Old dog 417

Very nice Wally! Thanks for the good report.

Obviously you didn't get rusty over winter. Good job on the walters! OD

Your perseverance paid off with a nice Walter. Good job! OD

The pic explains why catching was slow. The fish were out in the woods picking mushrooms!

I was in the Marine Repair Center to purchase a new bow mount trolling motor bracket this morning and noticed they have for sale dozens of used trolling motors. Typically they have a few but this was exceptional. Bow mounts and transom mounts of various brands. I didn't price check them on the motors but I purchased a "new" retractable bow mount trolling motor bracket for my Motorguide trolling motor (similar to a Gator) for $50. I don't work there or have an interest in it but just thought I'd share this info with OAF members in case someone was in the market for one. Marine Repair Center 1434 N. National Ave Spfld, Mo 65802 According to Google: Hours 8-5, Mon-Fri OD

Fishinwrench's chart was such good info I couldn't pass it up. I printed it out and hung it on the wall in my shop readily available for reference. It answers questions I didn't even know I had! Thank you Fishenwrench. OD

I own a Mustang and a Cabela's inflatable PFD. I purchased the Mustang first and found it comfortable enough to wear but I'll admit on some hot days I'll remove it when I'm not traveling. If I recall it's buoyancy or flotation rate was 26 lbs. About a year later after I had been out in cold weather I got to thinking about flotation needed with the extra clothes on. That's when I bought the Cabela's model. It's rated at 40 lbs and fits up to a 56" chest allowing easily for heavier layers. I may have over thought it but I look at PFD's like parachutes. If you need one and don't have it...chances are you won't ever need it again!

Good Job! Thanks for posting and sharing the good info. OD

I really hope it all comes together for you especially since we did the same thing Saturday morning. It was a lot of work but we had 4 come in on us while doing it so that was encouraging. By 7:30 this morning we should know if it was worth it. Good luck to all. OD

For what it's worth...To date, I haven't had any serious issues with my Xi5 but it does occasionally exhibit the same crazy antics Dan mentioned when using the course lock/cruise control feature. It is easily corrected by shutting the unit off and then re-selecting the course and speed but it makes one wonder what will happen next and will it be worse! I hope Jim reports back what he ends up doing to remedy his motor's issues. That info may save someone some time and money if/when it happens to them. Have a great New Year OAF, OD

Well done!

Wowsa!!! That's a real fine-fine wally!

Nice! And boated 22!...now that's some serious action!

X3

For Sale: HDS 7 Gen 3 Used a handful of times over a period of 3-4 months. Reason for selling...purchased a HDS 9. Nothing wrong with this unit and it works as it should. I left the original transducer (83/200) and power cord on my boat so the ones in the pic are new and have never been used. Pre-loaded with Insight maps. Structure scan capable with purchase of a structure scan transducer. Not included. Manuals, mounting bracket, cover, installation hardware, and original box included. $729.00

Well done! Good pics and well described. Your Alumacraft is obviously set up to be a real fishing machine!

X 2

I thought the release lever extended upward above the bow. Has that changed or was that an option?

I knew my trailer tires might be getting close to needing to be replaced but since I check their pressure regularly, there's no sign of weather checking, and the tread measures 7/32" I thought surely I can wait until Fall. I didn't stop to think about just how old they were. Turns out they're 6 years old and many sources recommend their replacement by age 5. There has been some threads on OAC about trailer tires and the need to replace them based on age and not tread wear but time really flies when you're having fun and I forgot just how old mine had become. I would encourage everyone that pulls a trailer to locate the date of manufacture code on it's tires so you're fully aware of their age . It's my understanding that until recently all ST tires have been produced overseas and perhaps not to the standards we might expect. In my case new tires aren't the complete fix. I also needed a new fender and a leaf spring bracket that the fender attaches to. I'm very thankful no damage occurred to the boat and I was able to safely get onto the shoulder out of the way of traffic without incident. So, all things considered I was pretty lucky. The uncomfortable feeling that came over me while changing that tire... wondering if all drivers whizzing past in the adjoining lane were being attentive or talking/texting and possibly weaving. Let's just say, that's not something I would want anybody to have to endure! Hopefully, we can all learn something from my mistake and spend more time fishing and less time fixing. Tight lines to ya.

Good job! Looks like you had a great Holiday weekend outing.

Dan, I checked Springfield Marine Group website and it appears there are about 4-5 different styles of pedestals. These that I have for sale are called "plug in" style and the picture you provided are "taper lock" style. I doubt they are interchangeable. I looked at the bases for each style and it just doesn't look like a fit. You might take a look at their website and see what you think or you might give them a call since their office and manufacturing plant is in Nixa. If all else fails send me a PM and maybe we could just try them and see. Believe me, I'd like them to have a new home but only if they are correct for your application. Thanks for your interest.

Two Springfield pedestals with locking swivel seat brackets. Fits Springfield 2 3/8" OD plug-in style pedestal bases. Approximate height 15". Nothing wrong with them, just changed to air-rides $25 each or both for $40. Located in Springfield, Mo

Dag nabbit!!! These things never happen to me! Ha!

Yeah, what Johnsfolly said! Good job!!!

You're welcome Kramr. This was a first for me meaning..this time of year I'm typically trolling for walleye and pick up an occasional crappie but because of OAF angler's reports I decided to mix it up and try trolling inside a creek. It evidently is the best time and I noticed this morning other reports are supporting that fact. The creek I was in had some standing wood at the sides and in the back but I was basically following the old creek channel contour on the screen holding close to the 20-25' depth. I starting trolling just inside the mouth of the creek and turned around when the trees were getting too close to my path so yes, they were primarily in the open water. After catching a few it occurred to me this pattern could be available in most creeks and especially those that are good during the spawn. So, on my next trip I intend to try several just to find out. This old dog likes learning these new tricks!!