justtracytrolling

If you look at the website setup to explain essential business it clearly states that any business with only 1 occupant/employee is exempt. Assuming the business isn't specifically listed as must close. Not to mention any vehicle for hire is considered essential. I still don't see running charters as viable even if legal.

I figure there is little chance I'll be doing many charters...it won't be a workforce issue for me as it's just me...I can keep 6 feet of distance and most of my groups are families that live under the same roof so there is no gathering...im pretty sure there is no issue with getting away with it legally...hell many of my trips are at night and nobody is ever gonna know...the problem is to do enough business to really make any money the captain is gonna get sick...and then you are out of business. Hopefully things improve from our efforts now...

1 major difference between how we handle the virus here in the US vs how countries like South Korea and China that have both successfully contained the virus is masks. Both of those countries basically mandate using masks...here we lie and tell everyone they aren't useful so we don't run out as we don't have the back stock of masks. I think for my trips the only way I can see to minimize my risk is gloves and masks. I'm hoping masks and gloves become available...my first trips aren't until May for walleye, though I may try and do some crappie trips before walleye.

We just need to take a breath and stay home for a couple weeks and see if we can, as a society, flatten the curve.

I personally think we should all just stay home a couple weeks and just see what happens. We are definitely going to our summer place before walleye season opens. If i have to be out of work I'm going to do it there where I can fish everyday even if I can't guide. I figure the more careful I am today the better my chances of fishing in May are... either way I'm moving to the lake in a month!

Enjoy it while you can...I can remember when my son would drag me out when I knew it wasn't "time"...now he has his own responsibilities and it isn't as much as I'd like, but don't worry he will always know more if you ask him! Lol

The unprepared are in for a brutal lesson in economics....

Our country definitely needs something to rally around to unify us....I just wish it wasn't this...

I've given up making any money...I just wanna go fishing at this point!

This question is a common one I get from my customers. My answer pertains to warm water fishing as there are countless people with more expertise than I have when it comes to trout and salmon. For casted lures I tie everything. I basically have 3 reasons for this. Lures don't foul during the cast or when working aggressively and/or twitching nearly as often. Second is action. When using stickbaits the lure won't suspend the same or rise the same and the way a jerkbaits darts and peels left and right is different with a snap or swivel. Topwater baits definitely don't work the same most notably walk the dog baits. Lastly when casting we tend to fish structure that is hard on the last bit of line. Tying every lure insures you cut off a little everytime and keeps the last couple inches of line fresh from wear. When trolling I run mainline to a barrel to a flourocarbon leader to a snap. There is no casting, pausing etc so the snap actually adds some action in most cases and definitely with little walleye spoons. Honestly, if you want to buy the right gear the first time and not waste precious time learning the hard way. I would think about what fishing you plan to do most and where, then find a captain or guide on that body of water. Explain your goals to him or her and learn first hand from a professional. You have an infinite number of choices on every little detail and it's overwhelming and expensive to figure out yourself, not that it can't be done on your own, and this site will definitely help immensely. Most of us end up taking charters occasionally eventually so do yourself a favor and start with one.

Organization during storage and convenience are everyone's main concern, but I still prioritize having baits hang dry without touching to avoid hook corrosion and rust. Spoons aren't the biggest part of my gear, but when it comes to hardbaits that cost 10-15 dollars and musky baits that are commonly over that, I trust the special mate boxes. I do think I'd like to try the above spoon pads for my commonly used and changed lures and spoons...thanks for the link!

For those of us that are self employed this virus really is gonna cost us serious money. Looking like lean times for a bit, thankfully we don't live week to week!

I use all the sizes of special mate boxes to hold everything from walleye spoons to musky lures. When I bought the first one I bought it for organizing tackle, but over the years I've found that the best reason to use them is to keep hooks from rusting and to keep lures in perfect condition. The boxes have weep holes and your lures hang dry. The only negative thing i have seen is you don't wanna tip the boxes over when the box is open and ALWAYS shut and latch when not actively looking for a lure. The boxes stack well for storing as well. I've had numerous customers buy these boxes from their phone while fishing after seeing them... good product IMO!

I was hoping to get some walleye rigs from you at the show, but mission accomplished on your site! Easy to order and the promo code worked great! I'll do my best to get you some pictures if the elusive finger lakes walleye cooperate. Justin