IUP30

I haven't used the Aurora's but the composite Amish boards pull like a mule! I don't think you'd have much noticeable difference in pulling performance between the two. I reinforced my planer mast for fear they'd pull so hard to snap or bend the mast. Definitely get a set of board shockers with whatever brand you get to help with the strain in waves.

I've always just left mine at factory settings. The only thing that matters to me is down speed and temp and as others have said above, it's only a reference so you can repeat what you were doing. SOG or GPS speed is right on the fish finder so it's something to give reference to what you're seeing down below with currents and the fish hawk reading.

I have a Tohatsu 9.8 electric start with alternator and it charges my battery fine at trolling speeds. Running my fish finder, stereo and other electronics off this battery and when I get home and put in on the charger, the battery is usually 90% or better.

You could also tie in a 30 ft section of 25 or 30lb mono between your braid backer and the leadcore. This is where you could attach your inline board and still have the braid backer. 7 color I'd go with the 45 size reel.

check out or call Great Lakes Planers - they can probably steer you in the right direction or even make something for your boat specifically.

Agreed - look into a Troll Master. I put a TM Pro 2 on my 9.8 Tohatsu and the micro-adjustments let you dial in the throttle to the exact speeds you want and will keep it there. A little more investment other than just the motor but if you troll the majority if the time with the kicker, it's great to have.

Crossbows are legal in PA during regular archery season and I was one of those who was initially against it. However after a few years, my opinion has drastically changed on the matter. I too went through a shoulder surgery right before archery season and has basically written the season off... until I started getting all those updates from friends in the woods daily and the rut heating up. My boss had a crossbow he said I could use and I initially declined before the season, until those texts and updates drove me over the edge and I needed to get back out and hunt. Luckily I was still able to cock the x-bow with the ropes without hurting my shoulder and with very little practice was out again hunting. Two or three hunts later I filled my buck tag with it. Now had they not been legal in PA I would not have been able to get out and enjoy that time in the woods that we all cherish. I did feel as if I was "cheating" a little bit not having to draw and hold for a shot. But they are easy to learn and be proficient with... extremely accurate and fast. But as others mentioned above, they are not "better" than compounds - just different. You still need to put the bolt in the right spot on the deer to be successful, in under 40 yards. I think that's where a lot of folks still have issues in PA and other states with them. Some guys think because there's a scope that they can aim where they aim during rifle season and wind up wounding an animal. With proper education for the hunter I have nothing wrong or against their use. Hope it passes in NY for you guys.

Paul is right on. I hadn't fished Lake O in a few years and a few friends and I fished with him on Sunday for a charter trip. I definitely picked up a few things first hand that I wouldn't see just reading info and comments from others. I'd take him up on his advice and book a trip with him... you'll be on fish, have a great time and LEARN a lot if you watch and ask questions. Seeing first hand what's working and how to run the program will give you more confidence when you go and do it yourself. Paul - all of us on the trip had a blast fishing with you and we'll definitely do it again!

There's a newer 4 stroke Yamaha 6hp in the classified section right now that might work for you....

If you have the mast already you can make your own set of wood boards fairly easily and cheap. Plenty of plans on the internet, just gotta do a quick search. I believe cedar is what we used building ours around 10 years ago and they still work fine.

Thanks for all the replies guys! Definitely lots of ways to do it and I'm anxious to get out there soon! Sent from my SCH-I545 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Just wondering how everyone starts off with their programs in the morning and determining whether to run more sticks vs spoons in the spring for browns. Do you run one side of the spread with sticks and other side spoons and let the fish tell you? Or do you mix it up with some spoons and sticks on the same side? Or start with sticks on the boards and just run spoons off the riggers? Sent from my SCH-I545 using Lake Ontario United mobile app

Thanks guys - I measured the other motor last night and it was a 15" shaft. I'm definitely leaning towards the 20" now though...

Hey guys, I have a 1990 Lund Tyee 1850 and I'm going to be putting a new kicker motor on it after I had been using a motor we take on and off for duck hunting. I'm looking to purchase a new motor and it will likely be a Tohatsu 9.8 electric start but I have a question on the shaft length and maybe you'll steer me in the right direction. From what I can recall on the older kicker, I think it's a 15" shaft (going over to measure it tonight after work to confirm) and it seemed to push the boat fine for the trolling we do with it. I measured my transom and it's 20" at the centerline to bottom of hull for the big motor and where the kicker will be mounted it was 15". I've been doing a lot of reading and found both opinions that the 15" or the 20" will work here for my boat but I'm undecided as to what to order. I'm torn with what size to go with. On one hand I think I like the 15" due to I think that's what was on there and it performed fine. On the other hand, I've read the 20" will give me more control and power being further down in the water but I'm also worried about drag, especially when it's tilted up and running. As I can recall, the older kicker had just enough clearance when tilted to not drag. I'm looking for your opinions and specifically if anyone's ever had this same boat and put a kicker on. What performed better for you? There's really no big difference in price and that's not my concern - just want to get what will work best for my boat.