Question:

Like what Bill was saying.fishing boats fiberglass Most of the time, a speedo does not work because the port in the lower unit is clogged with debris. My old Yamaha seemed to clog every 3-4 outing. Usually, the lower unit has a small hole that picks up the water presure to determine speed. On the Yamaha, a 1/16″ drill bit just fit into the hole. I turned it around in the hole a few times got out the crude and it started working again. I haven’t had any trouble with my Optimax so far.fishing boats fiberglass  One other thing to look at however. I had the coweling wear a hole in the hose that sent the presure to the gauge. Don’t care how clean the port is if the hose leaks like a son of a gun the gauge won’t work. Check there as well. fishing boats fiberglass Great question on the flushing method, can’t wait to see the responses.                 Took my youngest fishing today on a local lake (the Wolf River is perilously low!) and found out the bass were biting on red shad colored Zoom worms…. sure felt good to lay into a bass again! But had to wrestle the boat onto the trailer at the landing due to low water…..just couldn’t get it to line up properly unless the trailer was fully submerged, and had to push it in the right direction as my daughter (with much fear and trepidation) manned the gas pedal on the Jeep. fishing boats fiberglass        On another note; looks like the lower unit on the Merc will have to come off and I’ll have to change the water pump impellor… I’m not getting anything out of the tell-tale until I hit about 1500 RPM. Also need to flush the speed pickup, as I’m reading 0 mph. Anyone got a tip for flushing the speed pickup circuit? I’m thinking of using a large hypodermic syringe full of clean water and maybe detergent/water mix…..

Response:

Use a drill bit of the proper size.  twist it with your fingers and it will clean out the crud.  Do not put it in a drill and try it. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great question on the flushing method, can’t wait to see the responses.                 Took my youngest fishing today on a local lake (the Wolf River is perilously low!) and found out the bass were biting on red shad colored Zoom worms…. sure felt good to lay into a bass again! But had to wrestle the boat onto the trailer at the landing due to low water…..just couldn’t get it to line up properly unless the trailer was fully submerged, and had to push it in the right direction as my daughter (with much fear and trepidation) manned the gas pedal on the Jeep.         On another note; looks like the lower unit on the Merc will have to come off and I’ll have to change the water pump impellor… I’m not getting anything out of the tell-tale until I hit about 1500 RPM. Also need to flush the speed pickup, as I’m reading 0 mph. Anyone got a tip for flushing the speed pickup circuit? I’m thinking of using a large hypodermic syringe full of clean water and maybe detergent/water mix…..         Tight lines, Y’all!         Sopping wet, but happy,         B3– Robert E. Longshore — http://members.home.net/jbarton248

Response:

Great question on the flushing method, can’t wait to see the responses. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –                 Took my youngest fishing today on a local lake (the Wolf River is perilously low!) and found out the bass were biting on red shad colored Zoom worms…. sure felt good to lay into a bass again! But had to wrestle the boat onto the trailer at the landing due to low water…..just couldn’t get it to line up properly unless the trailer was fully submerged, and had to push it in the right direction as my daughter (with much fear and trepidation) manned the gas pedal on the Jeep.         On another note; looks like the lower unit on the Merc will have to come off and I’ll have to change the water pump impellor… I’m not getting anything out of the tell-tale until I hit about 1500 RPM. Also need to flush the speed pickup, as I’m reading 0 mph. Anyone got a tip for flushing the speed pickup circuit? I’m thinking of using a large hypodermic syringe full of clean water and maybe detergent/water mix…..         Tight lines, Y’all!         Sopping wet, but happy,         B3– Robert E. Longshore

– http://members.home.net/jbarton248

Response:

Took my youngest fishing today on a local lake (the Wolf River is perilously low!) and found out the bass were biting on red shad colored Zoom worms…. sure felt good to lay into a bass again! But had to wrestle the boat onto the trailer at the landing due to low water…..just couldn’t get it to line up properly unless the trailer was fully submerged, and had to push it in the right direction as my daughter (with much fear and trepidation) manned the gas pedal on the Jeep.         On another note; looks like the lower unit on the Merc will have to come off and I’ll have to change the water pump impellor… I’m not getting anything out of the tell-tale until I hit about 1500 RPM. Also need to flush the speed pickup, as I’m reading 0 mph. Anyone got a tip for flushing the speed pickup circuit? I’m thinking of using a large hypodermic syringe full of clean water and maybe detergent/water mix…..         Tight lines, Y’all!         Sopping wet, but happy,         B3– Robert E. Longshore

Response:

Question:

inexpensive bass fishing  What I do is instead of buying Rapalas  and is a bit time consuming but keeps you busy during the winter months, build my own, I buy the painted bodies from either Jans Netcraft http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ or Stamina http://www.up-north.com/stamina they have a good selection and fairly cheap, then all you have to do is make your modifiations and add the split rings and hooks. As far as the Izaak Walton saying, it just means there is no man(or woman to be PC) that could ever fully learn math or fishing,inexpensive bass fishing  in math and fishing there are experts that know a good deal of their subject but do not know it all.

Response:

Scott Thank you for the tip about lure bodies i am seriously going to look into it.inexpensive bass fishing Also i’m going into delve further into Bernoulii’s formula.  I’m no trying to be a smartass but i think you spelled mathematics incorrectly.  Seasons Greetings Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Al,  What I do is instead of buying Rapalas  and is a bit time consuming but keeps you busy during the winter months, build my own, I buy the painted bodies from either Jans Netcraft http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ or Stamina http://www.up-north.com/stamina they have a good selection and fairly cheap, then all you have to do is make your modifiations and add the split rings and hooks. As far as the Izaak Walton saying, it just means there is no man(or woman to be PC) that could ever fully learn math or fishing,  in math and fishing there are experts that know a good deal of their subject but do not know it all.

Response:

Bernoulli’s law describes the behavior of a fluid under varying conditions of flow and height. There is a formula which explains the law and the Bernoulli Effect.  Here is the formula,inexpensive bass fishing and I can describe it.  It states P+1/2 pv (squared)+pgh = [Constant]; where P is the static pressure (in Newtons per square meter),  p is the fluid density (in kg per cubic meter), v is the velocity of fluid flow (in meters per sec) and h is the height above a reference surface. The effect described by this law is called the Bernoulli effect, and is sometimes known as Bernoulli’s equation.  For a derivation of the law, picture a pipe through which an ideal fluid is flowing at a steady rate.  Daniel Bernoulli first came up with the theory in 1738.  So Al’s question/statement is both right and wrong; the behavior of a fluid with flow and height (in this case, depth) would be correct, but trying to measure the fall rate of an object (the bait in question) would probably not be applicable because the fall rate would depend on too many other external factors (e.g., size of bait, force applied by the fisherman/woman, spinners if applicable, water temperature, and line diameter) besides the flow of water and the depth. A guy (or gal) with a degree in fluid mechanics, wave motion, or physics might be able to actually do this if he/she had the time and necessary devices to do the measurements, but it would be a heckava lot more fun just fishing and experimenting with a few lures. Warren2

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Scott I see what you are saying. Wouldn’t it be better to melt the lead to fill the cavity. Also it may be better to work it out on paper according to Bernoulii’s principle otherwise you may go through a lot of rapala. Al Al, it is scary that you know of Bernoulli’s (sp?) law to begin with. Oh and relax I am only kidding. — Good fishing, Richard L. LaFay  | (248) 753-6940 (work) 2887 Pontiac Court  | (248) 373-6865 (home) Auburn Hills, Michigan   48326 Ranger Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Berkley Trilene, Rippler, Bill Norman Lures, and Aqua-Vu underwater cameras. I use them because I think they’re the best!

