SamonSez

Slow Rollin needs to change his handle to Hot-2-Trot!! "Slow" is a misnomer... When you find a resource like Bill, you kind of want to keep him all to yourself so when you need him he will be there. That said, he deserves public recognition and has earned my loyalty along with many other customers. His reviewers have said this many times before but I will say it again, simply wow! He bangs the work out and does it right the first time so his throughput is fantastic. Just like the other reviewers, Bill was quick, honest, has good communication, great knowledge, and good pricing. I have a new-to-me 1986 Merc 5.0 230hp original engine that has been lightly used. Based on the age of the engine alone, there are some good mechanics that won't even look at it because they don't want to be the bearer of bad news for an old engine. I get it, nobody wants to be that guy. But Bill took on the job without hesitation and I couldn't be happier! My mechanic from last fall told me this spring (after letting him know last fall that I would need service in 6 months), "I have no idea when I can get to it." Really?? I called BIll and had my boat to him the next day and he started working on it the following day. Total turn around time was 1 1/2 weeks, partly because parts needed to be ordered: * oil change and filter * impeller replaced * new exhaust bellows * lower unit service including vac test w/ hi quality synthetic gear oil * replaced both gaskets on drain & vent screws * new water seperator * prop evaluation/suggestions * ran engine for an extended period of time to make sure all is well * He couldn't justify replacing any more parts on it because everything else was good My tachometer said that WOT was only 2000RPM (should be 4500RPM) and I thought I needed a new prop due to the fact that the prop had previously been replaced. My concern was that I had the wrong prop pitch. He found out that the tach was reporting an incorrect reading and saved me $800 for a new prop. The impeller should have been replaced earlier by the previous owner and was pumping very little water. This caused much of the rubber to overheat and become brittle. He originally thought that the the "Y" pipe was shot and that the engine would need to be pulled to replace it. I gave him the ok to pull the engine for repair and gave him more or less "a blank check" to do whatever he thought needed to be done on the engine because I wanted to feel safe on Lake O. (I know, I know...normally very risky, right?) Bill found out that the problem was actually just the brittle rubber and not the Y pipe itself. Needless to say, he didn't pull the engine and didn't have to replace the pipe, even though he already had the go-ahead to do the work. Impressive to say the least! So she runs like a top now and I can't wait to get out on the water. Do yourself a favor and do not hestiate to contact Bill for all your boat needs. You will not be sorry! Thanks Bill! More customers coming your way...

I called Urbanski and they wouldn't give a quote for just boat insurance. They wanted all or nothing. Their loss. I went with my home/auto agency, Travelers. No complaints. First year for boat insurance due to a 2021 slip at Bald Eagle so I can't compare previous years.

Awesome video! Even though we understand the trolling guidelines, there is a lot of value seeing first hand from the fishes POV. Thanks much for the post! Sent from my SM-G975U using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Thanks Brian!

Thanks Ray!

Favorite formula (or two) of smelly jelly?

If you pick up, don't forget a dog treat for Archie! Sent from my SM-G975U using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Hey Rob, I know several years ago you were recommending the Bubba blade. Looks like you have upgraded. I am assuming I already know the answer but how well does the cutco salmon knife handle the big bones and when making the gill cut and turn to go down the backbone? I know it was designed for thin slicing and skinning but not sure how stiff/flexible the blade is. I have a cutco set, and am a fan, but do not have the salmon knife. Thanks, Tom T

Perfect. Thanks much for the follow-up and addtional information. I'll take (5) baker's dozen when ready. Thanks

What about using something like Fire Brine? Is that recommended to use with bait that has already brined? Sent from my SM-G975U using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Congratulations Chris! I know it is both sweet and sour. Sent from my SM-G975U using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Good catch, nookchasen. You are correct (as expected for a pro staff). The lack of a "center hole" on the tail combined with "round reflective scales" instead of the elongated reflector scales indicate Koyote. Good news, many think they are probably better than the sharks anyway.

I heard some bad things about the Panther 4 (not all bad, but enough) and was not willing to take the risk.The cheapest price I could find for the Powertran TAILFIN 8001 was $859.99 and for the iTroll it was $349.99. I paid the extra $90 for the Hunt mode upgrade on the iTroll. This software upgrade allows the iTroll to speed up and slow down in increments, incrments are user settable. You know how guys say they use "S" turns to slow down and speed up their inside and outside lures? This does the same thing automatically but in a straight line (no risk of tangled gear). it looks like the Powertran went up to $899: https://www.boatownersworld.com/powrtran-tailfin-kicker-steering-system.html

Nice looking rig. I am waiting for this virus thing to pass so I can pick up my '86 Sportcraft Fisherman 250 hardtop. Looks very similar to yours. I am a newb but based on the recommendations on LOU, I bought a Honda 9.9hp from Outboards Online, a Powertran Tailfin and iTroll from Boat Owners World. Not cheap but less expensive than some other choices and more robust than cheaper options. No install yet or time on the water so we will see. Good luck.

Thanks much, but truth be told...I caught this 24lber and about 12 more big salmon and 6 steelhead Aug 24, 2018 fishing on a charter with Legacy Rob. That day has changed my life. I have been a fisherman my whole life but never took advantage of one of the best fisheries in the nation right here in my "own backyard" (due to ignorance, not apathy). I will be picking up my Sportcraft 250 in 3 weeks from Rustyhook1971 after spending two years trying to turn an 18ft bowrider into a salmon fishing machine. Not so much. Since that day (actually two years prior) I have visited this site more or less on a daily basis in order to learn from a talented group of fishermen (and women). The 2020 Niagara salmon school was a big help along with the series by Dan Keating. Now it comes down to some serious sea time, putting it to use, taking notes, and the school of hard knocks. Tight lines to you this season!

Awesome job Doc and crew! Can you share your technique for us newbies? Thanks for the report!

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