cheaptackle

Did anyone else read the comments on the CBC article - guy claiming he knows who sent in the FOI request says they're trout nuts and just wanted to repeat Mike's experience. Best part is where he says Mike should have give in right away and none of this publicity would ever have happened - as if! Michael

Heard about it on 104.1 the dock yesterday - it was thumbs up for Mike and thumbs down for the idiot wanting to find out where to catch a fish without putting in an effort to research it his lazy butt hotspot jumping probably ain't gotta license anyhow miserable self (nope - not biased, not me!) Stick to yer guns Mike and everyone - fishery is in enough trouble as it is! Michael

Disposable charcoal BBQ - might even be found at your favorite store Brian - you know, dollarama! Michael (yer welcome!)

Calculating stresses to determine line strength needed to fly rod & reel combo at 65 km/h.... Drag knob musta been cranked down from previous use or said combo would still be coming around the last turn when ya stopped! Tune in tomorrow for Professor Brian's next lesson! Yer a hoot bud! In times like these when a good laugh is really needed (and about all we get anymore) you do deliver! Michael

Yep! Let Brian go first...! Seriously Buddy - I learn more from your, ummmm...aha! ya! "Life Experiences" ya - those are the words I was looking for, really! It's true! No way was I being a smart gluteus maximus, nope not me! Valuable stuff - that's what we get from you, fer shure! That the humourous presentations side of your discoveries is purely coincidental is what any reasonable analysis would surely demonstrate, along with your obvious intent to illustrate an important lesson while keeping the student's attention focused with levity. Ain't NO way it could be anything else, nope no way! Can't wait for your next trick, I mean, next lesson! Michael

I'm not claiming to have any authority to say this BUT my first thought would be to check if regulations permit it? Seems I vaguely recall reading something about the big tank at Bass Pro but damned if the details are coming to me. Special permit maybe? Personally I can't see any reason not to other than possession limits (it would always count against your limit) or season (legal in the off season?) etc. Think I'd be calling the MNRF and asking them before undertaking the project. As for feeding - lotsa minnows would be another guess, as would any of their natural forage. Would be neat to see it take on a frog! Michael

Yer still okey dokey Lew - or I'm crazy too. I looked when I saw your post it was for sure a pinned classified. Now, it's not only not pinned, it ain't even there! Like Spiel said - weird! Michael

First thing I'd be checking is if you need a permit to put the shed up at all. 9 x 13 is 117 square feet and most municipalities require permits for structures over 100 square feet, with stamped drawings etc. In making this enquiry you can, at the same time, find out how to get a photocopy of the as installed septic system to aid you in your layout. We got the photocopy for a friend in Ramara for just about a buck or two as I recall (just needed to know where it all was). Of note - it seems you can put up 10 x 10 sheds (100 sq ft) more than once, I've seen some places that look like shanty towns! Getting the layout will greatly help you in determining if you are actually going to be on top of it - the excavation may have gone as far as your neighbour remembered but the piping may well be out of the way. I am in no way an engineer or such, but have worked in construction most of my life and I've learned that the best way to find out about issues like these is to talk to the building department even if you don't get the answer you want. Get on their good side and you may find alternatives suggested to help you reach your goal. Your only other alternatives are to engage an engineer ($$$$$$!!!) or play dumb, which can cost more than an engineer! The local lumber store staff may also offer some insight but they, like me, aren't recognized as an authority. Building Inspectors get a bad rep but they do know the codes and are really, when you think about it, there to protect you. Hope these few thoughts help you to find what you need and get the job done! Good Luck! Michael

Couldn't resist Brian - had to check: it really does say 3rd saturday in june to friday before 4th saturday in june, limit 1 salmon/trout under 21.7 inches, along with being a sanctuary may 15 - july 31. That has to be about the weirdest reg I've ever read. Wonder what the science behind it is? Michael

Try fissot.com Brian. That's where it's made from what I saw on the FB video - it's different! Michael

Got the 800 amp from walmart put in my caravan last fall. I had shopped around and really didn't find any dramatically better deals other than DIY with something smaller (550 amp, which was what was in it and I wanted bigger) and that really was only a matter of about 15.00. I can durn near drive on the starter is how I'd sum it up. All told it was around 160.00 installed taxes in net of exchange. And I read a book for a few minutes while they did all that (couldn't do it myself with my arm back then) and their usual inspection & report. I've run the radio while working around it with doors open for a few hours, climbed in and drove away. All winter no problem starts at all. Thought I'd give them the chance and I'm glad I did. For the sake of a few bucks vs them doing vs a sale elsewears vs wasting any further time researching I'm satisfied with the outcome. Probably is better out there but it was over and done quicker than me typing this, price was ok and I'm impressed thus far. Michael

I've personally done a few painted metal panel roofs. Skip the strapping, strip the shingles and go directly on the roof deck. One I did 12-13 years ago (was just there today as a matter of fact) hasn't leaked yet, isn't rusting and looks good. That was a new build where strapping was applied over the rafters. It was the last time I ever used strapping - and won't ever again use strapping. Next new one I put down 7/16 OSB first and went directly over that with the panels - much easier to work that way. Re-roof that was done in fall 2015 was stripped first then direct to deck with the painted metal panels (same source as all I've done). Looks good and no problems. Cost was a bit higher than normal shingles but I actually found it faster to install. That's what I've experienced so far. All positive. Michael

