Misty IV

While I fish the LOC, I also enjoy doing the smaller 1 and 2 day tournaments. Alot of what I do depends on the availability of my crew. We live 4.5 hours from the lake, so we have to pick and choose where our interests lie during the season. Never done any of the Pro/Am's. Would like to sometime in the future.

Another vote for the Islander! I had an 18' Starcraft center console before buying my Islander. Great boat with lots of room for people and gear, but as many have said, they are a WET riding boat when the lake gets snotty. That was one of my main reasons for upgrading. I wanted to be out there and not have to turn around and head in when the winds picked up and I was suddenly in waves as small as 2 footers. I've had the Islander since 2005 and have been out in some pretty nasty stuff, but never once felt unsafe or that we'd never make it back to shore. I think for your purpose, any aluminum cuddy would be fine. I use my cuddy to store all the gear. I've never used it to sleep in. Lockable door keeps everything secure when I am not around.

We ate the salmon we caught this year and it was the best tasting fish I've had in awhile. Nothing beats a freshly caught fish. Restaurant stuff can't compete!!

Thanks for all the input so far. I found a well-recognized and USCG approved online training course which would allow me to study the material from home with the availability to contact an instructor with questions, then when I am ready, go to a certified exam center to take the test. Because of my limited vacation time at work, I am thinking of doing the online thing, then traveling on the weekend to take the exam(s). Does anyone feel doing the online has any disadvantages over the classroom, other than not having the "hands-on" time with the instructors? I would love to sit in a class with a group of people after the same thing, but to need to use up a week's worth of vacation time could be an issue with me this year with the plans I have with the family. Thoughts?

I have been considering going after my OUPV license for some time now. My girlfriend is really pushing me to do it, as well. Of the captains here, how many of you have gone for your Master's Upgrade after receiving your Six Pack license? I'm trying to look ahead and determine if the Master's is something I should consider down the road, as well. Input, opinions, why to get it/not to get it, etc? Thanks!

In addition, I would strongly suggest getting a handheld VHF for use as a backup should your main fixed-mount VHF fail on you. Yes, they may not have the range of a fixed-mount unit, but I'd rather have something than nothing when you really need it.

I got mine last year at Cabela's. They were having a blow-out sale on them. [ Post made via Android ]

Merry Christmas everyone, and best wishes from my family to yours for a prosperous and healthy 2012. Is it time to put the boat in the water yet?

Another vote for the Islanders!

Are the bases swivel or non-swivel units? [ Post made via Android ]

Ironangler222, I used to launch out of the Bohemia River and fish around Turkey Point many, many years ago before moving my interests to Lake Ontario. How is the striper fishing in the fall? Still incredible, I hope. I second what LongLine said. When flatlining, copper sinks faster and further than mono does. We did a nice job this season on the copper. If you're going to be on Lake Ontario, I strongly suggest giving the copper a try, even if you do just one reel of it. The results are sure to amaze you!

US Captain's Training is the one I saw advertised in my magazine. Definitely alot of the classes available out there. Aside from the added weight qualification, what additional does the Masters 100 Ton give over the OUPV? Seems like the small added cost and additional classroom dates is worth it from what I have read so far. Depending on the qualifications you may not get the 100 ton masters. If most of your experience is on a smaller lake ontario boat then most likely you will get a 25 ton masters license. For the added 200 bucks and 2 days of class why wouldnt you upgrade to the masters. Also, double the cost of the class by the time its threw. By the time you pay for the cpr class, your doctors physical and eye exam, your masters upgrade, your drug test and twic card, etc and driving all over for class, test in a different spot, twic in buffalo and your doctors the 695 dollar class turns into 1500 quite quickly. Not trying to scare ya, but its better to no what to expect then to find out as you go Thanks for the additional information. Majority of my experience is on Lake Ontario with my Islander 221 and my old center console. I have had plenty of experience with my grandfather's 42' Pacemaker in years gone by, too, and have spent many years on the Chesapeake Bay. I run with a volunteer fire company and get my CPR recertified yearly and get a full physical annually. I have full documentation of all that. I reside in southeastern PA just west of Philadelphia, and it seems the closest class from any provider is in Rochester. I'm not scared to drive there for the class. Our lakehouse is in the Pulaski area, so would stay there for the week and drive to Rochester. Don't worry about scaring me - takes alot to do that. I'm just feeling the waters right now and getting a feel if this is something I should really consider given where my interests on the lake are. I have had friends say I should do it, with as much time I spend up north and on the water with friends. But, again, thanks for the replies so far & keep them coming!!

US Captain's Training is the one I saw advertised in my magazine. Definitely alot of the classes available out there. Aside from the added weight qualification, what additional does the Masters 100 Ton give over the OUPV? Seems like the small added cost and additional classroom dates is worth it from what I have read so far.

A-TOM-MIK flies produced ALL of our catches this season. Greens were the hottest with the Hammer Fly doing its share of damage, as well!

At Thanksgiving dinner with the family last night, dad & I got talking about the season on the lake this year and how things went. While talking, he asked if I had ever considered getting a Captain's license. While the thought has crossed my mind in the past, I never gave it much consideration until last night. I saw an ad in one of my fishing magazines for the OUPV course offered by a well-known school. They have a class coming to Rochester in March I was looking at online last night. Would give me an excuse to drive up to the lake for a week and stay at the house...LOL. For those captains on here, what/whose course did you take to get your license and would you recommend them or not? I'm open to any chat about this. I'm kinda at a point in my life where I may need to take another direction career-wise, as I can't go any higher up where I currently am. Just kinda feeling the waters right now and looking for input. Thanks!

Before I put the boat away, my bimini & canvas drop curtains need a good cleaning. What suggestions for a good cleaner does everyone have? I have tried the warm soap and water approach with some success, but some of the stains are being difficult and stubborn. Also, what about a waterproofing spray or coating for the canvas? I noticed a few times over the season during a rainfall, water was seeping through the sections of the canvas top seams. The top is only 2 years old, so nowhere near needing replacement yet. Any thoughts or ideas on either topic? Thanks!

I feel your pain with the large capacity fuel tank. I have always topped mine off and added StaBil to reduce the area condensation can form in the tank. Never had any issues come springtime. And, with the spring runs, that fuel gets burnt off in no time anyway!!

Awesome job and report!!! That white SD with green dots and A-TOM-MIK Hammer was on fire for us last weekend, too!!

I have ( Sealine-equipped rods and they have never skipped a beat. I still have my original (2) units I bought back in 1993 and they are still going strong. I use them for my downrigger rods. I have the 47LC and LCA's. I have (2) of the ADP57's for my 10-color and they have been awesome. For my 600' coppers, I have (2) Penn 345's. I add another vote for the Sealines, though. Can't go wrong with them!

Shame I left Junior's too soon. It'd have been great to meet you, Andy, and see your 34 pounder. Damn. We were pulling around to Woody's to replace the combo we lost and stock up on more of that Green Bikini flasher. That thing was on fire!! I probably won't be up until late this month or the first weekend in October again. Commitments every weekend this month. Shame none of them are fishing related. I hope to find that monster again or his grandfather before I pull the boat home for the winter. How often are you up at the lake? Would love to meet up and share stories sometime.