bipr8

Where are you launching from? I know you wont be able to get to the "good" smallmouth spots (north of Trenton) due to rocks and wingdams.

I planned a trip to Plattsburgh from June 13th-16th. I know it is hard to tell with this crazy weather, but will that be during the spawn? Prime spwan time? A little late/early? Any insight would be great. Thanks.

Go Depth Finder. Nothing worse than realizing you are in 1 foot of water when you are going 15-20mph with your set up. I'd go cheap too. Just something to show you the depth would work for now.

So, the marina looked at my boat and came back and told me I had a blown power head and 0 compression and some other things that I zoned out for on my ERude 150. Very bad news. So, how do you blow a power-head? Was it my fault? Something I did or does that just happen? The motor is a 1993, but was re-built in 2003. They told me I had 4 options- you guys know how much it would likely cost for option 2 and 4? 1. Re-built power head- $4-6K 2. New Power head- Price???? 3. New motor- $13-14 K 4. Refurbished motor. Price???? With a motor, the boat is only worth $7-8K I would guess. Any suggestion? Any pointers? What would you do?

I have the same problem with my Humminbird. The Lowrance at my helm NEVER reads Low Voltage and my livewell has never given out. Nodes are cleaned regulary, but the darn H-bird flashes low voltage on every trip and will shut off on occassion. I personally think it is the unit that is the problem. I am waiting for one more "thing" to happen and then I will be getting another Lowrance.

Get to 1st lake and frozen solid, my fishing partner quips "have any other bright idea's". Get to 2nd lake, frozen solid (debate going trap shooting instead). Get to 3rd lake, wide open. Caught a 12" on my 3rd cast and a 13" a few minutes later. Fiddled with the boat and everything works. Way to good a start for the 1st time out. I think I just jinxed the season.

Going out today for the 1st time in over 4 months. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything still works and taking some new toys out for the 1st time too.

Iaconelli ran to S. Venice during the classic about 90 miles one way to win the classic. I "think" he did that all 3 days. I guess it is necessary to run that far if you want to win. *I also think he broke down on the way on day 2 but got up and running an hour later.

Any good rod builders out there? Any recomendations?

My buddy whooped the smallies on the rock wall to the right of the ramp there last week in the morning. Other than that, that place has me scratching my head.

This is the site everyone went to when the "other" site started demanding donations. http://www.bassnj.com/

I decked out a 14' jon. It was wider though 46" maybe? It did help a little bit with the stability. 1 person standing was no problem. When two people would stand, you had to be careful. I had A LOT of weight in the boat on more than 1 occasion. 4-5 batteries, me (220lbs), my dad (250lbs), tournament load of gear for 2 people, 15 gallons(?) of water in the livewell, etc... There were times when we were LOW in the water, but never had a problem.

For TM lakes only, 36v are the norm around here (NJ where just about all the lakes we fish are TM only). I have a 101 on an 18' aluminum. If I didnt fish TM lakes, I proably wouldnt bother with such a big TM though. Never had a problem with too much power and I get passed at the start of a tournament by guys with THREE 36V's on their aluminum rigs. Thats A LOT OF BATTERIES!! Would hate to have to charge them.

Which lakes did you fish?

So you can skip under a bush with the pixy and other smaller baitcaster reels? If so, maybe i will look into it. On the other hand, it might be tough yanking a bass from under brush/cover with 4-6 lb test and a ultra light rod though. I guess you can use a baitcaster for any appliation if you have the right equipment. I personally wouldnt want to though.