Rich Clemens

Well then ... Welcome back John. I'm in with you ... never been out on the ice either. The number of wimps is growing here.

80# PP for my musky rods. I had used Spider Wire 12-14 for my bass rods, but ran into problems with it easily breaking ... must easier than it should have. My thought was it was just a bad batch as I purchased a couple at the same time/place and both were bad. I switched over to Stren Superbraid last year and really like it so far. My father and step-mother use Fireline the bulk of the time.

Always on the outside with my ride. That's a neat idea OF with the steel leader. I also carry a spare in the boat at all times as well.

THat's one beauty of a pike. Nice catch !

That sounds like a lot of fun. I heard of this when I picked up my hand-held last fall. So there's one in Noelville area. I may have to check out this geocache site and see if I can find it while I am in the area later on this year.

Love2Fish: The only time my trailer coupler IS NOT locked, it when it is sitting in my garage. Whether trailering, parked at a launch, parked for an overnight stay at a motel, or even sitting around at camp, I always keep it locked. It would be wise to pick one up. I have two keys with mine, I keep one on the ring with my boat keys (probably not the best idea) and a spare that does not leave the truck. This is not a 100% guarantee that someone won't try to make off with it ..... it did happen near one of the camps I was staying at in Eastern Ontario. Big bass fishing tournament going on. Right across the street from where we stay, were a number of trailers being stored for the day. Even though one of the trailers was locked, somebody tied a rope to the trailer and tried to haul it away. The theory didn't work too well, as the trailer was found in a ditch a km or two up the road. That brings up something else I do and that is to have a spare key for the boat ignition. I always have a spare in the truck and a spare in my tackle box (the one I have with me). I'm debating on getting another one made and hide it in the boat. I got a couple key rings with little buoys that float ... just in case of an accidental drop in the drink. You may want to consider getting a spare or two. My father also has a spare key that he keeps in his wallet. As someone else already mentioned, this is a great thread you started and there are a lot of tips and sound advise by the members here. I'm sure we can all pick up something from this thread. Thanks for starting it.

I've had two mercs over the past 5 years or so. First a 40 2S and now a 90 2S. Never really had any problems with them. One time I had to take the boat into the show was a problem with a valve in the fuel line. One other time to get the carb adjusted. Other than this, never had a problem with either engine. One reason I have the mercs is due to repair facilities where we fish. Although I don't wish for problems, it's nice to know there is a facility close by. There sure are a lot of mercs on the water.

I'll re-iterate what PigeonTroller said .... backing up your boat will take a lot of time and practice. My very first boat was only 16ft and I did exactly that. I went to a local school parking lot on a week-end and just practiced backing into one of the parking spaces ... over and over. It was quite frustrating at times, but I did get better. Now I have a 17ft boat and I still ain't the greatest, but I'm getting better. For me ... patience while backing. I go slower than most when backing down the ramp, but hopefully I'll get it straight in the first time. You'll have to remember that when backing a boat, the boat trailer will go in the opposite direction of your vehicle. One tip I was told, when backing up, is hold the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. Then turn the wheel in the direction you want the boat to go. I've been using this method and it helps me. Most launches have an area to get the boat ready to place in the water. Get everything ready before you approach the ramp. 1). Make sure the plug is in !! 2). Un-do all the straps. I let one the main hook on the front of the boat and release when in the water. 3). Keep you motor trimmed up. If you motor is the entire way down, chances are good your scrape it across the ramp as you enter and exit. 4). Disconnect your lights BEFORE backing down. 5). My wife and I always go together so there are two of us for launching. I back down to the water. I get into the boat and unhook the final strap. My wife backs me on in. Lower the engine a bit and fire her up. Back on off and my wife exits the ramp and parks the vehicle. She's fairly good backing herself. There's probably faster ways of doing this, but it's what I do. Some launches may be shallow so be careful with the trim. Once launched I either motor over to the dock or boat out away from the launching area so that others may come and go. Oh yeah... don't forget to come back in for your partner. Hope this helps a bit.

Attaboy Whopper. Nothin better than skipping out of work a little early. Looks like a fine day.

Now .... exactly how 'BUSTED' were they ? You left out part of the story.

Some mighty fine lookin' rods there my friend.

A very happy day to you !!! Now, when is TJ's birthday. One good turn deserves another.

So that's how you all fish for steelhead ? I've never done that yet. I guess it's a trip to the local hard-ware store for some gear. Thanks for the tip Steve.

I have Allstate, which I'm not sure if they are located in Canada or not. I tried to get our with the same carrier as my home-owners (which is not Allstate) and they also said I would need a separate policy for the boat and motor. I did a little shopping around of the local agencies and got a better deal with a competitor. Mine too is based on the price, length, and hp of the engine. I think it's around $250.00 US per year ... give or take a few dollars. I may be able to do a bit better with more national companies, but I like the idea of a local representative. I keep the original policy for the boat and trailer in the truck and a photocopy in the boat.

I had a Ford Contour, around a 97 or 98 and I think it was the SE edition, sun roof, etc. Great little car, nice sporty look and all, no mechanical problems or anything .... UNTIL WINTER. The one I had, with the low profile tires, was very poor in winter driving. Just a little skiff of snow on the road and this thing was all over the road, almost like I was driving on the rims. After a couple skating events, I got rid of it. Maybe it was the model, maybe it was the tires, or a combination, but I do know that I'll not buy another one.

That's a good one. I wonder if the clerk survived the day.

I'll be looking to replace PFD's this year as well and I've been eyeballing the Mustangs as well in the catalogs. I have a BPS a couple hours from where I live, so I'll be checking them out very soon. I'll keep thje old style in the boat .... just in case.

Welcome to OFC. Glad to see you joined up ... you'll like it here.

Very nice pics and a great place to visit. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Cancun about 9 years ago and did a number of side trips on the mainland. Beautiful beaches down there. Several years ago we want spent a week on Ambergris Key, Belize. More beautiful beaches, clear water ..... I'd love to go back some day. Thanks the sharing them ... brings back some great memories and future desires.

All I can say is HOLY COW. That's unreal !!! great report as usual. It's those kind of pics that get us all pumped up for the season. Thanks MB .... thanks-a-lot.

Great advice Pooch. It's too easy to overlook the simplist of things ... and they're the ones that create the major headaches. Thanks for posting these.

Good words to live by. Maybe you can't convert everyone around you ... but setting the proper example goes a long way. I treat all fish I catch with care - whether Im keeping them or not. Always pick up trash that I run across and make sure it is disposed of properly. The areas I fish are beautiful and I want it to stay that way. If there are others in the area .... I just give them room, go around, and maybe come back later.

Had some good luck on larger spinner baits and a big old Lucky-Strike Spoons. Always try top have a couple of the Lucky Stikes with me.

Sounds like we just have one more thing in common.

I guess I'm a little late in the day ... hope you had a great one !