Big T

rattletrap, I believe that is what is happening in the central part of the state. I am not against commercial fishing by no means. I just think that there sholud be stricter guidelines. The size limits are hepling for the most part, I mean the drum fishing now is better than it was 10 or 15 years ago. Around Wilmington Reds are pretty popular, but I think they might take a back seat to Flounder fishing. Which is now starting to get overfished to point. I mean you do not see as many double digit fish as you use to. There is also a move by the Army Coprs of Engineers to remove the locks that are upriver from Wilmington. This move is expected to restore the natural spawning grounds of many migratory fish like shad,herring, and Stripped Bass.

Excuse my typing I meant to say it was made in the USA

I have one of the Triumph series rod, and I must say I thought it would be better than it is. I wish I would have spent the extra $30 for the Premeire. Last night I had a chance to hold a Premeire series and the Triumph side by side . You can really tell a difference between the two. The cheaper rod made in China had gobbs of glue and stuff around the eyes. That being said I had posted a thread on getting a Shimano Compre or an All Star . I may be rethinking that choice. I really liked the way the Premeire felt in my hand, plus it it in the USA.

I voted for Shimano. Their spinning reels have never let me down. I have Symtre that has seen a lot of saltwater action, and it is still smooth as can be. For baitcasters, I don't have much experience but I like Abu Ambassader round reels.

NC has had this regulation for ten years. Our state did not require you to have a saltwater licence for years, it takes effect Jan. 1. Anyway recreational fisherman out number the commercial guys 3 to 1, however the commercial interest have always had one of the state's most powerful representatives looking out for their interests. Now I am not knocking the commercial fisherman, because they have to make a living and feed their familys but they seem to have an unfair advantage when it comes to harvest regulations. The big controversy up here is that the nets are killing the big breeder bull drum while they are in the Albamarle and Pamilico sounds. That's just my 02 cents. though.

rattletrap, Georgia sure does have liberal limits on Reds. In North Carolina you are only allowed to keep one per person. Slot size is I believe is 18-27 inches. I believe Trout only has to be 12 inches and I believe you can keep ten. I can not remember, that's why keep a copy of the size limits on my boat.

I have always called a Porpoise, Porpoise and ever since I made my first trip offshore I have called the fish Dolphin it correct name. The only time I call it Mahi, is when I am explaining to some one who has never heard or seen a dolphin, what the difference is. BTW I think these are beautiful fish right after you hook the up and get them to the boat. Sometimes when the jump in the air. you can actually see them change colors.

My original nickname was Mr. Saltwater, But I slowed down on the saltwater fishing so I changed it to Big T. The guys I work with call me that, even though I am only 5'10".

I not sure what part of NC you live in, but here in Wilmington the weather is wacky, it can be 60-70 one day and freezing the next. I try to use my boat all winter because I mainly bass fish on a lake that is cooling pond for a power plant and the water stays fairly warm later. I will say this however, a couple of years ago I did not winterize my boat and only used it a couple of times, it ruined my carb., as matter fact it never ran right again. I not sure if it was from that or the fact that is was a Nissan. I will not make that mistake again this year with my new Yamaha 4 stroke, come the end of December when the saltwater action comes to a close and it get intolerable at Sutton Lake my boat will get winterized. ;

Hey Fish Chris, you are right I should have said Mahi instead of dolphin(not Flipper). , I take it forgranted that everyone knows what the Dolphin fish is, too much time in the saltwater fishing scene. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention red drum. They are pretty tasty but I usually release those guys because the stock is so heavly fished.

Grilled Salmon, Dolphin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Fried Flounder and Fried Catfish.

I use to have one on my 16 ft. jon boat, which runs a 25hp motor. I liked the way it helped my boat plane off also I colud turn the boat a higher speed and theboat felt like it was skating across the water. I recently took it off but I think I might reinstall it. On a bigger boat you might wan to use the trim tabs that are attached to the bottom of the hull.

I have a 25hp Nissan and I have been very displeased with it. It is always having carb. problems, I intend on trying to upgrade to a four stroke Suzuki or a Yamaha. Suzuki is adding an extra three years to the original 3 year warranty right now.

Thanks Ben, I guess I need to clarify what I am running, my main motor is a 25hp Nissan and the trolling motor is a 40lb Minn Kota Riptide. By the way I aslo have on of those big yellow walley world batteries. Had to replace the main battery yesterday. I usually do not fish all day either, I usually never fishh more than four hours, unless I am saltwater fishing, then I tend to anchor up more.

I am getting a trolling motor for my jon boat and was wondering could I use a dual purpose motor to crank my engine and use with the trolling motor. Any impact would greatly be appreciated.

Excuse me for my last reply I was having computer user problems, I would think that a home equity loan would be the cheapest way to go as far as interest goes. However I think I migth be more inclined to buy a cheaper boat. Nitro has some pretty decent boats for around $15 to 20 grand. I would put down my $10,000 and finance the rest with a credit union for five years, I don't think I would like to use equity in my house for a boat.