Dutch

Minimum 7 foot MH xfast or fast tip IMO.

I've used power pro for years and haven't had any problems.

Tip for those of you that are losing their colour quickly. Grab a Sharpie of your choice of colour and cut a slit in the tip, put your line in the slit and reel it through - line is like brand new and doesn't fade significantly. You only have to do it with the last 10-20 feet as that's the only portion the fish see anyway.

If I were out in the bush, an iphone would be the last gps I would want to rely on. I would worry about the durability compared to some other designated and designed handhelds.

Where exactly were you? From the area, so maybe I can help and let you kow if it was private property.

There was a story on the news about this at 6:00 tonight that I was fortunate enough to catch. Both the owner of the hut and the sled had their say. The owner of the hut was apologetic and mentioned that he was glad no one was hurt more seriously. Seemed like a good guy.

The driver of the sled said he was going 50 km/h and that it was windy and he couldn't see the hut. The hut had reflectors on it (red ones) and had solar lights on top. Apparently they weren't on as the driver said so. Apparently he knew the lights weren't on, but he didn't see the hut at all before he hit it..uh huh...The hut was also registered with the MNR. The driver said the only thing that saved him and his passenger was the fact the hut was made out of "cheap" press board and not real plywood like most people use. He went on to say that the government should regulate huts, "like they do in BC" and make lights mandatory 24/7. Why anyone would need lights during the day is beyond me. He also said the reflectors should have been larger and that there should have been more reflectors and they should be larger and on "all 4 corners." The news story was clear that they were already there on each surface.

Just from what this guy said, anyone could tell he isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you know what I mean.

This guy was just going too fast, even if he was going 50 (probably much faster by the looks of what was left of the sled) that's too fast in apparently windy conditions where you can't see a hut. Also, there's no way he could know the area as there are a lot of huts in that space. What happened to common sense and knowing your trails when snowmobiling?

Anyway - this guy deserves no respect or sympathy, his passenger maybe as an unwilling participant that was injured. People need to really smarten up.

I just fear this incident will be used by the naysayers as a reason there shouldn't be huts/ice fishing allowed at all.

I got into a 2010 SCrew F150 in October, and I really like it.

I came from a 2008 GMC Sierra.

In my reasearch I looked at the Chev's/GMC's, Dodge's and Ford's. The GM products were the most expensive and were not heavily discounted like the Fords and Dodges. I attribute that to GM's financial troubles and not opening the floodgates on production, therefore lower inventories. There was virtually no choice out there in the GM the inventory was so low across the Province. Lower inventory means higher prices.

I (almost) immediately rulesd out a Dodge. They just aren't made like the other two brands. The door skins are thin and the truck rattles like a snake. It just doesn't feel solid. The asthetics of the truck are nice though.

The GM products are due for a redesign in 2012 (I think). It is long overdue, They are the worst looking of the 3 major brands.

Now Ford vs. GM - the Ford is heavier and flat out tows better and has a better suspension than the GM. You sit up higher and the ride is more like a truck should be. The ride in the GM was more like a car and is not as "tight" as the Ford. There were times I would go over a set of rail tracks in the GM and feel the tongue weight of the trailer, no way do I feel that in the Ford.

The gas mileage in the GM is better because it is a lighter truck. I really don't think there's much difference in the fuel efficiency of the motor, it is just because the motor is pushing around less weight (about 800 pounds, I think). Really, if anone basis a decision on buying a truck on fuel efficiency, they shouldn't be buying a truck.

The interior of the Ford is more polished.

The fuel tank in the Ford is 120L, the GM was only 90L. I like the larger capacity in the FOrd.

A few things I would like in the Ford that the GM had - standard rear window defrost and the GM would flip into 4wd automatically if there was slip in the tires, Ford doesn't have that.

I would buy a Ford over the GM in a heartbeat if I had to do it again.

Thanks for sharing.

I had a Colorado for 3 years and didn't have any mechanical problems with it. It was reasonable on gas, but not great. I recall it was less mileage than they claimed in their specifications.

I wouldn't drive one again.

I did not have the off road package, but I think that would be a minimum to even consider towing. I also did not ahve 4wd on mine, I would defintely reccommend it. The non-4wd one I had barely was passable as a tow vehicle for an 18 ft. aluminum boat.

I would reccommend against this truck and buy an older full-size for similar cash outlay.

This story makes no sense at all.

A cop would never do this. I don't think anyone looking for drugs would either.

Too bad - Should have switched goalie after the 2nd or 3rd goal. At least for a minute or two to let him clear his head.

Cowan screwed up big time on defensive assignments.

Russians did play very well in the 3rd.

Great goalie change by the russians - Canada should have taken note of that one.....

Sorry, didn't catch the show as I don't get WFN. I really like the previous shows and from the comments here, can't wait to see the replay when we finally get WFN.

