Priority1

Only if you let him play hooky from school and take him along.

Aaron, Yes they are a black type light that has a purple glow to it. Click the link I posted. You can get the tube type, Screw in incandescent bulbs, or LED (Light Emitting Diode) The LEDs are easier on batteries. Make sure they say UV light.

Keith, My apologies. I didn't know Fish Hawk made that device. It looks cool.

I think there were some temp devices available but have went the way of the nickel beer. Cabela's used to have one but not anymore.

I purchase a 51 diode UV flashlight on eBay. Less than $15 shipped. It came in the mail Saturday. I looked some lures and harness blades that I have and many have UV properties and are not labeled as UV. Here is a link to what I bought. http://www.ebay.com/itm/51-UV-395-nm-Super-Ultraviolet-LED-flashlight-Blacklight-Torch-Waterproof-3-AA-/320827217263?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4ab2cad56f It seems to be a quality product but it didn't work right out of the box. After installing 3 AA batteries I turned it on and nada. I removed the batteries and stuck my finger down the light and lifted the terminal slightly with my fingernail. It took a minute to figure out what was wrong and fix it.

Orval, How are the border crossings??

That's a nice pic of Mason and Wyatt. I can see that Wyatt will be his dog.

Keith, Here is a thread about that same subject that is still fresh and active. http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25196 I think the probes are a useful tool. If there is other gear that you need I'd buy it first. Most of the time you can get the information you need by asking on the radio. I do have an older Fish Hawk that came with my boat. I don't know of any alternatives to the probes that would provide temp and speed at the ball.

Mike, Good job again. Keep the reports coming.

What a way to spend some time with your son. ^5s Joe and Zach.

Dave, Thanks for the offer but ya know us old folks need a comfortable rocking chair.

I don't fish these events because of the distance (shore to shore for me). I have nothing to gain or lose by what happens. If someone is breaking the rules that is one thing but when someone out fishes you that's another. This site and event is supposed to be FRIENDLY. Let's try and keep it that way. I think rules can be up for discussion but remarks targeting one individual is not in the spirit of this site or these events. The individual being targeted has helped me and others on this site and on the water. Ask a question and you get a honest answer. As far as getting insider information from charters I think he gives more information than he gets. Outsider looking in. PS: Anyone looking for a busted up old slug to fill in for one event I could be persuaded. I would be be happy to help with expenses. I can get in your way, set lines, p!$$ you off, and take the helm if needed. I must have at least a days notice. It would be nice but not necessary to get a pre or post trip in also. It's a long drive for me so the mo fishing the better. It's always good the see the boys from the sunset side.

Rick, The warmest welcome to the GLF site. You will like it here. Just holler if you need any help.

Don't ya know those signs are for everyone else?

James, A warm welcome to the GLF site. I'm not a LSC fisherman but know that it can get rough like Erie and the Saginaw Bay. I do fish Saginaw Bay a lot. The problem with these three bodies of water is the choppy waves due to their relatively shallow depths. A general rule of thumb is 20 ft + but pick your days and you can get by with less. Common sense has to be used no mater what size your rig is.

A lot of hard work there Jim. At least now things will be going back together. The prep work is always the toughest and most important. You do nice work.

J Dog, I wish I could have been there to handle the introductions. Don, Terry, and Jason are three of a kind that a full house couldn't beat.

I should have one of these 51 diode lights in my hand today when the mailman arrives. I want mine for checking the UV intensity of some of my blades, more than for glowing things. Science and Technology are providing us with a lot of new and better things. http://www.ebay.com/itm/51-UV-LED-Scorpion-Detector-Hunter-Finder-Ultra-Violet-Blacklight-Flashlight-AA-/230727993103?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item35b875c70f Probably come in handy for checking DNA on the walls and ceiling. The devil made me do that. I know they are used for CSI, scorpion hunting, and checking out motels.

The lightest line I ever run in the late Summer or Fall was 17# Trilene XT. I think the lighter line has it's merits especially in the Spring. In the Fall there are a lot of Big staging Kings. Your hook ups may be slightly greater with lighter line but darn a big King can give you enough of a workout on 20#. BTW I run 20# Ande now. It's all a personal preference thing with pros and cons to both set ups. This is just the way my old eyes see it.

I'm running an older Fish Hawk and I like it fine. I may at some point upgrade to the new style probe. The new Fish Hawk probes will work on the old units. Mine came with the boat.

Eric, Thanks for posting the report.

I'm going to try this one with Salmon and LT. I like the Italian dressing marinade even for grilled salmon. Thanks for posting the recipe. It would make a good Super Bowl half time treat washed down with some barley pop.

Paul, Looks like you are a fast learner. GJ man.

Good going Bob.