4fishys

Not me, but I'd like to hear a report from you on your trips. What do you have to share?

Fishinwrench, With that name I guess you probably got it covered!! You mention service bulletins, and that they should be covered. Does the dealership get reimbursed from Merc for this work, or just expected to perform them on his own dime as a cost of doing business? Gotta say your "growing pile" has me freakin' a bit. More so than other years, 04, 03 etc? Any thoughts on the main cause of this seemly early demise? Really looking to make informed decision, and helpful / knowledgeable folks like you are wonderful for sharing your info. Thanks, Bill

Looking for a motor to put on a new boat(see "boat show next weekend" thread for that discussion on boat). I've got a line on substantial savings on a 2005 Mercury 150 Optimax, still crated, and with full current 5 year warranty. My question is this---what concerns are there with a motor, even though never run, that is 4-5 years old? The motor is basicly the same according to a few folks I've talked to, but it's still 5 years of sitting. I realize that it would be under warranty, but don't want to spend half of the next 5 years of boating season having it fixed, even if it's free! I'd love to get the skinny from some of you very knowledgeable folks on this subject. Thanks, Bill

Jay Bird, Is that the deck boat one you're talking about, similar to the Polar Kraft? I have seen them, and had them on the radar, but I think I have a good deal worked out on a Princecraft. If that falls through I'll definitely be checking out the Lowe's. Which one do you have? Size and which motor size? I would probably look at the 22 ft. with a 150 on the back, but wonder if that's enough power to get a skier up with a few (3-4) passengers on board? I'd love to get your thoughts and review on the boat as someone who uses it. The concept is a very good one for both enjoying and relaxing the water while still allowing a reasonable fishing option also. Do you have a trolling motor up front? If so, which one and power? I think that might have to be bumped up a little from the normal weight/motor recommendations simply because there's a lot of freeboard, or boat above the water, to catch the wind. Eagerly awaiting anything you can tell me. Thanks for responding. Bill

CaptainJoe, Thanks for the info. Got a little lazy I guess in checking for dealers. Only two used Princecraft in their inventory, and none new listed on their site. Have to give them a call tomorrow. Thanks, Bill

Don, Heard good things about the Rosemont show also, although a lot of comments about not having manufacturers there. Most of the major rod and reel guys skipped it. It has been down for the last several years, but some new guys running it were very active on seeking comments and suggestions. Most were very supportive of the final efforts, with hopes of continued efforts paying off next year. Haven't checked out G3 yet, thanks for the suggestion. Looking at retiring and building on a lakefront lot in Lampe, and the fish/ski deck boats will allow the relaxation we will enjoy, plus allow me to scratch my fishing itch also. Still a year or so away, but I can't wait! Just checked out their line. The "deck boat" layout has plusher pontoon boat seating in the back, plus a front platform with a pedistal and trolling motor/finder options on a regular V-hull boat design. Not really ready to go full pontoon just yet! I was thinking of the Princecraft Ventura 192 model as a happy medium. Bill

Hey, gang. Attended the Chicago Boat Show a few weeks ago and it was terribly disappointing! Maybe a good show if you were looking at anything other than a boat that could be fished out of, but I was looking at some fish and ski deck boat options, mainly going to check out the Princecraft line. Is there a local Princecraft dealer? I'd love to contact them and see what they have in inventory. Thanks, Bill

Incredible, Bill. Retirement and building down there was put off till June with the economy, but plan on starting the project in the fall. 2011 or BUST! Those graph pics are just great. Questionfor you if you can share. The bottom pic--is that taken at higher speed, slow trolling to locate, or just crawling along to home in on the school? I guess my mind blowing question is HOW BIG ARE THOSE SCHOOLS? Are we talking 10 sq. yards, an acre, or even bigger? Thanks for all on the site who give a Chicago guy a nice fishing fix via all of your posts and info. This is the best site I have found. For sure my first order of business when I get down there is to spend a day with you on the water. That deep water still has my kinda scared! Heck, the lakes I fish aren't much deeper than 20 ft. or so---I know a lot of learning is going to have to take place. Bill

If you know anybody serving our country, or anybody who cares, please have them check out this youtube video---"heroeshands" . There have been many comments here and on other sites about how armed forces friendly Sears is. This is a fine example. Might want to also check out "herodollar" on youtube. Well done, Sears!

