CrowMan

Sorry...didn't realize that was a "cuss" word....they call metal files by the same name.. It's also used many times in the Bible...a child born out of wedlock.. Anyways...where do put a kicker on this thing ? And no seat base for the rear platform ?

So BRP gets into bed with Alumacraft and this is what they spawn... Not sure about having the power head right at the water line.

https://webapp.navionics.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxveXBhDDARIsAI0Q0x1iNQaGQ6Z88-6AG9DkiS2hyynHMYnhDJQmqSjkthwFnMO22lmuXs4aAm91EALw_wcB#boating@6&key=sqjhGbsfeN

55lb thrust should be plenty for a 16 footer, plus there is no eay easy way to add a second trolling battery in that boat. However make sure you get the i-pilot...it is a game changer. Between spot lock and auto-pilot it will change the way you fish.

One more thing...yes as Fisherman suggests drill a pilot hole before going bigger, but before you make any holes, use a counter-sink bit first...that way you won't chip the gel-coat. Just use a center punch to begin, so it doesn't wander.

Same as above, but I used 1" StarBoard HDPE as a backer under the glass.

Can you say Pavlovian Response...I'm drooling..

That is basically my recipe as above... Cut salmon or trout into pieces the size of a jumbo hot dog (skin on). Brine is 1 part kosher (pickling) salt, 1 part dark brown sugar, 1 part maple syrup. Let soak in brine for a minimum 12 hours, pat dry and then on a rack in the fridge (or a cool spot) for 2 to 4 hours (a "pellicle" should form on the fish) . Smoke on lowest heat possible with apple or cherry wood chips/pellets. Every 30 minutes or so brush fish with a mixture of half Rye Whiskey and half Maple Syrup. Also sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper after the last basting. Will take from 2 to 3 hours, depending on thickness of fish pieces and temp of smoker. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165 F. I have a Traeger pellet smoker...makes it real simple. It even has wi-fi...I can be out on my boat fishing while I control the smoking temp, and monitor the internal temp. Makes doing an 18 hour smoke with a full brisket easy-peasy. Best Christmas gift my kids ever gave me...

Yes, I agree..the "Stay-Lok" snaps are a pain. However, a couple of things...I wouldn't use a swivel on a crankbait, just the snap. I feel the swivel is unnecessary on a non-rotating lure and detracts from the action. Secondly, if I am using a swivel, I always use a ball-bearing type..just had too many of those barrel swivels freeze up and cause me grief....buts that's just me.

Looks delicious ! What species ? What's in your brine mixture...just a straight salt and sugar mix, or a little somthin' somethin' blended in ? I do an Indian Candy with Maple Syrup and Rye Whiskey...perfect with an nice hoppy Ale watching NFL on a Sunday afternoon.

A little off topic...anyone running lithium batteries ? Prices have been coming down, just wondering if there's any major benefits that make the investment worthwhile.

Even if you don't have a hard copy or a digital one on your phone with you it's no big deal. As long as you've gone on the website and paid. Last week, 3 of us were fishing in my boat. A pair of friendly female Conservation Officers pulled along side us. They asked to see our safety equipment, my Boating Card, and all our fishing licenses. They also asked me to open my livewell. All good, except my one buddy had left his Outdoors Card and phone back at the cottage....which he apologized for, but he insisted he did have a valid license which he purchased on-line. The CO asked for his name, date of birth and address...we assumed she was going to write him a ticket. Nope...she got on her phone called in to her office (this was a Sunday), got the admin to search the data base, and verified my buddy did indeed have an up-to-date licence. They wished us luck and went on their merry way. Very pleasant government employees who just wanted to make sure we were safe, and went out of their way not to fine us.

Brenda told me minnows are no problem for them this season...however, apparently there have been issues all over NWO this summer. Personally, I too prefer soft plastics to live bait. The last couple of seasons I've become hooked on the new Berkely MaxScent. Outfishes livebait in my experience...easier to keep, stays on the hook longer, and pannies don't steal it as much. The FlatWorm in Goby colour is crack cocaine for Smallmouth...either on the drop shot or Ned Rig.. And that's coming from a diehard Z-Man, Keitech, and MegaBass devotee.. Walleye can't resist it either...the Jerk Shad is killer... Check out the purple bag on my dash...

Fyi...Ken had triple-bypass heart surgery this spring...he's spending the summer at home recuperating. However, speaking to Brenda, it seems the camp is in good hands this season.

I think a lot of us, at one time or another, have woken up bleary-eyed with that same thought...especially when it comes to cougars...

Yes....definitely could be a "Cougar"

I'm no expert by any means....but cats (big and small) walk on their pads, with their claws retracted. They only extend their claws to climb or capture. Bears, however, can't retract their claws. I suspect that might be a young bear.

Yeah...plywood is definitely the way to go. Can't beat Douglas Fir Marine Grade plywood....sealed with thinned out 2-part epoxy resin. Glue and then clamp together the two 3/4 inch sheets with the epoxy too. A little pricey and extra work to brush on the epoxy but you won't regret it 10 years from now. If you want to go all out...sandwich the sealed and glued plywood between two sheets of .100 guage aluminum. Cap the exposed top edge of the plywood with same...

Heading up for a week of fishing the second week of September. Staying at Lac Seul Outposts up in the NE arm. Bringing our own boat. Owners say guides are unnecessary. I do follow Ben Beattie...although he seems to fish further south and west ?? Anyone have any experience to share ? It sounds like getting a shore lunch of 'eyes shouldn't be a problem. Its the big toothy critters I'm unsure about. I'm organizing my Musky arsenal...any suggestions on baits/colours I should be stocking up on ? Will they still be relating to the cabbage or moved out to the offshore rocks by that time of year ? Prefer to cast rather than troll. I've fished LOW, Eagle, Indian Chain and some of the lakes around Sioux Lookout, but never Lac Seul...so any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It's a lot simpler than it looks...as long as you're double vacc'ed. My buddy up at the cottage is from PA, he goes back and forth almost weekly...no sweat...and always brings me something from the Duty Free 😁 "Back to normal" could be a very long time. Never mind the constant mutations of this virus (and others...now it's coming from Curious George)...governments are very quick to enact regulations, and very slow (if ever) to end them.

You will need proof of being DOUBLE vaccinated. The second dose must be a minimum of 14 days before you cross the border. You will also need to download the ArriveCan app, fill it out, and upload doc's. Of course, you also need a valid passport. This should help: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

A spoon will definitely twist your line...vibration won't. Use a good quality ball bearing swivel...in either combination with your snap or between your leader and main line, and you should be fine.

My buddy who runs charters is sponsored by Okuma...so of course he uses them. However, he upgrades the drags to carbon fibre. Inexpensive and easy to do...makes a big difference. https://stores.tunasreeltroubles.com/carbon-fiber-drag-washer-set-by-dragmasters-for-okuma-cold-water-cw-303d-303dlx-303ds-453d-453ds-trolling-reels/

In the Okuma line up the Coldwater is OK, but the Convector and Magda have just way too much plastic for my taste. However, it's the drags that are a problem for me. They suffer from "drag creep" so you're constantly tinkering with the setting (especially when pulling something substantial like Dipsy's). Plus they also exhibit "drag fade" particularly with a fish that makes long powerful runs like a big King. Like I said, that's been my personal experience. Depending on the application you may have a different opinion. Okuma's come in at a great price point, but in terms of "value" like most things you get what you pay for.