CrowMan

Yeah I get it, Okra is not for everyone. My wife and I like it, my kids and grandkids not so much. If they come over, after slicing up the Okra, I'll soak it in vinegar for a few minutes (then rinse)...it removes the "slime" that turns a lot of people off. However, Okra does help thicken (along with the roux) the Gumbo to give it that proper consistency. Not sure if you've tried "filé powder" in your Gumbo. I use it if Okra is not available. Again, it thickens the Gumbo and gives it that authentic Cajun flavour and texture. I usually pick up a jar when I'm down south, as it's difficult to find in local stores...but I see you can buy it on Amazon. Yup we eat mussels at least twice a month from October to May...in summer I find they're not as plump and tasty. They're relatively cheap, twice the protein of steak by weight, and low fat...plus you can do them in anything from a coconut milk curry to plain ol' beer...what's not to like.. My apologies if this all sounds too nerdy...but there's two things I geek out about...fishing and food..

It looks like quite the procedure to manually stow it: https://minnkota-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us/articles/8140938560663-Emergency-Manual-Stow-for-the-Ulterra-all-models-

You would think MinnKota could get a little more creative with its model names...it's like Larry, Daryl and Darryl...lol Anyway, by the sound of things, it seems like Terrova would be the best fit. Pretty good jump in price for the Ulterra....and I understand if you run out of juice while it's deployed it can be a headache to get it back up..

My bad...not only my back is losing it...lol

Really depends on your age/fitness and the condition of your back...that's the primary reason I can see for the Ulterra. If you have no physical issues, I would stick with the Terrova. However, I do believe the Ulterra is still a cable drive motor (power assisted)...so if you're primarily a Bass or Musky guy that likes the accuracy and response of a cable drive foot control...it might be a better choice.

Spiel...there's really not that much difference between Gumbo and Jambalaya. I do like your idea of adding some smokey BBQ flavour..for both. Either way, that's damn good eatin'. Curious...did you throw in some Okra ? A traditional addition, but sometimes hard to find this time of year. Misfish..that's a bummer, but hey it's an opportunity to get creative with some new recipes....and I don't think there's much that comes off a smoker that plays with your insulin levels. Last night, we had PEI mussels steamed in a garlic, leek, tomato, parsley and Chablis broth. On the side, a green salad with some Burrata to balance things out. All pretty quick and easy...fairly healthy too except for perhaps the toasted (white) baguette to mop up all the juices.

Gumbo or Jambalaya ? Mix me up a Sazerac and put on some Charmaine Neville...and it'll be just like sittin' at a table on Frenchmen St..

I've replaced a couple of lower ends over the years. Most cost effective option was always just to replace the entire lower unit with a used one.

Not sure if that model Motorguide has one...but there is a reed switch (operated by a magnet) that powers up the motor. It's a safety, so the motor won't accidentally power up in the stowed position. It should be under the cover of the steering head. Check to see if you're getting power across it. My TM had the same problem...wouldn't power up...bad reed switch was the culprit. If that doesn't do it...I highly recommend Aikman's.

Not sure what you're looking for...but if you're looking for success on Simcoe in the winter, I would book an ice hut for the day from a reputable operator. They usually do a pretty good job of putting you on fish. I can recommend Floyd Hales out of Beaverton.

Don't get me wrong...Loomis makes absolutely fantastic blanks. The IMX Pro is great value, the GLX is as good as anything out there, and the NRX+ is in a class on its own...nothing else comes close. But the build quality sucks. Compared to MB or even Expride at a fraction of the price, the NRX+ looks like it was put together by a high schooler in shop class. It's just that for a $900 rod you would expect better wrapping, fit and finish. I have to give credit to the Japanese...they sure know how to make a rod look "purrty". That being said...yeah I know, the fish don't care...lol

Even though it may look like big water, it fishes a lot smaller. No matter how big the blow, with all the islands, bays and inlets there's always a calm spot to get out of the wind. As long as you stay within Whalesback Channel (and there's no need to go further) there really aren't any long stretches of open water for big rollers to develop. I would certainly feel more than comfortable in a 16 ft tinner regardless of any wind. We never had a problem finding fish...if you have Navionics, finding weed edges, extended underwater points and offshore reefs shouldn't be a problem. In fact, the owners provide you with a map with lots of fishing spots marked (and hazards) and are always helpful in putting you on fish..

I stand corrected. Always thought it was just open year round west of the Serpent.

When I was young I spent all my money on "wine, women, and song". In middle age, it was mortgages and university tuitions. Now that I'm a geezer, fishing tackle is all that's left to spend my money on..lol

I'm with ya on the Expride bandwagon...just wish they made Musky rods....not a lot of choice in that segment

