Dave Chilson has to do what is in the best interest of the derby to keep cheating out. If you don't like the rules, start your own derby and see how easy it is to make everyone happy and keep cheating to a minimum.
The Sealines are better than the Accudepths. I would spend the money and buy the BEST reel on the market - The Saltist reel. Super smooth drag, adjusts better than the Tekotas, and the 6.1 to 1 gear ratio is amazing on Lake O fish.
I have been using the 250lb power pro on my otter boats for year now and the only time it ever broke on me was when a blow boater ran over my board in 180 FOW off of Sandy!
There have been a couple small groups of fish in the river already. If this hurricane upwells the lake, they will be knocking on the door hard core. I would not be suprised if the Salmon gets a push of fish Sunday / Monday. Nothing major but a good push.
I'm still looking for a small aluminum boat in the 12 to 14' range for perch fishing. If you got one you want to part with let me know. I do need to be able to register it.