Benelli,

I have an old 1987 strikemaster MagIII I’ll sell ya for $100! You’ve even used it once or twice so you know it works! Might even accept beer as partial payment…

Buddy of mine(who shall remain nameless) always buys the best gear/outerwear….etc. When I bought my first strikemaster in 1987, he couldn’t wait to give it a try and show off a little. He fired it up, bore-down hard, drilled a perfect hole and then looked at the front of his brand new ice suit. He learned a valuable lesson that day…always make sure the hot muffler faces away from you! Hole was about the size of a softball and I still have the remnants melted and stuck on the ol’ muffler to this day! Brings a smile to my face even now…

I agree James,

Take your chances, right? I say the same to all my buddies when this question comes up. I run ALL my small stuff (weed whacker-auger-toro snowblower-chainsaw) everything on Sabre 70:1. Havent had one problem, however, if they feel sqeamish, run them with a bit more oil…it’s their unit. I love not having 3-4 tanks of different gas!!!

Tuna

I have had a strikemaster auger for over 15 years. Ran it just like the mixture recommends for most of it. Changed over to the Amzoil Sabre as previously mentioned at 80:1 and would not switch back. Auger runs better than ever and I also run my weed wacker and Toro snowblower off the same gas. So no wasted gas at the end of icefishing season because I use this mixture year round in all my 2-cycle stuff. Burns soooo much cleaner and much easier starts. IMHO

Tuna

I agree, there are other lakes nearby that hold better fish. Caught several in the mid 40’s and have seen (follows) several more that were HUGE. Big shallow cranks trolled along breaks and weedlines adjacent to deep water are very productive most of the time and pulling big spinner rigs with big suckers too…but don’t tell anyone!

Tuna

I’ve got some classic ones… I’ll pop a few over to him!

Tuna

Hey King,

I killed’em on the Croix last year using bouncers/crawlers. Mornings were the best most days but on windy days between Hudson and Afton, in the open, I’d keep catching them right through the middle of the day. This was actually my go to system during the “dog days” of mid summer. Caught some monster crappies out here this way as well!! Shhhhh…

Tuna

Priceless!!

I agree whole-heartedly!!! We as a society need to just stop and take a deep breath. Feel better now…don’t ya! Anyway, I still remember Ted Danson parading his mug all over the airwaves telling everyone that the “New Iceage” was coming in the 70’s! Where the heck is he now! I also remember, not that many years ago, pictures of boats sitting high-and-dry on Lake Minnetonka because of the 100 year drought! The water levels were so low that it “was going to take 20 years to get them back to average levels” (according to the experts) only to see “No Wake Signs” rear their ugly heads the very next spring. one thing I’ve learned in my years on this earth is “Mother Nature has a way of taking care of herself”. Nuff Said!

Tuna

P.S. I’m still chuckling about the Mastadon Fart thing!

Steve,

Thanks for ALL your efforts. I have posted several times on this issue here and find it really appauling that the DNR will find a way to spend this kind of money on a hope-and-a-prayer when the current launches are in need of attention and when other more suitable sites are around. I don’t get up to the lake as much as I’d like but it really peev’s me to see my tax dollars going toward something like this and watch our DNR officials act as if they are oblivious to the oppositions of people like yourself who (obviously) know a bit more about the needs and requirements for the lake. I sure wish they(TV) keep an eye on this one…

Tuna

Either place is great! I have gotten more from shakopee and the inventory is unbelievable!

Tuna

Everyone jumps…we love to share our opinions/expertice and hope everyone has better days on the water because of it! Welcome Mr. Pike! Welcome!

Tuna

I really like to pull spinners on bottom-bouncer rigs in the river. Last year I had some of my best days in the middle of the day..and nobody around. I start usually end of May on throughout the summer. I had some of my best outings during the “dog days” when everyone else was saying how tough it was. I also read in their posts they were sticking with traditional jig-n-minnow like stuff. Sometimes you need to branch out and learn new tactics. One thing about the river is if it’s workin’ one day…it may not the next! I have learned so much by reading posts here on this site. I have been fishing the river for years but only the last few have I really begun to figure a few things out. 5′-6′ floro for snells is a must and interchangable clevises (blade changes are so important).