Response:

Scott It sounds interesting what you are doing. I’m neither a mechanic or phyicist, however i have done some physics experiments on my own.  I said beroulli principle because i did an experiment in high school. I thought you might have known because of your statement about math. The calculation may be difficult due to the positioning of the split shot. I would try to get a relationship between bouyancy and multiple small split shot(or buckshot) of the same size. Maybe the experiment approach is the best. The  formula should give you the proportional relationship between number of split shot and buoyancy of the rapala. I’m hestant to drill holes in my new rapala. I have a large one that is older that i might try to sink it a little for Lake trout.  Physics is a hobby for me Al

The problem with melting the lead first is you will most likely melt through the plastic or cause an air pocket, second reason is that in melting the lead how will you know how much lead you are using, with the assortment of different sized spilt shot you can keep a somewhat accurate record of the weight used. I also use different colored paint as a code to help identifying the different weights.  Also it may be better to work it out on paper according to Bernoulii’s principle

Al I am no mathamatical genious just a mechanic with a fancy title and a fisherman, if you know a better way to figure how deep the bait will fall, please share it. — Angling may be said to be like mathamatics in that it can never fully be learnt. Izaak Walton Scott E. BASSINinNY’s Fishing Orange County NY http://here.at/bassininny

Response:

Scott I see what you are saying. Wouldn’t it be better to melt the lead to fill the cavity. Also it may be better to work it out on paper according to Bernoulii’s principle otherwise you may go through a lot of rapala. Al

Al, it is scary that you know of Bernoulli’s (sp?) law to begin with. Oh and relax I am only kidding. — Good fishing, Richard L. LaFay  | (248) 753-6940 (work) 2887 Pontiac Court  | (248) 373-6865 (home) Auburn Hills, Michigan   48326 Ranger Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Berkley Trilene, Rippler, Bill Norman Lures, and Aqua-Vu underwater cameras. I use them because I think they’re the best!

Response:

Al,    The problem with melting the lead first is you will most likely melt through the plastic or cause an air pocket, second reason is that in melting the lead how will you know how much lead you are using, with the assortment of different sized spilt shot you can keep a somewhat accurate record of the weight used. I also use different colored paint as a code to help identifying the different weights.  Also it may be better to work it out on paper according to Bernoulii’s principle

Al I am no mathamatical genious just a mechanic with a fancy title and a fisherman, if you know a better way to figure how deep the bait will fall, please share it. — Angling may be said to be like mathamatics in that it can never fully be learnt. Izaak Walton Scott E. BASSINinNY’s Fishing Orange County NY http://here.at/bassininny

Response:

Jack and Jill went up the hill. This is according to Usenet.  Back a few years ago, it was a popular signature for trolls.  It should be apparent to most that, like Jack, Al broke his crown!! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Trolling depth?  Al, what the heck is a “Jajwuth” anyway? Warren Would I be safe in assuming that mepps spinners are of good quality and value. They are available where I shop for my tackle and I want to keep things simple in terms of artificials. I want to use rapalas and spinners exclusively so I can perfect my technique. Also for rapalas due you vary the trolling depth by placing a split-shot down line from the lure? How do you use them err like the technique. Thanks Al

Response:

Scott wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Al,   What you want to do is learn how to doctor Rapalas for the depth you are looking for, this is something you will have to experiment with and it may take some time and a few scraped Rapalas until you get the desired effect.  A few things you will need a small drill press, an assortment of drills, a vise you will be able to use in the drill press, felt (for the jaws of the vise to hold the bait without damaging it), epoxy, an assortment of splitshot and a lot of patience.  What I do is drill a hole about 3/4 to 1″ in back of the head, try to use a drill that is slightly over the size of the spitshot, fill hole with split shot, epoxy the hole.   The trick here is in trying to figure out how deep you want the bait to run and to add the right amount of weight. You can even tune the bait to run the way you want by drilling the hole and adding the weight either closer to the front or back. This is something you can have a little fun with over the long winter months, I have also started tuning crankbaits to run with less wobble and to run more level. Good luck — Angling may be said to be like mathamatics in that it can never fully be learnt. Izaak Walton Scott E. BASSINinNY’s Fishing Orange County NY http://here.at/bassininny

Scott I see what you are saying. Wouldn’t it be better to melt the lead to fill the cavity. Also it may be better to work it out on paper according to Bernoulii’s principle otherwise you may go through a lot of rapala. Al

Response:

Would I be safe in assuming that mepps spinners are of good quality and value. They are available where I shop for my tackle and I want to keep things simple in terms of artificials. I want to use rapalas and spinners exclusively so I can perfect my technique. Also for rapalas due you vary the trolling depth by placing a split-shot down line from the lure? How do you use them err like the technique. Thanks Al

Response:

Trolling depth?  Al, what the heck is a “Jajwuth” anyway? Warren

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would I be safe in assuming that mepps spinners are of good quality and value. They are available where I shop for my tackle and I want to keep things simple in terms of artificials. I want to use rapalas and spinners exclusively so I can perfect my technique. Also for rapalas due you vary the trolling depth by placing a split-shot down line from the lure? How do you use them err like the technique. Thanks Al

Response:

Also for rapalas due you vary the trolling depth by placing a split-shot down line from the lure?

Al,    What you want to do is learn how to doctor Rapalas for the depth you are looking for, this is something you will have to experiment with and it may take some time and a few scraped Rapalas until you get the desired effect.   A few things you will need a small drill press, an assortment of drills, a vise you will be able to use in the drill press, felt (for the jaws of the vise to hold the bait without damaging it), epoxy, an assortment of splitshot and a lot of patience.   What I do is drill a hole about 3/4 to 1″ in back of the head, try to use a drill that is slightly over the size of the spitshot, fill hole with split shot, epoxy the hole.    The trick here is in trying to figure out how deep you want the bait to run and to add the right amount of weight. You can even tune the bait to run the way you want by drilling the hole and adding the weight either closer to the front or back. This is something you can have a little fun with over the long winter months, I have also started tuning crankbaits to run with less wobble and to run more level. Good luck — Angling may be said to be like mathamatics in that it can never fully be learnt. Izaak Walton Scott E. BASSINinNY’s Fishing Orange County NY http://here.at/bassininny

Response:

Question:

Saved your life? I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate(!) striped bass fish large small tip

I thought that exaggeration was what this group was all about?striped bass fish large small tip Did I ever tell you about that 36″ pike I caught that was swallowed whole by a huge bass just as I got it to the boat?

Response:

Saved your life? I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate  MDC “I intend to live for ever;  so far, so good…”

Guess you convinced me. I will have to sit down & do an outline. And yeah buddy I could use the help.I appreciate the offer.Thanks — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865 Rod, that is a great idea!  Many, many years ago, one of the big three outdoor magazines (maybe Outdoor Life?) had a story about cleaning and repairing fishing tackle, primarily geared to rods and reels.  It talked about cleaning up cork grips, cleaning the rods, lubing the reels, etc. Now this story is hopelessly out of date (I’m talking about 30+ years–yeah, I know, I’m getting old), so my suggestion to you, Rod, how about coming up with a fixit section geared to today’s modern rods and reels?  What to do if you think the guides might be getting worn by some of the superlines? What if the front end of your two-piece rod goes swimming half as much as the bait you toss?  How do you lube and oil the reels?  Do they need repairing? Are replacing bushings necessary?  What if you happen to drop the reel in a muddy lake–will the dirty water interfere with the action?  Will it need to be taken apart and oiled?  Does the little oriface where the line comes out of the casting reel need cleaning?  With what?  If the rod starts looking like a used mop, dirt-wise, how best to clean it up?  Is there a specific way to prepare rods and reels before you start using them?  How easy (or difficult is it to replace the tip guide if you smash it? These are some ideas, Rod.  What do you think? Warren Funk Oh, be still my beating heart!!! Gadzooks fella, Your going to have these folks thinkin I’m some super rodbuilder(HMMM ! ) Not really, Course I like to think I do a damn fine job for somethin that’s really a hobby. ANYWAY glad I was able to help get you fixed up. Guess, I should think about adding a fixit section to the website. Now where will I find the time!!!!! Good Fishin &God Bless ! — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865 RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall. It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall.striped bass fish large small tip It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

