DaubsNU1

My wife loves Hawaii, and we have been to the big island, Maui, Kauai, and O'ahu. We always stay at AirBnB or VRBO's, and talk with locals a lot. Rent vehicle and drive all over, as much as we can. We like to explore. Great place to visit and vacation...I would not want to live there. Multitude of reasons... If you can get a native Hawaiian to talk openly about their situation, it is pretty eye opening. Lots of interesting history.

^^ Same! ^^ About a month ago I back-hooked a carp...it was 20+lbs for sure...lots of fight in him...he ended up throwing my lure. My set up was medium light spinning rod, 10lb PowerPro yellow braid, Alberto knot, to 8lb fluoro. Held strong.

I rig with tail down. Dunno why...just do it that way. Seems to work.

I have not sold a rod, ever. All my rods, save one, are Cabela's branded purchased between 1991 and 2001. One purchased around 2005 (my favorite spinning rod to date). Ten total in my arsenal. I like them very much, and have only broken a few tips. I resist the urge to get new rods (and reels), knowing that if I fish with new technology, I will surely be breaking the bank to replace and upgrade everything. I do surf eBay here and there, looking for old Cabela's rods.

This is a great thread, and I appreciate all the wisdom and experience. Likely no FF sonar in my future. From what I have read this type of technology would not help me on the two lakes I fish the most. I probably have less than $3k in my entire boat build. Extra funds are being saved to buy a new boat sometime in the next 5-7 years, before I retire. When I fished from the bank...all I wanted was to get on the water. When I got a belly-boat, all I wanted was to get out of the water. When I fished from a canoe, all I wanted was a boat where I could stand. When I got a boat I could stand in, all I wanted was a trolling motor. When I got a trolling motor, all I wanted was a foot-controlled trolling motor. When I got a foot-controlled trolling motor, all I wanted was a depth finder. When I got a depth finder, all I wanted was a better depth finder, with side scan.... Now I have a boat, with good trolling motor, and good electronics. I have enough.

Hey @MN Fisherpost a picture of your boat. I'd love to see what you created. My 1960 Rich Line with the 1974 Merc. I've owned it 23 years now...built decking two years ago. The Minn Kota 40lb All Terrain 12v is 20 years old, and does just fine. Garmin Echomap 7sv up front, and a small Garmin in the back. No live well, but I did put in running lights and a bilge pump. Have a separate battery for the electronics and a two bank charger.

Look around and do your research. You can find good used boats on marketplace and craigslist. Lots of boats in the $5k range...but think about, and budget for electronics before you buy. 1976 Ranger sounds like a lot of work. I would pass on that one. I'd stick with Aluminum boat. Old two stroke Mercs will run forever...mine is a 1974 20hp. Runs great. Find what fist your budget...and when you get that boat in your garage...immediately start saving for the next boat / upgrade. Because you know it will be coming!

Man, some good stuff here.... My #1 is a buzz-bait. Love fishing this at first light. #2 is a t-rigged worm. That tap, tap, tap...SET THE HOOK! #3 is a spinner-bait. Cast and go, cast and go, cast and go. At the bottom of the list is a Carolina rig. I've just never been able to consistently catch fish this way.

All but one of my rods are Cabela's branded, purchased between 1991 and 2005. The lone outlier is my heaviest rod. Berkeley Series One IM7, 7' Medium Heavy, 12-25lb, 3/8-1-1/2 oz. lures. I have not fished this rod much in the past two years. It's mainly used for big jigs, buzz baits, and Musky lures.

I put together a similar package to fish with my Dad and Brother in his boat....and keep in my car for bank-fishing, spur-of-the-moment trips. 6'6" Medium spinning rod spooled with 10lb braid, 8lb mono. Small tackle bag with the following: NEDs Senkos T-rigged plastics two spinner baits two square bills Drop shot two jig-n-trailers one rattle trap two chatter baits white power grubs and lead-heads extra 10lb and 8lb mono spools of fluoro Good set of long pliers to remove hooks digital fish scale bar soap to clean hands small towel scissors Couple of random crank baits, just to fill out space

Life long Omaha native...always great to see LSU in the CWS...their fans are some of the best! Congrats!!