Hey, Gary. I'll occasionally hit the Fox, but spend a fair amount of timeon the Dup. Live north of 95th by Knoch Knolls Park, so I do a lot of hour or so visits just to scratch the itch down there. My newest favorite lake just opened up last summer. Down Royce Road they opened one of the old quarries. That's where I go and have a blast in the kayak (see other post on this forum). Do pretty well for the smallies inj there, with an occasional 3-4 pound LM tossed in. It's C & R for the balance of this year, and then I'm afraid of what will happen to these 80 acres of water when 9" bass go into buckets. If you get back up here and want to check it out, let me know. Have an extra kayak for you to use. Same offer goes to anybody from down there. It's the least I can do for all of the helpful info. gleaned from this site. Bill

Thanks to all for your thoughts. I took Dutch's advice and bought both, then took em to the local pond for a quick comparison. A few casts with different things on the end of the line gave me my answer, even with tags still attached. Went with the 7' medium/fast. As I got to looking at the rods I use the most, this also fit right in a gap. Have medium light and medium heavy, but this fits right in the middle.....kinda like baby bear. Not too hard and not too soft. If I really need to go heavier I can get into a few baitcasting outfits, although I prefer spinning for most applications. Techno, I agree that you can certainly miss fish by not knowing they are even there. I'm not the hottest stick in the group, but there is definitely something to be said for the increased sensitivity of a little more upscale rig. These aren't cheap, $219 at Bass Pro, but not getting into the $400-500 range either. I'm sure I'll be happy after my little test trip. Best to all, and enjoy things as they heat up down there. Might try to get a long weekend in, but weddings, graduations, etc. seem to be working against me.....arggggghhh! Bill

Anybody do that down there? I've never seen a post on it. I know that the big lake is a very different animal, as is the way most of you fish. A lot of running from spot to spot, and fishing wind blown shores is not a good match with a kayak! I got into it last year on a smaller inland lake, and find it to be a blast. It's a great way to REALLY feel a part of the lake, and a very relaxing trip. I'm sure that dropping in on some of the quieter coves would be the same, and provide a little exercise as well. I often feel perplexed now when I have time to fish....my boat on bigger water, or yak on the smaller lakes. I have a native ultimate 12, which is a very stable yak. They advertise standing and fishing, although I've yet to feel the need. It is very stable though.

Treating myself to a top line spinning rod for multiple applications. A little drop shotting, lighter (1/4 - 1/2) jig and tube work, and the like. I'm leaning toward the St. Croix Legend Tournament. There are two models I'm considering. First is a 6'9" medium light with extra fast tip. Second is 7' medium with fast tip. I'm leaning toward the medium/fast tip. My thought is that the lighter/faster will be too light and whippy for any heavier jig/tube work in that weight range, and will totally not work if I do go any heavier. The medium will work if I do go anything heavier, and shouldn't overpower the lighter end. Those are my thoughts. Would LOVE some feedback from you guys who do this more than I do. Way too much money to not be happy with the selection, and not enough to buy several rods. Thanks, and keep the reports coming so I can live through your trips until we lose the ice up in Chi-town! Bill

Very nice fish! Got me thinking back about 35 years to my best, at 7 1/2. Still the intramural fishing record at Western Illinois!!!! The sad part was that I decided to have it mounted, assuming, and rightfully so as of this writing, that I wouldn't get anything bigger. The only local guy in the phone book took my $$ and returned the WORST looking mount you will ever see. Broke my heart, for sure. Funny thing is that I still have it collecting dust on a shelf in the basement. That bass, and a 14 1/2 walleye are my braggers. Don't think I'll touch the walleye again, but still hopes every time out for topping the bass. Haven't posted in a while as I'm still in Chicago, but I'll start bugging you all again before a spring trip to check on our property down there. Happy New Year to all, and know that your posts keep me thinking happy thoughts during a terrible winter up here. Bill