Matt, Sounds like you really got an outfit now! Jim

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall. It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

Oh, be still my beating heart!!! Gadzooks fella, Your going to have these folks thinkin I’m some super rodbuilder(HMMM ! ) Not really, Course I like to think I do a damn fine job for somethin that’s really a hobby. ANYWAY glad I was able to help get you fixed up. Guess, I should think about adding a fixit section to the website. Now where will I find the time!!!!! Good Fishin &God Bless ! — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall. It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

Rod, that is a great idea!  Many, many years ago, one of the big three outdoor magazines (maybe Outdoor Life?) had a story about cleaning and repairing fishing tackle, primarily geared to rods and reels.  It talked about cleaning up cork grips, cleaning the rods, lubing the reels, etc.  Now this story is hopelessly out of date (I’m talking about 30+ years–yeah, I know, I’m getting old), so my suggestion to you, Rod, how about coming up with a fixit section geared to today’s modern rods and reels?  What to do if you think the guides might be getting worn by some of the superlines?  What if the front end of your two-piece rod goes swimming half as much as the bait you toss?  How do you lube and oil the reels?  Do they need repairing? Are replacing bushings necessary?  What if you happen to drop the reel in a muddy lake–will the dirty water interfere with the action?  Will it need to be taken apart and oiled?  Does the little oriface where the line comes out of the casting reel need cleaning?  With what?  If the rod starts looking like a used mop, dirt-wise, how best to clean it up?  Is there a specific way to prepare rods and reels before you start using them?  How easy (or difficult is it to replace the tip guide if you smash it? These are some ideas, Rod.  What do you think? Warren Funk Oh, be still my beating heart!!! Gadzooks fella, Your going to have these folks thinkin I’m some super rodbuilder(HMMM ! ) Not really, Course I like

to think I do a damn fine job for somethin that’s really a hobby. ANYWAY glad I was able to help get you fixed up. Guess, I should think about adding a fixit section to the website. Now where will I find the time!!!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Good Fishin &God Bless ! — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865 RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall. It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

Warren, Guess you convinced me. I will have to sit down & do an outline. And yeah buddy I could use the help.I appreciate the offer.Thanks — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rod, that is a great idea!  Many, many years ago, one of the big three outdoor magazines (maybe Outdoor Life?) had a story about cleaning and repairing fishing tackle, primarily geared to rods and reels.  It talked about cleaning up cork grips, cleaning the rods, lubing the reels, etc. Now this story is hopelessly out of date (I’m talking about 30+ years–yeah, I know, I’m getting old), so my suggestion to you, Rod, how about coming up with a fixit section geared to today’s modern rods and reels?  What to do if you think the guides might be getting worn by some of the superlines? What if the front end of your two-piece rod goes swimming half as much as the bait you toss?  How do you lube and oil the reels?  Do they need repairing? Are replacing bushings necessary?  What if you happen to drop the reel in a muddy lake–will the dirty water interfere with the action?  Will it need to be taken apart and oiled?  Does the little oriface where the line comes out of the casting reel need cleaning?  With what?  If the rod starts looking like a used mop, dirt-wise, how best to clean it up?  Is there a specific way to prepare rods and reels before you start using them?  How easy (or difficult is it to replace the tip guide if you smash it? These are some ideas, Rod.  What do you think? Warren Funk Oh, be still my beating heart!!! Gadzooks fella, Your going to have these folks thinkin I’m some super rodbuilder(HMMM ! ) Not really, Course I like to think I do a damn fine job for somethin that’s really a hobby. ANYWAY glad I was able to help get you fixed up. Guess, I should think about adding a fixit section to the website. Now where will I find the time!!!!! Good Fishin &God Bless ! — The RodMaker http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/2865 RodMaker majorly bailed me out a week back with some excellent advice. The crappy reel seat on my medium-light Zebco Rhino spinning rod bit the dust last fall. It’s a cheap rod, so buying a new one wouldn’t hurt a whole lot, but then I’d have to buy yet another one when the next crappy reel seat busticated. Hmmmmm. Why not invent the Super Rhino rod. I bought a handle rebuild kit from Jann’s Netcraft and used some lousy Pliobond to put it all together. Let’s just say that the whole process was a major screw up from the parts I used to the final assembly. Looking back, I didn’t much of anything properly. After receiving a little advice from RodMaker, I ordered some new parts, including the correct epoxy, checks, reel seat, arbors and cork. What a difference!!! Everything fell together as if by magic. I’ve now managed to customize what was an okay rod into a excellent piece of equipment. Here’s the lowdown. 1. No more EVA (fish slime grip). Cork is the way to go. Last year some reactivated fish slime on the EVA grip caused me to throw my whole rod into the lake while casting. Never again. 2. The original rod used a crummy cardboard spacer between the blank and reel seat. I’ve now moved up to high density graphite. This change should give me a little more sensitivity for those wormin’ situations. 3. The rod now balances a whole lot better. I was able to change the reel seat position slightly to match the weight of my spinning reel. I no longer need to use quarters and a chair leg cap to balance things out. The overall lighter weight should make for more comfortable days on the water. 4. Best yet, no more busted reel seat. I’m a Fuji reel seat man now. I can change out the reel all I want without wearing the seat out. Yah, yah. I know. That’s a lot of work for a cheapo $20.00 rod, seeing that I paid $20.00 to fix it up. I just love this rod too much to let it go. It’s caught my biggest largemouth, smallmouth and striper. Its also got a tough as nails blank. Very necessary given my “rough on equipment” nature. It’s also super sensitive. A fish can’t crap in the lake without me feeling his butt cheeks flex. It’s also a two piece rod that fits in my trunk. It’s damn hard to find a two piecer that you can live with. Best of all, the project gave me something to do while waiting for bass season. I’ve been going quite stir crazy. Many thanks RodMaker. You’re a life saver. — Matthew Carter “Fishing with Matt” http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/ When replying directly, please remove the .nospam comment from the e-mail address. –

Response:

Question:

You’ll notice that some sections have headings but not actual explanations or text.skeeter fish large small tip finders  If you feel the need to fill these sections yourself, please do so.  I’ll include any submissions that make sense/ are accurate in the next revision. Thanks.

Question:

I carry 1 spinning aluminum boat fishing sale discount and 3 baitcaster rods and 5 sorted trays of the usual stuff, crank baits, softbaits, top water, etc in a softcase and I thought I was packing too much stuff. I guess I travel light! aluminum boat fishing sale discount   I guess my setup is fairly simple (so far…)    Port Rod Locker: about 1 dozen rods (including worm rod, spinner bait rod, crankbait rod, spinning rod for tubes, flipping stick)    Stbd. Rod Locker: running lights, walleye jig box, panfish box, small tool box, bump board, rain suit, pee can, toilet paper, net, spare coffee cups (for the wife & kids) spare pedestal seat, transom saver and aft tie downs, boat documentation in a water proof box, and whatever else my wife crams in there…    Ctr. Storage: 3-4 life jackets & 1 throwable floatation cushion, towels,  1/2″ bow rope, w/ snaffle hook    Bass tackle is all kept in one box on the front floor: Plano Fisherman series w/ three Stowaways. Topwaters/Jerkbaits/Weedless lures in top one, Diving Crankbaits in center one,  Worm Rigging stuff in bottom one: hooks, weights, extra worms in ziplock bags w/ mineral oil, brass weights & glass beads and swivels for Carolina rigging, weedless hooks, toothpicks,aluminum boat fishing sale discount etc. Top of box holds Spinner baits, Buzz baits, Assorted plastic worms and craws and grubs and lizards, spare spool for spinning rod, small screw drivers for reel repairs, nail clippers, hook sharpener, a few steel leaders for BIG pike, scissors for braided line, and a compass. (Poor man’s LORAN or GPS) Tiny squirt bottle of scent/attractant    Cooler is under the bench seat    Divided livewell just aft of cooler    Aft Compartment: Oil Tank, Gas tank, 3 batteries, bilge and livewell pumps.

