Priority1

Richard, At least you got one, and figured out the boat problems. It's always good to get the shakedown trip out of the way. Thanks for the report.

Jim, I do get what you mean about the huge buy in for this game. I have been there a few times when a $100 worth of tackle in a couple of days was lost. A lot of riders don't realize, the true cost of our game. Start adding up the insurance and other fees and it will be staggering. But there again, I'm not complaining. We do have to PAY TO PLAY. If a person was to fish only 5-10 times a season, he would be way ahead to pay a charter and sell his toys. But even that can be justified because they are toys. Everyone has their fun things to do. It's nice to have a place like this to compare notes and make friends. We are all in the same boat.

Jim, It's hard to tell if you are bragging or complaining. Those numbers will get you. Some times you are better off not adding them up. I remember seeing this someplace, "My worst fear is when I die my wife will sell my stuff for what I told her I paid for it". But you are lucky. You take her father fishing, and that gives you a lot more rope.

Check out this site they may have what you need. I bought complete brake assemblies and bearings from them over the years. http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/items.asp?Cc=AX-SPINS&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

Sean, I have to agree. PRICELESS.

http://www.greatlakesfisherman.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219 Check this out it may help you. Just holler if we can help.

I just thought I'd bump this back into the new post dept. The chat room can be used at any time some of you want to chat. Most every Wed. at 8PM Eastern there are a few of us there hashing things out. It's a fun way to utilize this site. You are all very welcome to join in.

George, A very warm welcome to you. I'm glad you found some informative posts and took the time to introduce yourself. I fish mostly out of AuGres MI on the Saginaw Bay. I also make a few trips a year to Lake Michigan. The Trade a Trips has worked well for me. I have a 22 Starcraft Islander Hardtop, that is somewhat like me. It's old slow and dependable.

Speed control is probably a rheostat or an electronic resistance device to slow em down.

I run the spoons like they come except for hook changes. I do like the rounded duo-lock snaps for the hook up. In fact I run bead chain swivels and duo-lock snaps. The bead chain swivels allow for more lateral movement, allowing the spoons to work to their full potential. J-Cubed, I see AuGres listed under your pic. I hope to see you there sometime soon.

I would think that the fast down speed would be a major drawback for the brutes. Slow and steady down is the key to no tangles. Maybe it's not too fast of a decent, I have never used them. I do know one thing free fall is too fast.

Terry, A darn nice mess of specs. They are so much better this time of year. In the Summer when the water temps are 70+ they are not near as good. I'll bet you fried some last night. Nothing like some fresh fried specs. I do like Ken's pics better. I think it's got something to do with the person holding them.

Yes sir, the number one question is $$.

Aint it the truth. LMAO I always did like the Penn rigger counters especially in low light. Anyone that has ever used them knows exactly what I mean.

John, A warm welcome to you. Just holler if you need any help. You will like it here. I fish mostly out of AuGres MI on the Saginaw Bay. I fish out of my 22 Starcraft Islander Hardtop. I do make a few trips a year to Lake Michigan.

GJ Terry and Ken.

Yes I do have them. I was jut looking at them yesterday.

priceless

What you talking about Willis. You know you never pump a walleye. Adam, It will just keep getting better and better. There was a lot of traffic at the river mouth, but everyone cooperated so it wasn't half bad. It's intimidating for some.

Robert, It a good thing you noticed it at home. It's not the end of the world. Those spindles are relatively inexpensive.

This is all very neat stuff. I should update my 15 yo GPS Sonar combo and my 5 yo ICOM VHF Radio. I'll also put in a plug for the ICOM brand of VHF transceivers. The CG will not specify any brand names, but I know for a fact, ICOM is what they use.

That's not as bad as one other Saginaw Idiot, that got caught by police, for doing something immoral with a car wash vacuum. This one gives a whole or maybe hole new meaning to the phrase, "That Sucks". I just read about it a few days ago in the Saginaw News.

A very warm welcome to your Kevin. You will like it here I'm sure. The people here are always willing to help. When you get out on the water let us know what is working well for you.

Depends what kind of rods you have. To pull Dipsys you need a heavy rod designed for the tremendous pull the divers exert on the rod. Also make sure your have some stout rod holders for the Dipsys. It sounds like you have a couple of Penn riggers. I would start by running two riggers, two Dipsys, a couple of halfcores with a few 4 0z dive bombs to give the cores extra depth when needed. You will want to get a couple of in-line planer boards for the core.