Tim Bromund

don't know what you were doing wrong with your cable. My coated cable lasts me 5+ years, same as a non coated cable. Tim

Actually, this will be a very pleasant SB for me. I don't have a strong like or dislike for either team, so I can just enjoy a good football game without caring who wins. Tim

Depth Raider

yeah, what mudflat said. I had old cannons years ago, that were pre autostop, but they were so dreadfully slow it didn't really matter. I upgraded to Scotty 1116's in 2003 and fell in love with them, upgraded to 2116's last year. Never, ever had a problem with the autostop beads. I also use 2 sets of autostop beads with the first set stopping the rigger with the probe/weight about 2' below the waterline, to mute out the sudden stop due to how unbelievably fast these riggers are, then a second set a couple feet up to get the release into reloading position. I've used the new Cannons on other people's boats and really didn't care for them that much. No big negatives, but I like my Scottys better in every conceivable measure of comparison. Tim

I ran my Depth Raider probe on one of my new 2116's last season without issue. Tim [ Post made via iPhone ]

I agree with Rich. The nets at Slippery Sinker are Cummings. I have one from there with a HUGE hoop and probably 10 feet of extending handle. Before that, I had a Ranger with a 12' handle and a 38x42" hoop until that was stolen. I also bought a Beckman Salmon Net last year and it was quickly relegated to 2nd net/backup duty as I like the Cummings net much more. In particular I dislike the smooth round handle on the Beckman that make it difficult to extend the handle in the heat of battle and keep the locking pin lined up. all the other major net companies use octagonal handles that always stay lined up when you extend. The hook free netting is the ONLY advantage of the Beckman IMO. Tim

The Olcott Pens are released in the harbor. The tie straps are cut right at dusk, when predator activity is at it's lowest. Olcott doesn't really have a walleye population, and cormorants and other predators are less active then. The netting falls away letting the fish leave at their own rate. For the most part, they have smolted while in the pens and pretty much all of them are gone the next morning. Tim

Thanks Rob.

Very well written article on this on Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/frankminite ... t-america/

same here, except I fill the reel most of the way with 17 lb mono and then splice in 120 feet or so of 30 lb Big Game to cover the distance between the rod tip and rigger release, then the small power swivel and leader. I don't like the idea of the limited lins capacity of going straight 30 lb on a standard size rigger reel. The way i do it, I have 300+ yds of 17 lb behind the 30 lb. This also works well in the spring when trolling sticks in tight for browns. The added water resistance of the 30 lb keeps the sticks from diving too deep and hanging bottom constantly, but the lighter fluoro leader still provides the needed stealth. I just put a 10 lb fluoro leader on in the spring and replace it with 20 lb fluoro once salmon season starts. Tim

I haven't tried it because I would feel lost without the cable hummmmm, but from what I've heard, welcome to fleaville in the summertime. I'd go with 150 lb steel rigger cable minimum, especially if you're running a probe and heave weight. Tim

I actually disagree with that regarding C&R on steelhead and survival, especially smaller steelhead. Large single/siwash hooks frequently end up deeply hooking small steelhead and more often than not, end up coming out through the eye socket, making it almost impossible to successfully release them. Tim

Guys, Blood Run is coming to the LOTSA Expo in February and will be able to answer any questions. They tell me that they will also have some pretty killer show specials on their products, so if you're looking to try some of their stuff and are coming to the show, you might want to hold off and get it there. Tim

this whole episode may effectively kill Reed Exhibitions. They also manage the NSSF SHOT Shows and NSSF is considering other options

Kings have loved a kelly green diver since the 80's. For steelies, my favorite diver is metallic purple. The guys that like all black divers do so, not because they work any better, but because they are trying to remove diver color from the equation. Tim

True MAtt but atleast we can put the boat in storage for a couple of months. Jakeybabey, Don't make the same mistake I did. When I purchased my boat, I did not have a survey done on it. It looked in great shape BUT, I ended up spening a TON of $$$$ to put stringers, a transom and new wood in the gunnels. Spend the $ and get a survey done. Yeah, what Brian said. My boats is now built better than when it left Thompson's Factory, but it cost a crapload to fix and I lost the entire 2003 fishing season while it was being rebuilt. Get a survey on anything you buy, It'll cost several hundred, but may save you many thousands. Tim

That would be a 230MR. For all intents and purposes, MR and Alpha are the same, I believe they renamed the drive Alpha 1 mid season in 86. I have the same Engine/Outdrive on my 1986 Thompson Tim

Update: The Holiday Inn came back with a better deal. Please see below: Attention Attendees to the February 23 & 24th Fishing Expo. LOTSA has secured 20 hotel rooms at the Holiday Inn located at 515 South Transit Rd, Lockport NY. Each room has 2 double beds at a base price of $70/night. This rate is good for Friday (2/22) and Saturday (2/23) The phone number for the Holiday Inn is 716-434-6151. The Hotel is just north of Lockport and approximately 10 - 12 minutes from the Expo. It is centrally located near a number of local and chain restaurants. The 20 rooms will be held until Monday, February 18th. At that time, any untaken rooms will no longer be eligible for this favorable rate. Please make your reservations early and definitely by the 18th, assuming there are still rooms remaining. When contacting the Holiday Inn let them know that you are a member of LOTSA ( Lake Ontario Trout & Salmon Association) and we have a contracted rate for $70/night ( not including taxes ect). If you have any problems ask to speak to the GM , Mr. David Echardt.