Response:

How do you have your tackle set up in you boat?

100 Plano 3700’s filled to the gills with aluminum boat fishing sale discount “Bubble-gum Floating Worms”   Still Strippin’ Line in Pa,   George

Response:

How do you have your tackle set up in you boat? 100 Plano 3700’s filled to the gills with “Bubble-gum Floating Worms”   Still Strippin’ Line in Pa,   George

I get it.  This saves you time when switching to a different color floating worm, right?  LOL!

Response:

A 75hp outboard? That wouldn’t even get my Champion on plane. Haha aluminum boat fishing sale discount Out of town Tournament prep is a whole new ballgame.  But I use a Van for a tow vehicle for a reason.  I pack it with a lot of expensive equipment, including a spare 75hp outboard mounted on a portable engine stand.  When going out of town, I prepare for what could go wrong. So I carry extra everything. — Craig

Response:

What t do you have in the War Bag   Craig? We want to know. How big is it? Do you change lures etc to the seasons, conditions, etc? Iwould also like to know what everyone does when the go out of town on a tourney or just for fun with their boat and tackle and prop? I dont fish many tourneys but local but I do go on trips and tow my boat. Imdont like to keep my boat too far away from my hotel room. What do you do? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I believe in keeping it simple, for easy use and efficiency. Port Side Rod Locker: 1. Rods Center Front Deck Storage: 1. Jacket 2. Rain Gear 3. Spare Reels (in a protective box) Starboard Side Rod Locker: 1. Nav Lights 2. Oar 3. Net 4. Spare Transom Style Troll Motor & Prop Under or side of Consoles: 1. Fire Ext. (2) 2. Cell Phone 3. Marine Radio 4. Buoys ) Under Seats: 1. Spare Prop 2. Basic Set of Tools 3. First Aid Kit 4. Emergency Flare Set 5. Lunch/Drinks 6. Roll of Duct Tape Glove Boxes: 1. Boat/Trailer Paperwork 2. Photocopy of Fishing Licenses (new idea) 3. Sunglasses (Green, Smoke, Yellow, Amber) 4. Pins & Markers & Labels Aft Port Side Storage: 1. Empty for Partners Gear Aft Starboard Side Storage: 1. Life Jackets 2. Golden Rule 3. Culling System 4. Livewell Chemicals Transom Box 1. Spare Oil 2. Jumper Cables War Bag (On Floor, up by the front deck) — Craig

Response:

The “War Bag” holds 7 plano 3700 boxes, and it is designed to carry just what I plan to use that day or for that tournament. It contains: Box #1 – Terminal Tackle Box #2 – Tubebaits (24 of each color 144 total) Box #3 – Soft Plastics (Worms, Grubs, soft jerks) Box #4 – Crankbait (90% – Lipless Cranks) (36) Box #5 – Topwater Lures (12) Box #6 – Jigs & plastic trailers Box #7 – Spinnerbaits (12) I also carry 330 yard spools of 8,10,14, 17, and 20 pound test line.  A hook sharpener, pliers, wire cutters, a knife, 4 jars of pork, scissors, notebook & pen. It also has room for two spare reels, two pairs of glasses, and a Normark scale for when I am fishing out of someone else’s boat. Out of town Tournament prep is a whole new ballgame.  But I use a Van for a tow vehicle for a reason.  I pack it with a lot of expensive equipment, including a spare 75hp outboard mounted on a portable engine stand.  When going out of town, I prepare for what could go wrong. So I carry extra everything. — Craig

Response:

By “set up” I assume you mean organized?   HA… I never put anything in the same place twice.  Makes it more of a challenge when you are in the middle of a feeding frenzy and you lose the only super-hot lure you have tied on. Actually, I have little bags of my soft plastics grouped by type into bigger Ziploc bags.  I put these into a big gym bag I got at Wal-Mart.  My weights and worm hooks are in plastic divided boxes in the end pouch of the gym bag. The bag weighs between 60 and 75 pounds, depending on the time of year.  I keep my spinner baits and buzz baits in a Plano tackle box and my crank baits are in the top of that box.  I do keep some spare lures in plastic boxes in dry storage.  So, basically, even though I normally take my boat, I can pick up the box and bag and I am mobile… well, mobile for as far as I can lug that heavy bag. I really don’t need tackle boxes, I just rig 10 to 12 rod and reels, group them on either side of the front deck and I’m set for the day. LOL Bassman

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How do you have your tackle set up in you boat? I have mine set up like this. 1  plastic box with 8 to 12 in worms 2  box with 4 to 6 in worms 3 box with plastic craws and skirted grubs and spinner bait trailers 4 box with tube baits 5 box with slugos, floating worms 6 box with bass assasins and fin s baits, jerks 7 box with plastic jig trailers and pork trailer 8 box with top water baits- torpedoes devil horses scum frogs pop rs etc 9 box with floating rapalas, rebels, rogues, floating traps 10 box with spooks , spitting images , chugs etc 11 box with rattle traps 12 box with suspending rogues, traps , count downs etc 13 box big crank baits 14 box with small crank baits 15 box with spinner baits and buzz baits 16 box with hooks, weights, rattles, pegs, suspend strips, beads etc I would like to know how other anglers and pros set their boats ups. I have all this in my front center 2 lockers. I have a 201 pro elite stratos. — Gary

Response:

Don’t think you’re the only one that carries way too much crap with you. My partner is on to me all the time. We keep all of our tackle in the front 2 center storage compartments on our Stratos 21ss. So here it goes. 1. box of white buzz bait 2. box of colored buzz bait 3. box of white 1/2oz or less spinner bait 4. box of white 1/2 oz or larger spinner bait 5. box of chartreuse spinner bait 6. box of other colored spinner bait 7. box of jigs 8. box of shad colored crank baits 9. box of chartreuse colored crank baits 10.box of rattle traps 11.box of poppers 12.box of spooks and hard jerkbaits 13.box of plastic craws 14.box of plastic lizzards 15.box of soft jerk baits, flukes and slugos 16.box of spinnerbait trailers and jig trailers 17.box of tubes 18.box of culprit style 7.5 – 10 worms 19.box of floating and finesse style worms 20.box of 4″ worms and grubs 21.box of hooks,weights,beads,toothpicks,swivels etc. Wow that made me tired!!!!!!! Michael Davis Team Bassoholics web: www.bassoholics.com

Response:

I believe in keeping it simple, for easy use and efficiency. Port Side Rod Locker: 1. Rods Center Front Deck Storage: 1. Jacket 2. Rain Gear 3. Spare Reels (in a protective box) Starboard Side Rod Locker: 1. Nav Lights 2. Oar 3. Net 4. Spare Transom Style Troll Motor & Prop Under or side of Consoles: 1. Fire Ext. (2) 2. Cell Phone 3. Marine Radio 4. Buoys ) Under Seats: 1. Spare Prop 2. Basic Set of Tools 3. First Aid Kit 4. Emergency Flare Set 5. Lunch/Drinks 6. Roll of Duct Tape Glove Boxes: 1. Boat/Trailer Paperwork 2. Photocopy of Fishing Licenses (new idea) 3. Sunglasses (Green, Smoke, Yellow, Amber) 4. Pins & Markers & Labels Aft Port Side Storage: 1. Empty for Partners Gear Aft Starboard Side Storage: 1. Life Jackets 2. Golden Rule 3. Culling System 4. Livewell Chemicals Transom Box 1. Spare Oil 2. Jumper Cables War Bag (On Floor, up by the front deck) — Craig

