DaubsNU1

Ouch! Bummer...

Been running 2-cycle LawnBoy mowers since I was in grade school...and 2-cycle outboard in my boat for the past 20 years. I've done it both ways...oil first, then gas. Gas first, then oil. Works either way. Preferred method is to go oil first, then fill with gasoline Side note: I always, I mean ALWAYS use ethanol free fuel. This is CRITICAL in my opinion. I have never had a fuel related issue with any of my small engines or outboard motors.

Started fishing NED this spring. Hammered the Smallies in South Dakota on this set up. Been crushing Largemouth in my home lake this summer. Love this set up on my medium power spinning rod, 10lb yellow PowerPro to 10lb fluoro leader. Pumpkin green does the job.

I have two 6.2:1 and two 5.2:1's....they all four work great. I prefer the 5.2's, for what it's worth.

From the lakes of northern Canada, to the gulf of Mexico, where ever fish are biting, that's where we're going to go. There's a lot of exciting country just waiting to be explored. So join us now in the great outdoor, world of Virgil Ward! Loved that show growing up!!!

Old school Cabela's branded rod, Fish Eagle Classic IM6 | 6'-6" | Med | 6-12lb | 1/8-1/2oz with a Cabela's branded spinning reel | 2000a. Line is bright yellow PowerPro 10lb braid, to a 10lb fluoro leader. I have a NED tied on this rod 100% of the time...seems to work well for me.

My brother found a new Lund Alaskan this spring...his dream boat. And talked his wife in to it. His first purchase was the Ulterra...wanted the 80lb / 24v, and Scheels said they had one in stock...when he picked up it was a 112lb / 36v version...he talked them in to giving him the 24v price. His previous TM had autoPilot...this was a HUGE step up. Game changer for the way we fish for sure! This thing kicks @ss! My dad is 80, and we spend a lot of time helping him in the boat. Spot-lock is fantastic, and highly recommended.

Agreed!

Good reads here. I'm okay detecting bites on worms, but suck with jigs. I rarely fish them, partly because my home lake has lots of hydrilla/moss/plant, and partly because I'm not good.

When I first got the boat 20 years ago, pulled the motor, flipped the boat and use some epoxy sticks to seal the seam. You heat the metal...work the stick in as it melts...held up for a while. But after 20 years all that old epoxy was dried, cracked, and most of it fell off. I like the JB weld idea...if this doesn't hold I'll look in to that. Thanks @MN Fisher

Sealed up seams last night with 3M | 4200. Messy, and doesn't look very good...but hopefully water-tight. Picture of the front deck...added the cup and pliers holder recently. Ram mount for my phone was a good addition. And a picture of all the hatches open.

I was fishing a small area and believe I hooked and lost this pike two times in the span of about 30 minutes. Hooked him a third time and finally managed to land. Was fishing 40lb PowerPro braid...didn't bother this fish one bit. Water was gin-clear, you could see the bottom (4' deep). I don't think Pike or Musky are line shy at all. I've had them hammer lures right by the boat...always fishing heavy braid or braid to steel leader.

Stepped on mine Sunday...bent it back...kept fishing...give it a try.

I am a big fan of leaving chargers / trickle chargers on batteries. Do this in my unheated shop for the John Deere x750, two Polaris ATV's. Been 4 years and never issues with the batteries. I've started the JD in below zero temps. They all run off these inexpensive Amazon units. Installed ProMariner ProSport 8, 2 Bank Charger and have been leaving it plugged in when not fishing. Seems to be doing well. Any issues continuing this practice? Batteries are the Wal-Mart marine deep cycle Everstart 24DC.

Been fishing the boat for a few weeks now. Before the re-design, the old 20HP Merc motivated this boat to 23 MPH. With all the modifications and added weight, I can still get 20 MPH. I will take it! Still haven't done anything to the carb / motor. Takes about 3-4 pulls in the morning to start...and starts on first or second pull remainder of the day. Pretty d**n good motor for a 47 year old motor! Added gas struts for the hatches. Works well...and they hold down when motoring and trailering, no need for additional tie-downs / straps. The small leaks are getting a little larger...need to get underneath and seal up with the 3M Overall layout is great for fishing alone. Still figuring out the best places for things like lures / tackle, lunch, water, life-jackets, tools, supplies, etc. Daughter joined me on Sunday...two in this boat is tight...but works. Figured out the battery charger issue. I had one of the lines wired incorrectly. Batteries are charging great now. Added small plastic storage thing-y in front...holds bottle of water, pliers, soap, braid scissors. Need to add the rear Garmin. Carpet still on hold...I'm going to epoxy resin the remainder of the wood and fish rest of the season as is.

I like the idea of positioning boat away from structure / cover, and casting longer. I think the Hummingbird representative is pretty savvy...as are their marketing peeps...their job is to develop and sell merchandise. Back in the mid 1990's a bunch of buddies and I made the trek to Lake Fork in Texas. We fished hard for two days throwing everything in the book at them. Nothing. Not even a sniff. Talked to some locals...they just giggled and said, "go get yourselves some shiners...biggest you can find. Rig up a slip bobber, toss that big-un in to the trees...grab a beer and wait...you will catch them." And we did! Landed one that was 8lbs. Some were caught right next to the boat. Sometimes I think we think we give bass too much credit.

Thanks @TnRiver46. I've landed several large Musky and Pike via the "shock-absorber" method and without a net...play them and work some energy off...then grabbed behind the gills...all while holding my rod high. My hands were no where near their toothy mouth. And there is no way am I grabbing braid on one of these bad-boys. For the bass above, I was fishing 10lb PowerPro braid to a 10lb fluoro leader. I won't be grabbing the line again...it will be either: - net - fish grip - lip 'em

I was very hesitant to run anything on my spinning rods except mono. I tried straight fluorocarbon and HATED it. ICK! Brother and I took Dad to Frances Case in South Dakota this spring for Smallies. I spooled up one of my spinning rods with braid to fluorocarbon leader. Initially did not like the set up. But after forcing myself to fish it for a few days, ended up really liking braid-to-leader on my spinning gear. I switched all my spinning rods to 10lb PowerPro bright yellow (so I can see the line), and attach 8 or 10lb fluoro leaders via modified Alberto knot. I really like this set up. Killer for NED, weightless Senko's.

I watched Glen's video, and can agree, grabbing the line is a good way to land fish, especially small & smaller bass. I do not like the idea of walking hands up the rod toward the tip, regardless of fish size. Watched a buddy snap a rod doing this very thing. Ideal method would be to net big bass, and Northern Pike (which are prevalent in my home lake). Or use this...

Buzz-bait at first light, or maybe a whopper-plopper. Love the top-water action at dawn.

I have owned the following rods since the mid to late 1990's: - four bait-casters (three Cabela's, one Berkley) - seven spinning rods (all Cabela's brand) All but two get used regularly...one is a very light spinning rod that is a duplicate, the other is a heavy spinning rod that needs guide work. I don't want to spend $$ on new rods and reels...what I have seems to catch fish. I would rather spend money on lures / tackle, or boat upgrades. Now, ask me about Gore-Tex coats, pants, rain-gear, hats, gloves, waders, etc. I have a PROBLEM : )