Hotdog71

Hey Tim, As I typing this I see Mike (GLF) is also looking at this so I may repeat some of his comments. The "stuff" you have is a great place to start. You will find things that you like or dislike as you get out on the water and actually use it. I currently use the Magda Pros, Cabelas and Convectors and haven't had any issues with them. A couple suggestions: If you haven't used these reels before, go over them to make sure everything is working the way it is suppose to. Check the drags, they should be smooth as the line is being pulled, not jerky. If line is on there from the previous owner, change it so you know exactly what is on there and how long it been there. As for the reels with no line, some look like Penn 209's. They will easily hold your leadcore but the gear ratio is a little low, 2.9:1 I think, and they will take some time to bring in the line/fish. Good solid reel just slow. That may be an upgrade you make over time. You can run lead your first time out, it is pretty simple to use, but remember not to turn to sharp or you will have a huge mess. Make sure you spool a couple hundred feet of backing,or whatever fits, on the reel before you tie the core on, and I would recommend flourocarbon for the leader. There is some ready rigged core you can buy if you don't want to mess with all the knots. Don't use cheap snap swivels either, use a ball bearing swivel, it will save you some twisting headaches down the road, speaking from experience on that one. If I remember correctly, you said you got a bunch of rods with the boat. I would setup a couple different lengths of core for different rods. Something like a full core (10 colors,100yds), half core(5 colors), 7 color, and a 2 or 3 color. To be able to run these you might want to pick up a set of planner boards to pull the line away from the boat. Lots of choices there, I used the Church Walleye board and a lot of guys use the Off Shore boards. It looks like you have enough to get started. I know, at some point, you will need/want to upgrade the gear, but if money is tight it can wait awhile. I hope this has helped. Good Luck this year! Bob

If you don't mind buying online, you can find some good deals on Ebay. Make sure you watch the shipping charges though. I have purchased several rods some new, some used, and saved a bunch of $$$ over the last couple years. Brett's also has a bunch for stuff on there and as it's already been said, it's a great place for gear. Bob

Kyle, I use the holes for more action as well. But like Jim said I do keep an eye on them to make sure the action I'm getting is what I want. Bob

Just finished watching this video and was wondering if anyone uses this method around Grand Haven, Port Sheldon or Muskegon? What size bait would you use? Thinking about trying this on one rod this year. Would this be more for the summer/fall or is this an year round setup? Thoughts? Thanks Bob

Nice fish Jonas and welcome to the site. Thanks for sharing!

Does anyone run a meat rig or a rig with artificial strips? Are the easy? hard? Worth the effort? Bob

No kidding! That's cool! Very nice

Hey Paul, I use a Garmin 160 fishfinder and a Magellan handheld GPS on my boat. I really like the handheld because I fish in several different states and drive to all of them. Works well with a ram mount to secure it to the boat dash. The fishfinder is ok but it's difinitely on the cheap side. The cost of both is well under $800. The screens might be too small for you, but they have other models that may interest you. Bob

Looks good Don. Are they PVC or another material? Bob

Those look awesome. Great job! Bob

Thanks Kyle and Andy, Those are great points you guys made. I forgot to list my SubTroll as part of my equipment, but it has made a big impact on my success. I do get locked into trolling the same directions a lot, mostly because it was what worked before. About trusting the fishfinder, I had many trips where I dropped lines and headed west. Never saw one fish on the locator but had several hits. I'm wondering if I just have a poor locator or if I'm missing something. I've used it more for depth and terrian than finding fish. This year I was a little more successful in adjusting lines after seeing fish on the screen. As far as fishing prime times, I do most of my fishing in the evening including the sunset and some darkness. Should I be doing with my setups or lure selection? Thanks for the thoughts guys. Bob

