fisher

Lew, The Minn Kota Tech Support Line suggested going to Aikman's in Mississauga to try out a working foot control pedal to see if that is the issue. They seem to think that may be the cause. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Special thanks for the repair manual download - appreciate the effort. I may go through a few of your suggestions - repair manual, 800 number and place in Mississauga.

I think you are right about the short because when I press on the pedal to try to make it turn the other way, it just stops (and doesn't turn the other way) - almost as though the functions (to turn left and right) are competing with each other and resulting in each other being cancelled out. I did some reading on the net and found that the pedal in these motors often don't last too long and are usually the cause of any problem with steering. Many people on the net have mentioned that they have had to get new pedals every few years. This unit has to be at least 7 years old so the pedal may be the likely cause.

A friend gave me his older 36 lb thrust Minn Kota trolling motor but when I power it up, it just keeps turning and turning. I don't think it's the autopilot as I turned it off. And I don't have the manual to see if it has any suggestions as to the problem. I tried to play with the foot control to see if it was stuck but that doesn't seem to be the case. Anyone have any ideas? Or does anyone know where can I bring it in for service? I live around Highway 400 and Rutherford Rd. Thanks.

You can try www.spoonpullers.com for specifics/lures/techniques/suggestions on fishing salmon/trout. Although the site is geared for Lake Ontario Salmon fishing, the methods can be used as effectively for Georgian Bay.

I'd stay away from Kirkland batteries. Bought two of them in the last few years and both had to be returned because they stopped holding their charge. The guy at the counter said he was told that 1 out of 3 are defective but if my experience was any indication of the true defect rate, it's probably much worse.

Here are a few ,,,and it will cost you 8 divers (one set for me and one for my pops)...just kidding. Hope you enjoy them... "Torpedo Divers - the revolutionary quick-retrieving, multi-depth, low-drag alternative to downriggers." "Torpedo Divers - making downriggers obsolete" "Torpedo Divers - revolutionizing the diving market" "Torpedo Divers - reaching new depths" "Torpedo Divers - because they work" "Torpedo Divers - because you want to feel the fight" "Torpedo Divers - because you want to feel the fish"

My buddy and I are planning to head out of Willow Beach tomorrow morning - not sure if that is when you were planning on going. We llan to be at the grocery store at the corner of Lake and Kennedy at around 6:30 - 7:00 am to pick up some minnows there. It would be great to have others to go together with - we can try different patterns. I am not comfortable taking my vehicle out there so we are currently planning to walk in - but I do hear there are others taking their vehicles out. Let me know. Plan on signing off the computer by 4 this afternoon. Feel free to call me. I have pm'd you my cell.

After rethinking our plan for tomorrow, we now may walk out on our own to do some ice fishing instead of going with an operator. Since we'll be walking, I think Bear Point or Big Bay Point would be better options as the fishing grounds are closer to shore. Could someone let me know where I could park in either of these two locations? And which location would be a better bet for catching fish? Thanks again for everyone's input, Fisher

No offence taken but after reading some reports with the words "careful when crossing over pressure cracks", I would rather pay an experienced operator a few bucks to take me out than to risk not being able to return to shore due to the pressure crack getting bigger, or even worse, falling through (regardless if there is a caravan of trucks going out that way). With my luck, that caravan of trucks would have weakened the ice just enough for me to fall through it in my truck when I went over it. I figure an experienced operator would know where/when or when not to cross. And it's not like I do this every week, so for a few bucks for peace of mind is worth it in my opinion. Big Cliff, thanks for your suggestion to call Sly...I have heard good things about him on another message board. Fisher.

I am planning to go to Simcoe this Wednesday to do some ice fishing for Whitefish (first time for Whitefish on ice). Does anyone know of a good Hut operator off of Willow Beach? Or anywhere else in that area? Would like an operator that will do their best to put us on some fish. Has anyone been to Dennis Mahoney's hut operation (operates out of Willow Beach) - I came across his name while searching the net. Thanks. Fisher

Thanks for all the responses and Big Cliff, I promise to ask real nice if Sturgeon Lake is where we decide to go. I must say that is real nice of you and a huge incentive to choose Sturgeon Lake - where else could I have a local expert in the area help us out and with the chance of having a guide as well? Big Cliff, I'll keep in touch. And thanks again to all that responded. Fisher

I am now debating between two cottages to rent this July - one on Vernon Lake and the other on Sturgeon Lake. Previously was considering another lake. I know Vernon and Sturgeon Lakes are very different as Vernon has Pike and Lake Trout while Sturgeon has Walleye and Muskie. I enjoy fishing for all of these species but if you had to choose one of the two lakes to spend a week on in July, which one would you choose and why? Or if you are only familiar with one - would you recommend it or would you advise against it. I guess my question is - if I went to Vernon would I have a decent chance of catching Lake Trout and Pike assuming I have the right equipment (downrigger/variety of lures and fish finder for the Lake Trout)? (I would imagine Pike would be easier and more plentiful) Same question with Sturgeon Lake - will I have decent chance of catching both Muskie and Walleye? Your comments/thoughts are appreciated. Thanks. Fisher.

thanks...

May be renting a cottage on Horseshoe Lake in July and was wondering what species of fish I can expect to catch there? Any particular notes about the lake - does it get rough, rocky, etc....? Thanks for any info. Fisher

I am almost positive I caught a fishing show where they were catching them on Lake Simcoe thru the ice.

Thanks, but would rather not launch too far - guess I will have to pay to play. I know, I want my cake and I want to eat it too . Thanks again.

Does anyone know of a free launch anywhere near Lagoon City? I know Crate's Marina charges $10 each way (in and then out). I am planning to fish in nearby Lakes while stationed at a Cottage at Lagoon City for one week and the thought of having to pay $20 each time I want to go to another lake is killing me. If there is no other alternative I guess I have no choice but I thought I would ask. Thanks.

SlowPoke, there is an entire discussion about just that - dispeys and lead core. Posts are from the regualrs as well as the moderators...don't think they are joking.. http://spoonpullers.proboards42.com/index....5279&page=2

http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/...hread.php?t=451 Willis Knot step by step instructions. Worked for me on the first try - mind you I was uising the 45lb lead core and threading 40lb power pro into it.

Willis Knot....That is what I used to connect both the fluorocarbon leader - one knot and the power pro backing - 2 knots. And it was tested this weekend with a 14 lb rainbow.

Maybe this is a dumb question but wouldn;t the lead core plus the dispey allow the bait to get deeper than just lead core alone (all else being equal - like the same amount of lead core out)? I just started using lead core (6 colours out) with a dipsey last weekend and we got quite a few hits and landed most - all rainbows though - except for one small salmon.

A few years ago I went to a park near Alliston (Off Highway 89, east of 50). I never camped there but had a day trip/picnic. Earle Rowe Provincial Park - located on the Boyne River (runs into or out of the Nottawasaga River). I know they have camping, wading in the lake/river/ also a swimming pool that is gradual slope, good pan fish fishing with potential for a trout as well. And I do believe they allow boats there (and may have them to rent). Give them a call to make sure nothing has changed and that it suits your needs. Nice grounds and not too far from Toronto. http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/earl.html

Wow, nice 'cat'ches. What was the bait used?

Really, that is very interesting. What kind of fish should I expect and what would be the best lure/bait to use? And would there be parking at both launches?