bfong07

Shimano Stradic 1500 St Croix Triumph 6'6" ML 15lb PP Handles like a dream. Entire setup weighs less than 12oz. No fatigue after a 8+ hr day.The $200 price tag will let her know she's something special, lol.

I have an Intex Mariner and can vouch for its safety. The craft is about 12' long and has 4 air chambers plus an inflatable keel that keeps it very stable even in choppy water. There is a hard floor of wooden slats and 2 people can fish in it, even standing up. As for getting swamped by the wake of bigger boats, it doesn't happen. The things just rides up and down on the waves. The rubber it is made of is awesome very sturdy and is formed by 3 overlapping layers. It awesome as a hard plastic bumper all around. I've had it ram into docks, branches and rocks without coming close to puncturing. Just make sure you don't over inflate, as the chambers have some "give" when they hit anything and this prevents it from puncturing. This is a very well-made inflatable (it weighs over 160lbs with a 55 lb-thrust electric motor and battery). The only drawback is that due to its shape, it isn't very fast, so I wouldn't take it any great distance from shore if there's a chance that I'll need to get back quickly. In good weather and light wind, it's absolutely fine, and especially great for shallow weedy lakes. It's no bass boat, but for a budget price, it'll let you access places you can't fishing from shore.

I'm studying medicine at the University of Toronto. Just finished my second year and looking to enjoy my last full summer holiday with as much time on the water as possible before I start clerkship in the fall. I guess that means I'm going to be a physician or a surgeon, because job descriptions for an MD degree seem pretty much limited to those two.

I'm going to go out on a limb and back the perennial underachieving chokers that are Spain. I think it was a wise decision by Aragones to drop Raul despite his recent hot form, as his presence tends to divide the factions (Catalan, Basque etc) that play under the national team banner, as well as intimidate the younger, up-and-coming players like Torres and Villa (who was in smoking hot form today). I think with their new-found spirit and lifted pressure (failure at the quarterfinal stage is almost anticipated if not expected), they will have a chance of going all the way if (and that's a big if) they make if out of the quarters (as they will have beaten the contenders from the Group of Death). Technically, they are the most gifted team in the Euros, and at least on paper, have the strongest midfield and front line, as well as the world's best keeper in Iker Casillas.

I apologize for over-reacting. I'm sorry if I offended anyone with my comments. Soccer, like fishing, is just something really close to my heart.

It's how you choose to look at it. Some call it cheating/diving, others call it gamesmanship. In my opinion, if it's within the rules of the game, then it's gamesmanship and it's up to the officials to enforce the laws (i.e. booking a player for simulation to gain an advantage). Otherwise, I see no difference between that and some of the gamesmanship that you see in other sports. If you watched the Spurs/Suns play-off series (or do you not watch basketball either, because IT AIN'T HOCKEY?) then you will have noted the Spur's strategy to foul Shaq OFF THE BALL at the end of each quarter because the rules stipulate that the player fouled has to take the free throw. Tell me that that is not unsportsman-like behavior done to gain an advantage. Yet, it's within the rules of the game, therefore it's legal. Is it proper sportsmanship? That's for you to decide. But keep in mind the win-at-all cost mentality in top-level professional sports that's the cause of these Machiavellian acts. Don't tell me that when a player goes in full throttle to check an opponent in hockey, it's without the intention of causing him some physical harm to gain an advantage for his team. Yet in your perspective that is considered manly. And based on what objective evidence do you claim that hockey is "the toughest sport known"?

If that's you in the avatar, I'll make the presumption that you do not practice either sport. Cheating exists in every sport; making generalizations/stereotypes like that based on the behavior of a minority is akin to making the generalization that all North Americans are uncultured rednecks.

Having no appreciation of the skill, pace and stamina involved in playing soccer does not necessitate belittling the sport. This is in keeping with why many people in the rest of the world perceive North Americans as being deluded to their own self-importance. The fact that more people tune into the World Cup finals than any other sporting event should be suggestive of the regard for soccer in world sport.

You'll probably want to invest in something a bit higher in quality. Over the long run, it'll probably be more economical anyway. The great thing about this sport is that you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you want to. My fishing partner uses one set-up all season, every season ....telescoping Shimano Exage rod, Stradic reel and PowerPro line with split shot, lighted Panasonic float and size 2 Gamakatsu octopus hooks. He's the prototypical minimalist, no lures, nothing fancy, not even a landing net. He's managed to consistently land 6-7lb bass, 10+lb walleye and the occasional pike/musky every season with nothing but this setup. The only money he ever spends is on hooks and gas. Granted, the set-up's not that cheap (the floats alone are $20), but it goes to show that quality lasts and simplicity is versatile. I, on the other hand, have spent over $600 on fishing tackle this year and have not caught any more fish. So, just be warned what you're getting into. Fishing is a sport that can be heavy on the wallet, and people like my fishing partner are the exception more than the rule. But I digress. Go and spend some decent money and get yourself a set-up that will give you good service for a few seasons.

Incidentally, breast stroke is the best type of stroke in survival situations, as it remains quite efficient even with the weight of wet, heavy clothing and shoes. Also, the long glide phase will allow conservation of energy. It is also easier for beginners to learn in terms of proper form and coordination than the other strokes, so maybe you should consider starting with that first.

This definitely warrants a correction. Cooked over an open fire? Can you imagine what that would taste like? I say we make them change it to "Largemouth bass, steamed with spring onion, ginger and soya sauce". Now that's proper long weekend table fare.

http://www.canadian-sportfishing.com/downloads.php

I'm 24.