BillsTheBassMan

Awesome info. Do you have any idea how much your rig weighed? What I am looking at is almost identical.

I will be doing lots of 30 minute to 1 hour runs, 10 that are 3+ hours.

Wow guys, I really appreciate all the info, a lot of really good information has been posted. I am snowed out from getting home tonight but I will try and post pictures of the boat when I get home. I think I am set on a 4x4 at this point but I will look at vehicles without the hitch as aftermarket seems ok. I will do long tows about 10 times annually so a big tahoe is out of the question. My understanding on the jeep liberty is that the wheel base is too short for really effective towing but owners seem to have no problems with them. Again, I appreciate all the information. Ryan

Hey OFC, I have been doing a lot of research over the last few months on what boat and suv to buy. I am nearing the time to close on a early 90s Crestliner 17ft deep-v aluminum. It has a newer 90hp outboard and the owner has agreed to multiple tests including a compression test. The seller and I do not know the weight (almost impossible to find specs). I am guessing it is approx 1700lbs with trailer/motor/boat/light gear. Does anyone have a more accurate guess? My main question/problem is finding my next vehicle that will accommodate towing this boat and my daily needs. I am looking at v6 models under $20k, 2008 or newer around or under 100k. I prefer a factory tow package (which is really limiting my search). I am mainly looking at Jeep Grand Cherokee, but would consider an Acadia and maybe a Honda Pilot. Everytime I get close to the right vehicle something throws it off. If you could help me with any/all of the following questions that'd be great. 1) Do I need 4x4 or AWD? I have found an Acadia with a tow package at a reasonable rate but its FWD. It's rated for 5k TC 2) Are aftermarket hitches/transmission coolers as good as a factory tow pack? I could have a vehicle tomorrow if it wasn't for the lack of tow packages. 3) Will I need heavier brake pads or trailer breaks? With either the Acadia or JGC I seem to have plenty of pull. 4) Should I lean towards diesel JGC models for towing purposes? This will be my first boat and I want to make sure that I am well equipped with the right vehicle to tow it safely for years to come. Any insight is appreciated Thanks Ryan

I think what this thread has shown is that a lot of quality fishermen use a lot of different lures to catch the same fish. Sale hunt, try different profiles/rigs/colours and you'll find what works where & when. It's more about how you fish the bait. Most people new to soft plastics fish them way too fast or pop them way too much.

Keep your eye on BPS website for the tournament craws at $1 per bag. It happens and when it does it is well worth it. I ordered about $100 worth last year. Texas Red and (surprisingly) the grape purple ones did quite well.

If you think these are expensive search Megabass lures.....yikes. Live target Musky stuff seems good. As far as bass/Pike/eyes jerks and cranks I prefer Rapala Xraps, and you can get them for under $5 a unit online.

We've also stumbled on numerous couples "enjoying nature" while wading rivers

My buddy found a rapala J-11 in a trout stream that had broken off. It was attached to a 12" steel leader below a softball sized bobber.

Insurance policy is definitely a plus if available. Has anyone used the boats from Memsquit with the fish finders? Can I get away with the Navionics app and a chart map for charting? I would prefer to give my business to Lakair due to the overwhelming support on these boards, but I also want to ensure that I have all angles covered. Ryan

I would spend the extra $20 and try a St Croix Triumph. I only fish St Croix and the versatility, warranty, comfort and performance is second to none.

Thanks Lew, had a feeling that you would say that. Lakair is about 2 minutes by boat from where we are going. Any suggestions on a portable fish finder we can buy that'll give us some kind of idea of rock shoals etc.

Hey all. I figure there are a few folks around here with this topic. Our group has rented a cottage for a week in August near oak island on the nipissing west arm. We have one boat but by no means is it a fishing boat (as the person who owns it is scared of toothy critters and having fun). We are in need of a full week boat rental from someone that is willing to let us dock it at the rental cottage for the week we have it rented. I have researched numerous lodges in the area and am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a small cedarstrip or aluminum rental for the week. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks Ryan

It's a tough call. I would avoid the cookie cutter new build variety home if that isn't for you. The fact is you both need to be happy. I would try and angle a compromise towards a good solid raised bungalow or sidesplit of the 1970 to 1980 time frame. The bones are usually pretty solid, you usually have a property with it, they tend to be turnkey but tend to have 2 or 3 things that need an eventual update. No chance of asbestos either.

Pete this is incredible stuff man, nice to see all the time spent and dedication paying off, and cannot wait to get there myself. An impressive campaign for sure.

Thanks again Pete. Check your pm momentarily. I have not considered the newer escapes because of the 13+ recalls on the 2013 model. This is giving me something to think about. I like the looks of the vehicle as well. Thanks for the reply

Thank you again Costa. I agree the V6 is the only viable option in that price range and mid-level SUV.

