setomonkey

Me too, I prefer summer fishing, so you won't see me trying to sign up, but that's a perfect job for a steelheader! Mike

Thanks guys, Sounds like 36" shaft should be enough for the usual transom, and 40 lbs would be enough for what I need it for (positioning and controlling drifts). I'll probably go with a single 12V for the sake of weight and convenience, because I don't have a boat (yet) where I can just leave stuff. I can get a significant deal on a refurbished motor that comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, any thoughts on this? Mike

Fantastic, that is the best news I've received today. Glad things are looking up for your son, and please keep us posted... Mike

Hi guys, I know this has been asked before but I couldn't find old threads on the search function. Maybe back on the old board? Anyway, I'm finally getting a belated birthday present and picking up a transom-mounted trolling motor that I plan to use for the family cottage boat, a 14' tinny, and on the occasional rental boat. I've currently leaning towards a Minnkota Maxxum 40T, which I think will be plenty for my purposes. I've got three questions: (1) Does anybody have experience with the Maxxum line, are you happy with it? I know that Minnkotas get lots of positive feedback here so I'm not worried about the brand. (2) I figure 40 lb thrust is plenty except maybe in really strong wind or if the boat is heavily loaded. Does that seem reasonable? (3) I have to make a decision about shaft length, the line is available with a 36" or 42" shaft. Which would be better for my purpose, which is to put it on a 14-16' tinny? Thanks, Mike

That's quite the first post! Great pictures, are there peacock bass in that river? Fishing in the Amazon would be an amazing adventure... Mike

LOL! Mike

I haven't used minnows much but the way you are hooking them sounds okay (through the lips). Do you have a good supplier of minnows? I've noticed a big difference in how long they stay lively across suppliers. Mike

Very nice report, fun to read about your first time on the ice. Glad you caught some perch to go with a fun day... Mike

I fish artificials 99% of the time and I do okay. Well, some days anyway! I think all, or almost all, the pics I've posted on this board have been on artificials. Mike

Hi, can't help you with the leash, but another option besides the choke collar is a haltie-type lead. Trained our dog with it, he was a typical puppy and would pull and ignore our direction until we switched from the flat collar he had. Mike

Great pic, FHR, well-deserved! When are you off to New York? Hope you'll drop in once in a while... Mike

I like the new skin, and just switched... Mike

What did you do??? Just kidding, sounded like a nice idea for getting some like-minded people together for fishing. Mike

Really good advice above. Our dog is also a rescue and was crate-trained. The blanket at night is a good suggestion, the crate can double as the dog's bed at night, which reinforces that it's a happy place. We would leave a few treats and toys in the morning so he would have something to do when not sleeping (but he slept a lot!). One other bit of advice, when you start leaving your new dog in the crate, praise him when he goes in, maybe leave a treat or two, but don't make a big fuss. You don't want to get him excited and then leave, there's a chance of increasing rather than decreasing separation anxiety. Enjoy the new addition to your family, Mike

Nice! OFC comes through again... wtg Craig... Mike

Nice report, I'm hoping to try ice-fishing for the 2nd time ever soon... Mike

This is a good one! How to Use a Backwoods Cooking Thermometer When you heat oil over a campfire to fry fish, place an unlit wooden match in the pan to determine when it’s ready. Once the oil reaches 350 degrees--the optimum temperature--the match head will ignite and then fizzle. Scoop out the match and throw in the fish. --Eli Ricke, Bagley, Minn. Thanks for posting the tips, Mike Another good one: Save Wet Electronics If your handheld GPS, digital camera, radio, or other electronic equipment gets an accidental soaking, try packing it in a zip-seal bag full of dry, uncooked rice for 24 hours. The grains will absorb moisture without applying heat, which can cause parts to warp. More often than not, your valuable gear will be back in operating condition after this treatment. Mike

I don't actually remember reading any of your posts and thinking they were offensive, but regardless I think it's a solid thing to own up to your behavior and to make a public statement about it. Look forward to more posts from you and hope you get to go fishing soon... Mike

Me too, I didn't use them much but have been using plastics a lot more the past couple of years, with really good success. I don't usually use live bait and sometimes jigging or working a plastic slowly will get bites that another lure won't. Mike

Congrats on the first chrome! Mike

Nice letter, Rick, good way to publicize the issue... wtg! Mike

There are other messageboards??? Welcome, classy move, OFC mods... Mike

I like both kinds of shows, those that are "local" and give us a chance to learn about waters and tactics that we can actually try, but I like the exotic shows too. I will probably never get to the Amazon to fish for peacock bass, so it's a blast to see that kind of fishing. Of course, I don't get to see either kind of show nowadays living w/o cable (by choice)... Mike

That's a big area, you'll have lots to choose from. Don't know it that well myself, but hopefully that outfitter list will help you narrow it down. Mike

It would be pretty hard to get that fish through a 6" hole... Mike