Response:

I guess my setup is fairly simple (so far…)         Port Rod Locker: about 1 dozen rods (including worm rod, spinner bait rod, crankbait rod, spinning rod for tubes, flipping stick)         Stbd. Rod Locker: running lights, walleye jig box, panfish box, small tool box, bump board, rain suit, pee can, toilet paper, net, spare coffee cups (for the wife & kids) spare pedestal seat, transom saver and aft tie downs, boat documentation in a water proof box, and whatever else my wife crams in there….:-)         Ctr. Storage: 3-4 life jackets & 1 throwable floatation cushion, towels,  1/2″ bow rope, w/ snaffle hook         Bass tackle is all kept in one box on the front floor: Plano Fisherman series w/ three Stowaways. Topwaters/Jerkbaits/Weedless lures in top one, Diving Crankbaits in center one,  Worm Rigging stuff in bottom one: hooks, weights, extra worms in ziplock bags w/ mineral oil, brass weights & glass beads and swivels for Carolina rigging, weedless hooks, toothpicks, etc. Top of box holds Spinner baits, Buzz baits, Assorted plastic worms and craws and grubs and lizards, spare spool for spinning rod, small screw drivers for reel repairs, nail clippers, hook sharpener, a few steel leaders for BIG pike, scissors for braided line, and a compass. (Poor man’s LORAN or GPS) Tiny squirt bottle of scent/attractant         Cooler is under the bench seat         Divided livewell just aft of cooler         Aft Compartment: Oil Tank, Gas tank, 3 batteries, bilge and livewell pumps.         Bob– Robert E. Longshore

Response:

How do you have your tackle set up in you boat?

Although I’m about as organized as they come, I’m always figuring out new ways to store my tackle in my boat.  Here’s what I carry in my 364v Ranger boat:         In front of the windshield, I fold up my right side flipping deck and have an old Plano 8606 Tackle Box for panfish (ie. bluegill, crappie and catfish) and the core of my crankbaits in 3 Plano double-sided “Magnum” orangish-colored lid tackleboxes (cheap $12 type that used to be found at Wal-Mart): Plano double-side Box #1         Side 1 – Large whites/baby-bass         Side 2 – Small whites/baby-bass Plano double-side Box #2         Side 1 – Firetigers         Side 2 – Chartreuse Plano double-side Box # 3         Side 1 – Reds/oranges         Side 2 – Topwater chuggers/chrome crankbaits and rattle-traps         I carry all my other tackle under the flipping deck storage compartment.  I have a couple large, but thinner Stowaway Plano boxes – 1 for older balsa crankbaits, another for jerkbaits.   I know, I’m packing too many crankbaits…         Toward the back of the flipping deck storage compartment, you will find 10 or so large heavy-duty labeled gallon clear bags for plastics (Bag #1 for Lizards, Bag #2 for Crawworms, Bag #3 for Ringwhips,  Bag #4 for Ringworms, Bag #5 for Tournament worms (curly tail), Bag #6 for All-American Worms (culprit-style), Bag #7 for Ditto Gator Tails, Bag #8 for Finesse plastics, Bag #9 for Misc)  I know, I’m packing too many worms…         On one side, I have 2 Plano 3503 StowAway Spinnerbait Rack Boxes holds about 22 spinnerbaits a piece.  At the front bottom, I have another large thick Stowaway Plano box that has my buzzbaits and replacement skirts.  On the other side at the front bottom, I have another large thick Stowaway Plano box that has my jigs.  I know, I’m packing too many spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and jigs…         On top of these boxes are two shallow open boxes (1 has worms/tubes/jigs that I may try out during the fishing trip; 1 has whatever crankbaits/spinnerbaits/buzzbaits that I may try out during the fishing trip)  I know, this is really all I probably need to take with me.  I probably don’t vary from 10 or so lures (including different soft plastics) any day out…         For good measure, I’ve also got 4 or 5 assorted small Plano plastic boxes – (1 for my primary worm hook variations (Gamakatsu #3/0, #1/0, assorted sinkers, toothpicks, swivels, etc.; 1 for misc stuff like blades, rod tips, replacement treble hooks, etc; 1 for fly-fishing; 1 medium box for line)         And yea…I’ve got quite a few shoe boxes where I store other plastics and backup cranks…         Add at least a dozen rod n’ reels…4 batteries…large toolbox…36 gallons of gas…3 depth finders (Lowrance x-85, x-55 and in-dash hummingbird)…3 life jackets… (no rainjacket – looking for a good rainjacket that will fit my 4XLT frame)…toilet paper (could save your day!)…bug spray…radio, lights, marker buoys, rope, whistle and my 300+ pounds and a partner and I’ll go a tad over 55mph at 5500 rpms with my 4 blade Turbo-O (13 3/4 x 23) prop.         Questions?  Comments?  Know of someone selling their bigger boat? — Dwayne E. Cooper, Atty at Law Indianapolis, IN Web Page: http://www.cooperlegalservices.com Personal Fishing Web Page: http://www.hoosierwebsites.com/OnTheWater Favorite Fishing Web Page: http://www.hoosiertradingpost.com/FishingTackle 1st Annual ROFB Classic Winner

Response:

How do you have your tackle set up in you boat? I have mine set up like this. 1  plastic box with 8 to 12 in worms 2  box with 4 to 6 in worms 3 box with plastic craws and skirted grubs and spinner bait trailers 4 box with tube baits 5 box with slugos, floating worms 6 box with bass assasins and fin s baits, jerks 7 box with plastic jig trailers and pork trailer 8 box with top water baits- torpedoes devil horses scum frogs pop rs etc 9 box with floating rapalas, rebels, rogues, floating traps 10 box with spooks , spitting images , chugs etc 11 box with rattle traps 12 box with suspending rogues, traps , count downs etc 13 box big crank baits 14 box with small crank baits 15 box with spinner baits and buzz baits 16 box with hooks, weights, rattles, pegs, suspend strips, beads etc I would like to know how other anglers and pros set their boats ups. I have all this in my front center 2 lockers. I have a 201 pro elite stratos. — Gary

Response:

Hello, I have my boat set up as follows.  It is a Ranger R-93. Port Front Rod Box, has rods in it.  Starboard Rod Box has my navigation lights, fire extinguisher, fishing tackle in a soft sided bag and some other boxes.  Topwaters in 1 box, mid divers in one box, deep divers in 1 box, lipless baits in 1 box, plastic zipper worms in one box, spinnerbaits bag, plastic worm bag, various other stuff in there, a paddle, where I keep the motor/transom saver.  The center storage box has rain gear, three life jackets, waterproof footwear, and a large net. In the aft part of the boat, I keep on the starboard side storage box, extra gallon of engine oil (in qts), another fire extinguisher, spare prop for the trolling motor, fish scale, boat cover.  In the port storage box, I keep extra rope, fenders, large first aid kit, roll of shop towels, extra bungee cord for transom saver, extra towels, extra shirts, hats, for me and girlfriend, swimming trunks, etc.  In the glove box, I keep a extra set of keys, flashlight and batteries (out of light in plastic bag), sunglasses with extra cord for keeping on head, goggles for cold weather, gloves for cold weather, a portable VHF radio, cell phone, legal documentation.  Cooler is empty unless I put food and beverages in it,  Rear compartment has batteries, charger and oil tank.  I don’t fish tournaments to much, mostly pleasure fish with Girlfriend, so I have her rods in the rod box, and we use the same tackle.  With all this the Boat will still top 72 MPH, which is still to fast for me.  Hope this helps.  Monty

