cheaptackle

No shortage of weeds! Close to shore is almost choked with them already. Water level has dropped about 24" since I moved here in mid April. Water seems clear enough even over the weeds (where they aren't right up on top). Don't know about any chemical use but there was no spill from the plant in recent years (according to a neighbour it was once and many years ago). As time goes on I'm sure I'll learn more about this lake, I'm trying to stay away from the bass right now they're everywhere! Michael

Finally! Just about an hour before the storms rolled in last night I landed my first (only so far) Lake St. John walleye! Just right eating size, scrappy little bugger to boot. Trolling with a jointed rapala got him. Landlords GF was out with me and lost a pike at the boat while I was stringing up the walleye, she was trolling a stick bait. The light show started about then so we headed in. I was cleaning the fish when the rain started (heavy!) and the thunder really got loud. Hopefully will have more to report soon, heading out again this evening. Michael

Post caught my eye cause I just moved here a month or so ago. Haven't been out as much as I'd like. No walleye caught yet, trying to avoid the bass (they're everywhere!). Seen some pike. New lake to me so it may take a while to get the patterns & colors etc down. Neighbours who've been here forever tell me the plant is actually cleaning up the lake now. The discharged water is cleaner than the intake so I'm told, along with 24/7 monitoring every 15 minutes & reporting to MOE. I tend to believe that knowing how strict regulations are now but have no on hand knowledge of what might be the truth. Don't see a lot of boats fishing yet even on the weekends. I do see some shore anglers fairly regularly. Lake is a lot bigger than I thought, deeper too (used to Dalrymple). Landlord tells me the last survey indicated an abundance of walleye, haven't found that report anywhere yet. I did catch (one only) the largest crappie I ever have seen. Don't have a livewell on the 12 foot tinny so I let him go rather than hang him on a stringer in hopes of catching more (I didn't). Hopefully I'll find what works soon, like to be able to report on something! Michael

The bus stops at the bus station. The train stops at the train station. I have a work station.... Michael

Page 4 of the regs exempts (deems to be licensed) disabled Ontario and Canadian residents with CNIB cards, MTO handicapped parking permit holders etc. etc. They have to carry something that proves the disability (photocopy of parking permit or appropriate government cards) and have full license status. Michael

Nope - they don't! There is a checklist they must go through and they have to carry the rental agreement with them. No rental agreement means they aren't checked out, so the gov is raking in all the "cash" rentals now by forcing the paperwork to be done. I took mine at bass pro 2 weeks ago, $85.00 for the course and the test. 6.5 minutes to answer 36 multiple choice questions (I got 35 right!). Don't feel any smarter but I'm now carrying a card that certifies I can do what I've been doing since about age 6 (that would be 44 years of experience!). Bought a 2 pack of rodholders while I was there (16.99) then got the heck out (restraint!) Don't know about the online personally but someone was telling me that only one applicant can be done per computer, they track the ISP. Can't see that being true myself. Michael

I'm having the same problem, your question reminded me I wanted to see if I could find better ways. I just googled seagaur, found their site & the following: http://www.seaguar.com/seaguar-community/knot-guide.htm I'll be trying them myself next time I work on tackle, let us know if this helps! Michael

Randy it was a pleasure to meet & chat with you and your family. Muchas Gracias for the hat - it's on display until I have a moment of weakness & start wearing it (don't wanna ruin the new hat look all at once!) Hope you can stop by again at the end of the month! Michael

One thing I found out about any type of line other than braid is that it really helps (especially right after spooling) if you tie on a good ball bearing swivel, attach it to a tree, walk away to pay out as much line as you can, grab the spool to keep any more from paying out then STRETCH it. This relieves the memory inherent with mono, fluoro, co-polymers etc. Wind it back on fairly snug as you walk back to the tree. Depending on how often you use the rod you might want to do this once a week, possibly more. Paying it out behind a boat (higher than trolling speed to create drag) with a fair size lure (again with a ball bearing swivel as well) will work but not quite as well (make sure you're in deep/clear water!). It sounds like a hassle, probably is, but consider it as maintaining or "conditioning" your line, it's also a good opportunity to inspect it for damage (thumb & finger on the line during retrieve, feel for nicks). It doesn't take that long and it's worth it. Good Luck! Michael

Garry that economic/semantic arguement along with American fishing opportunities were all used in one way or another with the RLTA. Bottom line is they aren't making enough $$$ and need to position a scapegoat, ergo attack the recent change in regulation because it's the ONLY thing that's changed (yeah right!). I almost want to support giving them their desired goal only to prove it ain't gonna make their businesses any better, but two wrongs are twice as bad in my book. Now that the politicians have been told by a LEARNED source it's pretty much out of the RLTA's hands. I'm sure they won't go quietly into the night, because that would be admitting they were wrong. I said before and still believe that if they would quit causing the bad press, channel their efforts instead into developing new opportunities for themselves based on the new regs (ice season accomodations etc.) they can turn their perceived potential losses into great successes. I have, however, avoided stating what I feel an obvious conclusion - can anyone spell "RLTA wants a government economic bailout"? Why else would they pursue such an obvious losing battle? This is one time I'd not mind being wrong (serious!) but I just can't figure out why else they'd beat this issue to death. 7 days left in the month - wanna bet they're in the news again before the 30th? Michael

Any kind of motor requires the PCOC I believe, including electrics. I thought that was pushing it a bit! It was in the FAQ's on one of the on-line sites you can do the test on. Michael