Using a little Mr. Spock from Star Trek logic - if it can rain in the boat and you can wash the boat it should follow that you can hose the boat. Heck I even took mine to a spray wash once in a while, inside and out (hint - make sure you take out EVERYTHING loose or you'll be chasing it!). Just keep the bow up and the plug out till it dries, sunny day helps as would using a wet vac or extractor on carpetd areas. I've replaced a couple rotted floors (decks) in aluminum boats (one was mine) due to age mostly, don't think the need to change them was caused by washing, more like being kept wet too long as in filled with rain or snow. Michael

Inundated with blackflies on north shore of Balsam today, till 2 light showers came through this afternoon and the skitters came out after - ended up eating or snorting a bunch while building a deck, got wet then attacked by skitters. Wasn't expecting or prepared for them at all. Big can of Muskol coming in with me tomorrow! Michael

Some additional thoughts to what's already been said: (if you want to go this route) You should have enough air to maybe pull one or two lug nuts with that compressor (until it cycles back up) if the gun is functioning and you're using a big enough air line. Check the forward/reverse to make sure it's fully engaged one way or the other. If not, nothing will happen and you'll hear a "ffffttt" (no joke!) when under load, but it might still free spin. This valve can fail but is repairable/replaceable if the parts can be found. That they both spin but no torque is curious, the trigger may not be fully opening and the suggestion was made to look for a dial or knob that controls the air pressure on the gun itself. If all that fails open it up and look at the carbon vanes - they could be worn out, cracked etc. Should be able to find a schematic on line if you don't have the manuals. Usually three or four allen capscrews to pull and split the gun open for the vanes but check for your model's schematic first. There may also be some screws to split the handle where the valves are. Might just need to be opened up and cleaned, but you'll find all these suggestions will require opening it up and you can inspect/clean/oil the works as you reassemble. If the tools are Husky as well I believe Home Depot is the source for them - check on cost of buying a new gun vs parts before you go too far, might be easiest and cheapest to just buy another gun. Home Depot will probably direct you elsewhere to get parts - don't think they stock much, if any, for any kind of repair parts. You don't have to stick with any brand of gun if you decide to get new but some of the better ones are Ingersoll Rand, and of course the Cadillacs are Snap-on if you want to spend as much on one gun as an entire tool kit! (but they are good!) Good Luck! Michael

Was that you guys heading back out around noon ish from smith's bay? I only saw one toon with an electric pusher as I drove by, seemed to be heading out from the docks towards the narrows. Edit - should have watched the video first - that ain't smiths bay! Michael

OK the guy and the boat are obviously photoshopped into the picture because those are my tackle trays... Michael

Even with my 30 2s I kept 2 tanks on board. Never ran out, pretty simple, if I had to switch tanks then fill the empty (duh! and to think I figured it out myself!) next time I came to shore. Michael

Small dab of silicone or hot melt glue in one or both of the bottom corners. That way you can still remove them without too much effort or damage. Michael

I ran a "whois" on geico.ca - then followed the link on the contact who is involved in 21 or 23 other sites. Interesting some of those results. Won't post them here but simply type whois geico.ca in google and go from there to see for yourself. There is a statement on the site that they are a small ontario based outfit and another that they have 1294 happy customers. Think Geico would have many more than that. Michael

Gallie, have you checked with Elwood Epps on 11 just north of Orillia? They have a website with the phone number on it. Not much else on there for fishing, mostly devoted to hunting but I can say the fishing store is pretty well stocked for the size of it and I've never heard anything "ungood" about it. It's where I used to get stuff I didn't acquire thru TnT when I was operating it. I know I've bought large suckers there in the softwater season so they know how to get them. It'd be worth a call to see if they can help - and they would if they can! Michael

What he ^ said. Michael

Let's look at the facts: If the across border travel expense is NOT an issue... You are transporting your own used goods. They are yours just like the box of tools you carry for repairs, the laptop or briefcase you might have, or a change of clothes for an evening out. Just don't put the final wrap or shipping info on the boxes until you're on the other side. If you get asked at the border about them, they're yours. If asked, they're in the vehicle because you <took them outta the boat that day, were sorting your tackle boxes, left there since you stored the boat, etc. etc.> May sound cagey but really do they (crossing guards) know anything you haven't told them? Wrap 'em & Label 'em at the USPS or UPS store and carry on. I'd be one to do it if I lived near the border and had other reasons to cross (lunch, show, sporting event, shopping etc) that I could combine with the trip but that's just because I'm cheap. If you're footing the bill for the shipping and the difference (probably considerable) is enough to warrant it - have at 'er! My $.02 worth, hope it's more for you! Michael (PS - toss in a couple of rods for window dressing if it makes you feel better!)

You mean that's not you that I just noticed doing the solidified h2o piscatorial thing? Merry merry & happy happy B! Michael

I just googled that stove and man did I get results! There's a ton of info along with replacements out there. I didn't read many but it would seem that what you're looking at is something that improves the heat output of the stove while cutting down on the smoke. I got the idea that replacements were under 100.00 but without exact details of what you have/need I can't be sure. Take a bit of time and look it up Raf - y'all might find something interesting and practical for yourself. Michael