified again by a very respected biologist. It is now being questioned and those people who were involved reputations are also being questioned. Some of those are no longer with us to defend themselves. That is why Muskymatt has his opinion. A decision that would be tough to make for sure, but in the end it is your decision, and no one should condemn you for that choice. Just my opinion and I am pretty sure what I would do. I know I caught it and to me that is all that matters. By the way, the fish in my avatar was 54" X 23" and is still swimming. I am 6'5" and just under 300lbs. It looked a lot bigger in the net than it does in my arms

Try your local Truck and Van World store. They should have a selection of three or four models and price ranges to choose from. The one I have on my 2008 F150 folds all the way up to behind the rear window and then will lock in place in that position. Other models do not. This allows for the full use of the bed for tall or large items. It was purchased from Ford, but I have seen similar ones at Truck and Van World.

I am so sorry to hear this Mike. My condolences to your Mom and your family. As you have said, you do have some very fond memories which you will never forget. Tom

Dax, go to the KTD Google map. Highlite number 10, Laidlaw Point. That is the ramp on Balsam Lake Rd.

Could be the impeller starting to break up.

I usually hit it with an old rod a couple of times, just to get it's attention, say bad motor twice and then drain the water out of it and put it to bed for the winter....

You are evil Matt

Welcome aboard. Lots of people store boats all winter in the boat house. For piece of mind I would change the lower unit gear oil anyways and if it's a four stroke change the crankcase oil and filter. (cheap insurance) That way you know for sure there is no condensation over the winter. As mentioned either charge the batteries completely or remove them and take them with you for periodic inspection and charging over the winter. Throw some mothballs or something similar under the storage cover to keep the little varmits from eating the wires and cushions etc. Do all the other things you have mentioned including adding stablizer to the fuel. This can all be done by yourself in a couple of hours.

That's the Troll Master unit I was refering to, isn't it Wayne? Good unit and works well.

There is a unit called "troll master" it is an electronic connection between the tiller motor and a small control box near the console. (about $250.00 depending on make of tiller motor) It works really well and in combination with a pirannah steering connection between the tiller and the main motor, everything can be done from the helm.

Nice fish Jer. Like I said, it's a good thing I didn't take you up on your offer this morning. That could have been my fish

Good questions and understandable. I don't think I am qualified to answer all of them. The muskie fishery in Simcoe at one time was one of the best in Ontario. I don't think they had any problem defending their territory from pike. It was over harvesting by commercial fishing and unlimited size and possession limits which caused the numbers to eventually drop to zero. That along with antiquated taxidermy (skin mounts) as opposed to replica, and catch and release was unheard of in those days. Today we are much wiser and a lot of us release large bass and perch to continue with the gene pool. It is believed by a number of biologists (which I am not) that pike and muskie can co-exist in Simcoe again.

I suppose that the research being conducted on Balsam Lake by the MNR and MCI is a waste of time and resources also. When an angler in the Kawartha's is only able to encounter one or two muskies a season and has trouble keeping the hammer handle pike off the bait, people will be questioning if something could have been done to prevent that from happening. Part of MCI's mandate it to conserve and protect the natural resources we all share. Tom McCutcheon Chairman Kawartha Chapter Muskies Canada Inc.

It is no joke. However I see where there may be some missed quotes printed. The most glaring one would be the size limit for Georgian Bay. 54 inches not 38.

Try Golden Beach Resort on Rice lake. They have a couple of 16 or 17 foot Sylvans (i think) with 50 four stroke and electric bow mount plus a sonar.

Just went through this with a 135 Opti. Identical symptoms. After an exhausted search, I found out that these motors are very sensitive to voltage fluxuations. The main connections must be clean and tightened down to the battery posts with a washer and star/lock washer and pliers/wrench. Not just hand tightened with a wing nut. Hope this helps. Tom.

Ron... I thought the Feds. made sure that all internet was taken away from the bad guys in the crow bar hotel. How did you make out?

Same problem....solved by installing an XM satelite radio.

It is no good to you if you don't have it on when you go in the drink, is it? If it is not auto inflate then it would be tough for you to grab it and pull the cord when it is sinking too, or even still on the boat. If it is auto inflate, they normaly have to be about two to four feet under water before they deploy. Again, no good to you. That is why it is law to wear them, not just have them near you.

you have to ask for directions...... after an hour of going in circles.