Gator

bump. classified section is going NUTS...

Apparently, you can't order the replacement battery pack that holds eight AA batteries online. Awesome. I have corrosion on one of the terminals, and I think that it's playing havoc with my camera. Either that or the unit just crapped the bed for good. Anyway, last ditch effort - anybody have a battery pack from an inoperable camera they want to sell? Thx.

So, my understanding of Plan 2014 is that it incorporates both high and low water levels throughout a decade long progression, in order to mimic the natural fluctuations you'd see in a pristine environment. I'm not saying that's right or wrong, just that IMHO the low water levels this year aren't completely unexpected. I mean, there's not a reasonable person who would look at how low the lake was this winter and think that Mother Nature could possibly provide enough water to raise the levels to what they were during our record high years - remember, both of those years started high, and there was record input. This year, we started low. Even record input would have only brought us to average. My take home is that this was planned to be one of the low years, and that the lack of precipitation exacerbated the planned low, leading to the current situation. Yes, you can't predict influx, but this is not a completely random outcome that depended on Mother Nature's input. It's a situation that was created by intent, and the pendulum swung too far.

IMHO, any information is good information. Since captains are on the water more than most of us, they tend to have a good feel for what's going on. And I appreciate that time is money, so I don't mind a link rather than a full screen of pictures and a report (which I don't mind either). I get Les's perspective, the personal touch is nice, but up-to-date intel is paramount, even if it amounts to a weather report and hero pics. A guy can't give away all of his secrets lol...

How many sheds did you find?

Part of the simplicity for me is the lack of a trailer. I simply don't want to deal with googans at the ramp. My kayak fits in the bed of my truck, without even needing an extender. Two ratchet cords to hold it in place and I'm on my merry way, in less than two minutes from hitting shore. No ramp? No problem. And if I want to leave from work, I just sling the boat on top of my truck - it's almost as easy. Of course, my yak only weighs 50 odd pounds plus gear. I can one hand it from truck to water most days. Okay, thinking about how much I love my boat gave me the itch. I'm headed out for an evening paddle.

I guess it's good to see those small alewive, given the lack of data from trawling last spring. I'm holding my breath on the bait though. It's going to be an interesting picture that emerges this year out on the water.

I don't know, as soon as we have 2 1/2 feet to make it from the dock to the lake, we will splash down. I'd bet that it will be going full steam by June, and earlier around ports with a good deep water launch. Didn't GW Bush, among his many other famous tropisms, say something about not counting your broken eggs before they hatch lol?

Guys, I think there's some sarcasm being thrown around here to illustrate the irony of the situation. Don't get the knickers in a bundle - I doubt anyone from the IJC actually reads our posts lol. The low water does suck though. My kayak will see more use this year, if that's even possible.

well then I guess that answers whether there's a curb at the bottom of the concrete to keep you from backing in too far...or somebody ignored it...glad the town was able to help him out.

Nice rigs! Every time I start to think about upgrading to a pedal drive or a larger boat, I remind myself why I love my kayak: it takes five seconds to load it into the back of the truck, and I can carry it in one hand just about anywhere. I agree that it can be a PITA in other ways...big fish in the weeds, yep, been there...but with a Lund in the driveway and Nothing but Net docked at Tommy's, what I'm really looing for is the ease of use and the laid back experience. And yet I can't help thinking how nice it would be to upgrade...

What kind of boat does everyone paddle? My wife and I had our kayaks out last night for the first time this year, and mine is a Wilderness Systems Pungo. Big open cockpit, stable, tracks well...but not a "fishing" kayak. I do okay from it though lol. I'm always looking for a better mousetrap, though.