volzfan59

Ken, You are doing an amazing job, you should be proud. Others have said it already, but congratulations on the outboard!

Congratulations to everyone who's team is going. I can't believe that my Vols aren't making the trip.

Could be an H.O.A. deal. I've built and lived in two houses and a condo (didn't build it) in H.O.A. communities. None allowed boats, campers, utility trailers, etc to be stored outside. No big deal to me as I've always stored my boats in the garage, but I can see where it could be an issue for some.

I've got two Garmin CV Striker 7's. Both are wired to the starting battery. My trolling motor is the only thing wired to the t/m battery.

How are you storing your waders? This part won't affect you, but I read years ago to make sure that they are dry, inside and out before storing. Also, store them hanging up, not folded. You can get heavy duty hangers at the dry cleaners. It's the type that they use on drapes, quilts, etc. I religiously follow those two rules although I can't lie, my ex-wife bitched about waders hanging in the spare bedroom closet. Could be one of the many reasons she has that title. Seriously, I've got two sets of waders that I've owned for years. The neoprenes are well over 12 years old, the breathables are probably 8 or 9. I wore both last year and neither leaked. Both are BPS White River brand.

This is all pretty cut and dry, black and white for me. The "true world record" largemouth bass is the one that the IGFA certifies.

I drink plain water, even though I hate to drink water. Depending on how long I'll be out, I try to take a bottle for every hour. I also take a sports drink like Power Aid or Gatorade. Sometimes I'll stop and get a cold Coke on the way home.

Full disclosure, I own and use several bait casters. I started throwing Texas rigged worms and lizards on spinning equipment way back because I kept backlashing my casting reels while using them. Same with light weight crabkbaits. Now I am extremely proficient with casting gear, but just don't feel the need to mess with what is works for me. Man, I hope that I didn't just call down some serious ju-ju with my "extremely proficient" comment!

I've had two really close friends, I mean like the brother's that I never had. The first, we worked in law enforcement together as officer's, we raced stock cars together (same division, when one moved up so did the other) and we fished together. He committed suicide back in 2001. I never told him that I loved him or how much he meant to me until he was in a box. The second, I met him after I made Sgt, then Lt. We camp together, fun fish together, used to tournament fish together, retired at pretty much the same time. We tell each other "I love you" every time that we talk, write or see each other. I'll never miss that chance with a friend again. There are guys on here that have given me advice, guidance and help. I have the utmost respect and love for them too. Sorry if I brought the mood down, I write this just to say, don't let the opportunity to tell a friend or family member that you love them. RIP Richard, I miss you and I love you.

I've ordered from TW twice, shipping took forever. I've ordered from Scheels twice (thanks to @MN Fisher), Academy numerous times and BPS (most of the time). Scheels, Academy and BPS shipping are all extremely fast, usually within the week I order assuming that I order by mid day on a Tuesday. I'm going to look at Bait Works in Springfield, MO. I've heard that they are pretty doggone fast with their shipping.

I've always thrown jerks on spinning equipment,small cranks too. Heck, I even throw Texas rigged worms and lizards up to 6" on spinning equipment.

I'll need to order some JJ's soon.

I took my little rig into our local outboard mechanic. True to his word, stopped what he was doing and checked out my outboard. Within ten minutes, he found my spare fuse, pulled and replaced the blown fuse. He charged me very little, next to nothing. I've used him for a tune up and impeller replacement in the past. He has a customer for life.

Sorry, I've been out of town. I gave up and called the local outboard mechanic. He told me to just bring it in and he'll fix it while I'm there. Told me that it's about a five minute fix. Thank you for asking @Bassun

Prayers will be sent Mark. Please keep us posted.

I've done that too, redid all of the connections. My youngest son is a MK in the Coast Guard and a certified Honda mechanic, thanks to the USCG. Spoke with him today. I feel pretty certain that it's a 30 amp fuse, but I never did find the doggone thing. I felt sorry for him trying to diagnose something he's never worked on, over the phone. No matter, I'm really proud of him.

I checked, it's in neutral and the kill switch is where it's supposed to be. Thanks for the reminder.

I've always liked Rooster Tails, but started using Joe's brand with great results. I am interested in the Mepps "Bronze Slammer" line of inline spinners. I'm going to Chattanooga TN next week. I'm going to check them out at BPS or Sportsman's Warehouse.

Well, reckon I'll give her a ride to the outboard MD Monday. I'm going to have to figure out how to tilt the motor though. @Deephaven, All of the other stuff connected to that battery (interior and exterior lights) are working. The digital volt meter is reading 13.1.

As I have posted several times, I rewired my boat, built a new storage compartment and rod box, new t/m, switches, control panel, etc. The only thing left original is the hull and the 40 h/p Tohatsu 2 stroke. At every new installation, I checked everything to make sure that it was still working. While waiting on a new AGM deep cycle, dual purpose battery I decided to hook up the old one so I could go to the river for a bit. I'm ashamed to admit that I hooked up the old battery backwards! I replaced a couple of blown fuses but now my outboard won't do anything. Turn the key..... nothing. The power tilt/ trim is out too. Short of taking it to the mechanic, is there anything I could look for. It's a 2003 motor if that helps. I know better than this, replaced a ton of batteries in my life. This truly is embarrassing.

I've always been told when your line starts "floating in air", it's time to get out of dodge. It means that there's electricity in the air, storms are coming. I have nothing to back that up at all. Just one of those old sayings that I took to heart.

When I worked at BPS I can honestly say that no one ever asked me about space monkey's or where they were. Crazy thing is, we sold the fool out of them so someone in east TN is using them. Probably @TnRiver46?

Ken, Get better soon buddy. Try to catch some rest when you can.

Ken, She is looking absolutely amazing. You've done a great job! I love seeing older boats brought back to life. You should be proud.

@BrianMDTX, Thank you for posting this story. Takes me back too