CrowMan

Amazon and most camping/outdoor specialty shops. You want both...the wash and the waterproofing.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent It's what makes water "bead" on the exterior layer of fabric, rather than soak in to it. The GoreTex will still be waterproof with out it, but the exterior will "wet out". You're correct...some heat will help bring the DWR back to surface of the fabric. Ironing on low heat works great too. Periodically washing the GoreTex with NikWax will also help keep it breathable by "un-clogging" the porous membrane.

My recommendation would be to visit your local tackle shop. They'll answer all your questions. If you're in the west GTA, I'd suggest Fishing World in Hamilton.

Bay of Quinte in November and December...they don't get bigger than that.

My experience of late with BPS is... they don't carry much inventory beyond the standard stuff you'd find at Sail, Canadian Tire, or Walmart. Most of the stuff labeled with their "house' brand is junk. Their staff for the most part are not knowledgeable at all. And the prices aren't that great. When I look around what people are actually buying at BPS..it's a suburban housewife purchasing a forest print comforter for the cottage, or a backyard chef buying a turkey deep fryer. Not a lot of hard core fishing types shopping there. It's become a "lifestyle" store. I prefer to do business with locally owned shops, staffed with people who know their stuff, and stocked with products that are relevant to the current angling scene. You'll find me in Fishing World, J-Pro, Gagnon's, Peterborough Pro Tackle or Pro Advantage.

Queenston if you don't want to hike. Whirlpool has better fishing but it's a huff n puff . It will be Steelhead this time of year.

I've had a Simms Pro Dry jacket and bibs for 6 years. Still going strong, like new...don't leak a drop, even running down the lake at 40mph in a rainstorm. Water rolls off of them in droplets. Well designed cuffs and collar/hood to keep any leaks out. Very breathable too, never sweat in them. Best rain gear I've ever owned. Most of the time they're stored scrunched up in one of the in-floor compartments of my boat. All I do is, twice a year or so, wash them with NikWax Tech Wash, then tumble dry on low to maintain the DWR. The fabric is GoreTex 3-Layer Pro...as far as I know, there's nothing better out there.

That's quite the investment ! Tungsten ain't cheap.. I'm sure you'll get a nice return on your money once you do your magic.

Some of the older guys on the pro tour think the opposite...it's the technology that has leveled the playing field. Younger guys that understand and have mastered FFS are coming right out of the college (and even high school) circuits and are doing well, even winning tournaments. There are veterans that claim that it's no longer necessary to put in years of learning to acquire the skills and knowledge to be competitive. They say that the technology is a "short cut" and if you put some of these young guys on a lake and they didn't have FFS, they would be lost and have no clue where to find fish. Some of the pros think that because of the dominance of tech, that we will never again see personalities like Kevin VanDam, Rick Clunn or Roland Martin ...anglers that won year after year due their particular skill set and knowledge...and because they became household names it was good for the sport and the industry. All sports need stars to be successful. I don't necessarily agree with all of the above, I straddle the fence. I can understand both sides of the debate. To illustrate the breadth of the divide, here's two quotes from tournament pro's. "If you ain't scopin' you're hopin'" "It's like deer huntin' with a drone"

I don't necessarily disagree Lew, but to be fair, regardless of the electronics, you still got to get 'em to bite...so thinking is still required. It's just that the concept of what is "fishing" is constantly evolving. The good thing is there are no rules...you can use the technology or not or just a little. It's whatever turns your crank. Although in terms of the competitive aspect, there's certainly precedent for keeping a sport more entertaining by limiting technology. Afterall they banned aluminum bats in pro baseball...lol

Same here, my Terrova is like the Energizer Bunny...keeps going and going...and the brushless models are quite a jump in price. I do like the benefits of brushless. Last year there was talk of after-market replacement brushless motor kits. There's some on AliBaba (which I don't trust buying from) for between $500 and $800 depending on the MinnKota model. My current Terrova has all the tech I need other than the motor, so it's something I might consider. Anyone know anything ? Is there a reputable source ?