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How do you have your tackle set up in you boat? I have mine set up like this. 1  plastic box with 8 to 12 in worms 2  box with 4 to 6 in worms 3 box with plastic craws and skirted grubs and spinner bait trailers 4 box with tube baits 5 box with slugos, floating worms 6 box with bass assasins and fin s baits, jerks 7 box with plastic jig trailers and pork trailer 8 box with top water baits- torpedoes devil horses scum frogs pop rs etc 9 box with floating rapalas, rebels, rogues, floating traps 10 box with spooks , spitting images , chugs etc 11 box with rattle traps 12 box with suspending rogues, traps , count downs etc 13 box big crank baits 14 box with small crank baits 15 box with spinner baits and buzz baits 16 box with hooks, weights, rattles, pegs, suspend strips, beads etc I would like to know how other anglers and pros set their boats ups. I have all this in my front center 2 lockers. I have a 201 pro elite stratos. — Gary

Response:

Question:

Astro & Pro Craft are basically the same boat monark fishing bass boat.  They are owned by Brunswick (they make Mercury outboards).  I think Astro has been dropped, but am not sure.  It orginally was called Astroglass and here in Va. was a good seller.  The price does not sound too bad for a 2yr. old 20 ft boat.  What did the boat sell for in 98?  We just sold a 98 Javelin 400B loaded, and I mean loaded, with a 99 200 Johnson for $19000.  I would see if the dealer will go $20,000 if you are really interested in the boat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my search for a fish & ski boat, I’ve found a 1998 Astro 2000 FS at a local dealer.  The boat is new with a 200 Merc EFI, and comes with all the necessary fishing equipment (trolling motor, fish finder, batteries, charger, etc) for $21k. monark fishing bass boat Is this reasonable for a boat that is 2 years old, but never been sold?  Any opinions on Astro?  Anyone have experience with this particular model?  The dealer says this boat/motor combo should run in the low 60’s.. does that sound accurate?  Any opinions would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance…  

Actually Astro and ProCraft are part of monark fishing bass boat the Marine Group L.L.C. which also includes Fisher marine. This group just happens to be owned by Tracker Marine non the less. monark fishing bass boat-Astro & Pro Craft are basically the same boat.  They are owned by Brunswick (they make Mercury outboards).  I think Astro has been dropped, but am not sure.  It orginally was called Astroglass and here in Va. was a good seller.  The price does not sound too bad for a 2yr. old 20 ft boat.  What did the boat sell for in 98?  We just sold a 98 Javelin 400B loaded, and I mean loaded, with a 99 200 Johnson for $19000.  I would see if the dealer will go $20,000 if you are really interested in the boat. In my search for a fish & ski boat, I’ve found a 1998 Astro 2000 FS at a local dealer.  The boat is new with a 200 Merc EFI, and comes with all the necessary fishing equipment (trolling motor, fish finder, batteries, charger, etc) for $21k.  Is this reasonable for a boat that is 2 years old, but never been sold?  Any opinions on Astro?  Anyone have experience with this particular model?  The dealer says this boat/motor combo should run in the low 60’s.. does that sound accurate?  Any opinions would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance…   – ZRider

Response:

Thanks…..did not know that Tracker Marine had bought it.  I knew that they were marketed by Mercury Marine at one time, which I believe was a part of Brunswick Corp. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually Astro and ProCraft are part of the Marine Group L.L.C. which also includes Fisher marine. This group just happens to be owned by Tracker Marine non the less. Doug Astro & Pro Craft are basically the same boat.  They are owned by Brunswick (they make Mercury outboards).  I think Astro has been dropped, but am not sure.  It orginally was called Astroglass and here in Va. was a good seller.  The price does not sound too bad for a 2yr. old 20 ft boat.  What did the boat sell for in 98?  We just sold a 98 Javelin 400B loaded, and I mean loaded, with a 99 200 Johnson for $19000.  I would see if the dealer will go $20,000 if you are really interested in the boat. In my search for a fish & ski boat, I’ve found a 1998 Astro 2000 FS at a local dealer.  The boat is new with a 200 Merc EFI, and comes with all the necessary fishing equipment (trolling motor, fish finder, batteries, charger, etc) for $21k.  Is this reasonable for a boat that is 2 years old, but never been sold?  Any opinions on Astro?  Anyone have experience with this particular model?  The dealer says this boat/motor combo should run in the low 60’s.. does that sound accurate?  Any opinions would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance…   – ZRider

Response:

In my search for a fish & ski boat, I’ve found a 1998 Astro 2000 FS at a local dealer.  The boat is new with a 200 Merc EFI, and comes with all the necessary fishing equipment (trolling motor, fish finder, batteries, charger, etc) for $21k.  Is this reasonable for a boat that is 2 years old, but never been sold?  Any opinions on Astro?  Anyone have experience with this particular model?  The dealer says this boat/motor combo should run in the low 60’s.. does that sound accurate?  Any opinions would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance…   – ZRider

Response:

Which motor did you get on that boat and what kind of performance do you get out of it?  I originally started out looking at the ski/fish boats, but most of them were much larger, heavier boats than the fish/ski models.  Specifically, I was looking at the Glastron 205 SF and the Caravelle Interceptor 212 SF, but both required a much larger motor to get the same performance as the fish/ski boats, and cost quite a bit more than 21k.  I do run on Lake Michigan occasionally though, so a larger boat would be nice.  I have a Bass Tracker now though, so anything I buy will be a vast improvement… Well ZR, I bought the reverse. I decided on a ski/fish instead of a fish/ski combo. Bought a 20 ft Larson 206 SEi , loaded with 12/24 volt trolling motor, Lowrance x-65 Locator, stereo, live well, beer holder (ice chest) and I can put 11 people on that thing. None the less, with just me and one fishing buddy, I only sit 8 inches deeper than a bass boat. It gives me good performance on Big Water lakes with those huge 70 and 80 footers stickin there noses in the air at me too. The grand total…..$21 K. As soon as I get my new place built though, there will be room for two boats in the storage and workshop building. But for now, I’m happy with mine. It serves it’s purpose (mainly fishing) very well. Worth a look anyway.

- ZRider

Response:

Rpm with the Vovlo Penta big V8 (they offer a smaller V8, but nah). It has a 19′11″ center beam. I also looked at the Glastron, its a very similar boat. My opinion of it however was that it might be to deep to get back into the sticks. I bought it from a place called Travis Boating Center (www.travisboats.com). They also have the same sore of fish/ski combo in the Sprint line with a good price. They have special setups in a catalog with bass and ski and combo’s right there in the book. I bought it for the base price they asked, but stipulated that they had to throw in the Trolling motor (and batteries) and the Lowrance X-65. I really like the Larson, it’s still pretty new but the balance and smoothness of the boat is great, trim down, punch it, and your on plane. Anything else I can add let me know ZR.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which motor did you get on that boat and what kind of performance do you get out of it?  I originally started out looking at the ski/fish boats, but most of them were much larger, heavier boats than the fish/ski models.  Specifically, I was looking at the Glastron 205 SF and the Caravelle Interceptor 212 SF, but both required a much larger motor to get the same performance as the fish/ski boats, and cost quite a bit more than 21k.  I do run on Lake Michigan occasionally though, so a larger boat would be nice.  I have a Bass Tracker now though, so anything I buy will be a vast improvement… Well ZR, I bought the reverse. I decided on a ski/fish instead of a fish/ski combo. Bought a 20 ft Larson 206 SEi , loaded with 12/24 volt trolling motor, Lowrance x-65 Locator, stereo, live well, beer holder (ice chest) and I can put 11 people on that thing. None the less, with just me and one fishing buddy, I only sit 8 inches deeper than a bass boat. It gives me good performance on Big Water lakes with those huge 70 and 80 footers stickin there noses in the air at me too. The grand total…..$21 K. As soon as I get my new place built though, there will be room for two boats in the storage and workshop building. But for now, I’m happy with mine. It serves it’s purpose (mainly fishing) very well. Worth a look anyway.   – ZRider

Response:

Well ZR, I bought the reverse. I decided on a ski/fish instead of a fish/ski combo. Bought a 20 ft Larson 206 SEi , loaded with 12/24 volt trolling motor, Lowrance x-65 Locator, stereo, live well, beer holder (ice chest) and I can put 11 people on that thing. None the less, with just me and one fishing buddy, I only sit 8 inches deeper than a bass boat. It gives me good performance on Big Water lakes with those huge 70 and 80 footers stickin there noses in the air at me too. The grand total…..$21 K. As soon as I get my new place built though, there will be room for two boats in the storage and workshop building. But for now, I’m happy with mine. It serves it’s purpose (mainly fishing) very well. Worth a look anyway.

