rob v

lota lota - is that the set up where you fill the bucket half full with water, set it by a stair/ledge with a small piece of wood extended from the ledge/stair with a peice of bait (e.g. cheese) balanced on the peice of wood over the pail ? when the mouse walks on the small peice of wood (walks the plank) to get the bait the whole thing including the mouse falls in the bucket ? Doesn't the bait need to be reset ? and what happens when the water in the pail freezes ?

Thanks lew - sounds like I'll get some moth balls and give them a go. I learned a while ago to make sure there's nothing left in the boat that they could use for nesting material i.e. life jackets, cushions etc, and most importantly make sure there isn't anything that even resembles food left in the boat. BillM the cheese and traps work well too - I agree - except if I don't get a chance to change the traps for a month or two (boat is stored in my brother's barn an hour away) I could have lots of fun !!

I'm sure this has been discussed before - but does putting moth balls in your boat help to keep mice from taking up residence in your stored boat over the winter ? is there something more effective ? I'm sure there's people on this board with experience to share. Thanks.

Congrats !!

Condolences. Sometimes life just ain't fair.......

Wow, what an amazing attitude. Thanks to your entire family for sharing this experience.

I wear my all the time. And I'm sorry - if you're not going to wear yours - you should be fined. Just like you should be if you drive on the wrong side of the road, or drive too fast, drive with no lights etc. It's just not safe for you or anyone else not to wear one.

great photos - thanks for sharing

very nice -thanks for sharing

sorry fisherman - looks like our posts (that both say the same thing) crossed in cyber space !

thanks GBW - my serial # is BF75L - 1700986 - would that suggest it was made in '86 ? I did a little more looking around and it seems there is no oil filter per se - but a screen around the " oil pick up pipe " - right inside the engine housing.. Apparently the only way to get at it is to take the engine right off...... so i guess as long as i have not problems I'm leaving it the way it is - change the engine oil regularly and keep it clean I guess !

Anyone familiar with the process for changing the oil filter on one of these units. Better yet - where is it ? I bought one used a couple of years back (mid 80's model) and haven't been able to find a manual or figure out how to change the oil filter ( i assume there is one someplace - perhaps internally ?)

Enjoy !

Fantastic time i'm sure - thanks for sharing

beauties

where's out this way ?

good one

great looking fish fellas !!

Kinda what I expected - dodge seems to be pretty hit and miss. probably won't be doing anything until spring. I've liked my ranger and quite frankly when i look at the used market for them they seem to be fairly reasonably priced. Heck right now I can buy a brand new unit off the lot for about $18K + tax - that's with the 4 litre engine. guess i better hurry though if i want a new one - cause this is the last year of production - not sure if they meant 2011 or 2012 model - but i understand that both ford and dodge are no longer making their compact trucks. I'lll have to spend some more time doing some research. the toyota tacoma's deserve a look too - haven't heard too much bad about them either.

blue pickeral - sounds like a real nightmare - and it also sounds like you know what you're talking about. maybe i'll stick with my ford instead !!

great info gentleman. i kinda wondered about the gas mileage thing while towing -...i.e. does an under-powered/over-worked engine working hard drink more gasoline than a larger engine that's not working hard ? Dan - most engines can't take much overheating before something warps/wrecks can they ? thanks for the mileage chart also. Billy Bob - the tundra idea has crossed my mind also - but they don't exactly give them away ... if you can find one !

I've got a 12 year old ford ranger that's done me well. 3 litre engine tows my boat (1750 fishhawk/crestliner with 115 hp opti - probably 2200 pounds or so ) okay - but doesn't have a lot of spare power after that. I've been giving some thought to making a change and know a guy who owns a new dakota. He seems pretty happy with it - but its loaded. I'm not looking to spend a lot of coin (the only thing I use my truck for is towing the boat) but I would like to have something dependable and that can tow my rig. looking at 2005 or later (3rd generation dakota's). If anyone has any experience with the Dakota I'd love to hear from you. I like the sounds of the 3.7 litre v6 (210 hp)- but I'm wondering is the standard 4.7 litre v8 (230 HP) wouldn't be a better option - of course knowing the gas mileage sacrifice. Anyways - any thoughts ?

must be the shape of the 75 - my 115 isn't too much of a problem - i winterize my own every year - in accordance with the owners manual instructions - never had too much problem getting my plugs out.

Thanks - I'll give them a try.

I've got a week of vacation the first week in October with nothing planned and was thinking of spending a few days fishing Rice - I haven't been to Rice lake in years and would like to give it a try. I'm by myself and I'm looking for cheap accommodations for a couple of nites - thinking perhaps a motel of some sort (renting a cabin from an outfitter would be too expensive). Any recommendations on places to stay near Rice lake ? Thanks