Just delt with the same problem with my auger. Here’s a good start. non-oxygenated (premium)gas, Amsoil (I run between 50:1 & 80:1), you can run a hotter plug cj8y (ok with strikemaster)and make sure the air filter is clean. Made a huge difference with mine. hope this helps

Hannay’s Marine Mpls has one 612-781-7411 ask for ed.

Thanks for the advise

I did check the bulb the second time. I had not pumped the bulb for quite some timeprior to that. I gave it 5-10 pumps then started the engine still had to crank it for a bit to start. I just went out to check a few things and when I pump the bulb it sounds like fuel is moving through. I was not running a kicker just the trolling motor. Also I did not know about the high idle.

I’ve been running a Yamaha 150 4 stroke for the last 1.5 yrs, prior to that I had a Merc Opti 150. Both on very similar boats as far as wieght goes. Both w/ ss props. The Merc has a better hole shot and winds up quicker but the Yamaha is much more quiet at mid-full and at idle u can hardly hear it run plus no 2 stroke fumes. Gas mpg very close between the two. Top end too close to call…

Cool, I’m in

If you are looking for smallies target any rock piles and bars. They are easy to find due to the very low water levels. either troll upstream near a rock bar or drift by and cast all around the rock bar. small rattle raps and jig with ringworms (slow retrieve with the jigs) worked for me. Also be prepared for lots of pike in the same areas.

Mike W, I am approx 2-3 miles up stream from the palisade landing. Here’s the deal. The fishing right now is funny, the walleyes are scattered and there is no easy way to tell where they may be, but if you just kick back and troll you will do fine. If you decide to put in at Palisade remember about .5 miles up it is very very shallow . then averages about 8-9 ft.

I was just up at the cabin on the Miss near Palisade last weekend. Like everyone said the water is low (looks like late july). I was able to hook a few eyes trolling Rap shallow runners and the smallies are around. Good luck.

That’s what we do!!!!!!

Mike W, I was up at the cabin two weeks ago and trolled for a while with no luck at all, but the water was running fairly fast and looked like choc. milk. Does the river appear to be normal for this time of year or is it still a bit high and a bit dirty. Also how far up the river from Aitkin do you travel? I’m curious as to how far down I could safely run my boat. There’s a spot just outside Palisade that drops to 1 ft. in the summer.

I have my boat insured with state farm. I think most insurance companies are prob the same. The boat, trailer and motor are all listed seperate on the policy. I have a $250 deductable. They will replace if it can’t be fixed. I think I pay $200-300 per year for an 03 1800 fisherman with a 150 optimax. I do think it pays to call around for quotes. A few years ago my previous boat had an argument with a big rock a and lost. No hassles at all with the claim.

If you are thinking of fishing pool 4 your best bet is Evert’s the ramps are always in great shape and the fishing tips are free. The public ramp on the WI channel is open but it is very broken up (I made the mistake of landing there last year) Bay point as of last thurs looked like it was still frozen when I drove by.

The systems monitor tach is $252 plus a 20ft wire harness is $64. install is just a matter of removing the old tach and installing the new one and plugging in the wire harness. The plug for smartcraft gauges in my boat is hanging right by the starting battery area Check out Livorsi.com.

I run an fl-8 on the bow with minkota universal transducer. I do agree it is easier to use the flasher if you are familiar with the spot you are fishing. I also have the original fl-8 transducer mounted to the transom (for a back up) incase the locater on the dash fails. As far as durability in the summer, I’ve never had a vexilar fail or break.

I believe the MN law reads, you may not be outdoors with a firearm and ammunition, which would include shooting, 5 days before and 2 days after the season for watever area you are in. You can use gun ranges.

Just a heads up, After all the rain last week the river is up and flowing bigtime. The fishing was a tad slow. The water level is almost as high as it was on opener. Mike W to answer your question..No, all summer the water level has been dropping until two or three weeks ago.

I have a cabin on the Mississippi near Palisade. The streach from palisade north varies in depth. MikeW was correct about the rocks. be very carefull. after the Labor Day weekend rain the river is up almost 1.5-2ft so it is not as treacherous as a week or two ago. The smallies are lurking everywhere up there, but seem to love the shallow water where the water runs a bit fast.