Your friends should keep in mind the sale of the current cottage will attract income taxes at capital gains rates.

The offer may be above what they think is market value, but really the market determines the sale price.

Maybe they should keep what they have?

Otherwise I would look at Stoney/Clear lake in the Kawarthas.

Good report, thanks for sharing. Some real trophies there.

Wow, that really sucks.

As a friendly tip to you and others - you should NEVER, NEVER, EVER carry your SIN card in your wallet.

If you lose it, thieves have everything they need to steal your identity. Conceivably, they can now become you. SIN number is a key document that should be in a safe at home.

Sure, you have cancelled your current cards, but there is nothing stopping someone from getting another one. They can also open cell phone accounts and countless others.

I suggest calling Transunion and Equifax to alert them to stop any credit bureaus and not issue a report until the requestor verifies identity of the applicant.

Sorry about your troubles.

The inspector should have provided a written report of their findings. At the very least, he should have tested the furnace to ensure it was in working order.

If you read the report carefully, there are terms and conditions that basically say they can't be held liable for anything. Even if they do find a deficiency, they usually reccommend you to hire an expert to come look into it.

If there is a provincial association, perhaps you can complain about the inspector's work, bt I doubt anything would come of it with respect to compensation.

You may want to talk to your lawyer about whether something can be done with the previous owner, but this is not a home inspector issue.

If the furnace was shot, was it not cold in there when you went through the house?

Edit - Just went back and re-read your OP. Is it the breaker/bare wire that is leading the furnace to not work or is it the furnace itself? The guy from the gas company is trying to sell a new furnace, hence the comment that the inspector had no clue what was going on. Sounds like the furnace was working, then quit recently, leading to a service call. The technician wanted to sell a funance, so blamed the problem on the inspector being incompetant. What leads the service guy to say it is shot - due to the wiring?

All a HI is required to do is make sure things are working, he probably turned on the furnace and it turned on, so he is done there. He also noted the breaker issue, it is not his responsibility to determine what the problem causes, just that there's a problem.

Sounds like the guy did the bare minimum, which sucks, but I don't think you can go back on him for anything unfortunately.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for taking the time to post the pics.

Great fish.

I just returned from 2 weeks in the Mayan Riviera area. It was my 3rd time to the same resort - Bahia Principe. It is about 20 minutes north of Tulum and 40 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen.

I like this resort as there is a deserted lagoon just south of the main beach that is secluded and private and is a great fishing area. It is not looked on favourably fishing from the beach at any resort where swimmers frequent, but I doubt anyone would say anything to you as long as the beach is essentailly deserted. I don't have a problem when I go to the deserted area. I see maybe 3 other people the entire time I am there, which is usually for 3-4 hours at a time.

I take an old medium action rod and a spinning reel spooled with 20 pound power pro. Braid is better considering all the coral around. I use a small octopus hook and a couple of split shot. I get fresh bait from the kitchen, I have not yet once seen them say no. I prefer some type of fish with skin on, then calimari, and finally shrimp if they don't have 1 or 2. The skin helps the bait stay on the hook, calimari stays on better than shirmp. With shrimp I am constantly re-baiting. I have never had luck with any artificial bait from shore.

I gets hits constantly from the small reef fish. Once I get a hook-up and land something, I use it as bait, especially if I am losing a lot of my buffet bait to merauders. It is really like fishing panfish with worms, constantly rebaiting until I catch a bait fish, then it gets better as the flesh does not come off the hook as readily.

I catch quite a few snappers and grunts, usually nothing huge. I got a 2 pound snapper this year that fought like a 10 pound smallmouth - lots of fun. Pretty predictable action.

Went out on a charter last year and got a nice barracuda. This time of year the offshore fishing is not great, but usually you can catch barracuda. I know all about the wind - we were out in 8-10 foot swells, water breaing over the stern here and there, but the captain was really great and held the boat nicely. I suggest Akumal beach if you are looking for a charter. Just get a collectivo there and go to the beach. NEVER, and I mean NEVER go through the resort for fishing. Not only are the captains the same that drive the parasailing boats, but they have no idea how to rig bait or troll. The prices are insane too. Go to Akumal and ask one of the coopeatives at the palapas on the beach, they can hook you up. I have heard of Captain Ron's and of El Pascador. Everyone reccommends them even if they have never fished with them, because they hear about them and read on the internet. They are expensive. Support the liitle guys and arrange something with a local on the beach. They appreciate it that much more.

We saw this guy walking down the beach - got us pumped!

The 'cuda I caught:

This picture shows the seas we were dealing with:

Thoughts are with you and your family, Irish.

you probably should have had a skin mount, the one that went into the livewell probably perished anyway.you could have saved your money,plus the time spent on this thread. sorry.

Probably an existing member with a bone to pick - don't see too many one time posters sign up for a thread like this.

