Priority1

When I started fishing in the early 50s I was involved in the fish cleaning process at 5 or 6 years old. At that point I wasn't using a knife but was washing and packing. As I grew older and fished on my own it was the rule that if you catch it you clean it. It just became a part of the sport and the meal that followed made it all worth while. City kids should spend a Summer on a farm to see where their hamburgers and fried chicken come from. I'm not saying the gore should be flaunted, but the reality is what it is.

Matt, I think most everyone is like that. You put down what has been working and change up if necessary. If everything is working for you it's a good rut to be stuck in.

If I give you two guys back the boards can I keep the other tackle??

Kevin, A good point. There has been a lot of advances in equipment and tackle but the old stuff can still get it done. The black and raspberry streak and anything purple or chartreuse. To some extent we are all like kids with toys. We play harder and longer with the new ones. On the other hand Science and technology have change our game big time. Everything from the electronics we sport to spoons we run. Anyone else mix in some oldies??? My old favorites Black and Raspberry Streak, Silver Bullet J, Yellow Tail, Monkey Puke, Kevorkian, on and on. A lot of the new stuff resembles the old.

At least you hooked into a couple. I hear you on the inconsiderate SOGs. I wouldn't refer to them as sportsmen. But wait, maybe they saw you miss the two and were coming over to show you how. It does get upsetting but you handled it the way a real sportsman would. Keep the reports coming. I like reading them.

Ya don't pull the mask of the ole Lone Ranger. Ya don't tell SeaMac what to do. Ya don't P!ss into the wind. Ya may be able to insult a guys GF, wife, or mother, but never, I repeat NEVER say anything bad about his fishing reels, boat, truck, chainsaw, rifle, bow, shotgun etc. Chainsaw rule especially applies in the U.P. if you're in a saloon or drinking in a logging truck. I just had to put this thread up. I think the devil made me do it.

Is there any time, or light condition, when the UV may not be a good thing??? Is it always a plus to have it out? Thanks in advance.

I have used plastic cutting boards as backing material. They are inexpensive, tougher than nails, and will not rust, bust, or break your trust.

To go one even better after the boat with dead battery will not start, jump start it with the truck, proceed out onto the big water 5+ miles, anchor and fish for awhile, and then realize that most outboard alternators do not put much back into a battery. Some dummy like me will tow them in.

TJ, Good going man.

I just thought I'd try to get some different opinions on the UV stuff. For a quite a few years the emphasis was on the glows. A while back the word was, "If it doesn't GLOW it will not GO". It seems now UV products have pushed their way into the spotlight. I still use more glows in low light conditions but I have an open mind on the subject.

Why do people drive 5 or 10 MPH under the limit on a two lane and then go 5 or 10 over when the get to a stretch with a passing lane?

Welcome Capt Kyle.

Sweet!!!

Brad, A warm welcome to the GLF site. Holler if you need any help. Your downrigger rods and reels will do fine for double duty. When using them for walleye splice on about 200 ft of 10# mono. You will want the rigger reels spooled with 17#-25# mono. You will need rods specifically designed for Dipsy use. Most fishermen use super braid or wire for Dipsys. Dipsy's also require a rod with a lot of backbone.

Jim, When you get in finished post a pic or two. Thanks

A warm welcome Bill. There is a tutorial here to post pics. I'll return to this post in a few minutes with the link. Check this pic posting tutorial. http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19408

Mike, Way to kick off the hew year.

And Steve isn't talking West Michigan.

A Leak Down test is a step above a compression test. It will show a percentage of leak down and pinpoints problems such as rings, valves etc. A compressed air source is needed to perform the test. Like a compression test each cylinder is tested separately.

Jim, You and I think alike. In this case more is better. Maybe the pros will chime in.

It leads me to think it's a fuel filter. It doesn't need as much fuel at trolling speed but requires a lot more at cruising speed or under load when taking off. A good tune up should be done regardless. You want the rig to be all that it can be especially venturing out on the BIG water. Convince your friend for safety sake.

Kevin, GJ on the grand finale of 2011.

Mike, GJ on the steel.

May 2012 be the best year ever. Happy New Year:)