Steve

To clarify, I'm not replacing "all" the rivets.... Just the large number of leaky, spinning, missing heads, etc rivets. $500 dollars and welding patches will not be part of my rig. This will be a professionally done rehab ... likely costing in excess of $5K. Warranties for boats aren't needed when you buy Lunds....If you saw what I have done to my Lund in the last 7 years, you'd agree. She leaks, yes. But she should be on the bottom of the lake technically. I owe it to her.

Billy, I do the same on Quinte. I run a 3 way rig with a spoon on top, and diver on bottom. we had a case two seasons ago where we hit a 9lbs walleye and a 11.5lbs walleye on the same line... a blast I tellz ya!

Thanks for all the help! Sounds like Mr Ron Banks is going to be my guy! (based on what he see's this Saturday). It would be my dream to be able to purchase "my boat" model brand new. This would be as close as I can get I think. I'll take lots of photo's of the before and after.

Yes, I'm expecting that. I do have the funds for a new hull.... Unfortunately I don't like the way tillers are built these days. The layout's make them great for guys who like short rods and don't use the livewells... Also, they are so wide that they require extra horsies. I'm keeping my 2009 60hp Yammy to put on my "new" boat...whether that is my rebuilt, or a new one. I've been warned about his pricing.... I guess my 3 biggest factors for rebuilding instead of purchasing new are the casting decks are MUCH smaller on new boats (I believe my 1998 casting deck is 16" longer than the 2012), the size of the livewells (mine is 34 or 36 gallons, compared to 20 or less), and finally, the ability to keep my 60hp on a 17' boat, rather than requiring a 90hp. I just want to know that if I do spend the $$$$ for the rebuild it will be rebuilt to my expectations.

Hello. It's been 7 full seasons since OFC helped me with my boat purchase. (1998 Lund Pro Guide - Canadian Edition) Well, those 7 seasons have been 12 months a year of pure fun! However, that fun has taken a toll on my boat. Motor was replaced two seasons ago. I've been looking at replacement hulls for 16 months now, and have confirmed boats aren't made today like they used to be. Tiny 7' rod storage compartments have reduced livewells to less than 20 gallons. My old baby has a 32 gallon livewell. Also, they have gotten so wide that they require much higher horsepower on the same length boat (to keep the same speed as a smaller motor on a narrower boat). I've decided I am going to restore my boat, rather than replace is with the 2012 Lund Pro Guide. I'm bringing her to Ron Banks Marine this Saturday for Ron to have a good look at what he's dealing with. Plan is re-reveting the entire boat, fix/replace stringers, floatation foam, all wiring/hosing, then of course floor boards and carpet. Likely some structural repair work required as well. Quinte winter ice breaking has done some damage. Anyway, has anyone dealt with Ron Banks before? Three local marine shops (Bay City, CO2, and Halton Marine) all recomended him for boat restoration work. Just curious if anyone has any first hand experience? Thanks, Steve

Keep at'er Miller. It can be done. That's the biggest I've seen in a few months though! Great stuff.

Been a busy year in life away from fishing.....however, a few pb's were reached. A monster largie and a personal best channel cat at 20.3lbs were fun...but this was the most exciting fish of my entire life!

Brian, Ontario stocks many Browns annually in Lake Ontario. In the Eastern end, there are a few different stocking programs, which I am less familiar with. However, the south shore, my area, I'm much more familiar with. Approx 50K per year down this way. Hamilton, 50pt, Jordan, and Dalhousie all receive stocking...we also have minor natural reproduction as well. But absolutely we stock Brownies, and boy do they get big. The largest of the species are male however, as the females don't get a chance to get big due to the harvesting off their eggs. Browns are my single favourite species. If u want specific stocking numbers for each of the sites I mentioned, I can get my hands on them. Steve