Mods - would like to know what his other user ID is.

Anyway, as far as the mount goes, you are doing the right thing by researching on your own. Use the info you get in this thread along with your own and go with your own decision.

What resort are you going to?

I fished at the Bahia Principe trio of resorts. There is a lagoon about a 10 minute walk south. It is not part of the resort property and has no hotel on it. Absolutely gorgeous, not many people venture the walk - over broken coral and scrub, but well worth it.

Caught a few small reef fish - would have liked to get more, but I didn't have the right bait. Need to use either fresh shrimp from the buffet or fresh calamari. The shrimp were great for chum, but didn't stay on the hook long. The calamari stayed on much better - use it.

Saw a ton of fish, lots of small barracuda, hard to hook, pointy, small, hard mouth. Saw a 5 foot shark, puffers, snappers, you name it.

Poster above is correct, no fishing on the beach.

I went deep sea fishing with a local charter, picked up at Puerto Adventuras (Turtle Beach). Went out in 8-12 foot rollers - it is windy this time of year. Took graval and was fine. This is not a great time of year for trolling - spring apparently is the time to fish. We got 2 barracuda over a 3 hour trip, not great, but we weren't skunked anyway. Saw a guy walking down the beach with a 60 pound Dorado, one of those would have been nice. Good experience, but would have liked more fish.

There is a website called local (or loco) gringo that has decent info on fishing. I'd definitely go with a local charter, the boats are beat up, but the equipment and captains are top-notch. The big boats are nice and comfortable, but I'd take the atmosphere and experience of a real mexican charter anyday.

Hey Terry, not that I disagree with you, but what you said is not exactly the case and the cause of the animosity on this thread. You said:

"what gets me is all the guys that are bashing the people trying to protect muskie and let you know it is against the law..."

That is not the intent of the following posts:

Nice fish Moe Moe...I know you were excited but LIVE WELL??? With a slot fish to boot. Pushing that type of release isn't going to give you any brownie points.

 

on a side note..nice to see the airship is being put to good use...

Stuffing a fish that won't fit in a live well is just as bad if you ask me. Most here don't know it but I know MoeMoe's boat as it was I who advertized it for sale here at OFC and He bought it from a friend of mine.

If you all feel it's OK to stuff a slot sized fish in a live well for pictures or taxidermy purposes which only requires length and grith measurements.. ..I wouldnt feel to bad when you come here and complain about losing your boat and equipemnt after you have been pulled over by the MNR and OPP...and by the looks of things. There are a few as normal who feel they are above doing it the right way. Moe knows he did it wrong and Moe...making an excuse for taxidermny purposes... It be a shame to see you lose that boat of yours.

Hows that civil for ya.....

Two better posts on the topic that do say it is illegal, which are appropriate and informative.

congrats on the catches, nice done.

 

to gbfisher's point; the minimum size on gbay is 54", hence having it in your livewell (thus in your possession) would have been illegal.

moemoe Great fish.

 

No it is not the same as an OOS fish. Muskie are in season. Your fish are under the size limit.

 

A legal fish is 54". You are allowed to take a quick picture of a fish under 54" it then must be put back into the water. No boat ride. No livewell.

Obviously, the OP didn't know the regs, too bad for him, but he certainly does now. Just no reason for the tone of the previous posts IMO.

Nice ride.

Those are some great fish - wtg! Not many people catch one of those in a lifetime let alone 2 within a couple of weeks, for that you need to be commended.

I almost cringe everytime I see a title with someone posting pictures of a big 'ski becuase I know what the backlash will be. It is really unfortunately that people on this site seem to bash it, but I guess that is the world that is the internet.

If the OP had just posted the picture at the dock it probably would have been worse as there would have been accusations that he kept it or purposefully travleed a long way to get back and snap a quick pic. What's worse for the OP? Admitting to travelling with the fish or an unqualified post with just the pic at the dock. He chose to explain himself and still got jabbed for it. In the end all he wanted to do was show this COMMUNITY a fish or two that are trophies and that some of us will never get a chance to see up close. Thanks for that.

We've got a bunch of arm chair CO's out here and it doesn't do anything for the confidence of new or existing members for posting reports. I know there are people out here that no longer post reports due to the potential backlash.

It is one thing to use the regs or the size of livewells to back-up opinions, sure go ahead, but the regs don't account for common sense in wanting to take a picture of a trophy fish when you've forgot the camera.

There's no doubt in my mind that the OP had the health of that fish in mind when taking it for a pic, I think most others would agree since the tone of this thread is more about the regulatory aspect of 53 vs. 54 than the health of the fish.

Give it a rest for a bit and be supportive - we are a COMMUNITY after all.

Terrible avoidable tragedy.

Hotfoot should be standard on every bass boat. IT would have at least slowed the boat to idle when the driver's foot came off. Still, the kill switch is fool proof.