was wondering what's the most effective way of draining and cleaning my boat (motor, livewell, hull, bilge) to prevent zebra and Quagga mussels hiding there? Apparently that's a really common way they're transported...I know some states have mandatory inspections and blast everything with hot water

Here's a step-by-step guide:

https://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/invasive-species.html

On 3/17/2022 at 2:28 PM, GGeils said:

Apparently that's a really common way they're transported...I know some states have mandatory inspections and blast everything with hot water

Here in MN we aren't permitted to leave the access with any lake or river water in the watercraft.  Live well, bait well, bait buckets, bilges, etc must all be drained and the drain plug must be out before heading down the road.  There are inspectors/interns at public accesses to help remind people about this sometimes too.  I've heard of decontamination units at a few accesses, but I've never seen one.

 

The bigger issue right now are wake boats filling their ballasts while on the lake and then failing to drain all the water out of them.

37 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I've heard of decontamination units at a few accesses, but I've never seen one.

Spring Park launch on Minnetonka has had one for a few years.

I think I remember that the North Arm launch had one too.

 

Lake Independence at the Baker Park Reserve launch had one installed by 3-Rivers Park District back in 2015...don't know if it's still there.

37 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Spring Park launch on Minnetonka has had one for a few years.

I think I remember that the North Arm launch had one too.

You ever see one used or have them use it on your rig?

Just now, gimruis said:

You ever see one used or have them use it on your rig?

With the canoe, I just manually picked weeds off the TM and trailer - which is why I'm not entirely sure North Arm has one...never needed it.

Phelps Bay (my other canoe launch point) doesn't have one.

 

Last time I used the Spring Park launch was with the old runabout...about 2004 or so...well before they started installing these things.

Never been on Independence.

when i go wading and get out of the water and head to another lake i keep my waders on.

The heavy boot soles have deep cut patterns in them for great traction.

When i finally take them off for the day i have rocks and shells packed in the soles.

How many waders have been caught transferring mussels in their soles.

1 hour ago, throttleplate said:

when i go wading and get out of the water and head to another lake i keep my waders on.

You wear your waders in the truck? Lol. I have neoprene waders I use for duck hunting but there’s no freaking way I’m driving the truck in those things.

7 hours ago, gimruis said:

The bigger issue right now are wake boats filling their ballasts while on the lake and then failing to drain all the water out of them.

FYI, the proper way to disinfect a wake boat is a five gallon can of gasoline and a match.  

2 hours ago, gimruis said:

You wear your waders in the truck? Lol.

No, i wear them in my car, a honda civic 2 door

On 3/20/2022 at 4:08 PM, BigAngus752 said:

FYI, the proper way to disinfect a wake boat is a five gallon can of gasoline and a match.  

As an owner of a seawall and permanent dock; F those kids having fun.

 

https://images.app.goo.gl/oRntswmLuBWav1SR6