larry - like usual, you are 100% correct. okuma's are not seeled correctly, and will absolutely freeze in the winter.... my personal experience in December through February is only the Tekota's are seeled enough not to freeze...fishing quinte in december, in -15 degree temps, i've had a tekota encased in ice and just broke the ice off, gave it a strong turn, and she worked again.... but i think okuma appeals to the masses...cheap....left handed models....etc....so how many folks actually fish in december through february? a few % of anglers? okuma gets more anglers on the water than any other reel.... and their warranty is second to none.... but when it comes to hard core use, i've yet to find a better reel than a tekota....and yep, i've used them all...i had to learn to reel with both hands...it was tough at first, but now it's second nature...even my father and close fishing friends can all reel with their right hands when trolling...and we ALL use left handed baitcasters for bass fishing.... only one that comes 'even' close is the daiwa saltists...

my suggestion? go to CO2 sports in Oakville. I can walk my boat to Bay City. However, when my original Yamaha 4 stroke started giving me issues, Bay City wasn't able to diagnose...just charge...3 times actually. Brought it to CO2 sports, problem fixed, first time. Then when it came time to buy a new Yamaha 4 stroke, I got a quote from Bay City and CO2 sports...CO2 sports was much cheaper. Then when it came to "trade in" CO2 sports offered me more money. Just my suggestion.

put the boat away? why? many bodies of water allow open water boat fishing in January/February/and March.

Amazing. Truly amazing. What an inspiration.

meh, i guess it was ok. You still have a BIG two ounces to go before you beat me!!! Bwahahahahaha. Seriously though, Brian owned that fish. Hook set and craned into the boat before I could even get the net....well, it was in my hands, but brian was having none of it. You lucky that flouro lead held! Congrats again bud. (and yes, we both have a ways to go before we can touch my old man!)

lets see...live target lures: * paint chips/flakes off * eyes fall off * do not run true at slow speeds (less than 2mph) * cheap hooks and split rings (just try using one for salmon - you'll see) * their topwater frogs - just try and determine what brand of hooks they are using. great stuff for $14+ dollars a pop.

I would walk into my basement and grab my two favourite setups. 7'5" medium heavy NRX baitcaster with the 201e Curado. From cranks to flippin to lighter jigs to beavers, it'll do it all - and better than the rest. It'll also allow me to do pier chucking, 3 waying, inline board trolling, and catfish fishing (which I have done all with this rod, all with excellent results). This is the best rod ever made. second rod would be 6'8" medium heavy NRX spinning rod with a 2500 Ci4. This setup will allow me to throw anything that the above isn't best for. Top waters, senko's, etc. I have far too many setups, and likely could get away with just the above two. The 7'5" nrx can be used for just about everything....i've even run small dipsy's from it. There is not a more versitile rod out there.

i really wish i didn't open this thread. it makes me feel "that" much worse about my obsession. i mean, 13 pages, and well....i was hoping to find someone who was as sick as me.... i'm hoping that person is still out there... my only response is....i fish really hard for largies, smallies, walleye, brown trout, salmon, catfish, and muskie.... christ.

Gotta love OFC. Fishing World: This is a great shop. Many years ago they had their struggles. Personally, i'd say those are long gone. I do not own a 50k truck and sure has heck dont own a bass boat! Mike (owner) is always willing to offer bass advice, young or old. Steve (big dude with goatee) is likely one of the most knowledgable around. He can be a testy at times, but he is honest. Pure and simple. I will seak him out when looking for something specific. Blake (tourney shirt guy) is likely the nicest man you will ever see at a tackle shop. He'll help anyone who is looking for it. Nick (guy with glasses) is also a super friendly dude, makes custom jigs, and really knows his bass stuff. Roger (ex-bpsbassman) is/was also there. Now that is the nicest man on the planet. Not just fishing shops, but simply the nicest, most caring man on the planet. Bills Bait: These are my boys. I used to work there when it was "steel city" and have grown to know the brothers very well. Greg will bend over backwards to help a customer. They will order things in when needed. Their local shore bank fishing knowledge is second to none. They may not have the latest in high end bass tackle like fishing world has, but they have the ability to get anyone on the water and catching fish. I never have any issues sending anyone there. Grimsby Tackle: These boys just went though a change in ownership. I met the new owner at the last Straight Line Anglers event. Really nice guy. Seems genuine and wants to make a good go at it! I'd say for now, if you had any issues with previous Grimsby tackle owners, give the new guys a shot! It is really tough to make a good go of a fishing shop. All shops have their issues. I can name specific examples of issues with the above three shops. However, i know all the above shops will do their best to "make it right". Unfortunately we all have our own ides of what "their best" really means. I can assure you 10000000% they are all MUCH FREAKING BETTER than that joke otherwise known as BPS.

