bushart

"Pursuit"

"Northern Nights"

"Global Crisis"

"Coloured Serenity"

"Wonder"

"High Country Solitude"

Hello All, I'm going to try and post a bit of my artwork to view as was discussed in the General Discussion Board Bushart "Old Friends"

Thanks---if you wish to see more I'll post later today under the photos and art--just to view if you wish. Bushart

Thanks Terry I'm always cautious about posting pictures in this type of forum---I do not wish to annoy the mods thinking I'm posting for self promotion. Thanks Again Bushart

Very Impressive--these artists show their passion through their brushes. Here's one I painted a few years back (Long as we're kinda on the topic) Bushart

Maybe you can gain ideas from real time experiences with different models.. I bought my boat much like yourself to accomadate 4 people--my wife and 2 kids and it was bought to fish. Here are some pros and cons of my purchase. 1st I bought a 17 ft Smokercraft Pro-Tiller Aluminum boat and a 50 horse 4 stroke Merc Pros: Nice open boat allowing easy maneuvering around with the gang This model has been reliable (I'm a nut for regular maintenance though) It has the option for smaller lakes or bigger water with deep v hull One of the better livewells I've seen--timer incl. You can semi beach it if you wish for shore lunch on a Island Have a bunk EZ loader trailer that you can drive right onto (with practice) Can accomadate 4 pedestal seats Merc came with factory power tilt and trim (not all did at time) Cons Tiller can make for a wet ride at times in rougher conditions Battery storage is limited in the bow if you wish a 24 volt system electric Not everyone is comfortable driving a tiller handle 50 horse won't get you to your holes first in most tourneys (if important) At the end of the day I like my rig and have been satisfied but like yourself I asked many questions and analyzed my needs to get there. Bushart

I like most spool many reels in a year---the ones that get mono are filled with 6lb Excalibur by Super Silver Thread. Great abrasion resistant and strong as heck. I've caught Walleyes over 12--smallies over 5--lakers over 10 and gators in the 20 range on that same line. (Assuming the pike don't bite you off)

OK heres one of my favs---kinda healthy (I think) Marinate fresh salmon or lake trout (or any trout for that matter) in a large bowl of a dash of lemon juice (not killing it though just a splash or two---garlic powder--pepper and liberal; soaking of zesty italian salad dressing. an afternoon will do it--marinating that is---go to the supermarket and get yourself that cedar plank sold in the meat dept. Soak it as directed and BBQ your fish on that---hard to beat Bushart

I used to live in the wilds of NorthWestern On. and do a little guiding and also some people out there call me an artist. Here's a sample for the handle. Bushart

Which Bark Lake? Near which town?

Clay lake is a very good fishery for walleyes but I would'nt want to eat any. I believe that is directly downstream of the pulp mill in Dryden and there have been issues.

Possibly you could approach a lodge and work for them for a week or two and see first hand how the daily trial and tribs go. I guided hunters and unless your a big time people person this is a challenge with some of the personalities from the guests. I found it's very much like babysitting most times.

Kudos for erring on the side of caution even though it directs you financially. Diving for bodies is never anything any family should endure. Stay safe.

I started out like most with the old 14 foot cartopper and evinrude kicker---then upgraded to the 16 foot lund and 20 horse--found that when the wind howled on the lake we lived on it still was not enough---when I spent the dollars I stayed Tiller for the backtrolling---I went to a 17 foot boat designed for tillers and tournaments and 50 4 stroke and have been happy since. I predominately have targeted walleyes and smallies but it is useful in most applications except working shorelines tossing for bass or whatever especially in heavier winds. When the target though is small such as in deeper main lake structures--I can usually stay on them with pretty good accuracy. I believe you can really spend the cash and get like a 21 ft tiller boat like a "Warrior" and motor I'm thinking over 100 horse. Problem sometimes is having others drive the bigger motors tiller style as opposed to a steering wheel---means your guide most times as your fishin partner is not quite comfortable---they can net for you though. I believe though that once you get onto it -it is very effective (Probably not for those that want a multi-purpose boat as much but if it is predominately fishing it definetely has its place. Bushart

You bet--that indifference also drives my blood pressure up. I recall talking to a Brit in the 80's who served in the merchant marine---He indicated to me that what gets released into the middle of the ocean while nobody is watching would make your blood boil. it's very unsettling if one thinks of the damage we have done to our environment in just one century in pursuit of $$$. Bushart

It's very difficult to comprehend that man(woman)kind continues to refuse to learn from our past disasters. Everytime we try to "improve" on mother nature we end up doing more harm. Note* I am not refering to re-introductions from overharvesting or habitat loss like trout stocking in the great lakes or wild turkeys to Southern Ontario as they were in that place from the start. What I'm refering to is the Salmon farm problem or the CWD now found in wild deer and elk stemming back to elk farms started in Colorado where a few geniuses thought they would make available trophy elk hunts to cubicle dwelling hunters who just did not have the time to do it the traditional way. "Yep here's my cash now I would like a 180 off the Boone & Crockett Shelf". That problem started from the same group of animals all swapping spit at the same feed pile---yeah you bet we know so much more than nature. I once guided hunters for whitetails in Northwestern Ontario and listened to some interesting stories about how dollars can buy you a trophy. I'm sure the story tells better over a scotch on the rocks looking at the mount hanging in the den. Bushart

Thanks Again to All. One dumb question from an old spinning fisherman---Can you spool these reels incorrect and what does a weight forward line do for you---can they also be floating?

Thanks to All---gives me a place to start. Bushart

I would like to buy my son (20 yrs old-so not a kid) a fly rod outfit for Christmas. He loves Steelhead/Salmon but also chases smallies--Can anyone recommend a weight-length line types and reel suggestions that may cover these species. Thanks Bushart

If your looking to stay warm on the coldest of days check out the Arcticshield products. It is more than hunting clothing as I've worn it ice fishing in Northern Ontario and been more than comfortable. They use something called "Retain" to reflect back your body heat--waterproof as well--nice stuff. If you can't find a dealer in your area -- www.arcticshield.ca Hope this helps