SlowPoke

Pretty close. I think 3 Optima's weigh the same as 2 conventional deep cycles. That's a big difference for the guys running the 100 lb thrust motors up front.

I have 3 Optima's. I would recommend them in a heartbeat but they're damn expensive. I went with the Optima initially while sorting out an overcharging issue that exploded my starting battery. The Optima worked well even while being overcharged. It never got warm and didn't spew like a typical battery since it's sealed. I've since rectified the situation by removing, of all things, the 'rectifier' and replaced it with a later model regulator. I subsequently purchased two more Optima's for my trolling motor. No troubles with the Energizer in may last vehicle (Tahoe) and I've replaced an "Eliminator" from CTC under warranty in my wife's van. I don't think I would buy another one of those.

I haven't used one but I hear nothing but good about them. It will be my next anchor. http://richteranchors.com/ I have a danforth anchor now and it works well near rocks and stumps but does nothing on mud and sand. I think the Richter could excell for both.

Sorry to hear it Dan. My project Jeep, 95% complete, was stolen out of my driveway as well. They caught the guys but not before they drove it through Shoppers Drug Mart on Clarke Road. When I got it back I didn't have the will to fix it. I hope they find the 'bird in better shape than my Jeep. Do you have a picture or better description? I can keep an eye out around town.

Looks great, congrats! I hope you're having a better day.

Happy Happy! Enjoy your day!

LMAO!!! I know I'd need them!

Couldn't your farm equipment sponser come up with something nicer for a tow vehicle? Looking good JP, I bet you can't wait to spear a 15'er on Lake Erie to test it out!

I wasn't keeping track of mileage with my Cherokee but I do remember the A/S to A/T switch being.... sobering. Then again, I added 5" of suspension and 4" of tire.

He's got a 4x4 and his idea of off-road is a little different than mine. He's talking about getting stuck on wet grass No bush whacking for that Dodge, it's too pretty! Raf; no difference in fuel economy? I went from 20.2mpg to 14.39mpg overnight when switching my Tahoe from All Seasons to All Terrain (Toyo Open Country). Your mileage will vary (figuratively and literally) when switching to AT's depending on brand and tread design.

Mine is still in storage. Step 1: Move 80 sheets of drywall and a bunch of other stuff in the garage. Step 2: Go get the boat. Step 3 through 47: Drill and tap holes for mounting aluminium floor. Finish vinyl flooring on said floor. Design a casting deck. Build said casting deck. Run new fuel lines from new bow mounted under deck tank. Save up money to fill tank. Install the casting deck and cover in vinyl. Mount new seat base. Mount planer mast. Install 2x12v batts with Minn Kota plugs. Install on board charger. Design and build new removable rear casting deck. Stop for lunch. Install mount and wiring for LMS522 on bow and dash. Talk the wife into a new Terrova, get shot down. Install new guages. Reinstall VHF. Consider installing AM/FM/XM Radio and antenna. Bother the wife about the Terrova again. Rewire downriggers. Build motor well splash guards and install more rod holders. Whine about the Terrova until the wife says "OMG, just get it, you're driving me nuts". Stop for dinner. Install Terrova. It's going to be a long day.

I believe fishing gear is duty free regardless of its origin. The Calcutta is made in Japan.

Try finding a spare baitcaster spool! I've picked up two in the last three years of scouring the net. Both were eBay; beat up reels with low bids.

The Corsair landed the muskie in my avatar and I'll probably keep it for spare trolling reel. My biggest problem with it was the thumb bar. I'd inadvertently hit it while palming and reeling and I think I damaged the engagement mechanism. Every once in a while it would half disengage while casting. It's probably my fault.

Great report Clive. I'm glad your persistance paid off. Funny you mention the 5 of Diamonds, I was just talking about that lure on Thursday with another OFNer. Very underrated lure.

I'm on the flipside. I want to keep our van but my wife wants a new car. It's been by far the most reliable vehicle we've had and it runs perfect. The downside is that she's been driving it since new ('97) and I think she's just tired of it. I might have to replace it because every time I want something (new Terrova) I hear about the van. The funny part of it is; when we have bad weather I'll offer the 4WD Suburban and she declines. She says she's more comfortable driving the 2WD Astro in the snow!!! Getting back to your question... when is enough, enough? I guage immediate and upcoming repairs vs. monthly payments. When the van need a new transmission ($1600) I pondered whether or not we'd get another 4 months worry free out of it vs. paying $400/mo on a new vehicle. You can say the car isn't worth putting the money into but it's usually cheaper than replacing it. In other words, if I knew the van needed a new engine now and a set of tires in a couple of months, it'd be gone. Our maintenance costs have yet to exceed $2000/yr. It helps when you can do a lot of repairs yourself.

Agreed. Have it shipped unless you plan on making a little vacation out of it.

GST - Grandparent Services Tax Do the math, I'll bet they're really hosing you!!! LOL Can't trust them seniors! Well, time to mount the new reel on a 6'9" Avid and set fire to the 400 Corsair. Can't wait for Lakair to try this thing out!

I should also add... The three way swivel isn't necessary but it makes it easier to untangle. Hold the swivel and put the main line over your shoulder (out of the way) and let the tangled lines hang. Poke your finger in the gap between the lines and pull down slowly to seperate them.

It's a real mess when you're trolling for walleye on Erie and you get a sheephead. They come back to the boat with the same action as a flasher... rolling. I've always used light lines for this rig but I bet a heavy fluoro line would ease in untangling. Easier to see the tangle and unwind.

At the end of your line tie on a 3 way swivel. One ring for the main line, one for the crankbait and one for a spoon. When you deploy, drop the crank in the water while holding onto the spoon. Let it dive and then toss the spoon in. Let out another 10'+ and add a cheater. The crankbait is diving, the first spoon is trailing flat and the cheater is running flat. It works but it's a hell of a mess when you reel back in.

So, 20 hours later... ... $30.70 for GST/PST at the door, no brokerage, no duty. The transaction hasn't posted on my credit card yet so I don't know if they deducted the 10% discount. I suppose if I really wanted to knit pick I could demand a credit for the tax paid on the full amount vs discounted price. All in all, excellent service but settle the bill BEFORE closing the deal.

Hmmmm, it's been 3 hours and still no delivery. Cabela's is usually at the door before I close the checkout page. Tyler, I thought fishing goods were supposed to be duty free? Are you confusing duty with brookerage fees? Doug, did you incur brokerage fees?

I just ordered a Calcutta reel online using the coupon and it didn't show up on the checkout. I called directly and they said they would make sure it gets discounted by 10%. They also said that you don't have to send photocopies etc. for International purchases under $250. PayPal purchases do not require this information either. So far it looks good, eBay pricing ($229), fixed shipping cost ($15) and a 10% discount. As long as they honour the coupon and I don't have any $urpri$e$ when UPS gets here, I'll be doing more biz with them.

Great video! It looks like you guys found a great place to kill a few hours.