MY2SONS

Crap! I just paid that for a brand new one (Mag 10). Wish I would have seen your post earlier.

I agree. I'd go with the halogens.

That was my take on the whole thing. He swears by them, but I can't justify changing everything over to them not only because they're expensive, but knowing if they really work. I really haven't had a problem unless it was a shaker.

Anybody try the new rotating treble hooks by SpinTech? If so, what did you think of them? I fished with a friend that bought some, and the claim is that you will have greater hook sets since the hook will rotate, and give you a greater chance of hooking up. I haven't reached a verdict if I buy into it just yet since it's hard to determine if your improving your landing average unless you're having a big problem with knock-offs. The concept sounds feasible though. Check it out. www.spintechhooks.com

I was told a while back that the design is pretty good, but they're for cable steering boats. Your 27' Sundancer isn't hydraulic steering?

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Why would asking questions about something most of us are pasionate about bother anyone? There's a lot of good resources on this site, and it would be a shame not to tap into those that are more experienced than others. The only thing I would like for you to "give back" would be some good fish porn from your upcoming, and past outings:thumb:.

I believe Forschner is made by Victorinox. They are a bad a$$ knife. I love 'em. Have four of them in my boat. Two 10" (one is a deboning knife which is a little thinner), and two 12".

It seems pretty easy to do, but I don't want to over-simplify something I've never done before. I'm pretty mechanically inclined so doing it myself would be not only cheaper, but also I'd understand how it works better than if someone else did the work. Do these units come with hydraulic lines, or is it something you have to purchase additionally since there's probably a few different diameters of lines on boats depending on the manufacturer?

Has anyone installed a Raymarine X-10 corepack on a fully hydraulic steering boat? If so, is it difficult to do? I was told by a local marina that they're quite involved, but I believe that's because they want to do the install at a hefty price. Any advice?

There's nothing like being on the water that early in the morning. Pitch black with only the low groan of downrigger lines buzzing, water lapping up against the side of the boat, good friends, and screaming drags! The hardest thing for me at that time of the morning is seeing through my windshield on my way through lake Macatawa without hitting any bouys.

OUCH!

Guilty as charged.

Here is the response I received when I asked my local electronics dealer who sells both Garmin, and Ramarine products about Garmin AP's. "Yes for safety reasons the Garmin is definitely easier to disengage, but I just can’t recommend it for fishing yet. We were just at a Garmin training this past week and a dealer up in Cheboygan has six customers that use it for fishing and can’t stand the pilot. I would hold off for right now. It is a great pilot for normal cruising speeds, but is just terrible at 1 or 2 knots. We will know more in the spring, they stated that they are going to have some fixes for the issues".

Well, just made up two SWR's for my fishing arsenal. Can't wait until I can try them out.

Have you ever had any break-offs with the 20# backer due to the extra drag of the lead core after a fish hits?

I meant to say 30# mono, not flurocarbon. I'm using fluorocarbon for my leader.

I was told Raymarine x-10 was the way to go for my boat. I haven't purchased an AP yet (can't convince the wife that I "need" one yet:no:). You can't make emergency course adjustments with Raymarine? I have full hydraulic steering. I was also told you should install quick-disconnect fittings on your hydraulic lines because you will eventually have problems with the pumps because fishermen have the sensitivity set high to maintain course at slow trolling speeds. I'm just doing some research on them right now. Need to save up some coin to get one:grin:. Boat Services in Holland wanted $2100 for the unit, and $2000 for installation! If I get one someday I'm planning on installing it myself.

Anyone know how much 30# fluorocarbon will fit on a Diawa SG47LCA reel with 2-color lead core, and a 30ft leader of 20# fluorocarbon? Have a couple extra reels that aren't being used, and would like to see if I could use them for a "secret weapon rig".

I wish my wife would insist I got an autopilot first. That's one big ticket item I'm having trouble convincing the wife that I need.

Looks like I need yet another setup. This sounds like a great idea.

Have you ever had break-offs attaching to the leadcore backing? I'm assuming you're talking about the sheath that goes over the leadcore right?

I run 14# round balls.

May be I'll start my trawling there next summer:lol:

I noticed a few guys showing coolers full of fish, and none of them bled the fish out. I've found that before you put your catch in the cooler cut the fish's throat just behind the gills to get a good blood flow. This will allow the fish to bleed out before you get back to the fish cleaning station. Your cooler will get pretty messy, but the fillets are a lot nicer, cleaner, and in my opinion taste better since there's no blood in them. Just wanted to offer it up for you to try.