Paulywood

I plan on spooling up at least 1 copper rod this year and will be using one of the Okuma Clarions. I like the retrieve on those. I am thinking about getting Tuna Tom to upgrade a few of my 45's to get a better retrieve on my fullcores too. We'll have to see about the budget.

I'm a little behind. I worked on sharpening hooks last night. That helped me de-stress after a rough few days. I will get the boat out in 2 weeks as I have some work that needs to be done. First trip probably won't be until April sometime. I finish school the last week of April so my schedule will open a little.

Sorry to hear that Mike. Hopefully you are able to get out and get some on-water therapy soon. I know that when I'm feeling bad nothing calms me better than a 10 rod spread set just as the sun breaks over the horizon.

Congrats to both of you! Glad to see things work out.

Here's a list of dealers, you could try calling them and see if they have one in stock. http://www.humminbird.com/findadealer.aspx

I was going to suggest shecking some of the marine stores along the lakeshore. There are larger selections of electronics near the lake. I think that there is a Raymarine service center in Holland. They might carry Humminbird too.

We have a weimaraner/shar-pei mix and he is a great dog. Doesn't mind going on the boat but hates the water. He was a rescue also.

welcome aboard!

Parker John Thelen finally showed up a little after midnight this morning. Both mom and baby are doing great.

Those setups sound great Brandon. You should be good to go. I "might" have enough braid left for 2 more setups, I'll check. If I do I can make you a good deal on it.

I would keep the lights off except to fight and net the fish. Just use a spotlight to check the boards. I like to keep my night vision as much as possible.

Brandon, I can help you out on the rigger reels. I'll make you a good deal. As far as dipsey reels, it sounds like those Convectors from Wal-Mart are going to be tough to beat. That is a heck of a price. As far as rods, you can usually find some Daiwa Heartlands for $25 or so. Check out Frank's or Northwoods. I bought a pair of them from Frank's last year that were discontinued for $20 each. Might want to check out the show in Birch Run coming up. Someone might make you a deal there. If you are patient and look around you should be able to find a good deal. I might have 1 extra dipsey rod around, I'll take a look. As far as the braid itself, I use the Cabela's Ripcord. You can buy a bulk spool of it. And a spool of 20# Ande as backing will help keep costs down. We are all on a budget of some sort so we know what you are talking about. In the end I try to get the best value, not necessarily the cheapest.

Welcome aboard!

Nick Thelen 32 St. Louis, Mi Normally fish Lake Michigan from Holland to Muskegon Fished all my life, salmon fishing 5-6 years 22' Sportcraft "Sugar Mama" I grew up fishing perch on Higgins Lake with my grandpa. We also did a lot of ice fishing and fished on the creeks and ponds around our house. About 10 years ago my brother and I booked a charter for our first time salmon fishing with a few friends. We actually had a horrible experience but decided to go out again the next year on a different boat. Stumbled upon Ed Stell out of Ludington and had a ball. Went back for a few years until he retired. By then a couple of guys from work had taken me out on their small boats so I bolted a board across the back of my 20' Regal bowrider and gave it a shot. Now I'm hooked! It seems like there is always something to learn and a new challenge to keep me on my toes. We upgraded to the new boat with a bathroom for my wife, whom the boat is named after. I started doing a little walleye fishing in the past few summers and plan on expanding on that. Ready for the summer!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard Brandon! How's the book?

Welcome aboard!

There are browns around PS, Holland and further south like Saugatuck and St. Joe. Maybe Kevin (Far Beyond Driven) will chime in. He fishes browns alot out of those ports.

To be honest either approach would be fine. You can catch plenty of fish without riggers. But there are a lot of days when I would hate to be without them. So I would either look for a good deal on electric or manuals, preferably used, or just use dipsey's and board rods. I wouldn't worry about losing money on riggers though. If you buy used you should be able to get close to your money back if you want to upgrade.

Welcome aboard!

If you have a thru hull ducer you might want to see if you can get a unit that is compatible with it. That way you don't have to replace the ducer. Just a thought.

Welcome Aboard Dean!

I have a Garmin and have been very happy with it. If I was looking I would definitely check out the Humminbird. Lots of bang for the buck. Look online, you should be able to find some good deals on close out or discontinued units. Also some of the vendors might make you a good deal at one of the shows. They can be a good place to go and get a hands-on demo.

I sent you an email Nels.

Welcome aboard! Do you fish salmon too or just walleye? I trailer a similar sized boat (23' Sportcraft) but head west most of the time.