solopaddler

Only on this side of the border, in the States it's up to the judges discretion. But you already knew that. Here's a song for you buddy <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NU-Iod_a57Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And on another note, with names like Gaye Smith and Chuck Mccrudden you'd better not mess with them. I especially like Chuck Mccrudden. Him and Phil Mccracken will lay down the law if you harrass OOS fish!

Thanks lads, she's definitely looking good. Best part is my wife is now a lot more interested in the 7 hour drive to the cottage. Well sure I did. But the quality isn't even close, as mentioned the frames are all made in China. For approximately $200 more I got a full custom top.

Actually it does zip out Brian, as do the side windows as well. There's also full canvas sides that zip in and out too. Honestly though the back part of the cover will almost never be used anyway. It'll probably only stay on when the boat is moored.

The new top for the Smoker Craft was finished today. We had Eagle Marine Canvas in Burlington do the work and I couldn't be happier with it. It was marginally more expensive than the standard metal frames from China that most companies use but not much. 100% custom frame fitted to the precise height I requested. Sunbrella canvas top, and a whole slew of impressive little details that are evident up close. I can highly recommend these guys for the quality craftsmanship and fast work (although this is their off season).

Incredible fish, wow.

Congrat's Chris!!! Looking forward to getting out steelheading with you soon.

Ben, no kidding, those photos are stunning! What a gorgeous bunch of fish. One day I'm coming up there in the winter!

I love the idea of using a longer rod to keep your presentations spread out when you're running multiple rods, and for raising/lowering your bouncer. Makes total sense. The standard used by many seems to be a med heavy baitcaster and a light reel with a flipping switch. I run spinner rigs all the time, usually in 20' of water or less. Speaking in generalities, I've gotten away from the med/hvy baitcasters unless I'm fishing water 30' or deeper. I run braid now on all my reels and find a rod rated somewhere in the range of 6-12lb's works best for me with the lighter bouncers. Mind you a rod with a fast action in the bottom 2/3 and a softish tip. Many times the fish just mouth the worm and I find myself dropping back to them to induce a hit. The softer tip gives me a couple of extra seconds. Plus as Jay mentioned the softer rod gives you more of a cushion when you're running braid. I know it's not a cheap rod and not what you're looking for, but the St. Croix Legend Elite in the 4-10lb rating is a remarkable rod for this application. I recently had a 7' version built and it's going to be killer for the way I fish. Super light and sensitive, tons of power in the bottom, fast overall action with a nice soft sensitive tip. I've yet to look at the Eyecon rods but based on the feedback here I will.

Expensive, but this is bar none the best mat I've ever used. http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/SleepingBags/SleepingPadsInflating/PRD~5018-261/exped-downmat-9-pump-deluxe-sleeping-pad.jsp

Dave, stick to trolling.....seriously.

The previous generation is not as good.

The difference is this mono has little to no stretch, and is still limp. And no it's not overly expensive. You did say "less stretchy" didn't you?

Wow I'm impressed, that's going the extra mile. If I fly up in June with my kid will you pick me up too?

Actually it does. You may want to check out the new Senshi monofilament made by Seaguar. http://www.bdoutdoors.com/story/seaguar-senshi-monofilament/

Not yet but I will soon. I'm in the process of ordering one in the 40 size for steelhead and will put it through it's paces. No doubts on my part that it'll be great, the other two smaller versions I've got are fantastic.

I've been a Shimano guy when it comes to spinning reels for many years. Not anymore. I bought 2 Supreme XT reels earlier this year and love them to death. Super smooth and way lighter than the Shimano. I got mine for under $100 shipped after shopping around. IMO it's the best value for your dollar currently on the market. Just as nice as the some of the higher end Shimanos and less than half the price. Waaay nicer than the Saros, it's not even close.

I like Nanofil on spinning reels. Because it floats and isn't a braid it's also excellent on a float reel. Power Pro Super Slick is pretty nice stuff. Definitely like it better than Suffix 832. All that said you should take a close look at the Tuf Line braids. The Duracast is especially nice on spinning reels. Not a lot has been said about these lines, but they're great!

WTG Doug!

Glad you enjoyed it Connie. Can't believe you dredged it up though LOL!

Dan a graph is a necessity and no Eddie doesn't have them in his boats. You'll have to bring one.

Dan you mentioned asking the motel owners in Nakina about a lift. Pennocks motel in Nakina is frankly disgusting LOL! What many guys have been doing myself included is staying overnight at Lower Twin Lakes Lodge a couple km's outside of town. The owners John and Karen are truly great people and their cabins are 10X nicer than staying in the motel. Cost is about the same as well. There's also a good chance that they could arrange a shuttle for you. I was staying at their place last fall and I know for an absolute fact they arranged pickup at the airport for a young German couple who stayed overnight in one of their cabins then flew into Eddies the next day. If you call John tell him I sent you and he "should" take care of you. https://lowertwinlakes.com/

Dan I'm so glad to hear you're going to make the trip with your brother. Great news! Anything I can do to assist in the planning don't hesitate to ask. Based on what you've outlined there's no question: fly to Thunder Bay. Before I commited to a rental car for the last leg I'd check first with Eddie to see if pick up/drop off could be arranged. He knows lots of people in Nakina and that may end up being cheaper for you than renting. As far as the weight restrictions go you'll be bringing just your clothing and fishing gear on the flight to Thunder Bay. You can buy your groceries, beverages, ice, etc, etc, once you get there. Consider buying cheap throwaway styrofoam coolers rather than spending money on proper ones. Also there's an excellent possibility that Eddie may be able to have much of the food you'll need pre flown in. I know he mentioned offering that service last time we spoke, so ask him about that as well. Congrat's, you've got much to look forward to!

No opinion on the reel, but if it was me I'd pick up a Batson RX7 crankbait rod blank (they have 10 different models) and have Spiel build it to your spec's. The blanks are fantastic and cheap. They range in price from $46-$68. A 7' crankbait blank rated 10-20lbs goes for $57. IMO these blanks are as good or better than what's been mentioned here. Best part is you can choose exactly what type of handle you'd like, upgrade the guides to Fuji SIC, and even factoring in Spiels labour the rod will still be cheaper than the ones you're considering. Not only cheaper, but infinitely nicer as well. My 2 cents.