ekbelt

Crazy.... we're going to fish the Classic in two weeks. Sounds like we're going to need some luck!

Winn Wolf-- he's got a 60hp 4 stroke actually. https://www.facebook.com/win.n.angel2 http://win-n-angel.com/index.html

As gross as this sounds... its great for the fish. Helps zooplankton... starts from the bottom of the food chain on up. More to eat

I have an out of warranty Raymarine A60 and Raymarine DS600. I had a part missing from the bracket on my A60 this year. I called up their service department, explained my issue... they found a whole bracket in the shop and shipped it to me free of charge. I had it to my door in 3 days. Paid zero dollars... I was impressed. They cost a bit more up front, but if I have to purchase again, I will take a hard look at Raymarine again. Great customer service!

Okuma Classic Pro GLT 9ft for braid dipsys and Shimano Talora roller rod 8ft for wires

Not only does the rain help the lake levels... but if I remember correctly, like 5 years ago we had some major spring rains. This pushed tons of sediment filled water into the lakes and we had huge algae blooms because of it. The bait also showed up in huge numbers that year and the fish were right behind them. I think it could be a pretty good spring once the water warms up... at least I hope so!

I've been using Owner ST41's. The Outdoorsman in Jenison, MI sells them in bulk 50 packs. Expensive, but its an excellent hook!'

Thanks Nick, I didn't find the page explaining the categories. I'm going to do the dailys.

Does anyone know if the Indiana 7 day license includes salmon/trout?? I'm going to be in MI city for 3 days, trying to figure out the best deal. Here is the what the Indiana DNR website states: Fishing Annual Fishing $35.00 One-day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) $9.00 Seven-day Fishing $20.00 Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege $11.00

Anyone see the new 60lb blood run copper at the show? Looks great! I guess 300 ft of 60lb will run as deep as a 450 45lb.

I make my own or use Big weenie. They are the only people who use descent hooks and line.

I bet they won't start until May at the earliest.

The launch/harbor could be an issue. I was there 2 years ago and it was pretty low then. They are gettign dredged so that should help... but not sure when that will actually start. I've had success both in the dirty water and the clear water. The dirty water warms up way quicker... attracting bait so the fish are in there, just have to run bright loud lures to attract them. The clear water can be a good bet too... A few years ago it was really stirred up inside and fishing inside was much less productive inside than offshore in the clear water. I'm going to head down in April. I have a feeling its going to be more of a 'normal' year so rather than try Holland early, we're going to make a few trips down to New Buffalo/St. Joe.

Yes. I got the smaller packs. Its like 3 inches x 12 inches and I think 3 sheets or something like that for 4.98. You can cut alot of spoon cuts out of it. It's very reasonably priced. Here is the email I received back from him when I inquired about it: --- Erik We sell a tape we call Super Pearl, most of the manufacturers call it UV, the color numbers are #948 (transparent) #949 (white backed solid) and 948C (transparent crushed). These are all great tapes and currently our best sellers. You can order other products on-line and in the notes let us know that you would like those colors replaced with the Super Pearl color or colors. You can also call in a order if you wish 800-521-0731. We are currently working on the web sites to update all the colors and products but it will be a month or so. Thank you for your interest in our tape products. Sincerely Ron ---- It's really not UV, its the same product moonshine uses on their RV spoons. I put my order in and had it to my door within 3 days. You won't be disappointed, its worth a try.

WTP tape number 948 - make sure its the one without the white back, transparent. You have to email and request it from WTP. They'll tell you to place an order and in the comments, tell them you want the 948 transparent without the white back. I got two packs and doctor'd up a bunch of lures.. they look awsome.

Amen! I keep telling people I wish I could recoup the money I have invested in fishing tackle... sadly its gone! I just keep my eyes open for second hand gear most of the time. My goal this year is to spend as little as possible and stick to what I know works.

I'm real interested to see the results on the smart troll testing. It's too expensive for my wallet but I can see how it would be awesome for divers and copper. Should help load the box quickly if the fish are stacked up in a certain depth. And... If the results show the 32 goes as deep as the 45 I'm switching for sure.

I think you've got to start out with a kit so you can capture the signal coming back. The individual probes are for replacement or addition. Also need an android device that will be used for the display.

Just stumbled upon this..... Seems more than what I originally expected. http://smarttroll.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=10

I've used 3M 5200 in the past to fill holes in the transom. Works pretty good, hasn't failed yet.

Magnum spoons and flys work great for kings in the spring... If you can find them. Smaller spoons and stick baits (jointed rapalas and thin fins) along with the little red dodgers and flys work excellent for cohos when they show up.

No big projects planned for this year... already organized tackle, made up some custom lures/flys and have to replace a trolling bag that was lost at the end of the season. Ready to roll once the ice clears. Realistically I think it won't be until April. Really want to head out deep right away but I'd rather not be the only boat out there that early in the year. I'm turning more wimpy the older I get.

I believe he is refering to the WTP part number for the tape. It. Is the super pearl transparent tape.

I think you are 100% right on!

Based on the long range forecast for March it looks like we're not going to be seeing the nice weather we had like last year.... http://blogs.woodtv.com/2013/02/25/cool-first-half-of-march/ Let's hope the weatherman is wrong!