Here's where I'm at: I know to watch the water temps and look for breaks, dropoffs, find the bait fish, fish the scum line -when there is one, use a couple of baits and presentations (flasher flies, spoons on downriggers, leadcore, copper, wire divers, boards), change out baits when there not working, not to run core in the channel or while combat fishing , ... you know, the basic stuff. I had a great run this last year. At one point I had 21 trips in a row with at least one fish. Being able to fish night after night was really helpful, but I had a hard time getting more than one fish in the boat at times. I know it sounds a little greedy, but I love fishing. 2 of my friends, uncle, mom, 2 sisters, and my 10 yr old niece all got their first salmon. I've already been told they're ready to go again. I know there are going to be times that the skunk hangs around but I want to do the best I can. I fish mostly out of Grand Haven. Usually my dad is with me, so for most of my trips I can only run 6 lines. Our most productive setup last year was 2downriggers, 2 dipsies, 2 long lines on boards. Equipment available: 4 downriggers, 2 wire dipsies, 2 copper, leadcores-full and segmented, 2 sets of Walleye boards, numerous flashers/flies and spoons. So what am I missing? Where do I go from here? What do I need to know to boat multiple fish each trip? I'm open to any suggestions or advice that you may have for me. Thanks, Bob

Thanks guys, I have what I need now. I think, for now anyway :-) Bob

As Joe stated, yes this will replace your tip. It comes with several different size sleeves of which one slides on to the rod. It is pretty easy to install but you do have to remove your old guide completely. If you're still interested, send me a PM or email. Bob [email protected]

I had to replace my flares before the start of this coming season so I went to the West Marine close to me because the Walmart here doesn't carry any. I almost fell over at their prices. They had a pack of 4 handheld flares for 27.96, 4 12 gauge flares for 25.99, and a 3 orange smokes for 59.99. The total before tax would have been $113.94. The only other choice was to buy a new case that included everything for 109.95. The expiration of the flares sold separate were June and July 2012 meaning I would have to replace them in the middle of that season were the new case was November 2012 at the end of the season. I ended up getting the new case using some bonus bucks to help with the cost, but I got to wondering where do you get your replacement flares? Also, how do you dispose of the old ones? I don't think the Coast Guard would apppreciate me shooting these off as 4th of July fireworks. I have some from the previous owner, and now the ones that just expired. I kept the previous owners as last resort use but now with 3 sets I thinks it's too many to have on board. Are they dangerous setting around for too many years? I don't want to throw them in the garbage until I know they aren't dangerous. Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks Guys Bob

Does anyone have some track they are no loner using? I'm looking for small track pieces. 6 inches would be good but if you have something else let me know. Trying to work with a small budget to rearrange the back of the boat. PM or email me with what you have along with the price your looking for. Don't need anything new, just functional. If you have pics you could add those too. Thanks Guys, Bob [email protected]

20# Big Game. Cheap to replace whenever needed.

I still have some of these, let me know if your interested. Big Thanks to those who have purchased. Bob

Check with Tuna Tom, I think he can help you out with whatever you need. I believe that Ebay guide is Tuna Tom's. Bob

I have a few Cabelas reels, size 45. They have worked pretty well. I have used 2 of them for wire lines and used them for downriggers as well, with out an issue. Granted, this was the first year running wire, but so far so good. I haven't lost any fish due to reels. I got mine for 30 bucks rather than 39. They have sales on them if you watch for them. I can't speak about the rods. I just got one from the bargin bin that I put a twili tip on but haven't fished with it yet. Hope this helps. BTW the clickers are a little weak

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you've been good so Santa brings lots of gifts for your fishing wishes!

.037 dia, 300 ft, for 20.99 at Cabelas. On line as well as in store(Hoffman Estates). In case someone needs some.

I used Mason my first year then switched over to Cabelas brand. It is much cheeper and has been just as reliable for me. I've used their non-lead line as well and have been very pleased.

That's a great idea Mike. I use a small sticker on the underside of the reel with the number written on it. Works great till Dad doesn't have his glasses on ;-). I'll have to talk to him about a color system. Thanks for the idea!

Hey Andy, What type of Forshner do you use? And what did the recommend for it? My dad and I use the 12 in cimeter model. Dad likes to use a hard Arkansas stone. Bob