Radnine

I have three Daiwa Exceler reels (two 2500's and a 1500). They have all been fantastic. Jim

Cudz, Is this not a bit of the pot calling the kettle black? I mean what is that, about a 12 pound smallie in your avatar? Jim

Best of the season to you! Now, be sure to do that topic justice. And good luck with all of your other culminatings. Jim

Nice (as always). Is that a shot of Pete Bowman in the blue survival suit? Jim

You had better sit down for this shocker: They raved about them in Bass Master magazine! Funny thing about magazine reviews of products, there is never a bad one. In the same magazine you can find an advert for a plastic shaped like a Scorpion. Apparently bass in these parts love Scorpions, who knew? MARKETING ALERT! MARKETING ALERT! Jim

I am sorry to hear about your job loss (at this or any time of the year). You have a fantastic attitude and I am looking forward to hearing about your future successes. May the force be with you! Jim

Not even my boat (which is a beaut) can make me look awesome. But it's a lovely thought. Jim

Just bought 8 of them from the Hamilton store (unsure of how many are left). I fully intended to give a few away as Christmas presents only to find that I filled three of them immediately. These are nice by the way. I half expected them to be crap, but they are good ones complete with handle and belt loops. My B-in-L just headed down there so if your in Hamilton you better nip down smartly. Jim

Goodness, I don't know what to say, but feel compelled to write. My eyes are filled with tears as I type and as my child lays upstairs. My heart goes out to all who have lived through this sort of hardship, and I know from past readings that there are a few. You become a different person that day you become a parent. You become a part of the greatest fraternity on earth. And when you loose a child that fraternity does not forget you, it embraces you. Thanks to all for having the strength to post, and allowing us to embrace you and your family. With deep sympathy and great admiration, Jim

Big Doe, Rice Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake Erie, Grand River (hated it) Cameron Lake, Sturgeon Lake. A real tour of the classics. Jim

Yes! much like buying a driver to hit fades and another to hit draws. MARKETING ALERT! MARKETING ALERT!

Hi all, My boat came with a speedo and tach. In smaller size is the gas gauge and two blank spots. What instuments would go in these small spaces? Thanks Jim

That's one way of getting your pickle to smell like fish.

I went up to Big Doe in October. I was in a boat with my B-in-L and another guy. In the other boat were two other B-n-Ls and my nephew. All of whom have fished this lake for years (12 plus). The B-n-L in my boat had five fish in the boat before any of the rest of us had a nibble. In fact, we had none until after lunch when he hooked us up (in our boat) with what he was using. Then I bagged a couple and so did the other guy (the other boat still got squat). But what I was struck with was the way he did things (things like opening his bail after getting a hit, to keep the bait in the area. And rigging a cheater hook, sharpening his hooks, etc.) I know that I can learn a ton off of him. If there is an issue it is that he is all about catching more fish than everyone else (thus my signature change after our trip together). I am just not that intense. I would rather troll and grab the odd one on a Rapala, than work myself to the bone because I know that there are more down there. I guess to get back to the thread, I think alot of it has to do with skill. But if you don't have the skill you can still enjoy the sport immensely. Jim

If this is true, when do you call it a day? I guess when your arms are tired.

Apparently they can't cut the mustard, but they can still lick the jar.

Wow! What an awesome report. You and your Mrs. must be record holders for Pike. I can't believe some of those fish. The most impressive thing though, is how your gloves matched your tee shirt in the first series of photos. Very impressive indeed Jim

Solopaddler has the right idea with an Internet cottage search site. I have found two places on that site (in particular) and both have worked out fantastically. Plus it is just plain fun to see what's out there and to set goals. Good luck and great idea on the family vacation/tradition. Jim

I can vouch for Excelers, I have three of them and find them to be a fine (and inexpensive at 60 odd bucks) choice.

I am not sure that I understand what a "recall letter from the manufacturer" is. If this is another name for "renumeration to the dealer you were supposed to buy this off of", then it might be understandable.

I know that I am going to catch five kinds of hell for this, but I don't see the allure of the tiller. The guys in the photo (leaning to reach, straining to see over the bow, and Roy doing the "look ma, I can drive a boat with one hand behind my back") don't even make it look appealing. Why not a console? Jim

Given their past hirings (Tie Domi, John Fergusen Jr., Matthew Barnaby) I say that he will make a nice addition to TSN's hockey panel.

Thanks, I enjoyed that. Jim

Very cool. Thanks for the effort! Jim