boostnut

Oh, btw, I've got a nice 16' starcraft v-bottom boat I'll make you a hell of a deal on. Its what you're gonna need to get on those fish!

I'd be the member Matt is refering to. Welcome to the area, where do you live? I've fished Bowen a number of times in the last 5 or so years. I would say that having a boat gives you a huge advantage. The south half of the lake is much deeper than the north half. There is a ton of man-made structure in there, some of it can be seen from above without a fish finder. I've never caught anything huge out there but its a great spot to go if you're looking for a bunch of average size crappie for a fish fry. Vertical jig right over the structure and you'll have a few dozen in no time.

where in illinois?

Rogue stickbaits seem to be working alright. Weather blows, 45 and occasional showers. Nothin over 3 pounds in the last 2 days between 6 of us. Water temps between 46 and 53. Still a little early I guess.

Any advise? Staying near the grand glaize arm (lands end). Will be bass and crappie fishing. Anybody have any recent reports or suggestions for a couple of 1st timers?

Another central illinois member here. Hang my hat in Washington, about 10 minutes from Peoria.

Man that would tick me off. Where was it (i see you're in central illinois too)? Give me a description of it and I'll look for it at the private clubs I fish, lots of boats are left there by other members.

Slice, that is just about exactly what I'm looking for. Anybody else have any other suggestions before I order? Thanks!!

I've nearly completed the decking job on my 16' Lowe flatbottom. I've cut in and built a number of under floor storage boxes and would like a locking flush mount latch/handle on each one. Flooring is carpeted aluminum diamond plate but I dont think that matters much. Any suggestions on where to shop for these? :-/

I've got a 2 pounder out of a pond about an hour southeast of you. The biggest one I've seen in central illinois was about 2.5 pounds.

That would make sense. Unfortunately I dont have a local supplier for marine plywood, are there any other options?

So the original transom in my 16' Lowe jon is out. It was rotten from sitting outside and came out in a million pieces the size of toothpicks. The question I have is: what kind of wood should I use to replace it? This boat will be garage kept and I dont fish in the rain too often (2 or 3 times a year). I've cut a treated 2x10 to fit but I'm scared of the treated wood & aluminum problems I may run into. Any suggestions?

any updates?

tpayneful, those hatch lids are the tempress "utility" covers. Try the tempress slam lids, totally different design that keeps the water out and they are lower profile. Aaron

Stop me if you've heard this one........size isnt everything! In my case I've got a 7lb 1oz. LMB and a 2lb crappie on my wall, neither are much to write home about. Why did I have them mounted? The pond they came out of was privately owned and the owner was pushing 95 years old. It was only a matter of time before he passed and I wanted something(s) to remember him by. A couple of years have passed, he has too. To this day I have zero regrets for taking those fish. Everytime I walk into my home office I think of the times past and memories made thanks to Charlie. Sentimental value means more to me than 7 vs. 10 lbs. By the way, I'm from central illinois so my 2 are respectable to most.

McMaster-Carr has them cheap too. Go to www.mcmaster.com and search for 7043K21. Nice thing about ordering these is they have replacement contacts available. Oh, I solder mine as well. 6 years old and running strong.

looks very nice! is there a livewell hiding somewhere?

There are a few on ebay right now, just search for Tempress. I've got a couple hatch lids going into mine and am very happy with their construction. There are "liners" available too. Just do the search and then compare prices at basspro, they sell tempress too. Aaron

Do yourself a favor and check out www.tempress.com Take a look at the hatch catergory. You'll spend a few bucks more that you would on a cooler but have a nicer piece when you're done. Good luck.

I'm taking on another boat project and am looking for options for a livewell (other than using a cooler). The boat is a 16' Lowe flat, 6'3" wide so there is plenty of space to take advantage of. In my searches online I have not been able to find a true kit. I would like to find a tank WITH a hinged lid that is strong enough for a 200 lb. guy to step on. There are plenty of tanks available along with some generic lid assemblies but I'm looking for a matched pair. The boat will be decked from front to back so the lid will no doubt be stepped on. Keep in mind that this will be a permanent installation, does not need to be removeable. Any advise appreciated.