It seems that all of the "high performance" rods have some reported issues. Just Google "( insert brand) breakage problems" and you'll find a bunch of threads on various forums on how that particular brand has issues. When you're mfgr'ing a stick that weighs mere ounces but gets loaded with multiple pounds of torque....shyte happens. I have 3 MB rods (all Destroyers) that get pretty heavily used and abused..and haven't had a problem yet 🤞. I also have 4 young grandkids that I often fish with...and believe me that's a disaster waiting to happen. The only rod I've had an issue with was a St. Croix....and SC's are generally pretty robust blanks. I had a LT 6'10" ML XF spinning that I primarily used for drop shotting. About 3 months in with it, I snapped it on a hook set between the 2nd and 3rd eye from the tip. I returned it to SC (great customer service) and they sent me a new one. That one, the next year, after 2 months of use snapped in the exact same place. At that point, I just had them upgrade it to an LT MHF casting rod (no charge) as I just felt cursed with that particular model. Never have had any other issues with SC. I guess if folks want something that's truly unbreakable, you can always get an Ugly Stick. Keep in mind, a 7' med Ugly Stick spinning weighs 11 oz vs 4 oz or so for a MB, Expride, LT, GLX or similar. Have fun trying to feel anything with that rod...but hey, it's the #1 selling rod in North America, so who am I to judge...lol

As an update from my post last year...MB reintroduced the Addermine after discontinuing it for a couple of years. Check it out if you like a finesse rod with plenty of mid blank power. Definitely more balls than a Whipsnake. There's a noticeable difference (weight and sensitivity) moving up to the Destroyer blanks.

I'm with ya on MegaBass. My favourite finesse spinning stick is the Addermine in the Destroyer line up. I talked about it in a thread last year. https://ontariofishingcommunity.com/topic/90804-wacky-rigs/#comment-1082817 Which model Orochi do you like ?

Not enough that he stuffed lead weights in Walleye... https://www.wfmj.com/story/49887639/hermitage-fisherman-who-cheated-in-tournament-now-accused-of-poaching-deer

I have several 3 pc travel rods...St.Croix's and TFO's. Only use them if I'm flying somewhere...they fit in the overhead or a suitcase. However, if I could take a one piece with me, I would...not a fan of multi-piece rods. They'll be getting a workout this winter...leaving for Belize on Boxing Day for 2 weeks. I'll be bringing 3..ML for Bonefish, MH for Permit/Barracuda and XH for Tarpon. I know that sounds excessive, but you can't toss a 1/8oz Bonefish jig on a Tarpon rod, and you're not going to land a Tarpon with a fairy wand...and if you're bringing 2, might as well bring 3...lol

Tough to pick one rod that will handle every application and presentation (I assume we're talkin' Bass)...like you I have a bunch of rods (I couldn't even give you a number if you asked me ...lol) BUT if I had to pick one it would be an Expride 72 MHF. It's sweet spot is 1/2 oz...great with 3/8oz bottom contact, but will fish swim baits and does particularly well with chatter baits. A little faster than I'd like for horizontal presentations like crankin', but it still has some mid-blank bend that'll keep them pinned. And a little under gunned for flippin the jungle and froggin'. It's not mod-fast, but certainly not extra fast either. It's also a very pretty rod. IMO, the quality for the price point is the best on the market today. I have to say my only experience with Dobyns has been somewhat disappointing. I have a Champion Extreme HP 702SF...I bought it for finesse spinning....drop shot, ned, etc. One of my buddies swears by Dobyns, and I was in J Pro one day and the guy cut me a real good deal ...so it was kind of an impulse buy (aren't they all..lol). Dont get me wrong, it's a very good rod, it's just that at that price point I was expecting more. I find it somewhat heavy in hand (more to do with the way it balances) and the sensitivity is OK at best. The biggest reason I don't pull it out very often is the grip...no cork in front of the reel, so doesn't really work that great with the way I hold a spinning rod. Like I said, I have pals that love Dobyns and my experience is with only the one spinning model, but I'd be reluctant to buy another. For those that think I'm over thinking things ("its a rod, it catches fish")...what can I say, I'm a tackle nerd..

I just took another look at the reg's...Bass is closed there until the third Saturday in June...it's only open year round west of where the Serpent River crosses hwy 17. Hopefully, the lodge is not promoting catching them earlier than that even if it's catch & release

We fished there 5 years ago for 3 days in September. We mainly stayed on Tube and Kecil Lakes. I'd describe the fishing as mediocre at best. Some dink Smallmouth, a few hammer-handle Pike and one lone small Walleye. Perhaps it was the weather, we were there just after a strong early fall cold front pushed through...temp went from 23c to 12c overnight the day we arrived. Not sure if you saw this review: https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/threads/waterfalls-lodge-spanish-river-review.616604/ Only a few minutes away is the mouth of the Spanish River...Whalesback Channel (the North Channel of Lake Huron). We've been there twice in the last few years...both times for a week in September. Some of the best drive-to fishing this side (east) of Sault Ste Marie in my experience. Excellent Smallmouth...quantity and quality...plenty of 20"+ fish. Good Pike in the 30 to 40" range...and shots at big Musky. Never a problem catching enough Walleye for a fish fry. We stayed at Brennan Harbour Resort...which I highly recommend...James and his wife are great hosts ! There are other places that are on the same water like Blue Heron and Vance's that looked good too. One other thing...in June the Bass will be on the beds up there, not sure how you feel about that..

Like I said, have yet to put my hands on one...but I assume it would be like holding a handgun where your thumb cocks the hammer. Naturally, a low profile reel like a Tranx or Lexa is going to feel more comfortable....a beer can reel like a Calcutta is probably going to be a stretch.