bluesky1713

Thanks for everyone's input! Going with Ryan from Wepoundem'.

Probably about 4 or 5 of us. You have any recommendations for a charter out of the south shore, Dave?

I'm looking at booking a charter in mid-May on Lake Ontario for my grandfather's 80's birthday, We were looking at IZZI Charters, but haven't made any decisions. Any recommendations?

Nice haul, Matt. That 6 pounder would have been sweet!

Thanks, got it off. It's on there really tightly though. Quick question. I am about to configure the wiring (to a small 12v, 8ah battery). There are two wires that split, and the manual says one is a data cable and one is a power cable. The power cable has a red, black, and yellow wire. Do I just need to set up the red and black wires to connect to the battery? What is the yellow wire for (a ground wire?), and what is the data cable for?

I just purchased an HDS-7, but can't figure out how the white protective cover comes off. I don't want to force it and snap anything. It's on the unit really tightly. Any help would be appreciated.

Ok, I've looked into the Insight maps and, obviously, those are the HD maps. But since I fish Ontario lakes, will the insight mapping chips even be useful (i.e. have HD lake maps on the lakes I fish)?

What are the Lake Insight and Nautic Insight maps like compared to the base maps.

Rizzo, is that the US Basemap that you're referring to as having come with your unit?

Thanks, Steve. But I think I'm going to go with an HDS unit. And I have Cabelas gift cards.

Thanks, Patrick! Great information. Would the Navionics Hotmaps Canada chip have Georgian Bay as well, or just inland lakes?

What nav chip are you using, Rizzo?

Thanks, Craig. That's what convinced me to buy.

I'm going to be purchasing a new Lowrance GPS/Sonar combo, and have been contemplating either the HDS-5 or Elite 5. I think I'm going to go with the HDS-5 because it seems to be worth the extra coin. Do you agree? Also, I would be looking for a mapping chip for it. I fish Georgian Bay quite a bit, as well as other lakes in the Parry Sound and North Bay areas. Any suggestions on the best chip for this area? If I could find a chip that has a wide variety of lakes on it throughout Ontario, that would be great. Finally, I would be looking to use it for ice fishing as well. So, does the HDS-5 or Elite 5 have winter transducers, or would I have to rig up an ice set-up for it using the summer transducer? Thanks!

There are some pretty luxurious ice huts listed on this site: http://fishhouseforsale.com/ Fun to look at.

Yeah, lakers are closed. But PM sent. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@letsfish/documents/document/mnr_e001333.pdf

What brand/kind of tubes are those that you're using for the lakers, Limey? I really like that size.

Thanks, Bluegill. I have always wondered what those are. I have been told they are lice, but after researching on google, that didn't appear to be the case. These anchor worms (the females) are very prevalent on the tails and backs of Georgian Bay lake trout. They seem to eventually bury themselves under the skin (or maybe the small bumps are eggs). Does anyone know if it is harmful to consume fish that have been exposed to multiple anchor worms?

Sturgeon.

Jigger, I had the same issue after the marina cracked the cowling on my Merc when they were servicing it. They denied cracking it, but eventually I got them to admit to it and do the repair. I believe they used epoxy and fiberglass. It's not perfect or nice to look at, but it set well and does the trick. If you decide to go this route, you will want to let it cure for awhile and probably will want to do most of the work on the inside of the cowling so that it is not too unsightly.

There are lots of smelt in Nipissing and their numbers are growing. Last spring we did really well smelting on a local creek.

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/304272--queen-city-bracing-for-a-wing-ding-of-a-boxing-day I'm heading to the Buffalo Airport on Christmas day for a 3pm flight. I plan on leaving lots of time, but also am hoping the border is pretty quiet. I'm thinking the Peace Bridge is probably my best bet.

Really glad to hear your positive review, Dan!

Thanks for the info! A Stradic wasn't in the budget right now, but I'm looking forward to giving the new Pflueger a workout. It got so many good reviews, and came highly recommended to those I talked to at retail locations. They have been selling out pretty fast.

I guess the Stradics are sealed then? Is there any way around that problem?