dont beat yourself up, somedays no matter how hard you fish, it might only produce a couple of fish. when fish are spooky or inactive (in the shallows) i typically lower my speed, lengthen my leads, widen my spread, and downsize my baits.
thanks again for the ride yankee (the right place at the right time). thats what spring fishing is all about, kings off the boards in april. to think we argued about who was gonna reel the brown in.
the boat looks nice but you realize that your never really "done" with a boat. just when you think you are, you think of new things to do. thats why they say "if you dont like money than buy a boat"
if you havent already, its time to start working on the boat. i would imagine alot of boats that are docked for the year will be going in starting this weekend.
i would definetely look into an upgrade on your alternator. 2-3 batteries should be plenty as long as they are getting charged. mine was upgraded and works great trolling UNDER 1000 rpm.
i use to flatline blue foxes and panther martins off my bass boat this time of year. it seemed to work great on a slow bite and/or clear water.
i also fish a lake in a PA state park that is stock with "bows" and is full of browns and brookies. my preferred setup there is a 3 rod spread trolling spinnerflies w/ 1 or 2 splitshot behind a canoe. (the native method is a meal worm under a bobber at night)
pulled mine out of storage yesterday and put her in the driveway. need a few warm days to wash and wax her (along with the million other things). finally the weather seems to be improving, so its time.
tell us how you really feel scott. it seems to be a real touchy subject w/ you. i sense alot of hostility in you. i dont know if its over the bridge or about people that have a taste for a little ice cream and expensive dogs.
i dont know what you think jerry, but i think its funny
i use 2 napa dual purpose batteries. they are designed to have both cranking amps and deep cycle characteristics. i have one wired for starting and the other to run the riggers and the electronics. typically i get about 3 years out of them and i believe that they have a 2 year full replacement warranty
this book shows the dive curve of dipseys (and other things too) and will put you in the desired depth your looking for
http://www.lakemichiganangler.com/store/Precision_Trolling_Big_Water_Edition_Book.htm
fly leader length- i typically run mine 18-24"
i noticed the lack of action too, scott. i would love to know what the leader lengths are. alot more lookers than takers too so it makes you wonder whats really going on behind the boat?