Hello All, Well, I have been away for a couple years as life kind of took over - a new father, engagement, the passing of grandparents, too little time on the water, far too much time at work. I fished consistently, but never enough. Fishing has a way of bringing you back though. I was able to get a very close friend very addicted to fishing and we've enjoyed many trips. I was monkeying around for bass in the fall and then the single-most defining (and potentially expensive) moment happened. WHAM. Reel screaming, heart pumping, me swearing. "I don't think this is a ba..." Fish swims by "ITS NOT A BASS BRO!" He's kind of staring cluelessly. "Why aren't you video-taping this or something" At this point I had seen the fish and knew that I had my first Musky. I landed it quickly, released it quickly and had it back in the water after a few pictures. A few casts later I caught another, smaller 'ski. A few months later and I have all the appropriate gear to properly fish for Musky. I was then trolling Kijiji for new gear and I came across a St. Croix Legend Musky Rod. I messaged the seller and we remembered eachothers names. Fisherpete was the owner of the Rod and we arranged a price and delivery. He was kind enough to include some extra gear and it was nice connecting with the community again. I look forward to posting reports of all the trips we have planned this summer. I am also looking for suggestions on a mid-range SUV (not a gas hog, not a crossover) that can tow a mid-range boat We will be on Nipissing for the opener and for a week in August. If anyone wants to have a few pops, send me a message. Cheers to Pete. It is good to be back.

Thanks for the report. I am looking to buy a SUV in the near future for lifestyle purposes and would also like for it to be able to tow a small to mid weighted boat (yet to be purchased). Would you recommend this vehicle for that function, I won't be off-roading much. Do you have any idea what the towing capacity is Ryan

Hahahaha, I got a good laugh out of this. At least you'll have some good times/memories out of the deal.

The very best kind of fishing Splash! I'm glad you had a good time.

A general rule is if the water is navigable (you can run a canoe down it) then it is public/crown land. If the water is not-navigable (in the case of most streams) the creek bed is owned by the landowner. You may run into issues with this if you ever do get pulled over by a cop though (as in they may not know the law and would likely side with the landowner.) I have found that is best avoiding marked land or asking for permission first.

What is that tackle shop in Guelph at the corner of Woolwich - the one near the big Canadian Tire? I looks like a shack from the road, but I pass it all the time for work and have vowed to stop in. Is that Kingsway?

Nope, in business you have to call it like you see it and customer service/a positive store experience is often all that divides stores from each other (in Natural's case they have superior prices to most tackle shops and an extensive product line). Reminds me of a certain fly shop where I was getting grilled for buying live bait when I was taking my 6 year old nephew fishing (do you have a license, what are you fishing for, where are you fishing etc) - never been back and told more than a few people about it. This is the basics on how people gather a reputation. When I'm in a tackle shop 3 times per week for 5-6 months straight, purchasing something on each trip and I don't get offered service until someone happens to see that I'm driving a $90K Vehicle because they're fixing the kayak display out front, then it's just a fact as to why I'm getting service. What was the service? A pitch on a $550 Loomis rod while I was looking at a handful of $5-$10 lures. More than enough coincidences to make that situation a fact. Dave's service continues to be lacking despite my handful of receipts totaling roughly $800 since the beginning of April. Regardless, it should be kept in context that Natural is my tackle shop of choice, one employee didn't ruin it for me, and one helped it incredibly. Their prices are good, their selection is good, and there just aren't many top notch options in the KW area. It should also be mentioned that the younger staff at Natural are eager to help and quite knowledgeable. They're generally always the first to give you a hand. I find it somewhat interesting Natural Sports wasn't mentioned at all in the dozens of posts on this thread before mine. Continuing with the thread, outside of KW, I've had good experiences at Elwood Epps, Angling Outfitters, and Tall Tales in Cambridge (a big shout out to the owner who was extremely friendly and helpful the one time that I happened by the shop). Rainbow Sports (despite having inflated prices on smaller items like lures and line) have good service and EXTREMELY knowledgeable upper management and competitive pricing on soft baits and bigger items.

My Fav Kitchener-Waterloo tackle shop closed down last year and I've been left debating between Rainbow Sports and Natural Sports as my two close to home options. I had a few bad first experiences at Natural Sports on my first dozen or so trips there. Rainbow is decent, but prices on most items is too high. Recently Natural has won my business as I've discovered an extremely helpful employee who fishes the same way I do and likes to talk about the same stuff and is extremely helpful - John. That name will mean something to one member of these boards in particular. Dave didn't start offering me customer service until he saw I was driving an Escalade one day (after I had been in there and ignored on multiple occasions despite clearly having questions to ask). Regardless, Natural in general has been getting progressively better for me and the prices are extremely good (cheaper than big box on many items and they have a full selection - including all loomis and live target).