vonreed

Thanks for the condolences guys. I went back today and checked my last line and somebody had run my line, but not cut it this time. I had zero bait and no fish and my anchor had been drug way away from where I put it originally. So I just pulled it and quit. I used a grapple to try to snag the other for another 30 minutes and it was nowhere, so they stole it. Oh well, I guess. Next time I will sink them like was suggested(thanks) and just hope nobody gets hung up on them. I wish I had the time to just sit and watch jugs, but I rarely have half a day off with work and kids involved every day. I will try again in a couple weeks after I get some more good circle hooks( I hate having bass swallow regular hooks)and get my new line setup. It seems bass rarely get hooked with a circle hook, even in the corner of the mouth like catfish do.

Thanks for the comments guys. I had just put all brand new Gamakatsu hooks on it also and never even got to check the line before this. You know, I can except somebody running the line and stealing a few fish, no big deal. I probably would never have known any different. Knowing it was a fisherman made it a whole lot worse. I did manage to snag one back up, but spent 1-2 hrs doing so and never could find the other. Another thing that irks me about it, is that there may be half a dozen bass or catfish strung up on the bottom that will just suffer and rot if I can't locate the line.

I don't know what I expect to get out of letting everybody know, but me and the boys put out 2 25 hook trotlines yesterday evening and we went back down to check today. Apparantly somebody thought they needed to be cut. I have no idea why somebody would feel the need to cut my lines. Both were in an area which is way out of boat traffic and both were clearly marked with my personal information. Cut within inches of my tag. I put floating bottles on these lines on the bank side so anybody fishing can clearly see them and not get tangled for both of our benefits. I guess I will start putting them beneath the water line so they're not visible. I'm not sure if I would want to catch somebody doing this or not, but it would not be pretty for one of us. It was kind of a bitter life lesson for my 2 boys that they hadn't experienced yet.

Nice report. It's nice to know they're still biting well. Was they running much water?

It sounds to me like somebody is gonna be making payments still on their boat, plus the cost of the recovery. Or someone is gonna be in big trouble if they already made a claim on it. At least this boat isn't putting out any more wakes.

Yes indeed it is an odd first post. Looks like somebody who does more cave exploring than fishing who is looking for info. I'd like to hear more about the cave also if anyone knows of it.

Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated Brother Dave. Your explanation of it is basically what I would be using it like. Hunting,Fishing,Trapping, with a couple young boys in the front to help hold down the front. I like the smaller size because they have the tank on the motor, but the 6hp I'm thinking about getting has a seperate tank and I'm not sure if the extra tank will be much of a hassle(prob not).

Well I've gotten advice. All the way from trolling motors to no smaller than a 6hp motor, lol. I appreciate the advice. And feel free to give any more advice someone may have. It will be used places on the lake, and also in bigger rivers.

Well, it's not a desirable model. It's a 70's I believe Mercury 65hp. 3 cylinder, I think. How much do you estimate it would cost to rebuild. No compression. I was quoted 1200 and thought it was way to high. He said parts are hard to find also. After that, I never took it to anyone else(I should have got a second opinion).

Hey guys. I'm looking for some knowledge and advice. Since my bass boat motor took a crap on me, and I don't wanna spend the money to have it rebuilt. I am looking at just getting a small motor for my 15 foot, Old Town, Flat Back Canoe. I've never used a motor on a canoe or john boat. The canoe is rated for a 5 horse power motor, but I don't know if that is wise. Would a 3 hp 2 stroke work good with this canoe? I'm looking at getting a little Mercury 3.3 2 stroke, but wanted some advice before I spend money on something that may not be up to par.

I have been going and doing well. But I am a primarily bait fisherman. And I have found that there is no need to post my reports because they are ALWAYS biting live bait, lol. Throwing a crawdad or minnow just about anywhere will get a reaction if there are fish around to find it.

Yeah, I concur. It's been ridiculous at times.

Great news, other than I gotta cut, tetter, rake, bale, and haul square bales the next several days. Uhh, maybe Monday or Tuesday. I'm sure I'll be plenty hungry for them after thinking about this till then. Thanks for the tips.

Whoa! That's a fatty. Was you in the dam area? I've been thinking about trying to go down there and find some big ones.

Yeah, I'm jealous. Did you get them on trotlines or fishing poles?

We didn't fish. the water was too high and still pretty dirty. It was just a trip to relax and have fun with my son, looking for rocks on gravel bars was the main event, lol.

Me and my son floated that stretch a couple days ago. There is no need for a chainsaw, so hopefully I can save you some weight issues.

Geez, if I knew how to find them like that up here. I'd be all over those. That's some fun catching and great eating if you keep em.

It looks like that 01 spot Nice to see you catching them. I need to run some trotlines again for some more flatheads. Plus those green trash fish, lol.

I floated the river yesterday and it was right at a level of 5 feet for the middle section of the James R, which is about 2 feet above normal. It was defintely floatable, you just gotta make paddling a priority over making a perfect cast. But fishing was borderline doable yesterday. By Fri-Sat-Sun the river should be down another foot which will make it completely fishable and should be clearing up good in the next few days. You will have a very nice float, maybe not catch a whole lot because of dropping levels, but the paddling will be easy. There are several good camping locations down through that stretch which you should be able to find. land owners are generally a non issue on that stretch, just be respectable and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck

Amazing race right there. Them guys are nuts.

Yes be careful. There is a pretty dangerous spot right below Hwy 65 bridge. It's got a huge tree laying right in the middle of the channel with some big swirls and deep hole washed all around it. The limbs make it hard to get around.

I have a few times. They can pretty much be anywhere. Below the Springfield dam can be a good spot because it's murky dirty water.

It doesn't have to be a competition to get out and enjoy fishing. Go out and enjoy not having to worry about winning.

It will be to high and still muddy or very stained still.