DaubsNU1

I have a long history with Cabela's, having grown up in Nebraska, it was THE place for hunting and fishing gear. My lottery-pick, just-give-me-any-roommate in college the fall of 1987 turned out be my very best friend in the world. He just happened to work for Cabela's in Sidney Nebraska, when there was only one store. He worked the phones at that time...and gradually worked his way up the corporate ladder...product specialist, ran the bargain cave, sidewalk sale, helped design and roll out their web site, was a buyer traveling the world. His wife worked for Cabela's as well, eventually becoming a vice-president. I got to know quite a few Cabela's employees through the years, and actually met Dick Cabela once. Nice fellow. Cabela's positioned themselves to focus on all types of hunting and the "northern" fishing market. When they started building brick-and-mortar stores, they wanted them located in midwest to northern states, on prime routes to Canada. They did stock some bass stuff, but largely let BP do their thing in southern states. When Cabela's went public things started to change, bringing in outsiders to help diversify, grow the brand, increase profit margins. In my humble opinion, that was the beginning of the end. Quality, customer service, and innovation gave way to profits and market share as they tried to compete with BP. My buddy and his wife no longer work for Cabela's, and last spring they finally moved away from Sidney, Nebraska. They have fond memories, developed great friendships, and learned a lot about life and business during their many years working for Cabela's. We have a Cabela's and BP in the Omaha metro area. They carry many of the same products. I do shop at both. I spend more time at Scheels and order often from Tackle Warehouse, mainly because I'm looking for a specific lure, color, brand, etc., that BP/Cabela's doesn't carry. For clothing and equipment, I prefer Kuiu and Sitka...but I still have a TON of Cabela's branded clothing and gear. I simply cannot wear it out...great, quality stuff that has lasted many, many years(!) Actually spent last weekend waterfowl hunting with my buddy...we had many laughs, some somber moments, ate like kings, and shot a few ducks. Great times!

I started on the bank, then in a belly-boat, then fished with a buddy in a canoe for a few years. Fished the boat on the left for 20+ years, then last year upgraded. Every "step-up" in my fishing vessels did a few things: Less stress and uncertainty about where I was fishing, could I get back to the ramp, how is the weather / wind going to impact my fishing... More access to fishing spots and larger lakes More storage More time fishing, less time positioning / anchoring the boat More comfort and convenience Added safety More time on the water Keep thinking, planning, exploring options @Koz! You will find the path that is right for you!

The original plan was to keep the boat in the house garage, to free up space in the shop to work on the old truck project. Last winter was pretty mild, figured I could get some good working days in. But temps quickly dipped in to the 20's, and I got sick of climbing in a cold car when headed to work. So I moved Marge down to the shop, pulled the Humminbirds & batteries, and got three Noco 1 charger/maintainers. I will change outboard oil/filter, lower unit lubricant, and repack trailer bearings come spring.

Yep, I went swimming a couple of summer's ago when the auto-deploy on Ulterra got hung up. Thankfully it was late June, and water temps were in the mid 70's. But still... When there are other boaters around, I use auto-deploy and spot lock to minimize my time blocking the ramp. When there is no one else around, it's the tried-and-true rope method.

@A-Jay & @MN Fisher, yep, 100% agree...wife is smartest move I ever made. Okay, to be honest, divorcing Mrs. Daubs #1 was a super smart move, considering all the facts involved...and marrying Mrs. Daubs #2 is still tops on my list.

Always. Sometimes a simple twister tail. Sometimes a split tail. But always something.

I remember breaking three tips on rods: Daiwa spinning rod that landed my PB in Missouri back in the 1990's. Broke tip off...don't remember how or where...got a new tip glued on. Rod was never the same...it was a great Slug-Go rod until that break. Cabela's 7' medium light spinning rod. Broke tip and glued on a new one in the early 2000's. That rod remains one of my favorite spinning rods to this day. It was pretty wispy prior to break...now it's just about perfect. Cabela's 6'6" medium spinning rod. This two piece rod was my "car rod," until breaking six inches off the top. It's done. I've never had a rod blow up on me from a "magnum opus hook-set"....although I keep trying : ) Watched a friend fighting a snag...grabbed his rod about two feet from the tip and started to pull....he snapped that rod before I could get the words out of my mouth. Ugh.

Brother and I are always looking for ways to do things easier, tips, tricks, etc. Know I have hit on something when Brother sends me this... Been thinking about ways to load the B&H companion 5th wheel hitch and generator in to the back of my truck. I'm 57 and can still muscle them in there...but those days are numbered. I do have an engine hoist, but it's down in the shop, and cannot take it with me. Stumbled across this today. Genius Gump! What's are some of your "Genius Gump" moments? ((Note: the first time I witnessed my Brother's Minn Kota Ulterra....yep, Genius-Gump moment for sure!))

Last night, watched Nebraska dominate Iowa for most of the game. Just a few plays turned victory in to defeat...and yet again, a last second field goal spells doom. Ugh. If you would have told me Nebraska makes a bowl, beats Colorado and Wisconsin...I would have taken that. So I need to shut my yapper and stop complaining. Now I'm just rooting for chaos. What I really want see is southern / SEC teams travel north for playoff games ; )

Moved to house on a few acres in 2018....and it had 40x30 building. I've been slowly and steadily making improvements through the years...walls, loft, power, lights, workbench...etc. Took this... In to this... Wife has done amazing things in the house, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, basement...she's pretty amazing!

Last year the goals were to learn my boat, TM and electronics, fish off-shore, catch a 5lb LMB, catch 40" Pike in Canada, and most of all, get my 83 year old Dad on the water as much as possible. He landed a sweet 22" Eye early last spring. Thankful to have hit all the goals for 2024. Goals for 2025: Get Dad to Frances Case in South Dakota for some SMB's and Eyes 6lb LMB 5lb SMB Master Angler Crappie (>15") Catch five Musky (I don't care how big they are...) Fish Devil's lake ND Techniques to focus on -- crankbaits off shore, swim-jigs, swim-baits, jerk-baits

I use the Nikwax products as well, @A-Jay. Most rainwear has a DWR (durable water repellent) coating. Keeps water from soaking in to the fabric. DWR needs to be re-applied occasionally. My old Gore-Tex has held up okay. Some seams leak, and could use more DWR. I don't fish much in the rain, but I do like Gore-Tex to cut the wind. When it does rain, I have a cheap pair of Frog Togs I throw on over the Gore-Tex...manages to keep me pretty dry.

Buddy @ work grew up about an hour away from State College, PA. He's so very ticked they cannot beat Ohio State...but come on man, 10 win season, and playoff bound.

Funny thing...Indiana absolutely hammered Nebraska. A week later Nebraska was leading the Buckeyes in the 4th quarter. And then Ohio State throttles Indiana. Penn state survives vs. the Gophers. College football is getting to look a lot like the NFL....anything can happen.