Paulywood

I talked to Tuna a while ago and he doesn't have the gear upgrades available. Doesn't know when or if he will get anymore. And I think they only fit the 55's.

Great Job! I can't wait to hit the lake.

The 3 Gander rods are sold. Still have the 2 Okuma leadcore rods.

I use these flashers, but I am by no means an expert: http://lakemichiganangler.com/store/Action_Flasher.htm

Welcome aboard! Feel free to read, search and ask questions. There is a great group of guys here who are willing to help out. Good luck this season.

Nice!

Rods are sold pending payment. Thanks guys! 2 Gander Mountain Downrigger Rods-Guide Series 8’6†Medium Action 12-20 lb Ceramic Guides $15 each 2 Okuma Classic Pro Mooching Rods- 9’ Medium Action 10-25 lb Ceramic Guides $15 each (I used these for leadcore) 1 Gander Mountain Dipsey Diver Rods-Advantage Pro 10’ Heavy Action 12-30 lb Ceramic Guides $15 All rods are in excellent condition. No guides are chipped or broke. I am trying to standardize the lengths of my rods so I am changing out a few of the oddballs. I prefer not to ship as it is a hassle and will be expensive. But I would be willing to meet someone or ship them if you pay. I can take some pictures if you ask.

Good info Grant. I really think the DNR has a good idea about trying to establish larger brown, steelhead and Atlantic populations on Huron. Since these fish don't target alewives like kings do they shoudl be a good alternative. Hope it works out. Browns are fun to catch and are great eating.

Sounds good Jon.

The only campground I know of in Muskegon that has slips is Fisherman's Landing. But they aren't much in the way of slips. You just tie up to the breakwall. I think people leave them in there all the time but not sure. I don't even know if they have shore power. I think that there is one in Grand Haven. Just up river from the boat launch, on the north side. Maybe someone can help me out.

Ken, you'd look like a pimp out fishing in your raccoon coat!

You can replace the spindle but you need to get the alignment right. A laser is the best way to do it. That being said, you can buy a whole new axle, with spindles, for around $100. Might want to think about that.

I know a lot of guys use Amzoil in their boats. I have been using Mobile1 synthetic 30 weight in the boat and have been happy with it. It seems to hold up better than the Quicksilver. That being said, I don't see any issues using the Sierra's. I have used them before and I know a lot of marina's use them when they service boats.

Like I always tell my wife, all hobbies are expensive. Very few of them pay well:) I actually made a deal with my wife where I tell her everything that I buy and she doesn't get mad. She would rather have me do that than try to sneak things by her. So far, so good. She doen't really care about the how's and why's but I try to explain some of the reasons behind the different gear, it seems to help. And I always point out when I refrain from buying something or when I get a good deal. And if you can somehow make it about being safe on the water that helps, too. If you have to many issues with the 8's Brandon let me know, I have a set of 8# pancakes that would reduce the blowback. But I don't think it will be to bad. I ran 10#ers when I had manuals with no issues.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard!

I have some extra dispey's and rings for sale. There are 2 black #1's, 1 green #1, 1 green Magnum, 1 orange Magnum and 2 clear #1's. The center screw is stripped out on the 2 clears. They could be used for weights to change the mags to #1's or even used if they were glued down. I also have 4 mag rings. $25 for everything shipped. http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/gallery/files/8/5/dscn0728.jpg' alt='dscn0728.jpg'>

The pics didn't turn out great but I'll try to explain how I do it. First, use a good ball bearing snap. Spro, Sampo, Opti and Dreamweaver all make good ones. I have a large snap tied to the dipsey line. That goes on the side of the diver that releases. I have a clear Opti snubber attached to the rear of the diver. I don't always use them on braid divers but I do like them. After that I have pretied leaders with snaps on each end. I usually tie them up so that when the diver is at the rod tip the end of the leader is around the reel. You can make them longer or shorter but make sure you are able to get the fish to the boat to net. I put bead chains on the front of my flashers and attach the leader to that. You don't have to do the bead chains, I bought a bunch of them and put them on to help avoid line twist. As for fly leaders I just retied mine this morning and I made the ones for 8" flashers 26" long and the ones for the big 11" paddles 36" long. I tie these directly to the flasher. I keep 15-20 different flasher/fly combos together and use them throughout the year. I will change them up if needed but they are either proven combos or something that I want to run. I have extra flashers and flies on board if I find a hot setup I can duplicate it. Here are the pics:

I couldn't agree more. I changed them on my last boat and they were brighter during the day than the old ones were at night.

Brandon, I have all of my flasher stuff lying right here so I'll snap a few pics of how I do it. Others might be different.

I retied all of them with a 26" lead to the eye of the hook. I figure that now they are all at least the same and I can make adjustments from there. On the big paddles I went with 36".

I have a drop curtain for my boat. The only time I have had it on is in the driveway when I first brought the boat home. But I use my wire dipsey's every time out.

A drift sock looks like a trolling bag. But it is not constructed strong enough to handle the strain of being pulled by a boat. Trolling bags are heavier and specifically made to slow a boat while trolling. A drift sock is made to slow a boat while drifting, not under power.

I use a pair of bags from Big Papa Sports. Any of the companies that make the high quality bags will help you with sizing. I like using 2 bags as it helps hold the boat straight and keeps it form bouncing around.

I am going to retie all of my fly leaders. What length do you guys use for 8" SD's and Pro-Trolls and 11" paddles?