Raf

I made a similar switch 2 years ago. Used to boot around in a AWD turbo 2 liter (DSM) that could tear it up at the strip as well as handle the snow like a charm. I needed a more utilitarian vehicle, so I bought a 4.0L Cherokee (not the grand). Best decision I made bud. When you factor in that the Jeep drinks regular as opposed to premium for the turbo 2.0 you're breaking even in terms of fuel expense. The v8 (5.2??) in the Grand Cherokee is very similar to the 4.0 in terms of fuel consumption (as long as you don't go with the 5.9) especially on the hwy. I looked at Grand versus regular Cherokee and went with the latter because I wanted something simple that I could work on myself if needed. Also, the reg Cherokee comes with a lot less bells and whistles which in my opinion is a GOOD thing when buying a used vehicle. Less things to break. Particularly on the GCs which have been known to have stupid little things go wrong with them. I'm not sure if the GCs come with the same transfer case options, but I love the NP242 in mine. It has 2wd, full time 4wd (AWD), and part time 4wd. The hardcore offroaders prefer the non-full time option in theirs but to me, it's been a godsend this winter.

If you aren't out to break the bank, I think your 1st all-round reel should be a 6500 C3. Has a loud clicker, casts a mile and takes a beating. It'll likely last you a long time and for $100+ it's a steal. For the price of other reels up to the job you can buy two!

being local to LeB, I'll sacrifice the glamour and glitz of a fancy website/catalog for lower overhead and lower prices.

That's why I said generally Chris. I don't usually fish waters that are choked with weeds. If I were to fish a lake like scugog for example, you can bet that a SB would be ahead of an inline for me. A SB on a short leash behind the boat works great in the sloppy areas and, the single hook is definately more fish friendly too. I'm sure JP would be happy to hear that, but the one I posted is a homemade job - quite a bit bigger than the cowgirl rage.

They both have their place. Generally speaking, to me a SB is a bit of a slower presentation. I use SBs when throwing into heavy weeds/cover but, use bootails over top of them, rocks and when I want to cover water. Weeds.. A C4 should be just fine on those smaller bucktails. On the other hand, the C4s of the world are shaking at the knees seeing the bait below. #10 blades, about 15" long and 2lbs when wet. It's a lot of work for a C3, I use a 7001 for them.

glad i am in maryland

spiel, for regulation purposes, "they" call anything below the chaudiere dams to gbay the "lower", while anything above them to nippissing is the "upper". the dams are located in dokis (further east than your map shows), up-river from dry pine bay & the regs you quoted don't apply to this area of the french. the regs in this area are probably more strict when compared to Nip with the exception of sturgeon - slot sizes for all sport fish including pike & bass and a 48" muskie minimum which they are trying (& maybe succesful now) to implement on the "upper". I'd let 'em all go too.

this lodge is located in the dry pine bay area of the french.. it's what i would call the middle lower french. just east of the hwy 69 bridge. i believe (but would have to double check as the regs may have changed) that you are in fact allowed to fish sturgeon in this part of the river (ie. below the dams in nippissing).

Very glad to hear everything went well Wayne. Hope she is back, fully recovered quickly!

Made a trip recently to Philly, really nice town, here's some pics. cobblestone roads were not too comfortable in the rental. what a backdrop for a game of pickup. will be heading to NYC one of these wknds.. really looking fwd to that having never been.

One thing you guys may want to consider is having some type of a lid for your boxes. The UV rays from the sun will eat away at the finish / colour of your lures - a lot quicker than you may think. Particularly with bootails. I've a few that have faded because of that. btw, I use a simple recycling bin for the larger lures and double thick plano trays for the smaller stuff.

I concur with Kirk.. but that was a good one.

Ramble, what I personally like is how durable the are. You do have to check for knicks and replace as neccessary but the fluoro leaders last a long time. They don't kink like wire does for one thing. They also tend to be a little friendlier on the fish should they roll in them. However, if you've a good supply of wire leaders I would not rush out and switch to fluoro. I don't beleive a pike/muskie care whether or not your lure has wire or fluoro leader attached to it. I don't tie 130, I use crimps.

I use 130#

congrats on the new toy Ray! You won't be using it out on the bay any time soon though. dang ice!!

I think fishing shows are like the 20 minute workout, best with the volume off.

that reads like a mastercard commercial. second story of snow fort - priceless.

what gb said, bring it on!

regular mono will do. i don't typically use anything heavier than 8lb. usually 4, 6, & 8lb. i am not a fan of braid for ice fishing as it absorbs lots of water, freezes and makes a mess of your reel. i do primarily fish outside, so if you're in a shack the braid should be fine. 1/8 & 1/4 oz jig heads will cover most of your needs

It's surprising to hear taht your 8lb spool of xt broke so easily. I typically use 8lb XT or XL and have had no complaints. XT is tough stuff.

is that place for rent?? when can i move in? nice work tony

They fall under muskie in the regs.

I'd have to agree with the wise one, Roy. I don't think the cardiff would stand up to the abuse over time. Too many plastic innards. The 6500s have been around much longer than I have and have stood the test of time.

Yup, like PF says. Very close.. Mapquest says it's 90 miles from where my butt is right now in Edgewood MD

The Quantum Cabos are great reels. I've had mine for two seasons and they are still going strong. CBC31PTS is the model I believe. 30 for righties. I think they are a lil more expensive than the 6500s but much less than the Calcutta. My muskie arsenal consists of: 2 6501C3s 1 7001 2 Cabos 1 Okuma Convector Linecounter for trolling All see lots of use and abuse and have stood up.