Lonnie Clemens

Hi Folks, I have been looking at baby duck lures on eBay. Has anyone ever used a baby duck lure with success? If so, what was the color and size of the lure? Was thinking about buying one and taking it to work. A lot of people don't believe that fish will eat small birds. Thank you, Lonnie

I have been watching eyelet repairs being made on YouTube. The work is detailed involving thread, properly wrapping it, and using epoxy. But I cannot see myself doing such detailed work on a Walmart fishing pole. Would superglue and duct tape work?

Hi Tim, The boat is nice. But it's just too small for me. I will use it this summer and enjoy it. Will be keeping my eye open for a 14 or 16 foot jon boat for next year. It is good to hear other people's opinions.

Hi Folks, Can anyone recommend a fishing rod repair kit? I mainly concerned about the type of epoxy to use on the eyelets etc... Can anyone elaborate on how and what they use to repair broken rods and eyelets? Thank you, Lonnie

Hi Folks, I cannot begin to imagine how the guy felt when he lost his motor. But then again, maybe I could. This is a tragedy! Most of us family men have to save our nickels and dimes to fund a hobby. I keep a padlock on my outboard. Not just to prevent theft. But to prevent disasters such as this one. Video found on YouTube.

This is a good topic! I am thinking about getting a 14 x 36 jon boat.

If you don't think your 6 h.p. is performing correctly, I would recommend taking it to a qualified outboard motor mechanic. They will be able to tell by doing a compression test and other things. You have a nice motor and boat. Thank you for sharing, Lonnie

Hi Folks, 6 weeks ago I bought a 12 ft semi-V jon boat. Was excited about the purchase, it gets me out on the water, and it is functional. But it is not the boat that my 14 foot flat bottom jon boat was. It is wobbly on the water. Even when I'm sitting still in a cove, it is wobbly. When I open up at high speed on the lake. I have to sit in the direct center of the boat or it will tip to one side and possibly take on water. Yesterday while fishing in a cove I decided to shove my adjustable seat clear against the side of the boat. I wanted to set back and rest my legs up on the bench while sitting back on the seat. I heard a noise and looked down to my left and the boat was taking on water. Have noticed when I make a sharp turn with this boat. I feel like I am going to fall out of it. But when I had my 14 foot jon boat. I never took on water from leaning back and relaxing. It was never unusually wobbly even while sitting still. On my jon boat I could shove my seat clear over to the side of the bench, rest my legs on the rest of the bench, and navigate the boat perfectly with a 9.9 h.p. Johnson. This little semi-v is doing what it's supposed to do. I just have to be extra careful with it. But you can be sure that I will be looking for a bargain on a used 14 or 16 foot flat bottom jon next spring.

Hi Mythreesuns, A 40 lbs thrust would be maximum and perfect for that boat. On the specifications it says 40 lb thrust recommended. I have a 40 lb Minnekota. It works perfectly on my 12 foot aluminum jon boat. Use the group 27 deep cycle marine battery from Wal-Mart. I wouldn't go up to the 55 lb thrust. It may not work from what I understand. It has something to do with the theory of water planing and the water displacement theory. If a trolling motor is oversized it just won't go any faster. The dolphin boat looks great! Let us know how you like it. It has a heavier load capacity. Thank you, Lonnie

Hi Russ, Yes, the motor is in position 1 and is straight up and down on the transom.

Will make sure the anchor is up front. Then maybe I can move the battery just to check out the difference.

I guess I could make it a point to put all extra weight at the front of the boat. Even thought about moving the 12 volt battery up there. Would have to run leads back to the trolling motor.

Hi Folks, I have a 12 foot Mirrocraft Semi-V jon boat with a 9.9 Mercury outboard. Took it out on the lake Saturday and the motor runs great. I do have problems getting it to plane out. Didn't have that problem with my last boat. I guess I could add more weight to the front of the boat. But hate to ad more weight. Any suggestions, thoughts, or experiences in this area would be helpful. Thank you, Lonnie

Will have to check it out. Where did you buy yours?

If you keep the price down you will keep the stress down. The more you keep the stress down the more you will enjoy boating and fishing. Boating and fishing should be a stress reliever and not something that causes stress. I might see a lot of fancy bass boats out there. But at least I do not have the burden of paying for one. There are a lot of pre-owned boats and motors out there. Newer does not mean better.

Hi Folks, I am getting back into fishing again. But this time I want the best and most efficient fish cleaning supplies. Thinking of sharp quality knives that could be purchased among other things. What is the best tool for pulling skin off a catfish?

The advice about jobs is good. But remember that it takes a good interest and an education to get a good job. If you happen to like fishing and nature, you may consider a major in biology or wildlife management of some type. There are several states that hire people too work in their national and state parks. Have you checked out the state of Minnesota lately? They call it the land of a thousand lakes. Lonnie

It is good to see your post. I have a 1989 Chevy S-10. A few weeks ago I bought a 12 foot Mirrocraft semi V jon on a trailer. It has a 3.5 h.p. Eska outboard. Gave $500.00 for all of it. It is possible to keep the cost down. Lonnie

Hi Tom, Someone else said the powerhead is air cooled and the exhaust is water cooled and has a water pump. I will be taking a closer look at it later this afternoon.

Hi Roger, It's good to hear from you. I am hearing people say these motors are air cooled and some say they have water pumps. The last guy I talked to said they have an air cooled power head and a water cooled exhausted with a water pump. Do you know anymore about this? Wondering if I shouldn't have this motor looked at by a mechanic before I take out out on the water.

On the very last picture there is an adjustment knob of some kind. Does anyone have an idea what it is for?

Have seen pictures of Eska outboards on the internet. Have never known anyone to own one. Haven't heard anything about Eska's period. I guess I will find out tomorrow. @david in va @david in va, that is a nice looking boat. I bet it was sharper looking when the paint job was new. Have been thinking about painting mine.

I think the boat and trailer are 1971 vintage. Not too pretty, but both seem to be in decent shape. Maybe I can take the boat to the car wash. Haven't had it on the lake yet. Will probably take it out tomorrow. I have a brand new Minn Kota trolling motor and a nice battery in case the motor stops.

Hi Folks, Bought a 12 foot semi-v jon boat a few days ago. It came with an old 3.5 h.p. outboard motor. There is no name on it. I didn't look much at the motor when I bought the boat. Just figured that it didn't run and I would junk it. Today I pulled the rope just for fun and it started right up. The gas tank is built into the motor like a lawn mower engine. I guess I will try using it. The propeller turns and it is an air cooled motor. The former owner recommend using a 40:1 oil and gas mixture. Does anyone recognize this type of outboard?

Hi Folks, What do you guys think about buying and using older outboard motors? I get the impression that a lot of guys like the prices of the older motors. Still see a lot of 1960's and 70's vintage motors still being used. The local boat dealership tried to discourage me from buying a 1978 9.9 Johnson today. They said the parts are getting hard to find and they break down too easily. A few years ago I bought a 1968 9.5 Johnson for $275. It ran like a new one and I never had any problems with it. Would like to know the opinions of others and your experiences. Thank you, Lonnie