Leafybug

tony- will those work equally well for copper?

Hey, working on another idea through a different manufacturer. I gotta make a few calls and I'll let you know...

If you opt for a survey, make sure your there when it performed. I recently purchased a nice grady and got burned for over 400 bucks by the surveyor. He didn't bother opening anything that wasn't left open for inspection, that includes the gas tank coffin boxes! As far as tiara goes, imho, you can't hardly get a better boat. Always try to get the most power offered, that way it's there when you need it. As for initial inspection, look for stress cracks everywhere, i.e. stringers, hull, deck, and transom. If you find an abundance of them, maybe just walk away, there is something wrong with it. Good luck, im jealous if you get one!

I fished for tarpon a few years back out of boca grande, I don't think it's too far away. Was probably the best fishing trip I've ever had. Best of luck...

Wow, thanks Frank. That's some really cool software. Once spring gets closer, and if your in the augres or bay area, I'd love to take a look at it. I was considering buying a new chartplotter for my boat but if I already have an extra laptop it seems smarter to use that and spend the money on something else for fishing. Thanks again, you've been a ton of help getting the brain rolling!

Frank- that is an awesome looking program, do you trust its accuracy as much as standard marine gps units?

This guy is supposed to be a great speaker, I'm excited to see him in Birch Run at the Flint Steelheaders expo.

Not sure of dates in your area, united states power squadron and the coast guard auxiliary usually put on a good informative class. Mike, I don't recall accusing anyone of not knowing what they are doing, just trying to offer a little helpand knowledge. I did also mention noaa charts both for free online and for purchase, correct?

I don't want to seem offensive but, if somebody doesn't know where to get ahold of a good chart for their particular body of water, maybe one should take a boaters safety coarse. It would probably benefit you for both safety and knowledge. Again, I don't want this to be taken offensively, I'm just an advocate for marine knowledge and safety. The big lake can be VERY unforgiving. Best of luck to you. P.s. NOAA offers great marine charts and can be purchased in waterproof form or downloaded for free.

I know that injection system on those was short lived, maybe only a couple of years in production. I was looking at a pair of 200's on an aquasport and I really didnt find too many good thing about them. Although there will be some guys that swear by them.

I get a lot of parts from the "east coast" dealers like jamestown distributors. Ussually, the shipping is only like 5 bucks. customer service is perfect, and west marine is over priced and not any more local than a internet company. (other than having a local retail outlet) If you do a little shopping around, you can even find free shipping over 100 dollars almost everywhere, and with my expierience with boats that is pretty easy to spend. Best of luck

I did. I used 30lb power-pro. Got a good deal on a 1500yard spool on e-bay and decided to try it. I did find some other stuff at the fishing show but I just couldnt pull the trigger on another 75 bucks that I didnt really need to spend. I was thinking of going wire but that all just seemed a bit more confusing so I stuck with the braid.

I know guys run them out there but I would be carefull. Once the heat comes out then all the pleasure boaters do too. It would be like riding a really fast moped on I-75. Yeah it will keep up but its still not smart. A lot of time those big boats think they are the only ones on the water and even dont realize the power and force of their own wake. Maybe a walleye style boat? little deeper v and taller sides?

pm sent on the cannon

I've been watching the videos lately and its not fair! Warm weather, people catching fish on tv, and we still have to get to winter! I dont think this weekend ultimate fishing show is going to help my need to go fishing either!

Ok, so I'm just starting to see if I can tie some of these myself. Picked up some mylar, a couple different head styles, head cement, and thread. I've heard of guys using two sided to start them out and I tried it but it seems bulky. Do you guys have a vice to hold the heads? How do you start them? is the tape the right answer? I'm pretty green at fly tieing but since nothing is froze up around here enough to walk on, I've gotta find something to do. Thanks for any help... pm's are always welcome

yeah that. My theory for that is so when you get a fish and perfectly bring it in the chute, those deeper riggers are down and out of the way. It's probably not true but it is my theory and it works... sometimes...

Meanmachine, welcome to the site. I'm just getting into the west side trolling on my own boat as well. I decided to go with convectors and accudepths, and I have found the best prices on both at Franks bait & tackle in Linwood. They have been cheaper than any website I have found and the guys are great in there. Not sure where your at but the drive over there is usually worth it. I use all magna's on my walleye spread and personally I would never bet that the drags would stand up to too many runs from a deep 25# fish. Good luck out there!

I'm pretty sure if we are set on a straight course with lines set, we have the right of way. Either way, blow boaters suck, its lame, get a motor and go somewhere. Its not even convenient to fish on those ridiculous looking boats!

I have no idea why I watched that video so long, I had no idea what the heck he was talking about. Sounds like a good idea I think... Thorium sounds like a cool name

Jim, glad to see your doing the work of replacing it completely. Its a lot of work but take your time and do it right and it will be well worth it. If your questioning what matierial to use, talk to a glass shop, they are ussually semi-helpfull. I would seriously consider using a composite and not a plywood. It is much more expensive but its impermeable by moisture. Otherwise, I'd use 2 layers of 3/4" good marine ply epoxied together and then set into your exisiting outer "shell" of a transom and epoxied in with some thickend high density epoxy. Clamp it will, let it cure, then start laying in your glass towards the inside of the boat. My favorite is the west system epoxy, its nearly dummy proof, and I've found that jamestowndistributors.com has about the best prices and great customer service. I'm doing a good amount of glass work myself this winter with new deck panels and some stringer work, if I can help with any questions, please just pm me. Best of luck with your project, I'll be following your thread.

Hey all, new member here. I will be completely replacing the fuel system, fuel tank covers, some stringer work, adding new downriggers, and some new electronics to my new to me fish slaying 25' Grady White. If I can find a little luck I will also be putting a serious dent in the walleye population on the saginaw river, if it ever freezes up!