Whack'em, Looks like you're spending some good quality time on the water with dear old Dad, and quite successfully also. Congrats on your win! Those were some very nice fish. Keep posting on your efforts drop shotting. I enjoy living vicariously through all of your posts. Gone Fishing, Yea, I was getting a little upset with the 25 foot retrieves when I had the fish on with 75 feet of line. At least it let me know that I was doing something kinda right to get bit at all. That right there made a big confidence difference. I guess it is always about making little adjustments to change those "almosts" into a fish admired and released. Bill

Thanks for the kind words It was fun getting outside of my comfort zone for a change....exciting to try something new. Maybe we should all do that more. Now for some drop shotting and maybe carolina rigging. I know they will catch fish up here also, but my time fishing is limited. Perhaps time spent on something new is time well spent. Mine sure was. It was fulfilling to succeed when I really did feel like a rookie out there. Read this site for anything you can on a technique you have perhaps avoided, and spend a few outings working it hard. The rewards are there, being successful is really a matter of degrees. I left feeling very successful, even though results would have been poor for someone who does it all the time. It's a weapon that I can add to my arsenal and use some time, next time with SOME degree of confidence. Thanks again to all who made the experience rewarding for me. Bill

Finally fished the Rock for the first time, and I have to say that I at least went out with SOME ideas based on the great info. from this site. Only fished about 6 hours total, 4:30 to 8:00 on the 9th, and 4:30 to 8:00 on the 11th. I know that that adds up to more than 6 hours, but on the 11th my sons woke up and called me back to the resort to have them join me. Wouldn't have it any other way, but they had me chasing snags and retying so much that I didn't really wet a line myself! Still a great morning to be out with them, as this was the purpose of the trip. We spent the rest of our time worrying about the rain forecast, which never really happened, but other activities with kids/girlfriends and wife kept the boat busy skiing, swimming and just enjoying some down time. I was fishing east of Indian Point, working 15-30 ft. with jig and trailer. First morning I had 4 takers, but only had them on for a short time. Just couldn't get a good hook up. Don't know if I waited too long or not long enough before setting the hook, but that was the story. I was using a larger jig with skirt, and a Yum crawler trailer. The jig had the plastic hook guard, and I think I was too shy in crossing their eyes to get the larger trailer and hook guard compressed and to the all important hook. That's my story, and I'm sticking with it! The second morning I changed to a plain 3/8 football jig with a chompers trailer. Not so much interference on the set, and I boated two before the kids joined me. One might have been legal, and one short. Overall I enjoyed trying something different, and think I might have continued improving with a little more time. The second day I fished a little half submerged island area east of Indian Point. Little saddle area between the island and the shore. Had what felt like a little shelf area in about 20 ft. fishing west side of the saddle area, and this is where both fish came from. There were a couple of boats fishing close to the island itself, but didn't want to intrude as it is not that big. I'm sure all of you regulars know the area I am talking about. At least I beat the skunk! Thanks for the free info. to all that post here. At least I went out with some kind of plan. New tackle box with Rock jigs, trailers, etc. = $50.00 Cost of lodging, gas to tow 1,000 miles round trip, dinners, etc. = Don't want to add it up! Time on the lake with family = PRICELESS. Bill

I'm staying on Indian Point at Artilla Cove. Don't have a map yet, so I really don't know where I am close to.....but I will gladly folllow blind directions. Just ask my wife!

