Long Mike

I prefer neither of the above. I much prefer the OCOM Series.

I thought long and hard about the boat I was about to purchase. First of all, I wanted a late-model used boat. Then wanted a boat that I could fish in the stumps without too much fear of damaging the hull. Next I wanted a boat that was wide and stable. Then I wanted a boat that could handle the rough water on big lakes. Then I wanted lots of storage space for rods and gear. Then I wanted a boat that had a good speed, but not warp speed. Then I wanted a boat that would really attract the honeys. I succeeded in satisfying all my requirements but the last one. I bought a 2004 TV-18 with a Merc 150. I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that the honeys aren't really attracted to bass boats piloted by old men.

RW, regarding the list of all the school closings you posted, I'm curious as to which one you attend. Is it Whus University? ;D

Gosh! What a deep and interesting thread! I can't believe that I never considered all the permutations available in rolling up a piece of ham and cheese. :

I've purchased all sorts of equipment off the internet, searching only for the lowest price. My purchases include a Terrova trolling motor and a Lowrance HDS-8 among many others. With only one exception, all equipment was delivered promptly and in good condition. The exception was a piece of software I ordered that the company claimed to have in stock. After two weeks with no delivery I called the company and was informed that the item was on back-order. I canceled the order with no problem. Just make sure that you are dealing with a U.S. company and you will have few, if any, problems.

I stay at Fisherman's Cove, when I'm at Fork. It has covered slips for rent and plenty of parking for those towing boats. It also has a restaurant and a bar. The bar is one of the very few places on the lake where one can sit down publicly and drink a cold beer after he gets off the water.

I love my i-Pilot and Terrova. As slonezp said, it's pretty much set it and forget it. The draw-back to the Terrova is that it doesn't have a rope handle to lift it when fishing in salad, so I attached my own. The wireless steering control is instantaneous. I can easily steer through an area full of stick-ups. I've never used it, but the Terrova comes with a foot control, which may be less distracting when fishing in such areas. My favorite feature is the spotlock. It will keep you in the same spot regardless of wind or current. It's great when you have to retie or remove a backlash (not that I've ever had one. ) My second favorite feature is that I can sit behind the console and watch my side-imaging sonar while maneuvering with the trolling motor.

I can speak only from experience. Fishfordollars wins, hands down.

Owasco, just a little war story for you to think about. A GPS unit automatically shows a trail on the screen showing the path you have traveled. One morning, while fishing a new lake we were hit with a freak, very heavy snow fall. The cold snow hitting the warm water caused a very dense fog. I couldn't see ten feet. To my good fortune, I was able to turn the boat around and follow my GPS trail directly back to the boat dock; a distance of about three miles. GPS, if used without a good understanding of its capabilities, can take your life. Used properly, GPS can save your life. SI can do neither.

Drove down to South Louisiana and spent the New Year week-end with family and friends. The only television that was watched was Bowl games. I can assure you that, from what I can remember, a good time was had by all.

Hey folks, our Fearless Leader has added a link to the road trip in the "Quick Links" box at the top right corner of the page. Thanks Glenn.

That one was equally as bad as the one I posted several days ago.

Just a heads up, folks. If you are contemplating making the Road Trip, Moors Landing still has plenty of cabins and rooms available. For you procrastinators, there are many local motels available after Moors is booked up.

Just a heads up, folks. If you are contemplating making the Road Trip, Moors Landing still has plenty of cabins and rooms available. For you procrastinators, there are many local motels available after Moors is booked up.

Just a heads up, folks. If you are contemplating making the Road Trip, Moors Landing still has plenty of cabins and rooms available. For you procrastinators, there are many local motels available after Moors is booked up.

I'll need someone more experienced to work with me on this, but with the motor trimmed all the way down, I seem to recall that the hydraulics on the tilt/trip pump are at their maximum stress, unless the pressure relief valve is released. I'm not sure if trimming the motor down and then leaving it all winter with the hydraulics under pressure is a good idea - but then, I'm no expert.

They say that bad things come it threes. Looks like you proved it. ;D

I agree about the Stickjackets.

So far we have twenty four people who have registered. Oddly enough, four people have the last name of Jensen and only two of them are related. Go figure. At this point it looks like we have barely enough boat seats available for all of the attendees. If you have a boat, but hadn't planed bringing it, then please reconsider. CWB, please re-read this paragraph. ;D

The "King of Grammar" eh? Well, you IS going to get mine soon as well. ;D Hope you had a great Christmas. Whoops! Musta had a Senior moment. :-[

Just a reminder, I need a personally signed Registration form from EACH individual who will be attending. Jimzee, the form you sent in for you and your four cronies is unacceptable. You and you alone is the the only one who is registered at this point from the form you submitted. A.J. has already submitted his. Here is the lastest list. Steezy Uncle Leo Old Cranky Ghoti & Mary(Sorta) Lund Explorer & Wife 00 Mod Tombstone MNGeorge Pitchinkid CWB Triton21 FishinTN & Wife Fishing Rhino Glenn & Keri Roadwarrior Big-O Alpster Long Mike Greg & Debbie Jimzee Awaiting written confirmation from: All of Jimzee's cronies other than A.J. All of the mods other than RW

What Rhino said. I butt-solder most all of my connections and cover them with heat-shrink wrap. As for combining LED and filament bulbs, no problem.

Right back at ya, Steve!

Right back at ya, Steve!

Right back at ya, Steve!