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my search for a fish & ski boat, I’ve found a 1998 Astro 2000 FS at a local dealer.  The boat is new with a 200 Merc EFI, and comes with all the necessary fishing equipment (trolling motor, fish finder, batteries, charger, etc) for $21k.  Is this reasonable for a boat that is 2 years old, but never been sold?  Any opinions on Astro?  Anyone have experience with this particular model?  The dealer says this boat/motor combo should run in the low 60’s.. does that sound accurate?  Any opinions would be appreciated!  Thanks in advance…   – ZRider

Response:

Question:

Hi my name is kevin bass pro shops fly, i am 14 years old and would like to know how i can catch sea bass from the south coast. i have tried selsey and brighton (off the pier), but so far i haven’t cought a thing! i am using a .6 hook and lead with squid and worms.

Response:

Hello,bass pro shops fly It’s nice to see a posting here from another young angler, but I’m afraid we won’t have a lot of useful advice for you. You see, this particular newsgroup is devoted to discussions of a freshwater gamefish native to America, commonly referred to as “black bass” (including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass,bass pro shops fly and Kentucky bass). These are not classified scientifically as bass; they are grouped with sunfish. The sea bass that you’re after is fun to catch, a nice prize, and tasty to eat; but the tackle, techniques, and tips we share here are not what you need to catch them. Good luck to you, though. Perhaps someone in this group can point you toward a good source of the information you seek. TNBass

Hi my name is kevin , i am 14 years old and would like to know how i can catch sea bass from the south coast.bass pro shops fly  i have tried selsey and brighton (off the pier), but so far i haven’t cought a thing! i am using a .6 hook and lead with squid and worms.

Response:

TNBass !! Now that was a very nice way to inform someone that this Group is all about fresh water Bass fishing. I think we have some people who could learn something by reading your response on this man’s Post about Sea Bass. (Well Done) Gone Fishin “Catch & Release” Abe Watson

Response:

Quite eloquently put. bass pro shops fly Hello, Kevin. It’s nice to see a posting here from another young angler, but I’m afraid we won’t have a lot of useful advice for you. You see, this particular newsgroup is devoted to discussions of a freshwater gamefish native to America, commonly referred to as “black bass” (including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and Kentucky bass). These are not classified scientifically as bass; they are grouped with sunfish. The sea bass that you’re after is fun to catch, a nice prize, and tasty to eat; but the tackle, techniques, and tips we share here are not what you need to catch them. Good luck to you, though. Perhaps someone in this group can point you toward a good source of the information you seek. TNBass Hi my name is kevin , i am 14 years old and would like to know how i can catch sea bass from the south coast. i have tried selsey and brighton (off the pier), but so far i haven’t cought a thing! i am using a .6 hook and lead with squid and worms.

Response:

Kevin, check your news server to see if you can read rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater. The people their will be happy to help out, I’m sure. Good luck! — John McCabe When the world get you down, tell ‘em you’ve Gone Fishing! On the web: <http://web-guides.com/gonefishing/

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi my name is kevin , i am 14 years old and would like to know how i can catch sea bass from the south coast. i have tried selsey and brighton (off the pier), but so far i haven’t cought a thing! i am using a .6 hook and lead with squid and worms.

Response:

Question:

striped bass boat fishing rod I had a great day a Lake Guntersville, AL today and switched over to a clear spinning bubble and my favorite popping bug just before dusk.  I caught two nice largemouths and was about to call it a day when a much larger bass nailed my popping bug. striped bass boat fishing rod The sunset was red on the water and a small yacht full of partiers was just pulling in nearby to watch the fight.  Well, it was a short battle… three leaps out of the water (beautiful to see against the sunset) and the hook came out of the bass’s mouth.  I had kept a steady pressure by continuously reeling and keeping my rod tip up.  What did I do wrong?

What you did wrong was to let the fish jump by keeping your rod tip up. I used to lose a lot of fish that way. striped bass boat fishing rod I now keep the rod sideways to the fish.

Response:

Thanks for the tip! Now if I can just keep my heart from leaping up!

Response:

Question:

Michigan’s bass season finally opened,fishing boat for salel  on the 26th.  But I had to visit some of my girlfriends relatives up north, who live on a lake, so I packed along some tackle, and my reel/rod.  After talking with the relatives for a few hours, I just couldn’t wait any longer, so I excused myself and then proceeded to get my rod and tackle.fishing boat for salel  They live right at the mouth of a channel on the main lake, with a small pennisula right out in front, which creates a small secluded cove on one end of their property.  This small protected cove was about 10 feet deep (in the middle) just full of milfoil, some lilly pads, one side was all reed grasses, the other rip rap.  I thought this would be a good place to start.  I decided I better go weedless after seeing the thick milfoil and lilly pads.  I decided I would work the pads first with a weedless scum frog.  Made one cast, retrieved it, made a second cast, and about 10 feet into my retrieve the frog was nailed and sucked under, I dropped the tip of my rod for a second then gave it a healthy yank and hooked onto a nice one and a half pounderfishing boat for salelI was pretty excited about my chances, considering that was only my second cast.  I made a few more casts, and had a hit here and there, a couple of swirls behind my scum frog.  about twenty minutes later, I hooked another nice fish,  a little nicer fish maybe 2 pounds, but a lot nicer looking fish, real good color.  My girlfriend was with me, and after seeing me land a few fish, she came over to see how I was doing and asked if she could make a couple casts. I decided it was in my best interest to hand the rod over, I patiently bit my lip as she made a few short casts to an area that I hadn’t worked yet.  I finally got the rod back into my hands and made a cast to the same area, but it was greeted with a good strike, I was able to set the hook on this fish, I then decided to hand the rod back to my girlfriend.  She tried to bring him in, but she unintentionally let some slack in the line, and the fish was able to throw the frog.  After another 30 minutes fishing boat for salel I decided to hop on a small paddle boat and headed down the channel (the girlfriend also wanted to go).  About 5 minutes into the channel, I hooked a small one, only about 12 inches, so I let him go.  About 10 minutes later, I came apon a nice shaded area that I thought looked real promising.  I made a long cast past the area so that I could work the frog into the shaded area.  I gave the frog a few jerks then waited, a few more, paused a few more, both my eyes and my girlfriend’s eyes were locked onto the frog.  Out of nowhere, a huge bass exploed on my frog, sending water flying everywhere.  This strike came so fast and hard, that it actually scared my girlfriend into screaming.  My jaw dropped and my heart raced, I gave a slight pause then tried setting the hook, I gave it a good jerk.  I felt like screaming myself,fishing boat for salel when I saw my frog coming flying back out at me.  I had this terrible feeling in my stomach, as I hurriedly tried to get my frog back out there.  I made about twenty more casts into that area, but never got another strike.  Reluctantly I gave up and peddled back to the dock, my girlfriend tried consoling me, but I wasn’t a happy camper.  That fish was huge, it would have been my biggest bass, for sure.  After a while, the dissappointment went away, and was replaced with a feeling of joy, as I realized what a wonderful day I had.  I didn’t catch the monster bass, but I cought a few nice fish, a few smaller ones too.  But most importantly, this day gave me some added confidence, that I can catch some pretty good bass when given the chance.fishing boat for salel Another think I learned is that the hooks on my scum frog definately need to be sharpened or replaced, I lost about 7 or 8 fish, because the hooks were so dull I wasn’t able to get a hookset.  All in all, it was a good day.

