Radnine

Last year on all of my rods I used Fireline Crystal (8 and 14lb) with a fluoro leader. My decision was based in information gleaned from this very sight. The set-up worked very well and I don't think that I am looking to change. Yes, I have seen some fraying, some discolouration (black, I am not sure if it is from the rod guides or the electrical tape that I used to secure it to the spool), and it does look like dental floss. But it is stronger than Superman's jock and I like the fact that I can see it on the surface. Jim

Yes! I do. It's Halibut I think. With chips, from Hutches right on the shore of lake Ontario.

Look for a left-over, new 2008 that the dealer paid 20% less for than he will pay this year. But the boat show is definitely the place to model compare.

Is "super braid" a brand name or a line type name? If you don't mind, what is a brand name of super braid? (I have an issue with the fact that lines to not usually come with their "type" written on the spool or package unless it is a part of the name. But that is another thread altogether) Thanks, Jim

Nice job and thanks for taking the time to post. Jim

I never knew that these books existed. What a great thread, thanks guys! Jim

Like I said, it would be something stupid. I am actually after an inflatable life vest so, as I am going anyway I will look for a deal there.

I'm no sure yet when we are going. I'll post it when I know. Remember to wear your OFC hat so you can be picked out of a crowd (or line-up ).

Boat show Jan 10 - 18. Anyone planning to go? I have mentioned in the past that I am afraid of doing something stupid (like trading my boat in on a bigger model) but I can't stop myself from getting JACKED about going. Jim

Here is the photographic evidence. Just as the juniors game finished up, and with Will safely tucked in bed, Jen and I sat down to this light yet satisfying feast: Rack of lamb with red wine sauce , roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beens and red pepper with roasted slivered almonds. It was super yummy. Best wishes to all!

Rack-o-Lamb Thanks to my gorgeous wife. If it were down to me it would be egg and beans on toast again. Jim

That's good stuff right there Normally you would have to pull your uncle Fred's finger for a whole summer to get a gem like that. Only on the OFC.

These two could would make great paintings or puzzle pictures Doug. I am totally desperate for anything cottage like right now and these two hit the spot. Nice pictures all! Jim

A memory that will last a lifetime, for all of you. Congratulations. Jim

Welcome Dan! And happy new year! Jim

Olibollen! I haven't heard that name for a long time. My dad is Dutch (came over when he was 20) and he used to make olibollen (minus the fruit) at Christmas I think. It was yummy. My Canadian mom did her best to drive anything remotely Dutch out of Dad, but I remember the tasty bits of deep fried dough with icing sugar. As far as my own new year traditions go, we don't really have any. See what happens when you banish culture from the house. Thanks! Jim

Hi Ft, I have the Navionics Gold 14XG (Great Lakes & Maritime). It has all of the Great Lakes and the Trent System (which means the Kawarthas). I am not sure if it has Lake St. Clair as I am unsure of where it is, and so far the only way that I have found to check what is on each map is by opening them and then zooming out to find the myriad of over-lying squares, then zooming back in to see if the lake you are interested in has numbers in it. The search by name feature does not list Lake St. Clair (or most of the lakes that the card covers). If I sound slightly exasperated it is because I am. Now I should say that like every good guy, I have not yet cracked the owner's manual. But the way that it looks right now is that there is a list of maps (called names like 1G649Xl.nv2, not Lake Erie East) that you have to open then go find, in order to know what is covered. At first glance I would have to say that the software does not seem as user friendly as it could be. As far as the cards actual usefulness it is still a mystery to me. Jim

I am sorry for your loss. Jim

I guess that I should mention that the GPS was a complete shock to me. My wife decided on it by picking the brain of my nephew and no doubt, a brother-in-law or two. I am a lucky man. Jim

Yes I have, I've got bags of gulp stuff. Essentially it's a Mr. Twister that tastes good. I used YUM plastics a lot last year as well. Jim

Hi All, The thread on bad Christmas presents reminded me that I wanted to share this with you. As you can see what was lost in quantity was made up for in quality. I am excited about the GPS. The map card is for the Great Lakes and Trent system and seems to cover many of the lakes that I frequent. It was a great surprise and I can't wait to put it to good use. The Live Target lure was a suggestion from the salesman (much like the GPS, I am appreciative but would not likely have spent my own money on it) and you can never have enough stuff from Berkley. Happy New Year to all! (while I've got your attention) Jim

Your right homefries, this guy is a terrific person.

I have a bit of a different take on BPS. Going to BPS is like going on holiday to me, I just love to walk around and look at stuff. I live an hour and a bit away so that there really is no such thing as a deal because the minute I pull into the lot I have spent more money on gas than I am likely to save. Reading this post through, I have seen every one of the behaviours that have been mentioned here (good and bad). However, it is hard for me to get mad at employees for wanting to chat (be it with each other, or other customers) when I know that I would want to do the same thing (pay or no pay). And unlike Marcus, I am a 46 year old that is unlikely to be put upon or stand about waiting for bad service. To let the employees of the store ruin my visit would be like not having a good time at the fair because the guy running a ride has bad teeth. Jim

What a fantastic offer. I only wish that I had a cottage in the area (and a neighbour like you ). Kind regards, Jim

I couln't have said it much better myself. Fishing last year (and 1st year as a boat owner) helped me to get to know my brothers-in-law better, patch up a bit of a rift with an old friend, and give my son another reason to look forward to hanging out with his old man. I have got four cottages booked for next summer and am praying for the winds to lay down a bit more on Erie. In other words I am looking forward to a great softwater season. And, as Biggy said, learning a few things. Jim