myst

I was in the market for a depth finder and after checking out the models at the local fishing shop I seemed to like this one the best. Does anyone have any experience with the model/brand and could you give me any advice? Thanks a bunch! Here's the specs: http://store.humminbird.com/sonar-gps-comb...60-1.html#specs

Stupid. I hate winter!

Do these things really work well? A lot of the people I've talked to say you need good water clarity otherwise you can't see much.

That's why I asked you guys first! If I say that to a salesman most will just try to sell me the highest commission boat he can find.

Wow, thanks for all of the great replies! There's so much useful information here. I'm not really 100% sure if I will be fishing mostly smaller lakes, we're not species specific although we would love to go after bigger fish! That would probably mean you have to fish in bigger lakes right? I went out and bought the Boatguide magazine. I'm going to visit the dealership in Kemptville that was mentioned, anyone know any other good dealers in my area? I would have loved to visit the fishing and boat show but Toronto is too far of a drive especially in this weather. As for buying new vs used, what can go wrong with a boat other than the motor, other than dings and scratches? Is it uncommon to buy a used boat and just buy a new motor for it?

Thanks for the replies, I was thinking around $15k-$25k. That way I won't feel bad because I WILL ding it up.

Money is not a big issue, but I don't want to go crazy on my first boat. I'd say mid range. Used or new doesn't matter to me. I'm hoping it will fit in my garage.

Hi, I have been fishing on and off for around 10 years now, but when we go we usually get a crappy rental. This year I want to buy my own boat but I have no clue where to start! I live in Ottawa, so I will be mostly fishing in lakes and rivers within a 2 hour drive. The boat will be used for fishing 99% of the time. Also, we will usually be 2-4 people maybe 5. Should I be looking specifically for a bass boat? Has anyone ever heard of a bass boat with 4 swivel seats? What type of motor and what length of boat should I be looking for? Did I miss anything? Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions!

We stayed at Deluxe Camp which I believe is in the West Arm. Is that the bad part of the lake?

Do you guys think Rapala is the best?

So we spent the weekend fishing on Nippissing, after receiving some great advice from the people on the forum. I wish I could say the fishing was great! We rented at 21' pontoon and we were 6 friends. The first day it was pretty windy, and in 8 hours on the water we only caught 1 pike, 1 bullhead, and 1 small perch. Day 2 was a little bit better, we hooked 5 pike and 1 bullhead in 11 hours. The last day, we managed to catch 2 pike in around 6 hours of fishing. The biggest pike of them all was 4 pounds. This is probably the least amount of fish we have ever caught in that amount of time. We tried every type of lure, and every part of the lake. I don't think we'll be going back there next time.

Okay thanks. I will let you know how it was as soon as we get back!

Has anyone ever been to Deluxe Camp? They have a 21' Pontoon Boat which is available for the weekend.

Is there anyone who doesn't recommend Lakair? lol. They really do look like a nice lodge, the only thing is that their boats seem a little low tech compared to some of the other lodges like Camp la Plage and Glen Echo, who offer 18' fiberglass or aluminum boats that are equipped with swivel seats, livewell, fishfinders, bilge pump, large raised casting platform with 50lb. bow mount trolling motor, etc etc. Even pontoon boats. Is all that stuff important? We are going to spending at least 10-12 hours a day fishing. What do you guys think?

Thanks Gerritt. What size and type of boat would you recommend for 4 people to go fishing together comfortably?

This is kind of last minute, but we are looking to go out to Nippissing next Friday to Monday. We are going to be 4 people, but most of the lodge's boats I have seen are only meant to fit 3 people. Should we be looking for a pontoon type boat? Also, if it was equipped with fish finder that would be a bonus! Has anyone had any good experiences in that area, both in the quality of the lodge and the fishing? Thanks!

Once again, amazing information here! Do you guys suggest I get a medium-heavy rod or just a medium?

Thanks for your insight. This is very, very helpful. Today I went to a local fishing shop and this is what they suggested. I wanted to get the boards opinion before I buy anything. Rod: Berkley Series One 6' 6" Medium Action (He said it was the best rod they have in stock) Reel: Shimano Stradic 2500FH Line: Berkley Trilene XL 10 pound test (He said it was the best line to go with for bass, walleye, and pike. I asked him about the Fireline and the other lines, and he said they don't stretch and are hard to manage if you get stuck in the rocks or very heavy weeds. He said the Berkley Trilene has some stretch to it which is good. Is this good advice or was he Bull'ing me?) What do you guys think of this setup? From what you said, I would feel more comfortable with a PowerPro 20 pound test which is the same thickness as my 10 pound. Should I do that instead? Also, does anyone know what the best shop is in the Ottawa area?

Don't worry, I'm addicted too. lol.

This is going to sound dumb, but what is a steel leader, or even a leader for that matter? I like the idea of having 2 different rods depending on what size of fish you're trying to catch. As for the test line, is it possible that having higher test than you need is bad for catching smaller fish? Would using 50 pound test for bass actually decrease my chance of catching them? What are the best types of line? Also, I've never used a casting rod, is it hard to learn to use it and what are it's advantages?

Thanks for the help guys. This cleared a lot of things up for me, I know what to look for now. I went fishing with a friend a couple of weeks ago who had a really nice boat, and like 4 or 5 $400+ rods (he does a lot of bass tournaments). I was just wondering if the rod makes that much of a difference. There are so many rods to choose from that it is very overwhelming.

Thanks to your help, I have finally decided on Lake Nippissing for our fishing weekend from September 22-24. I have only owned cheap rods before this, and I am just starting to take fishing more seriously. I have heard about light/medium/heavy whatever, what does all of that mean? I don't know anything about rods but I am a quick learner! Of course I would love to hook a musky, but I won't be going after them specifically. I would like to catch big pike, walleye and bass. What type of line should I get? What are the best rods? Cost is not an issue, but I don't need overkill. Thanks!

That place looks really nice! We are about to book a trip for 4 people on the weekend of the 22nd of September. Do 14' Lund boats generally fit 4 people? We were originally looking at http://www.duenorth.net/keystonelodge/index.html but realized they are much more expensive than the other places.

When fishing in a lake with Muskie, Walleye, Pike, Perch, Bass, Whitefish, do most people only target one type of fish, or do most lures pretty much just catch whatever is biting? I've used worms most of the times I've went fishing, and you pretty much catch everything with that. If so, what are the best lures for each species? I would like to catch muskie, but from what I read on these forums it's pretty unlikely to catch one, especially for unexperienced fishermen. Maybe some big pike? It's Lake Nipissing. Also, in your opinions, what are the best fish to eat? Thanks!

Thank you, it's not that I'm lazy, it's just that there are so many places to choose from I don't know where to start.