Response:

Way to go Matt ! Sounds like a great time, and sounds familiar as I too have hooked a couple of large ones but am yet to land one ! — Early to Bed, Early to Rise…   fishing boat for salel Michigan’s bass season finally opened, on the 26th.  But I had to visit some of my girlfriends relatives up north, who live on a lake, so I packed along some tackle, and my reel/rod.  After talking with the relatives for a few hours, I just couldn’t wait any longer, so I excused myself and then proceeded to get my rod and tackle.  They live right at the mouth of a channel on the main lake, with a small pennisula right out in front, which creates a small secluded cove on one end of their property.  This small protected cove was about 10 feet deep (in the middle)fishing boat for salel just full of milfoil, some lilly pads, one side was all reed grasses, the other rip rap.  I thought this would be a good place to start.  I decided I better go weedless after seeing the thick milfoil and lilly pads.  I decided I would work the pads first with a weedless scum frog.  Made one cast, retrieved it, made a second cast, and about 10 feet into my retrieve the frog was nailed and sucked under, I dropped the tip of my rod for a second then gave it a healthy yank and hooked onto a nice one and a half pounder.  I was pretty excited about my chances, considering that was only my second cast.  I made a few more casts, and had a hit here and there, a couple of swirls behind my scum frog.  about twenty minutes later, I hooked another nice fish,  a little nicer fish maybe 2 pounds, but a lot nicer looking fish,fishing boat for salel real good color.  My girlfriend was with me, and after seeing me land a few fish, she came over to see how I was doing and asked if she could make a couple casts. I decided it was in my best interest to hand the rod over, I patiently bit my lip as she made a few short casts to an area that I hadn’t worked yet.  I finally got the rod back into my hands and made a cast to the same area, but it was greeted with a good strike, I was able to set the hook on this fish, I then decided to hand the rod back to my girlfriend.  She tried to bring him in, but she unintentionally let some slack in the line, and the fish was able to throw the frog.  After another 30 minutes I decided to hop on a small paddle boat and headed down the channel (the girlfriend also wanted to go).  About 5 minutes into the channel, I hooked a small one, only about 12 inches, so I let him go.  About 10 minutes later,fishing boat for salel I came apon a nice shaded area that I thought looked real promising.  I made a long cast past the area so that I could work the frog into the shaded area.  I gave the frog a few jerks then waited, a few more, paused a few more, both my eyes and my girlfriend’s eyes were locked onto the frog.  Out of nowhere, a huge bass exploed on my frog, sending water flying everywhere.  This strike came so fast and hard, that it actually scared my girlfriend into screaming.  My jaw dropped and my heart raced, I gave a slight pause then tried setting the hook, I gave it a good jerk.  I felt like screaming myself, when I saw my frog coming flying back out at me.  I had this terrible feeling in my stomach, as I hurriedly tried to get my frog back out there.  I made about twenty more casts into that area, but never got another strike.  Reluctantly I gave up and peddled back to the dock, my girlfriend tried consoling me, but I wasn’t a happy camper.  That fish was huge, it would have been my biggest bass, for sure.  After a while, the dissappointment went away, and was replaced with a feeling of joy, as I realized what a wonderful day I had.  I didn’t catch the monster bass, but I cought a few nice fish, a few smaller ones too.  But most importantly, this day gave me some added confidence, that I can catch some pretty good bass when given the chance. Another think I learned is that the hooks on my scum frog definately need to be sharpened or replaced, I lost about 7 or 8 fish, because the hooks were so dull I wasn’t able to get a hookset.  All in all, it was a good day. Matt in MI

Response:

Question:

first seats for bass hunter fishing boat   first time to a news group. I’ve had pain for 29 years left over from cancer surgery.has anyone had the morphine pump implanted. my doctor has been talking about doing this. I had alcohol injections done years ago and the nerves have grown back and the pain is worse. my normal is 8 out of 10. then I get what he calls break through pain that is 10 for 10 and I don’t get any relief until my body has had enough. seats for bass hunter fishing boat I will be grateful for any information that I receive. thank

Response:

seats for bass hunter fishing boatbut I am having the catheter for the pump put in Dec 1, 99 . The catheter will be threaded from below my waist to the fluid around my spine. I’m getting mine for RSD which has about the same levels of pain you will find in this group, including the 10+ of breakthrough. My pump has the odds of a 50 % chance of a 50% reduction in pain. That will be a vacation if it works. I am so sick of swallowing handfuls of pills and waking up at 4 a.m. in 10 pain. That is what I want the most, to sleep through morning pain. Hang around and be part of the best NG I have found for anything. And wait till you see the fun we have with spammers. I’m glad you are bringing this up as I am close to my surgery date. Sorry you are here, but glad to meett ya.  seats for bass hunter fishing boat- first my name is Tim n this is my first time to a news group. I’ve had pain for 29 years left over from cancer surgery.has anyone had the morphine pump implanted. my doctor has been talking about doing this. I had alcohol injections done years ago and the nerves have grown back and the pain is worse. my normal is 8 out of 10. then I get what he calls break through pain that is 10 for 10 and I don’t get any relief until my body has had enough. I will be grateful for any information that I receive. thank

Response:

Tim, I have a pump which was implanted to control my pain caused by full body RSD.  While, it took awhile to build up to a dosage to manage my pain, I have found that it has been the only treatment I have tried which has helped me.  Feel free to email me if you have questions. ~pat

Response:

I am hoping to have a intrathecal pump fitted in the near future can anyone give me seats for bass hunter fishing boat any idea of how good or bad they are and are they effective steve

Response:

Have you tried and failed w/oral meds? Mouse <:3)))))~~ “This invisible man has a place for you full of fire, smoke, burning and torture and he will send you there to choke, scream, die, suffer and burn for the end of time.  But he *loves* you!” ~George Carlin

: I am hoping to have a intrathecal pump fitted in the near future can anyone : give me any idea of how good or bad they are and are they effective : steve : : — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

I am looking for people who are using the Insulin pump.  I have one now and am tring to get it adjusted. Looking for information on tips to make using it easier?

Response:

I’ve had a pump since February 1988.  Actually two pumps, both of them Minimed.  I’m getting ready to upgrade to their newest model. The best thing that happened to me was the discovery of the book “pumping Insulin”.  I also like the website www.diabetesnet.com  You may also find www.insulin-pumpers.org to be quite helpful. What pump do you wear?  What sort of problems can we help you with? — Marilyn Type 1 for 33 years, Minimed pumping for the last 12

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for people who are using the Insulin pump.  I have one now and am tring to get it adjusted. Looking for information on tips to make using it easier?

Response:

Hi Vebtmind,     I have the H-TRONplus pump.  (Also called Disetronic)  What type of pump do you have? dcg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for people who are using the Insulin pump.  I have one now and am tring to get it adjusted. Looking for information on tips to make using it easier?

Response:

Hello!My name is Elisabetta and I am Italian.I have been insulina-dipendent since 1993.It is 10days since I have started to use pump H-TRON plus V100. Is there someone of you who is using it? How is your diabet going now? Bye

Response:

Elisabetta, I am the father of a 9-year old on the pump for 18 months now. It is much better than needles. We now no longer have to time exactly when a meal will occur. We no longer have to allow only a certain amount of food and no more. She can eat when she wants, and can eat the amount she wants. If she wants ice cream she simply plugs the numbers into her pump and can eat like a normal person. It was a positive decision. Ora sono il padre di un vecchio di nove anni sulla pompa per 18 mesi.