Jim Grouch

Marine Scout Sniper Platoon - 2002-2006

I would have to say the Terrova trolling motor. The auto pilot feature has completely changed the way I fish. It was tough to stomach spending that much money on a trolling motor... but now after having it I wouldn't think twice on buying it.

ummmm......Mike......ummm, not quite what we were expecting.....but we completely understand. ;D

Let me know when you are ready to purchase. I can get you a good deal on them. -Jim

We all daydream about getting out on the water while we are busy at work. If you were able to fish your perfect fishing condition, what would it be? i.e. time of day, water clarity, temp, lake, depth, etc. For me it would start of with a late afternoon. It would be sunny with few clouds, end of July, calm water, slight breeze, on a small 15 acre lake. Water would be a slightly stained but could still see the weedy bottom. The perfect lake for me would be about 5 feet deep at the edges and drop down to 20 feet. That is where my mind ventures off to when I am daydreaming of getting out on the water. What do you guys consider the perfect condition?

Here's a cool little short movie clip showing the HB unit in action. Check it out. http://www.myoutdoortv.com/show-microsite-fishing/hank-parkers-outdoor-magazine.html Click on Humminbird Article

Another vote for Bob at Worldwide Marine http://www.worldwidemarineins.com/ He knows his stuff and there are quite a few BR members that use him. Very reasonable rates. -Jim

I can't make the trip because KVD asked me for some lessons that week. Sorry, guys...don't know what to tell ya. ;D

Congrats on the purchase. I hope that you get many years of enjoyment out of it. For those of you that are looking to get a used boat in the future, I offer this advice: Ask the seller if you can have him/her take it to a marine mechanic of your choice. Call the marina and set up the appointment. Have them inspect the boat and most of all the engine. I learned the hard way when my engine went out on me during last years BR event in Kentucky (Joe, thanks again for the tow). Get it inspected and it will be the most valuable $100 you'll spend. It just may save you thousands in the long run (it would've for me). Even if everything checks out OK then you will at least get a good piece of mind. -Jim

Congrats and cool story! All of you guys are making me jealous. Unfortunately I am working out of the country, but even if I was around there is still about 8" of ice on the lake. I have to resort to BR to get my fill of fishing enjoyment.

Congrats on the catch! Also good job on releasing her.

Please check out our online store for some ideas. We try to carry lures and tackle specifically geared towards bass anglers. We are a small store, but our prices are hard to beat. Our regular prices are often cheaper than many stores sales prices. We will be adding more products throughout the year. Also please feel free to contact me to help give me ideas on items you guys would like to see us carry. I have a few distributors with a ton of products, but we are on a budget and starting small and working our way up. A few of you have already contacted me for tackle and ideas and I appreciate that. Also check out the other advertisers on here. Thanks! -Jim www.AmericanBassOutlet.com

I use a 4.0L V6 Sport-Trac Explorer to pull a 20'8" Nitro w/ 225 hp Merc. No issues at all. It's a little slow getting up to speed on the entrance ramp on the freeway but it does fine when I get to speed. Also I always tow with the overdrive off which reduces stress on the tranny.

It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Hi guys... I know it's been awhile. I've been busy getting the online store up and running and working alot. The old boat was sold after that trip. Here is a pic of its upgrade. Too bad there is 10" inches of ice and its all bundled up for the winter. Unfortunately I will not be able to make the trip this year :'( . I will be working during that time. You will all be missed. For those of you that haven't been on the BR trip then you need to sign up. It's a blast! Good people and good times.

Or a Mudpuppy... We caught this last weekend while out ice fishing on St Clair. It's the first time that I've seen one caught. When I took the hook out it turned towards the hole and used his little legs to crawl over to it. Pretty funny sight to see. Unfortunately it was the only thing we caught all day.

I chose the Terrova because I wanted the 101 lbs. thrust. I was a little hesitant about the electronic steering because I was so used to the cable steer...now I don't ever see myself turning back to cable. The auto pilot is very convenient. Just set the direction you want to go and the unit will compensate for the wind and the waves. I find myself adjusting the speed at times and but thats it. No more constantly turning left and right all the time while trying to fish. It makes it really nice when you want to fish parallel to the shore. It's pricey but you won't regret getting one after using it the first time out.

Congrats on your first rig. My advice would be to go out and use it a few times before doing and major alterations on it. You will get many years out of that boat and you will have plenty of time to adjust it to your needs. Good luck with it!

What you are looking for is a 788CI CHO... The "CHO" stands for Control Head Only. http://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-Fishfinder-Internal-without-Transducer/dp/B001HL97I2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249070308&sr=8-1 If that link doesn't work, go to amazon.com and type in: 788CI CHO The 727 (728 newer model) mentioned in the previous post is a Black & White model... If you want to get a cheaper 700 series color unit then it would be a 778c, it is not offered as a CHO but would save you some money. -Jim I also found the 788CI CHO at www.pcnation.com for $520 w/ free shipping. Never heard of them before but figured I'd send it your way. http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=1813AA&GEN0=Y#reviews

It has been my experience with the venting of the tank. Try to take the tank cap off and screw it back on. If the motor runs fine for a minute and then starts to cut out then you have found your problem. You will just need to pick up a vented cap. If that is not the case then my next approach would be to clean the carbs. -Jim

Thanks RW... I shot him a PM.

California sets the standard for the rest of the world??? Isn't the state of California completely broke?

I plan on heading out on St Clair during a weekday next week and am looking for someone that knows the lake. We can meet at the Selfidge launch, Harley Ensign, or Metro. I will not accept any money for fuel or anything like that. I am just looking for someone that has some experience out there. Let me know. Thanks! -Jim

I have a suspicion it may be the vent screw may not be opened up on the gas tank. Check that out first. Have you changed the spark plugs? How long has it been doing it (did it run fine earlier this season)? Is it fuel from last year that sat over the winter (water in the tank)? Check the inline fuel filter (may see water and fuel seperated in there). Is the choke lever getting switched on? When was the carb cleaned?

So let me get this straight... At a reasonable 6% over a period of 120 months ($355 over 10 years), Your final payment in year 2019 you would have paid $52,600 for a $42,000 boat. I'm not knocking you because I don't know a ton of people have $42,000 in their bank account... But then again I don't know a ton of people with a $42,000 rig either. :-/