J.D.

I don't know about others, but I have a small selection of "Stud Baits" that I consider my starting lineup each trip out. It changes from trip to trip, but in most cases, it's the same dozen or so lures that get run first. As a small boat fisherman with storage space at a premium, I've been keeping my "go to " baits in smaller, easier to store containers. I love these boxes! ... the best storage idea I've seen in years. Super Slims and Bay Rats

Albright Knot. Use the heavier mono for the loop, the lighter fluorocarbon for the wraps. lubricate and snug up slowly. Never had one fail. http://www.animatedknots.com/albright/index.php?Categ=fishing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.png&Website=www.animatedknots.com#ScrollPoint

Luke, I run Slide Divers on my wire rods most of the year. and keep a 30lb. mono leader ahead of the wire. 15 to 20ft. works for me. No snubber as the mono absorbs the shock. You are correct with the storage aspect, mono wrapped over the wire keeps it on the reel nicely.

I used Decrite MariDeck 25Mil vinyl, the color I used is called "kingfisher" I purchased from Great Lakes Skipper. I used their e-bay store.

Thanks for all the compliments. Two important things about this project: GET SAMPLES! not all the "non skid marine vinyl" out there is non skid. I used the stuff Cabelas sells for another project, and is slippery when wet compared to the stuff I put down. I used Decrite MariDeck 25Mil vinyl, the color I used is call "kingfisher" 81/2' x 10' delivered was $136.00 There are many products and vendors out there, so get the free samples and decide for yourself. Marine vinyl flooring has a "grain" much like carpet. If you install the pieces every which way, you will see it in the finished product. I marked each piece I cut with an arrow on the back pointing to the bow so they would lay facing the same way. Indoor / outdoor carpet glue from the home center has always worked for me. Running the vinyl across the floor and up the sidewall in one piece was a challenge, but worth the effort. Cut oversize and trim as you go. Slow and steady works best .

My Old Boat Having a bit of time to myself today in this cold weather, I thought I would share the latest project on my old boat. 1996 Starcraft 17 footer. 20 year old nasty, smelly, worn out carpet. Time to rip it out ! Pulled the center floor section out completely to get a look at the fuel tank and under floor structure. Starting to lay in the new heavy non skid vinyl from Great lakes Skipper. The only seam is under the front seat pedestal bases. The center section was wrapped separately and Installed. No seams on the sidewalls, one piece up to the rod lockers. Very happy with the finished product.

I order online... every size and color made. Excellent customer service. They called me 10 minutes after placing an online order to tell me one color was out of stock, then promised to set a few aside and email me when back in stock... they did, and I bought them. Nice guys.. http://www.outdoorproshop.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=apex

16' 8" Starcraft here. Next spring starts my 21st. season on the big lake with this rig. Fishing waves less than 3 ft. no problem. Pick your days and don't skimp on the safety equipment. I spend most of my time out there alone, and will turn 60 in a few weeks. 2 batteries, 2 bilge pumps, 2 vhf radios ( 1 hand held, 1 fixed ) extra flares, and I always wear an auto inflate life jacket. ... Plenty of fish to be had in a small rig.

Even if they keep the channel open, the area around the docks and ramp are very shallow. I struggle getting my 17ft. tin boat on and off the trailer by mid October. Bigger boats will be sitting in the mud by early fall. Remember fall 2012 ?? here's the ramp at low water My wife and I walked across the bay out to the channel markers. Lake O on the left, B'Bay on the right. This is the sand bar that now has the break wall on top of it. Everything in the picture was under water earlier in the year.

DEEP' N LONG

I also have been using their tracks for a few years now and love them. Instead of mounting one long track, I mounted a 3 foot section at the stern, then left a 10 inch space, and added 2 more feet forward of that. This allows me to load rod holders not only from the track ends, but also from the space in the center between the tracks. Note the space between the tracks, lower left corner of picture.

My nephew's first major king, early August out of Braddocks Bay... 21 lbs. We had friends over for the Super Bowl, and had a feast of Yellow Perch..... now he wants to try his hand at perch fishing. I took him with me this fall..... the smile on his face was all the thanks I needed. ...We have a bag in the freezer for this year's Super Bowl party..

I have used 7 1/2 foot musky flipping rods for wire slide divers and Chinook divers for years, they will work fine