GLADES

Try getting preoccupied with the tackle box or cell phone, it usually brings on the strike. Seriously, just try to slow down and enjoy your time outdoors.

I went fishing out at lox Sunday morning and had a nice session. The weather was perfect and the little ones were cooperating. Lots of small ones up to 4#. The water is getting lower, but swim baits across the holes in the hydrilla was the ticket for me today. I have got to remember to buy a new rechargeable battery for the dang camera.

Looks clean and in nice shape. Congrats.

Nice bass and video. That bass was a beast on 4# line.

Agreed, the McMillan's are some of the best out there. Great job Bruce, you seem to coming up just a little short each time but I am sure your time will come. My weekend turned into a much needed practice session... My son John and I went to Belle Glade and fished out of slims on Saturday and were struggling with the wind, and lack of knowledge of the lake. We fished for 2 hours mid morning could not catch anything. Later at 4pm, we moved to boat to the Moore haven ramp and caught 6 between us in 1 hour at the Monkey box and 1 hour at the Harney pond canal. My live well pump stopped working Saturday(the old boat took a pounding) so we decided to skip the Sunday tournament and we went back to Moore haven and the Monkey Box. My son landed a 7.4 and I had a 4.8 plus a 3 and 2's for a 19 lb bag. Any of you guys see the chick with the pink inflatable at the tiki bar Saturday night, what a riot!

LOL The Michigan prop was not my first choice. I also have a Laser II 23P, and a Tempest Plus 24P. The Laser just spools up like a nitro dragster with all the holes plugged, top speed is less (55)than the Meichigan. The Tempest Plus is an older used prop, not bent or dinged, but the prop is suspect to me. The motor would labor would barely push over on take off. Top speed 55 MPH. I tried different tuck degrees, there is a sweet spot that for my boat is not fully tucked. I use that one. The motor height on my Ranger is peculiar. Right now I am 3.5" below the pad. If I raise the motor higher, I start to lose water pressure. The hull lift in the stern as it plans off, lifting the water pick up holes out of the water. I was told I could block off the 3 top inlet holes, but I am reluctant to do that. I could install a low water pick up to allow the motor to be jacked up to the maximum height. I am giving this more serious consideration. I am using a 6" manual jack plate. I think I will take the prop advice first and try to dial it in with a better prop. Then the low water pick up.If I cant do any better, I might pick up a 21P 4 blade for those swampy areas that fast take off is critical and top speed isn't. The doel fin or se300 will probably catch more weeds making the situation worse. The lakes in south Florida are shallow(2-3') and thick with submerged hydrilla. Thanks to all.

Thanks Do you want to check out the flea on that weekend?

Same goes for second time buyers that lost their original down payment equity. I bought my home in 2003, 10% down. It will be impossible to sell house #1, profit the 20% down and reinvest into a larger or nicer home for at least a few more years, if ever. In south Florida, there are thousands of homes in foreclosure, devaluing the market. The 20% rule will not move all those homes.

The motor WOT is supposed to be 5500 but all the Mercury guys say that the 2.0L 150 can run up to 5800 as long as it is properly lubricated(pre-mix) and not over heated (I have water psi and water temp gauges). I actually ran the motor up to 6800 rpm once (wrong prop) and she held together quite well. Some guys swear buy the doel-fin and others despise them for slowing their boats down and the weed accumulation. Since holes will have to be drilled in the cav plate, I am just trying to find out as much info as I can before I blow $60.

I am think about adding a doel-fin or SE hydrofoil to my mercury 150/Ranger 373. The boat has trouble getting on plane when tournament loaded. Anyone have any pro's or con's?

I will be fishing at Lake O from Clewiston this weekend and I was wondering if uncle joes cut is ok to navigate out to the lake. Anyone been out there recently? What is the depth.

I might head out there today or tomorrow. I will probably head out west to the bend and beyond to fish the hydrilla and flats. I think SoFla and Hottle were there last week and seemed to do well. The barricades might be due to the construction of the new impoundment. The cow pastures along Lox road will be the new area. There is a sign there as you enter explaining the possible north canal closures. Looks like the work is starting.

amen to that

Nice bass. Hopefully the conditions remain steady through next weekend.

Nice catch

Did you check the device?

Just win baby...lol

I hope you have a successful trip to the lake. You are very wise to hire a guide. The lake is huge. From what I have heard (never stayed there), the rooms are adequate but nothing fancy.

Those gators do seem friendly.

Or the Gheenoe! Still have yet to put my eyes on the Big 'O" What are you waiting for?

Dwight, congrats on your successful trip to Lox. It definitely was a plus that you could fish with South Fla. He really knows the area. I was planning to head out to Holiday today, maybe I should head out to Lox instead. I haven't fished out there recently. Closer to home.

You story serves as a great reminder that it is always better to be safe and call it a day then to take chances that might have tragic consequences. I am glad you are OK. I had something similar happen to be 20 years ago and learned a good lesson. I was heading out of Port Everglades inlet (Ft Lauderdale) into the Atlantic ocean with two friends in my 17' Formula. This boat handled 3-4 chop and swell many times. I was not overly concerned. The forecast called for 2-4 seas. Well as we approached the breakwater, I could see that the swells were much higher, maybe 4-6'. The outgoing tide was strong. I was at the point of no return. I started having second thoughts and my buddies were egging me on to go out. We crashed out through the break water about a 1/4 mile out to try to attempt the turn around. I realized that we were in deep doo doo and my buddies were holding on. The swells were 4-6'. I had to do the turn around quickly on the top/down slope of the swell and accelerate before the upcoming crest could slow the boat down and swamp us from behind. I made the turn and the Evinrude 140 did not let me down, we got on top of the swell as it crested and throttled the motor to match the speed of the wave as we surfed back through the inlet. The decision to go out was stupid, but some of the decisions I made in the moment saved my boat and possibly our lives. We were all good swimmers, but you never know how things can turn out.

That is great news Bob.Some of the fishing pressure has moved up to the big lake. Sounds like the bite at Holiday has turned on. I might get out there this afternoon. Thanks for the report.

Wheww...I thought this thread was going in a different direction...