Fishing Rhino

My friend had an aluminum boat with a four stroke Yamaha. Quiet, very quiet. For cruising, or riding around, the quiet was very nice. Neither of us spent a lot of time at cruising speed on the waters around here. Mostly on the trolling motor. Not like we were running long distances on the larger waters. Still, before you plunk down your hard earned cash it's definitely worth considering. The more time you spend moving from spot to spot, the more significant that quiet becomes.

When I first saw the title of this thread, I thought it had to be started by Raider.

I like those rod holders, for the reasons you stated. Readily accessible, and well protected from brush and branches when you venture into the shallows. Very nice brackets for them. The only difference between your canoe, and the one I have (not in my avatar) is that mine has a square stern. It does have plenty of storage including that in the middle seat. Looks like you are well on your way.

Big Bill, are you on blood pressure meds? If you are, standing up quickly can, at times, make you woozy. Hands tingle? That can also be a sign of low bp. Been there, done that. Kiddies, close your eyes. The ED meds can also result in dizziness and fainting.

Hey Rob, this pond is a lot better than Great Herring, but I won't put my Nitro in it. Some weekend before I head out, I'll tour you around the pond. I think you'll be amazed. Great Herring was in the same league four or five years ago, when the decline in fish production coincided with the decline in vegetation. The same is true of Mashpee Wakeby and Ashumet, on the Cape, and Lake Webster, in Webster, MA. It had been a killer lake for smallmouth and largemouth bass until they determined it was necessary to reduce the vegetation.

At the moment, there are three of us who will be fishing Sawdy Pond in Westport on Tuesday. If you are interested, let us know. Sawdy is popular with kayakers. Some fish, some don't. There won't be much activity there during the week. But, with the weather they are predicting, it wouldn't surprise me to see some of the old fart regulars like me get a start on the fishing season. I've got to do something to kill the time between now and when I leave for Pickwick to meet a fishing buddy, in six weeks.

PM invite sent

Derek and I have tentative plans to fish Devol (private access), but if you want to head down this way with your vessel, the three of us can fish Sawdy. I was opting for Devol because I've fished it before in late winter, early spring. I'm sure you'll find it a most interesting place to fish.

Our younger daughter is 44.

Our younger daughter, who lives in GA, got a Glock last year and started target shooting. Went to the range yesterday and these are the results at 21 feet, and 45 feet. She always carries. For some reason, I cannot get the pictures posted. I'll keep trying. Finally.

Especially true of the digital trolling motors.

You aren't going to get much for 2000 dollars. At that price, you sure don't want to dump a bucket of cash into it. Motor is shot. You certainly don't want to pay the price of a new motor to put on an old, tired, sled. With all the lakes in your area being electric, paddle, or sail only, why do you want a gas powered rig. I'd look around for an aluminum jon or bass type boat with a trolling motor only. You can learn to read the electronics just as well in a smaller boat in good condition, and you're not going to have to dump a ton of cash to get a trailer up to snuff, and all the electrical in a boat sorted out. If it were me, I'd run from that two thousand dollar rig for something less, but in much better condition. Hate to throw cold water on your plans, but old boats, particularly old fiberglass boats can put you in the poorhouse. If the transom is shot, I'd consider the stringers and other encapsulated wood components to be tired as well. For two grand, you should be able to buy a decent boat that will serve you well, and not put you in the poorhouse trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I have two boats that I use regularly. A 16 foot, square stern canoe with a trolling motor, and a Nitro Z-8 for the bigger bodies of water. I enjoy fishing out of my canoe as much as I do in my Z-8, except when I'm on the larger waters. I use the canoe more because the two ponds that I fish the most are more suited to the canoe.

Looks like Big Bill shoveling snow. Or maybe playing winter golf. Notice the right leg bent toward the left, and right heel off the ground on the follow through, and the splash of snow similar to that of sand when a player hits out of a trap.

it's a duck billed platypus.

Okay, guys, I'm back. If we get some good weather (light wind and reasonable temps) I'm going to hit up the two ponds near my home. If they live up to their potential, I should do well. If I do, I'll hang out the "vacancy" sign. I have room for another in my canoe on the pond surrounded by private property. If it's the pond with public access, such as it is, maybe we can have an outing of the little boat fleet.

Keep up the positive attitude, and you'll do well. Take care, and God bless.

Fuses? What are fuses?

And you're gonna be around to catch them.

Was it seen with Elvis? Let's see how many are old enough to recognize this guy.

I'll be in touch when we get back from Daytona. Sometime around March 1.

Correct on all counts. Some good news. Bass Pro Shops is building a new store across from the Daytona Speedway. I'll have something to occupy myself between races.

What's a "friend"? You want to be "friended", spend more, or maybe less, time on facebook. You can have thousands of friends you never knew you had.

Okay guys. I'll be outta here in about nine hours, and back the first week in March. All you young whippersnappers have motivated me, a little bit. If the surface water is still liquid, I might get out on the nice days to see what I can dredge up. Haven't been fishing in March since 2010. Might check in a few times while I'm away. My wife will be bringing her laptop. No, I don't own a laptop. Sorry 'bout that. Good luck to the crew. Hope we can have an outing or three this year.

And, a nice chianti.

Number one is a not go. You don't need that much boat, and you don't need the expenses that go with it, current and future. No need to manhandle a bass boat at the sometimes okay for launching from a trailer, and other times impossible. A kayak or jon is perfectly adequate for the sizes of the ponds you will be fishing. Get a trolling motor and those boats will not become money pits. Neither two, nor three will have as many moving parts as number one that may require repair.