Todd in NY

Les, I haven't seen a product description for the Big Jon triple or quad rod holders that say they are ok for dipsy rods. That doesn't mean they won't stand up to dipsy rod "abuse" but it does make you wonder. The Tite-Lok triple rod holders says it's ok for planer board rods, and that's the most "abuse" my triple Tite-Loks will see. I know the Big Jon holders are much better quality, and a lot more sturdy than Tite-Loks, so I'm not comparing the two. I'm simply stating that the Big Jon item description doesn't specify dipsy rod use or just planer board use like the Tite-Lok triple holder does.

While it was snowing today I installed the EZ Steer bracket on my main motor, then attached the rod to complete the kit. I also replaced the winch strap on the trailer today, because the other strap was tied in a knot at the bow hook. The old strap (note the knot) The new strap

It looks like April 24th could be our FIRST day to hit 60* this month. We've had MANY more days in the 30's this month than we've had in the 50's.

We've had snow every day this week so far, plus the ice storm this past weekend. I'm getting tired of waking up to new snow every morning. The night time lows from tonight thru Sunday night range from 24-29 degrees. More snow in the forecast today and tomorrow (Friday).

Absolutely! That's why I sold my I/O boat and bought my aluminum Sabre with an outboard. I can extend my fishing season by simply not being forced to winterize my outboard. A couple years ago my son and I were able to fish on December 25th in our 16ft boat. It was in the mid 40's, and we had the lake all to ourselves

I agree with you 100%, and I am not offended at all! Trust me, if I could afford the top of the line equipment I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I posted what I use, just in case other people out there can't afford the best of the best. One day I will own a better set of dipsy rod holders. But until then, I will make due with my single Tite-Loks. My triple Tite-Lok rod holders are strictly for rod and net storage.

I use single Tite-Lok rod holders for dipsy rods. Never failed me yet. I fish on a tight budget. I also have triple Tite-Lok rod holders, but I don't use them for dipsy rods.

I finally just realized that the marina who fine tuned my motor and fuel system last October & November also relocated my primer bulb. Ive been so busy rewiring the boat that I didn't notice the new primer bulb location. This is what it looks like now. I'm working with Hank to add a kicker line now. Thanks for the great discussion on this topic! And yes, this water separater is easy to access from inside the boat.

L&M replied right as I was typing my reply. I'm going to explore a few options before I make a decision.

Thanks for the feedback Hank!

I just bought my boat last November, and I've been wondering why the primer bulb is before the separater. I'm not a mechanic, and I wasn't going to try to fix anything during the winter. But, like fixing the electrical mess on my boat, I want everything done right, to include the fuel lines.

Thanks. I'll be shopping around too, now that my boat is rewired. I wonder if I can leave the primer bulb where it's at. It seems to run fine the way it is now, and it's been there longer than I can guess.

Thanks for asking this question! I've been too busy rewiring my boat to think about this yet, but I want the same setup so I can avoid using a portable kicker tank. Where are you getting your parts? I probably need a new F/W separater because I think mine only has one IN and one OUT. My F/W filter is new, so I just need the holder. I don't "need" the glass bowl because I change the filter every year.

My boat is set up with the fuel primer bulb before the F/W separater. If I understand correctly, I would need to remove the primer bulb and relocate it to the other side of the F/W separater. Then add a 2nd line with primer bulb for the kicker motor? This is how mine was setup when I bought it. My marina in Clayton put the primer bulb on the other (OUT) side of the new F/W sep and put on new fuel line.

Can you post a picture of your setup with the fuel lines and F/W separater? I have a 2 stroke kicker and main motor, and my fuel for the main is pre-mixed because the VRO was disabled & removed by a previous owner. I want to avoid using a portable gas tank for the kicker since my main fuel tank is pre-mixed for both motors. I already have a F/W separater.

I have the 959ci HD GPS combo and it's a great unit. If you already own a 997c, a thru hull ducer won't give you side imaging capabilities (not that you need it AND the 1199). You should be able to find a good deal on a 959 without DI or SI, and it will have a built-in GPS antenna like your 1199. I've never installed or used a thru hull ducer, so I can't help you with that. I'm sure there are plenty of members on LOU that can help you with a thru hull setup. On a side note, the 959 XD combo comes with a 50/200 ducer for deep water trolling. I run a Lowrance HDS8 with a 50/200 ducer along with my 959 with the 83/200 ducer. I like being able to troll with all three ducer frequencies running at the same time. I run the 959 on an 83/200 split screen and the HDS8 on a 50/GPS split screen.

Looking good! What model Humminbird did you get, 1159 or Helix 10?

That sucks! I love fresh apricots.

That's true. I usually get a bad feeling about spring if we have a warm January or February. It has snowed here too many time in early May, and it ruined our apple blossoms, hence no apples for those summers.

I agree. Winter weather is more bearable during winter months.

Absolutely! 2018 has been a crazy weather year so far. I hope we start to see some "normal" weather the rest of the year so we can get some good fishing in.