Focused, Thanks! That's just the reply I was looking for, and expected to get from you guys. You're all the best. I'll be sure to post when I get back and let you all know how this "rookie" did on your beautiful lake. Bill

Finally getting down for some relaxation (and a little fishing, too!) from the 8th through the 12th. Based on what I am reading I guess I'll try some jiggin early, then back out for some drop shotting. This is all way new to a guy who considers 15 ft. to be deep water, but with all of the great info. on this site I feel that I have a fighting chance. Thanks to all who post here. Question on shotting with crawlers. Are you using a whole crawler, or just pinching it in half or so? I'm also excited hearing about these monster gills.....can't find better eatin' in my opinion. Targeting the 18-25 ft. range, are they usually around and in timber, or just kinda anywhere? I find a lot of my biggest catches up north here are in this deeper water, not really associated with much other than deeper/cooler water. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also plan on just hitting some docks for the gills. I know there will be numbers at just about any dock, but are some bigger ones there also, or am I thinking backwards? Gotta admit that I'm feeling a bit intimidated by this lake, but really looking forward to 4-5 days of having fun with the family and getting a little fishing in also. Thanks, and see you on the water. Bill

Mart, Wow, you're quick! That's just the info I was looking for. 42 is plenty fast for me also. I didn't know the max. horses were up that high on the boat. That big would certainly do the pulling as well as the cruising. As far as you upgrading, you're gonna have to wait a while. I'm probably not going to be down there for about two years. One left working, then doing the build the house routine on our lot down there. Thanks for the response, and any others feel free to chime in. Bill

Mart, That's one of the ones I was considering. I like the aluminum more in such a rocky lake, and it isn't nearly as expensive as some of the fiberglass models, I think they also make a little smaller one, but I could be mistaken about that. The one question that I had is about the power. In your opinion would it have enough guts to get a skier up if it was also loaded with 5-6 other passengers? My 90 h.p. on a deep-V has to work pretty hard to get someone on a slalom ski up if there are more than 2 others, and not much chance of getting a larger shier up without dragging him for a while as he is swallowing half of the lake! Do you feel that it could handle the load? I'm sure that prop pitch has something to do with it, top speed versus hole shot. Do you have any idea on top speed? Also curious about the used boat market in the area. The market is smaller here as the opportunities for boating are smaller (suburban Chicago, GO CUBS!) I would imagine that there is all sorts of availability in the area, especially with gas prices cutting into folks disposable dollars. I'd love to hear your answer, and anybody else who does double duty with a deck boat of any model. Make and size, engine, overall performance and comfort, fishability, ability to handle a crowd while still skiing or tubing, etc. Thanks again to you all. This is one fantastic site. Can't wait to be able to contribute as an active fisherman from the rock! Bill

Thanks for the replies, and the welcome, rps. Glad to hear that I won't need to sell the kids to get a boat big enough to work out. Some thought still needs to go into which type of boat I guess, but there's still a lot of time. I guess I'll get my boys and I all to take the online boating class.....couldn't hurt. Thanks again, and I'll be looking for killer info. for our trip in early August. Bill

I have a few questions for all of you TR regulars. I understand that some kind of boating class is necessary for younger drivers, and my 21 year old falls in this category. We are from out of state, although we have some property and plan on moving there in a year or two. We're vacationing there for a week in August. Will my 21 year old be able to operate the boat? He's got a fair amount of experience, and is the driver when my older son or I do a little tubing or skiing while taking a break from the fishing, and old dad is tired of being at the wheel. What will we need to do in order for him to operate, or is he out of luck? Another kind of related question re: boats on TR. I have read some posts about the larger boats, and wake problems. While I currently own a 17' deep V, I plan on going a different direction when we move down there. I am thinking about a 20' or so deck boat that also allows for fishing chair / trolling motor up front. That way I can take care of my fishing needs while being a little more roomy and comfortable when it is just my wife and I out lounging in a cove, or taking out friends and family. Does anybody have a similar boat? Is 20' big enough? I certainly can't imagine that it wouldn't be. I'm not a run up and down the lake just to be doing it kind of guy, but I want something that is big enough to run a bit and feel safe. I know that I was bounced around WAY too much on Lake of Ozarks last year, and wonder if I am in for more of the same on TR. Like I said, I will itch my fishing jones, and spend most time just enjoying quiet waters and chilling out. I'd appreciate any thoughts on suggestions on new boat size, and info. on these classes and how they will affect us on our vacation. Thanks for your replies. 4fishys / aka Bill