Tuna

You’re right! I’m on both sites all the time and better walk softly… I know a lot of guys that post both and I think we should just ALL get along.

Tuna

I think they need more $$ to fund more insane projects like the obvious fiasco going on at Mille Lacs right now! I have no problem helping to keep our resources healthy and available but I draw the line at senseless waste!

Definately use floro for ALL leaders! I have found it an absolute necessity for clear water. I understand your issues with the pike but would not go any heavier than 8lb…I like 6lb myself (even 4 sometimes if they’re finicky). Main line preferences can vary. I prefer Power Pro 10/2, as I can keep things more verticle with the thinner diameter. You have to be a little more careful on the hookset, obviously, but I like the sensitivity it provides me. If you are using mono, then make sure you have a GOOD quality rod. Feel is everything to me when walleye fishing and I’ll spend a few more bucks to get it. I like medium or medium-light rods both must have a fast tip.

Tuna

An understanding wife…

Tuna

I say “yep” on the 2 lines! I agree with so many of the comments here…2 lines don’t make bad fisherman better… everyone doesn’t always keep a limit… trolling is more efficient with 2 lines… pay for an “extra rod” stamp… why is it OK in winter but not in summer… git-r-done I say! I fish the river most of the year anyway and find (unless I’m trolling) 2 lines are a hassle most times. I agree that our neighbors to the east have it and their fishery is stronger than ever…it’s nothing but nonsense to keep putting it off!

Tuna

One thing to add, as far as lakes in the spring, is that “sun” can make a huge difference! I’ve found over the years that if the sun is shinning the fish are biting! I have been slammin’ the craps one minute, a cloud covers-up the sun, nothing… Cloud moves, sun out, fish start biting again. I have had real good success the last couple of springs with small 2′ “power minnows” as well. Keep’em moving under a float…

Tuna

Hey King,

Personally thank your son for me as well. I really want him to know how appreciative many of us here in the states are. It’s not an easy thing to know your kid’s in harms way but it also must make you proud as hell! Prayers go out for a successful mission and a safe return.

Tuna

I agree. On the big lakes, just look for boats. Get in with the masses and drift with’em. Look on this site for great electronic deals – both new and used!

Goo if it’s in a tough spot…a regular tire patch works great any other spot…

I’ll sure miss him… There are few guys that called’em like that! We’ll miss ya Herb…

Tuna

This really P’s me off! From everything I’ve read this is a bad deal…real bad! As you can see from my earlier post, I even contacted the DNR myself and got the rub-off! I feel that with ALL the knowledgable people that have patiently, yet relentlessly, spoken with our elected officials, over-and-over again, this thing smells!!! I hope the I-TEAM catches’em all with their hands in the till!

Tuna

If you want to keep it simple, I’d stay with the PP set-up but “it ain’t the cheapest way” as they say! I actually had real good luck using PP to the swivel and floro leaders when Lindy type fishing. I also find that on the river, which is where I fish most, that PP works just fine to a jig in the stained water. Still, I feel a floro leader will, at times, outfish it if the conditions are clearer than usual. Lines like sensation..etc will kind of be a good compromise for both cost and feel. If you do any pan fishing though, I think a good mono/floro is a better choice all around there. My best suggestion…buy a few more poles and rig’em for the situation. I find having several poles pre-rigged before heading out is a real time saver and a more fun way to adapt quickly to differing conditions and types of fishing I may be doing during the course of a day.

Tuna

Sorry to hear about the loss, Kory. As stated, God knows best sometimes and we sometimes don’t fully understand. Please know you and your family are in all our prayers.

Tuna

I agree… My 4 year old is casting 50ft+ to circles I draw in the street with his play chalk. Just my 2 cents. Roland musta needed some extra cash for retirement?

Tuna

Last year the bite on the Croix was really “funny”.. Not what it has been in the past. The go-to stuff would work some days and then not at all the next time. I decided to pull some spinners w/crawlers and hammered’em during the “dog days” of mid-summer. They were never a staple in my arsenal before but they are now! I go pretty heavy because I try to stay on structure so I usually like 2 1/2 to 3oz with floro snells. I agree about the sheepies too. If they become a problem, Gulp or Power worms help.

Tuna

Wow…nice Eye!! That smile is worth a million!

Tuna