Hey Steve, errr, FISHMASTER, just wanted to thank you for your help on Saturday. My father and I arrived after a long search for bait...without any luck. Steve had some great fresh sucker meat (non frozen). We spoke for a few minutes while my father packed the boat. Steve confirmed my plan I had already - no moving. Pick a spot and stay there. That was our plan anyways, Steve just reconfirmed it. When I arrived at our predetermined spot, we found it void of any anglers (there were about 15 boats on the river). We setup our lines and within minutes I had my first cat on the line. However, this one seemed tougher than the many cats we caught in the past. Well, that's cause it turned out to be huge. First fish of the year - a personal best for me and my boat. Called Steve from the river and he confirmed he would weigh my fish for me (even though his shop closed 3 hours earlier and i was not in his derby - THANKS!) Met Steve at the ramp and he weighed my fish...our first 20lbs cat...official weight 20.55lbs. Thanks Steve. Another huge shutout should go to Steve Piggott. He took me out a few years back and showed me how to "get'er done!" If anyone is looking for some help, you know, to increase daily numbers from "a few" to "many", either Fishmaster or Steve Piggott (Anglers Way) are great choices! My success can easily be attributed to both of their help and guidance! On the water shot: In the shop shot: (and of course was released)

ROI is not based on a "promise" rather a "contract". (a 20 year one at that) just as a FYI.

PM me a contact number. I will call you. There is a lot to know regarding the above. We are the countries leading insurer of Solar. I am not trying to sell you insurance, the company leasing your location will have their own. However, I will be able to answer any and all the questions you may have. Regards, Steve

I have a little experience fishing open water in the winter....december through march. I can only suggest what I have 100% confidence in - Yamaha. It has never let me down. Ever. i run a 17' tiller. i use the 60hp yamaha four stroke.

When Aaron announced he was discontinuing the show, I, like many, was saddened. However, I knew he spoke from his heart, and it was the right decision. I also knew it was going to open up some fantastic opportunities to fish with one of the best! I was fortunate enough to be invited to fish with Aaron this past weekend. Even better my father was joining us. One of the best ways to build our skill as anglers is to fish with others. A day on the water with Aaron is a goldmine. I can't remember when Dad and I had so much fun just simply fishing together. Usually we are "working" to fish....this time we just sat back and relaxed. When the east winds kicked up, Aaron basically put 100% of his time and effort keeping the boat in position, and for that, dad and I thank him greatly. Throughout the day we hatched plans for hitting other bodies of water, discussing tactics for many different species of fish... we talked cats, browns, salmon, bass, walleye, hell, just about anything that swam...oh, and when your with the world record drum holder, you just can't go without discussing the mighty sheephead! Aaron, again, thank you.

Well, there is one man, who is "loved" by so many on this board. Mr Darryl Choronzey Darryl and Bob have done more for the fishing industry than what the rest of the industry has done - combined.

Yikes - I knew i recognized that boat. We set the guys up earlier in the year with full trolling gear. Riggers, rods, reels, tackle, etc. They enjoy their fishing - I hope everyone is ok.

looks like barry pringle's old boat he sold. very unfortunate.