Grew up in Omaha...lived here most of my life. Been to so many CWS games I lost count. If your team ever makes it to Omaha, you gotta go. It is a great time!

Yep, get yourself an old 14' aluminum boat. Mine was built in 1960...it does leak a little, but super stable. I'm still building / modifying to exactly suit my needs. 20hp Merc on the back, 40lb Minn Kota All Terrain on the front. Garmin 7SV up front and small Garmin on the back (not really needed, but what the heck). All my gear and tackle are in storage hatches. I didn't remove the original bench seats...just built frame around them. Light, maneuverable, stable....Love it!

One is 20+ years old (and needs cleaning / lubricate). Another is just a few years old. Probably need cleaned and lubricate as well.

Noticed a few of my spinning reels are getting sticky. When I pause the retrieve, then try to start again...they get stuck / do not want to move freely. Takes a little more effort to get them spinning again. I'm guessing pull them apart, clean, and re-lubricate. All are Shimano. Anyone else have this issue?

Roommate and I used to order a medium Domino's pizza back in 1987...delivered to our door it was $9.57. Loved it! Think about that price back then....adjusted for inflation that's $25+(!) Wife went gluten free a few years back for health reasons. There are some options out there for her...but our #1 go to is a cauliflower crust pizza from Aldi's...we jazz it up with Italian sausage, artichoke hearts, peppers, feta cheese, olives, and more cheese. Pizza itself is ~$7 each. Pretty darn good!!

I had a dime sized Carcinoma cut out of my head two years ago...and get the strip to skivvies, head to toe check every 6 months as well. I grew up right next to a public pool...we spend every waking moment there...never any sunscreen...burned to a crisp the firs week of summer...wore a white t-shirt for a few days...then we were good to go. Crazy times back in the day (I'm 56 this year). Check out Shelta hats, they have many styles and colors. The XXXL is one of the only hats I've found to fit my giant dome. Good coverage, the brim doesn't move, and they actually float.

I found Shelta hats that actually fit my size 8 head. Great blocking of the sun...but still getting glare off water. I would rather not wear sunscreen...will try a neck gaiter / buff.

I do not even try to backup. Constantly thinking ahead...plan stops at semi-tractor-trailer friendly fuel stations. When arrived at campground, dropped the boat...parked the camper...then went back for the boat.

5th wheel and boat come out to around 13,500 lbs. Got 10.5 MPG going north...and 9.5 MPG coming home, but in to a strong south wind. I'l take it! The Duramax pulls well. First time double pulling. Easier than it looks...just take your time, and give yourself plenty of time to stop.

I would rather not...but after having skin cancer dug out of my head, it's probably time for a buff / neck gaiter. What's your recommendation for good coverage and keep you cool? I'm not a small man...size 8 hat...

My Dad is still grilling on Ducane he purchased 20+ years ago...ran gas from house...can't wear that darn thing out. I'm on 3rd re-build of my Broil King. Still running strong.

Just back from trip to Frances Case in South Dakota...Our camper and my brother's boat. Great time! Caught some smallies, and a walleye. Wife's first time at Frances Case...and in this boat. She's not a fisherman...read her book, and enjoyed being on the water.

It was the first time I have used this marine mechanic...however, sister and brother have taken several boats his way, and good experiences. That is why I was thinking leaky / bad float....that is probably original to the engine. I may end up taking it back to him...not sure at this point. I really like figuring things out for myself. Especially if I can work on the Merc during the week...I would hate to have my boat sitting at the mechanic for a few weeks : ) I will keep you posted. Headed to South Dakota with my brother's Alaskan this weekend...should be a fun time chasing smallies and eyes.

Yep, purchased factory rebuild kit...and had my local Mercury mechanic install that kit this spring (along with new seals in lower unit).