pikehunter

Yep, they are built like a tank, solid and welded heavy heavy heavy gauge aluminum. But expensive! If I could afford one then sure Stanley would be a consideration. But if you are going to spend that much then think about a Lund, Crestliner, Polar Kraft or Princecraft and get more bells and whistles!

I have an electric start Johnson on a 16' tinny and I have to pull the cover off to pull start it after wrapping the cord around it. Rarely happens, but it is a bother to do so even with reasonable access to it. From a platform you would be better off with the Merc. If you have to go through the procedure of wrapping the cord around and a few pulls to get it started you will be kicking yourself in the ass for buying the Yammy, especially in rough conditions.

Not trying to hijack the thread, but really?

Hope it was a good one Cliff. Happy birthday!

I am surprised! So many good responses to LB. I can remember a couple of years ago when BPS was opening up. So many were chastising LB for arrogance and poor service. I go through more than a few Mepps in a year, there is a particular pattern I like and the only shops with it are BPS and LB. Both stores are cheaper than CT or Walmart on the same spinners and they don't have the colour and pattern I want anyway. (BTW, FW doesn't stock the ones I want either) Guess a couple of years of U.S competition has made them pull up their socks?

Good to hear the news Gerritt, it's always a pleasure to hear of good service and how well it turned out for you in the end.

That's a tough one, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You did what you had to do and it was the right thing to do. It will take some time for the house to feel a bit more normal but it ill come. Remember your pet fondly.

Yes it is sad Dave. As Wayne said it's not just fishing clubs that are experiencing reduced memberships. I think the Internet has a lot to do with it and the fact that there is so much electronic entertainment available these days. And also in the days of years gone by a lot of guys were looking for all opportunities to get out of the house (away from the wife) that social clubs flourished. Now so many woman are working that many guys have the time home alone in peace and solitude so the need to get away form the ball and chain is not so prevalent. Years ago I belonged to a cribbage league in the Hammer and belonged to the legion. I no longer do either.

Niiiiiiiiiiice....

Justin said it well. Can't fault you for sourcing a better price but did you ever think that maybe a visit to FW in person may have resulted in a better price? There is a possibility that you may have been recognized as a frequent customer and a favour could have been in order. Another slant on this is the time, emotional cost (obviously you are worked up) the cost of driving to the small town dealer and the cost if a return visit to the small town dealer if need be could almost add up to your savings if you put a dollar value on these factors. Just another way to look at it. Whatever, all the best with your purchase

HH, did your friend have any idea as to why boat show sales fell so drastically? That is a huge number and it makes me wonder if it is an indication of the future in relation to other areas of the economy. But then there are many factors to consider, was the slump in high end boats or at the lower end of the scale? Just curious.

Your post is written perfectly. You have many fine memories of your father and brought a tear to my eye as I was reading it as you reminded me of some of the things my own father spoke about. Keep his memory with you and the fishing this coming season will mean so much to you. Take care, Harry

Maybe he was trolling

Pier 60 in Clearwater beach, also Fort DeSoto a little further down the coast just past St. Petes's Beach, John Pass's Village about 1/2 way between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach and these areas are also home to many charter boats. The HWY 60 causeway that takes you to Clearwater Beach also offers many opportunities. There are so many opportunities to fish around Tampa Bay, the Gulf and the Intercoastal that you could never fish them all unless you lived there year round. Happy fishing.

I'm sorry to hear of such a horrible accident. I wish both boys all the best and hope they can be back to their normal selves soon.

Whole bunch of great pictures along with an equally great report. I know that spot, been there several times but not to fish. The Christmas display tells the tale. Isn't amazing how the temperature has changed so much in just a few days? Last week 20F in my backyard, yesterday afternoon 60F and all the snow had disappeared!

You had a great summer! What a place to spend it! Some good pictures and videos on the website link. The houseboat sounds like an excellent way to explore the lake too. Look forward to the rest of your pictures.

Put the pot on and am sitting here with a coffee by my side. I'd offer you one but you know how it is, no way to get it through the internet connection.

Yesterday the phone rings.... Me: Hello Telemarketer: Hello, is Mr. or Mrs. _ _ _ _ home? (with a strong East Indian accent.) Me: I'm not buying anything, interested in any polls or doing a survey! Telemarketer: Oh no, I am not selling anything, I am wondering if you are interested in free travel? Me: No, but you must own a house right? Telemarketer: No I do not own a house, are you interested in a free vacation? (Stumbling with her heavily accented words being taken totally off guard.) Me: Then you have to know someone who owns a house? Telemarketer: No I don't know anyone with a house. Me: You must know someone with a house. Everyone knows someone with a house. The person you know with a house has to need new windows right. New doors then right. You tell me and I will sell them some new windows OK. Telemarketer: Silence, a dead line. I was so happy. Instead of me hanging up this time it was her!

Woke up, couldn't get back to sleep, should go back to try for a few more Z's or should I just put the coffee on and keep on going? Whatever the decision I make, have a good morning Lew and all you other early risers.

I'm happy with my CRT TV's and hope they keep on going, knock on wood. I haven't seen much on the TV that is worth spending that kind of money on that everyone is talking about. It's bad enough paying the cable bill! $500 bucks just for a bulb! WOW! I was in the Home Depot in Bronte just before XMas. Right inside the front door was a pallet of 27" TV's for $99 bucks each! I will continue to ignore the newer technology as long as possible. For 99 bucks you don't even need to concern yourself with an extended warranty! I have an Aunt and Uncle that may have the best solution...not even one TV in the house! Best of luck on finding a cheap replacement bulb.

All the best wishes for you. Hope it goes well and all is good news from now on.

Nice post Jen, thanks for the pictures. Good idea, building a fish habitat. Second look at the pictures and I can see the trees are being "planted" inside the marina, at first Steve looked like he was on the river, not inside.

Close Pigeon, Sat - Fri. You forgot that Sat. is the start of the week's new sale. Just pointing this out in case one of us walks in there on a Sat. looking for the sale and their too late.

Too bad there isn't a way to convince that hawk to commute to downtown Toronto. There's so many pigeons down there that it would feel he's at a smörgåsbord! Good reason your smaller feathered friends high tailed it out of there Lew.