Al Wolbach

We must remember there is more to safe boating than who has the right of way. Many of the lakes and rivers in my area are used for commercial navigation and are marked with buoys and markers to aid navigation. It would benefit many of us to have a better understanding of the meanings of these navigation aids. And if you like to visit lakes in other states as I do, you need to understand these aids. This is especially true in the coastal areas.........Al

I can't offer any advise on what or where but I have fished these lake on several occasions and they can be dangerous. The upper lake(Marion) is a flooded forest and will probably take you half a day to build the courage to start the big motor. If the wind is blowing and the fish are shallow it will be your best bet. Many places to fish in the wind. The lower lake(Moultry) is deeper and just a fairly large round lake but a little wind can go a long way. A 15MPH wind and it is unfishable to me and I don't remember any protected areas(maybe the area called the "fish hatchery"). I'm not trying to scare you only trying to prepare you. There are many Cyprus trees and stumps in both lakes so be careful. Try a buzzbait...........................Al

If your boat is sitting in the water and you feel this remove the boat from the water or stop charging. I believe what you are feeling can cause electrolisis. I'm not sure of the spelling but what happens is a current field can start between your boat and the water and two different medals. I wish I knew enough about this to explain it, but I have seen the results and they amount to pin holes around the entire boat at the water line. My neighbor left his charger on all night while tied to his dock and his tin boat nearly sank from the holes. His insurance refused to cover the damage also. This problem is the reason for anodes on motors and trolling motors. Maybe someone can explain it better..............Al

Boats I think you have a good idea on the Rules of the Road safety thread. Maybe a once a month "Rule of the Month" discussion. Even many that would not enter into the discussion may still read and learn. And once a month would not take to much time, or more often if you have time. Consider talking with Glenn on the matter and see what you can come up with. I'm certainly not a Magellan or Columbus but I do know port from starboard. Let me know if I can help...................Al

Hey Boats, common sense will get you through most situations you come across on the water. I know the "Rules of the Road" as well(or did) but you can rest assured most boaters don't know them or at least don't follow them. A couple of years ago my wife and I attended a fireworks display in our boat as did several hundred other boats. She asked about the port and starboard running lights and their meaning. A few minutes later she made a comment about a boat having it's port/starboard light on the wrong side. We started looking at the other boats and were shocked to see dozens of boats with port and starboard lights reversed. Most of these were pontoon boats that have fixed lighting but there were boats of every type with this problem. I suspect asking these folks to know the navrules is out of the question. My advise to anyone would be "be prepared to take evasive action regardless of right of way at all times and use common sense" when operating a boat. Sorry, I did not intend to steal this thread...............Al

There are no brands in my area that are ethanol free however there are a few one of a kind stations that offer ethanol free gas. Word of mouth is the only advertising that I am aware of. A local fishing website keeps a list updated for this area.(East Tn fishing)............Al

I agree with most of the others. I have always checked my area, southeast, for reports. However as someone else stated "it's your house, your rules," and I will follow them............Al PS- What goes in the Southeast Bass Fishing section now?

I take my Champion to the car wash and use their regular car soap. I usually do some additional rinsing at home after the car wash. Cost a few dollars but it is far easier for me................Al

Sam, I would find it hard to believe that both units developed the same problem at the same time. The odds would be very, very high against this happening. Lowrance units, and most others, have a low voltage cut off feature to prevent damage to the units in low power situations. I suggest you check all connections including the power switch and the batteries. Most likely you will find a loose wire connection or a corroded connection. Since both units are involved check only in the rear of the boat(console aft) where they share a connection. As stated before the power switch or battery are most likely areas. All of this is assumming the battery is good. If it will start the motor it is good but still could have a dirty connection for other power requirements and cause your problems. To clean the electrical connections use a wire brush, file, sandpaper or other abrasive to clean both connections until very shiney medal appears, then reconnect...........Al

I have the Loomis CBR843 and the CBR845 and they are very good rods but not good for crankbaits that run deeper than about 15 feet. The CBR847 is only 7' long and I wanted a longer rod, so I ordered a St Croix Legend Tournament 710HM for my deep cranking needs. I avoided the fiberglass rods due to weight. I can't give any feedback on the St Croix since I have not received it yet. But it has been my experience that rods from G. Loomis and St Croix perform well for the intended purpose(JMHO). The St Croix has a split grip and I'm not sure how I will like it but we'll see. I'm old school but I'll give it a try.

