Attabuoy

I agree with Mike, Kyle. That picture is a beauty, and I enjoyed all the photos. Good job - I'm heading up to SB this Thursday thru Sunday (Sister Bay actually). Unfortunately won't be fishing :-(

Frank, have you made the connection to run your laptop off of boat power yet? I was told by a manager at Radio Shack that I could not do that because the 12VDC pulses?? He also said the laptop power connection is proprietary and that I'd have to buy the connector from the manufacturer?

Well, so far so good. I have it up and running on the netbook. I have to find a permanent home on the dash, route the power and gps wiring, and figure out a hold-down system. The downside is the screen is not very readable in the sunlight. But no complaints as of yet.

Nice work Kyle. I'm gonna be up in Sister Bay toward the end of July and hope to get out a few times then. Nice boat and set-up, and you obviously know how to use it!

Thanks for all the great ideas guys. I know my budget is too tight but with some of the great ideas mentioned I think I'll be able to at least get a start this year. Maybe if I could get the Mrs. along and hook her a fish, I could expand this year's budget a bit :-)

Guys, I need some help in organizing my equipment priorities. I just got my boat but unfortunately the budget is mostly used up. I guess what I am asking is what equipment I need to get in the game, and what is nice to have but not necessarily essential?

I've read alot of material on the site, and have learned a ton already. But still have alot of questions, so here goes:

1) what rod/reel combinations would you recommend?

2) are downriggers a necessity?

3) mono, lead core or copper?

4) planer boards and dipseys?

5) terminal tackle recommendations?

I know I'm asking for a lot of information here. If there are other threads that have covered it already please advise. I'm thinking I might get away with spending $500 this year - anything more will have to wait. Thanks guys!

Well, you've made a believer out of me. I have ordered software, gps and netbook with solid state hard drive (found a refurbished model for $140). Did you find the 5' cord on the gps long enough to get it on your hardtop?

Welcome aboard Brian from another new guy!

Welcome aboard Jari - great boat!

Welcome Jim. I'm a new guy myself but I can say for sure that you're gonna like it here and learn alot. Good luck!

Hi Frank, thanks taking this project on and sharing all this great information. I am very interested but would probably have to go the netbook route due to space limitations. I was wondering if you could update us on your progress and overall satisfaction with the system after running it for a month. Thanks again!

Steve, I was working with a dealer up in Two Rivers that had a canvas guy and claimed he could do alot with enclosures. If you want to pursue it let me know and I'll try to find out the guy's name.

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to spending lots of time on here. Kyle, I mostly plan on fishing out of Sheboygan, and occasionally Two Rivers or Kewaunee. OK - I have to come clean and admit I am truly a rookie. I am hoping to have a deal closed on a boat today. I think I've found the right place to learn how to do things though!

I 2nd that - Happy Birthday Jim!

Man, would I love to be looking at a 36 Contender or Yellowfin! Unfortunately that is just not in the cards, but you make a great point: The business end of any fishing boat is the dance floor, which is pretty small on a CC. The other issue I wonder about is taking a wave over the bow.

Great site, looking forward to learning lots and maybe even contributing something when I'm not quite as ignorant.

Hi guys,

I was wondering what people thought about running center console's on the great lakes? I know they're not the first choice for people exclusively fishing the big water, but I am considering one for primary use on inland waterways. That being said, I want a boat capable of handling an occasional trip to Lake Michigan, and am looking at a 19 foot Trophy with a 150 Merc 2-stroke.

I would appreciate any opinions you might have, thanks in advance.