Good stuff, good news & a great ending! Enjoy! Michael

I guess I spoke too much of the past instead of the present, my bad. The point I wanted to get across is that this is an OFC'ers post about FISHING, not about ITALO BASHING. Stoty was (as we ALL do) posting about fishing but yes with Italo. I sure wouldn't want to have my memories of a great day fishing tarnished by all the bashing I'm reading. If it's really necessary to dwell on what happened years ago, why not do it in another thread rather than dampen Stoty's experience? I know I'd be feeling pretty low right now if this was happening to me! Michael

Actually it'll be Thursday before I see the sun come up on Lake St. John. Today's the last day for packing and the last night in my current digs. Tomorrow is load and go to my new place on Lake St. John! I've already been working for a few hours today (got up at 4!) buttoning up what's left. Everything is changing this week, new home, radical changes in my tackle business (that happened just last night) so I guess that tomorrow really will be the first day of the rest of my life (ouch! I HATE old adages). Somehow I think the few hours sleep I got last night will have to do me for a while! Coffee break over -back to it! Michael

Looks like fun Stoty! Is that US registration I see on one of the Jon Boats? Just curious, not critizing. And guys, maybe there's a side of the story not ever told like how (maybe) Italo & Hank might have been pressured by sponsors, producers etc. to get a show "in the can" so means not well thought out under pressure were resorted to. Doesn't excuse the act, but one mistake provided it's not repeated shouldn't brand a man for life. I too find that Italo may appear condescending but I dismiss that with the simple thought of his target audience (primarily newbies), especially when I see the clips of him working with kids (our planet's future!). At any rate, for whatever reason the misdeed was committed, it was years ago, the price was paid, why keep beating on him? If everyone one of us had to carry the burden of a mistake every minute of our lives, how would we feel? I've made my mistakes and remember them, most importantly to LEARN from them in order to avoid ever doing it again. I (amongst many I'm sure) would have given up on life a long time ago if I had to constantly relive in shame every error I ever made. I hope y'all can forgive Italo as I and many others have forgiven myself. Especially when the bashing is taking away from the obvious joy of a Fellow OFC'ers post about a day of fishing! Michael

Vinni, I can't resist this one - maybe they just got back? Michael

I actually was a "lurker" for a couple of years before finally joining. I found it a great place to at least hear/read about fishing when I wasn't in a position to actually get out myself. Now I find great information, true "anglers" practicing conservation as opposed to those who "must" catch. Above all else is the wide spectrum of experiences related on here, something new to learn, hear or see every day. It's a great place to be and actually have a "mini vacation" even if only for a few minutes, makes the rest of the day tolerable. There - I got the soppy part out of the way! Back to the humour... Michael

Roy - a quick question... Wasn't the RLTA upset about losing american tourism? Didn't islander just suggest americans were selling moose meat? Michael (being civil)

I think that's the "MIGHT" part of the lawyer's statement, Wayne & worm dangler. He's (lawyer) possibly going to use the listing as the basis for withdrawing the offer legally as the end "product" is not as originally advertised, ergo misleading. The premises of "offer and acceptance" in law goes back almost to the first laws governing commerce ever written in that there must be a "meeting of the minds" or BOTH parties to a transaction having clear knowledge of what to expect and receive. worm dangler expects a year round home - and he ain't getting one it seems, ergo no meeting of the minds. This is a grossly simplified view of the actual legalese which is why I kept referring worm dangler to the counsel of his lawyer. What I've said in a few lines would run into pages upon pages of legal size paper in fine print. Keep the faith, worm dangler. I hope it will come to bear that what you wanted and what you got were two different things and that your lawyer will be able to close this in your favour, nobody can be reasonably expected to purchase something other than that which was advertised. I hope you were also using a real estate agent to represent yourself and have leaned on him as well. Michael

You're right in my example too, Wayne. It was simply 30 consecutive days, not specified as to what time of year or month it had to be. It was never an issue if proof of another residence existed ([b]wormdangler you quote me and I'll deny it![/b]), I did know of those who owned property in Toronto but actually lived year round at their cottages (kids lived in the Toronto homes). Michael

Haven't heard nor seen RLTA do either. Sure am glad I won't enter a battle of wits against an unarmed opponent. NEXT! Michael

It's all dependent on the local zoning. I know of people who have to spend at least 30 consecutive days residing elsewheres in order to avoid the higher taxes of year round zoning. They go to Florida for the winter anyhow so no big deal for them. If the township isn't granting any further rezoning/reclassifications you might be in a pickle. Not sure how much impact the original listing will have over the signed agreement of purchase & sale, it usually is the governing document but you MIGHT be able to argue the listing was your motivation to purchase. It gets a little twisted but essentially you agreed to purchase based on beliefs as stated, but if the purchase/sale agreement you signed states otherwise you'd be in for a battle. Your lawyer is your best bet for accurate information. His saying he MIGHT be able to fight it suggests he's thinking along the same lines- a key expectance from the agreement was not fact in reality, you expected a year round residence only to find at the eleventh hour that it was not the case. The best you can hope for is cancellation of the sale and return of the deposit (less your lawyers fees probably). The worse is completing the purchase and fighting for rezoning. Again, seek the counsel of your lawyer. Michael

The self proclaimed Mayor of Rice Lake couldn't raise enough to really be one! You don't suppose all the bad press he's issuing might have driven some customers away from his bait shop? Nah, THAT would never happen! Good one Wayne! Michael

It is a discussion board. What would you like to discuss? How about the methods RLTA & supporters of same can use to apologize for the uproar that their self-serving interests has caused? You go first! Michael

Hopefully Bernie will chime in and let us all know if this is right - I believe the SAE90 has a lower operating temperature range application and the 80w90 a higher one (like in a diesel engine or other "heated" use"). The 80w90 would rely on the higher temperature to help in flowing whereas the straight 90 flows at lower temperature. Michael And Bernie says the anwser is....?