2UNREEL

Nice Job!!!

Red headed step child

This is true however it usually winds up that the guy that decided to do this on a whim and only fished 2 times in his life catches a fish of a lifetime. This is the same way with big buck contests. That is what makes these things fun, I can't wait to give it a try.

Sounds like a good time, these events are an excellent way to get the blood flowing for a tournament yet not break the bank to compete. You learn TON from these things. Good luck and I may hop aboard a boat in this tournament for the laughs and fun times.

Amazing story, very inspirational. Never give up.

Had the same problem last year, didn't realize the new rod had a cracked ring and when the mono payed out I saw a fuzzy string coming off my line. Lucky I reeled it in without a fish cause my mono became 2. Replacement tip and 5 min and I was good to go, buy a couple and bring some spares fishing with you. Fishsniffer knows a thing or 2 about broken tips on a fishing trip

1. Fish Cleaning Station....If you can model the Holland Steelheaders Fish cleaning station you will hit a HOME RUN...This is A+++ 2. Ramps that are not too steep that the 2wd vehicles can still haul out 3. A small ramp to the side for Jet Skis and Kayaks etc to not get in the way of the bigger boats 4. Long enough docks that a 30ft boat could launch and still get aboard without scraping the bow keel up. 5. A decent size staging area and area after you haul out to pack up. 6.Potties right next to launch for those last minute gotta go's before the trip. Good luck, can't be too many nice ramps!

My Kids are the age 3 and 4....Or my nephew that's 15. Would they need to sign up as well? They go fishing with me quite often. I can legally run rods for them and put fish in the box. What kind of rules or entry fees and lie detectors applies to this situation? This individual rule thing could get tricky.....something to think about.

Top Fin Challenge

West Michigan Salmon Challenge West Michigan Salmon Fishing Derby Lake Michigan Monster Fish Challenge

I will try and make as many as possible.

West Michigan Fishing Derby

Sounds awsome... I'll have to read more about it but I'm in!!!

I think the leader is a personal preference. I have caught fish on 5 ft mono leaders, 30ft 50lb power pro leaders, 10-35ft fluorocarbon leaders. I think that if your running a stiffer line like copper you would want a little longer leader for more action where lead core you can get away with less....I am sure there is a sweet spot for the type of sinking line vs the leader type and length to get an optimal lure presentation.

Im sure Ill show up to spend some coin on a few things....Good deals at this one

looks neat, I am sure it will work.

The first time you catch a fish on a 10ft slide will be your last time at that length. You will have the rodsman in the cabin while your extreme netman is stabbing at it. Under 6ft is all you need. I use the scooter clips for my slides, some don't care for them but I am a believer. Many other methods work just as good.

looking good! Nice Rig

I hope he RIP and was on his boat and not a slow death in the hospital.

I have used 50# red power pro in the past. I would go more hi vis for visual purpose but I have had trouble with braid. I have lost big fish in tournaments for a couple reasons with braid. The line buried itself in the spool and would not allow it to pay out with the drag and wammo busted line. I have seen this happen on 2 other boats so I am not alone. Early on I had the wrong knot tied and lost some expensive tackle. I have switched to wire and had much greater success. IMO

great story

great picture

Also keep in mind when letting drop weights out they sink faster then a full lead line.....If you let it out really fast and clip a board on there and send it out, you run risk or getting wrapped up in your riggers or divers depending on conditions. Just something to keep in mind.

Pull the outdrive, its easy enough and its lighter than you think it would be. You will need to pull it anyway if you got any use out the outdrive last year at all. The U-joints need greasing every year or 100hrs of use is what I was told. Inspect the rest of the the stuff like the other guys said and leave the big jobs to the pros or it could cost you in the long run.

Thanks for the help guys, I am burning to catch a winter steelhead. (something I have wanted to do for a few years)I just need get off my lazy bum this winter and give it a try. I have tried the Kalamazoo in the past but I was probably more part of the scenery than a fisherman enjoying being outside in the winter with a fishing rod in hand.