Dogface

Just an FYI: I can convert the automated/manual vest to manual only by using a manual "bobbin". Onyx said one that came with the vest. This should alleviate the humidity issues that caused the vest to inflate.

My favorite top water colors.

I called Bass Pro today. The PFDs I purchased were both manual and auto-inflate. I never purchased auto-inflate before and had no experience with them. They mentioned that there was an occasional issue with the auto-inflate system when left in a humid, hot environments like my garage, where I keep this particular boat. They said the "pill" that is supposed to dissolve and inflate the vest when exposed to water can sometimes start to dissolve when it is left in humid conditions and then the vest can inflate on its own when the "pill" finally dissolves. I ordered a few recharge kits and now I am trying to find a way to store the PFDs in a dry cool environment. . BTW Thanks for all the responses!

I have been using inflatable PFDs for many years and never had any issues until now. About a year ago I purchased a pair from Bass Pro. It was a package deal two for about $150. I never used them but today I put them in the boat. About 30 minutes into the trip one of the PFDs went off by itself while laying on the floor of the boat. No one was near it. Has anyone ever had this happen? I have not contacted Bass Pro but I will.

Drill a small hole in the floor inside near the door. Fish the wires through the hole and protect them with a rubber grommet. Secure the wire harness to the van near the trailer hitch.

I had friends who had Ontario fishing licenses and crossed the St Lawrence to Ontario from NY to fish. They were threatened with arrest for crossing the line to fish with an Ontario license. It is a shame relations have deteriorated to this point with our northern neighbor. I like fishing the river but Goose Bay has saved many trips for me when the weather was nasty or the fish were not cooperating in the river. It is great for both LM and SM.

I should have emphasized I was talking about border crossings and the LE on the St Lawrence. I was not referring to the people of Canada a few of whom are personal friends. I have been fishing and hunting in Canada since the mid 1960's. But in the last few years everything has changed. To the point I am not going to spend my money in Canada.

They still buy squirrel tails.

I fish it all year except winter. The best time is the fall. Check out Kring Point State Park. They have a sheltered ramp just east of Alexandria Bay. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/kringpoint/maps.aspx Also, check the regulations about crossing the water into Canada. I think the Canadian side is the best fishing, but the Canadians have not been hospitable lately.

I wonder if his wife is sorry she asked him to drive? 😉

I should have been more specific. During normal water conditions, October is a good time to be on the Susquehanna and I seem to catch bigger SM.

Don't forget October on the Susquehanna.

Do the records confirm that the biggest bass are caught in the winter? And then we have winter in PA and MI compared to winter in CA and FL. So what are the true stats?

Thanks to your son I do not think you need anything at TW. ☺️

There is a "knack" but with a little practice it is not hard and it is a lot of fun.

I use short sections, 4" to 6", of tie-able wire. I have some lures I keep handy with short sections with wire already tied on and looped at the end for fishing pike infested waters.

I know we are talking about bait and bluegills but my favorite way to fish for gills is with a fly rod and small poppers. If you want to have some fun try it if you never have.

My favorite bluegill bait up here is corn. I use raw shrimp for catties. I will try the shrimp for gills the next time I'm fishing for them. Thanks!

Yep! Whodathought?

Do you have electric trim? Have you experimented with the trim.

That's cause Iowa does not care about dad's baits. At least MT gave dad an extra two weeks to enjoy his Keitechs.

I have had a lot of small boats (under 20') over the years. All were outboard powered, and all or most had engines with the anti-gravitation plate about 1.5" below the bottom of the boat. That is a common dimension. I have used a strip of hardwood between the engine mount and the transom to raise the anti-gravitation plate to the bottom of the boat and I cannot recall ever seeing or noticing a difference in performance even recording GPS speeds vs RPMs. The only small advantage might be when was operating in shallow waters with a prop like the Susquehanna or non-tidal Delaware.

You need to compare the motor's anti-cavitation plate location to the bottom of your hull. It should look like this drawing.

If the finder is not seeing the transducer, I would suspect a bad or dirty connection or possibly a bad cable. I would clean the connections and check the cable for cuts or kinks.

Most bugs, including black flies and mosquitoes, are not a problem when there is a wind.