Hockey390

Graph, down riggers and kicker motor all weren't getting power after I launched so I headed NW of piers to what I thought was 70 FOW. Caught an 8# king on a 30jet diver back 120 on a blue/green flounder spoon. Finally got my power working and realized I was at 130 FOW. Headed back south working 100-120, got 1 more King on a blue dolphin 60 down and 80 back on the tigger. Last king to the box was on a braid diver set on 3 back 100, blue paddle with speckled dick meat rig. Picked up a shakes on a mixed veggies spoon when pulling lines.

Despite the current, 2.5-3.0 at the ball mostly SW troll was best action.

Must say it was a gorgeous day to be on the lake.

Ended 4/4 all kings fished 6:00-11:00

Like several on the forum I'm trying to report my outings good or bad this year. So with that said..

Finally got the boat fully prepped yesterday with the finishing touches. Fish hawk transducer, new tie downs and mounting rod trees were on the to do list going into the day.

Had a buddy come along got to Holland launch about 6PM and let her loose with plans to put some fuel in the tanks on the way out. To my displeasure found out the gas docks close early this time of year. *DOH*!!

Motored over to Eldean's with the kicker to conserve fuel and found the same thing, probably should have called first..

Not enough gas in the tank to risk going out so I threw a couple long lined body baits in the water and "fished" on my way back to the launch. Tangled lines a couple times going 0-0 in my short stint.

Tested all my new gear though and all was working well except my new fish hawk since I failed to install batteries in the probe. *DOH*!!x2

Next time will be better, at least I got the boat wet and also found out two important points for the future. Batteries (and spares) plus know gas dock hours before making assumptions.

Yes they are

Has been listed on eBay, no longer available this way.

Going to list on eBay on Friday.

Sorry sold last night.

Sold sold

No sorry selling as a package only.

Sold pending payment.

Sold

sold

For Sale:

2 Cannon Sport Troll down riggers equipped with Moore Sub Troll 900.

Come with mounting base for riggers, and entire sub troll unit.

Located in Dorr, MI

$450

Where did you get the solid vinyl?

I trolled around east bay aimlessly a couple days for kings about 10 years ago. Managed to catch 2-20#ers by luck on down riggers I think in July. That was all the action we had. We were going to make a run to north port that weekend from Elk Rapids but fog didn't allow so we stuck around.

Just like the subject, looking for how you all are connecting braid. So let's hear how you all make the following attachments, even if there is other lines spliced in:

Braid to spool

Braid to copper

Braid to leadcore

Very nice work! Gives me some ideas for sure!

Thanks for putting this on it was a pretty good time and made my cabin fever a little worse!

Did anyone buy a 2 piece Okuma down-rigger rod and get ends that don't match? I've got the other halves if so.

My best has been a white/glow fish catcher with a couple added strips of green tape. I only fish a handful of times per year but that usually catches at least 1 fish per trip each year.

I've never used it, but I would sure like someone else to try it first...

Is there any way we can build in some youth incentives? I know the kids in Kings tournament is all about them but I was wondering if we could somehow make it worthwhile to bring kids along. They are the future of the sport.

How about overall big fish and youth (12 & under or something) big fish?

I've never been involved but would be interested this year. Are these always on weekends? And is there a minimum number of events you have to fish in to participate?

Thanks Dave. From the picture it almost looks like you've got cabinet style doors on the front. Or is that something else?

Priority1 can you send a closer picture of that rod storage setup? I've been unhappy with my rod holders and thinking of building something.

I was doing some cleaning in the garage this weekend and of course looked at my fishing gear several times.. All of my gear sits in its respective place in the garage all year round when not in use.

Do any of you store reels differently during the winter than you do in between trips? Like inside where it's warm vs. in the cold/dry garage?

Or for that matter, do anything special with your gear for off season storage?

Good advice everyone. I appreciate all of the input as always from this forum.

Two common points I never thought of... Turning back and focusing on pulling inside lines. Brilliant! Hopefully I'll get to try again! Had lots of space, was 2:00 PM last Monday. Might fish a little later more often