I went last year(spring) with a group to crappie fish. We had a cold front come thru the night before we started fishing and dropped 3 inches of rain. So I didn't learn much that will help you. We had one of those deals that includes boat, motor, bait and motel, etc. Are you fishing for crappie or bass?

If you want to hide the scratch without repairing, this will work. Sharpie fine point permanent markers come in every color in the rainbow and you can buy them at Wal-mart for a few dollars. Just color the white scratch to match the gel coat. It will stay on for six months to a year, the Sharpie will last a long time and the fine point will get down in the scratch Someone may have a better idea but this will work.............Al

There is a skeg on the motor to offset the torque steer you are experiencing. Rather than me trying to explain how to adjust it I recommend you stop by the dealership where you bought the boat and ask them. The adjustment is much easier shown than explained. You could stop by any boat dealer or repair shop, it only takes a second to show how to adjust or explain. For that matter it only takes a minute to adjust. The skeg is on the anti cavitation plate just above the prop. You offset the skeg to compensate for torque steer. This is a simple one bolt adjustment........Al

If you want to go with a loomis cranking rod I suggest you pick the 847 as the 843 and 845 are overloaded (IMHO) with a true deep crankbait(Hot Lips. 20+'s or DD22). I just ordered a St Croix Legend Tournament 7'10" cranking rod for this same use. I have not received it yet so no evaluation available. I ordered a Revo winch to pair with the St Croix.........Al

I have 2 844c's in GLX and 1 854 in GLX. That should tell you my vote. Both are great rods but I like the 844 just a hair better...........Al

My bow light has a replacable bulb. Remove the globe and look for a bulb...............

I have an LMS332 and some chips have to be downloaded each time you turn the unit on and some chips do not require a download. I went to the local Bass Pro Shop and they showed me each chip in the unit I have and allowed me to play with them. I'm not sure what sporting goods stores are near you if any, but this may be an option. This really helped me decide which were better for me. The newer units may not require download each time the unit is turned on. Although 1' depth contours sounds great and would offer great detail it's not always the best. One of my local lakes (Cherokee) is large by most standards but it contains many islands. There were so many contour lines around these islands that navigation became difficult at speed. I should mention the channel is over 100' deep. Just plain information overload. I live in East Tennessee and the land is not flat nor is the lake bottom, which causes to many contour lines. For Florida lakes or fairly flat bottom lakes the 1' contours would be great. If there is a store near you that will allow you to play with the different chips it will help you decide. Plus these guys will help you learn the unit if they are not to busy. Good luck.........Al

This is how you adjust the tour series, not sure on the pro series but it should be very simular. You adjust it by rotating the trolling motor shaft in the mount. Loosen the knob holding the upper shaft and spin the shaft until the motor and pedal are where you want them. This must be done with the motor down as if in the water. Be careful especially if you have an external transducer wire running down the shaft as you can pinch the electical cable. Also the motor will drop when you loosen the knob so be ready to catch it or have it supported in some manner. The trolling motor has two shafts, the top shaft near the head of the trolling motor and a bottom shaft near the motor and prop. The foot control moves the bottom shaft only. The top shaft is held by the mount itself and does not turn during operation but can be adjusted. Hope this makes sense..........Al

I bought one several years ago because it sound perfect for deep cranking. The ratio was to low for me as I would have to crank much faster than I was comfortable with. A 5:1 reel works better for me even with the Hot lips, 20+ and 30+'s and a breeze with the DD22's. The 4.7:1 David Fritts model that BPS sells is near the perfect ratio for me but I have grown to dislike this reel because it just doesn't feel right. I am currently looking at the Revo winch and the 5:1 Ardent. Will probably settle for the Ardent due to extra casting distance.

I believe many dealers that would not haggle last year will this year due to the economy. The BPS that I work at would not take trade-ins until this year. Times are tuff for boat dealers in my area and the rules are changing. While at the local Ranger dealership last week registering for a tournament the owner told me Genmar had filed for chapter 11. I have not verified this on snopes. In my area there are Tracker dealers besides BPS and I am sure they will haggle. This may be an option for you.

I have retreived a couple with deep crankbaits..................Al

Here is your problem...........

Spro Little John

How would a si unit respond to the constant turning of the trolling motor? How large is the transducer? Just food for thought.........Al