Well said Randy. I also think there needs to be a distinction made between different types of anglers and what they want to achieve from a day of "fishing". Obviously a tournament angler's goal is to put as many big fish in the boat as quickly and efficiently as possible. I have no problem with using whatever technology it takes to accomplish this...if that's what it's all about. For the weekend warrior, cottager, or casual angler going out with his kids or buddies that may not necessarily be the goal. There are other elements of "fishing" that make the experience "recreational" for folks just going out for "a day on the water". For a lot of anglers it's the mental chess game..."where are the fish today based on the conditions on this particular lake". That may also mean doing nothing else but just wanting to flip shorelines and docks...or toss frogs in the pads..or rip jig in the thick cabbage...because that's what they want to get a kick out of that day.. Even though it may not be the most productive pattern .. and they may be missing a lot of fish that are perhaps on structure or suspended offshore that could be located with FFS. It's not always about the most and biggest fish, sometimes it's "how" you're fishing that makes it a great day. I think for most people (non-tournament anglers) for now, that $40k may be better spent on something else. And the time it takes to master it could also be used more effectively learning something else. Obviously that equation may change as the price inevitably comes down and the technology becomes more "user friendly". I just think that people shouldn't feel that they're missing out by not having the "latest and greatest". I will say as a consumer/viewer of pro tournaments...FFS has definitely degraded the experience and entertainment value. Watching a bunch of guys head down looking for blobs on their screen and then casting to them, doesn't exactly make for compelling TV viewing. The "good ol days" of watching guys blindly fishing competing "patterns" was a lot more intriguing and fun to watch. Some of the sponsors/mfgr's may want to be careful of what they wish for...hence the advent of "Old School" tourneys.

I know that some of the Musky tourneys have banned FFS, and it seems some of the Bass competitions have too.. I'm not sure where, or even if, you draw the line on the use of technology. Interesting times.

Bears are already out and about in Frontenac...hungry too...their usual foods aren't available yet, so the local dump is getting a good going over..

One of the reasons I like flats fishing down south...electronics are useless in 2 ft of water..

Brennan Harbour or Vance's...both near the mouth of the Spanish River on the North Channel of Lake Huron. Or Kipawa Lodge or Alawaki Lodge on Lake Kipawa, Quebec.

I'm assuming: LiveScope left, 2-D down, chart/map, LiveScope right I like to take my grandkids out fishing to get them away from video games. I'm just afraid the next generation is going to turn fishing into something that's not the experience we grew up with. The art and science of learning to "pattern fish" is becoming irrelevant. Seems to me it was a lot more fun when times were simpler..

One of the competitors from the BassMaster Elite tournament in Texas this weekend. 4 units on the dash, and another 3 up on the bow...Looks like he has more screens than NASA Mission Control in Houston...

Still short a shut-down D-man and a goalie. Maybe Woll will be the guy, but I don't trust Sammy.

Doesn't list all of them I'm sure, but hopefully helps: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/top-ontario-fishing-tournaments

On the other hand, some cottage associations and environmental groups are encouraging folks to dump their wood fire ashes into the forest (groundwater) and lakes. To the point that they are promoting "Ash Drives". Ashes, because of their high alkaline content, help to offset the effects of acid rain in lakes. Afterall, forest fires provide a lot of benefits....and in areas with human habitation, we have suppressed this completely natural process. Like I said...mixed opinions. It seems like the OMNR and the Ministry of the Environment don't talk to each other... https://fotmw.org/get-involved/#ash

In my neck of the woods, the annual Big Bass Mega Bucks on Big Rideau Lake is always a lot of fun. Also, Kiwanis Walleye World on Quinte is a good way to kick off the season with lots of festivities. BTW, is there a difference between a tournament and a derby...just askin'

Something must've changed. I bought my AOLithium from Amazon last year.

I agree Bill. The higher the ABEC rating, the higher the tolerances...but that doesn't mean they spin any "faster". At the RPM that fishing reels turn at, and the minimal torsional load, it's really not that critical.

I'm partial to G Bay, but not necessarily that specific area you mention. A lot more opportunities (and less people) further north on the Bay...anywhere from Honey Harbour right up to the French. Especially if you're looking for trophies.. That being said, even though they're heavily fished, the Kawartha's are still a Bass factory. Although they'll probably be smaller, the chances of hooking a Musky or Walleye are more likely too.