Personally I think this was a good move by the MN DNR….I like the idea that even though I do not meet the disabled or age requirement I can still have an opportunity to hunt with my crossbow if I choose. But they still limit the use during archery season rather than making them legal like other states. This seems like a good compromise to me as a 32 year old Archery hunter that bought a crossbow cause I think they are cool. Honestly don’t know if I’ll ever hunt with a rifle again at least in MN.

I went the anchor marine route….Can’t say that I left there feeling all warm and fuzzy. Every time I talked to them the price went up. Apparently that’s cause I have a Crestliner and the cap was welded on the transom (Not sure why that wasn’t noticed when I got the original estimate). The quality of work seems good I just wish the estimate would have been more accurate. Also, I made an extra trip from the South Metro up to there when they said the boat would be done, and it was not. I don’t want to bash them cause the quality seems good and we’ve all had projects go bad.

In hindsight I took it to them instead of doing it myself cause I figured the pros would be able to give me an upfront estimate and I’d know what I was getting into, but that didn’t happen. If I ever have to do it again…I’ll do it myself.

Is it still just the one ramp at Colville or is the main launch open? Is there a dock accessible? Might be on my own Thursday so a dock would be nice.

That’s the same opinion I had with the Lakeville store when I went there. I will for sure go back for marine stuff. Fishing stuff…ehhh…nothing too impressive.

Excited for an open water show!!!

I saw a Facebook live from the sport show on the Crestliner page with Jason Mitchell. I believe he said he is switching to the Bass Hawk. Might be worth checking out if you are interested in the boat.

Was out on Pool 4 last week and I was impressed with the Fish Reveal…is it necessary? No. But it did make it easier for me to see fish when just glancing and the Down Scan image. I thought it was kinda cool. It really was the highlight of my day cause I didn’t catch a damn thing.

kschauer wrote:

I put in at Colvill on 3-17 the north ramp ice free, and south is still iced up. Fishing very slow got 2 walleye 1 whitey.

Is that a public ramp?

The launch behind the gas dock has been open for a couple weeks. That one isn’t a public launch though is it? I thought it was private for that marina. Either way cool shots of the ice breaking up. I wouldn’t have my truck out there.

So how long do you microwave it for?

philtickelson wrote:

For me, it’s a lot more efficient to just get a really long winch strap. I normally tie up in the deep water of the landing and swim up to the trailer, grab the strap, swim back to the boat, attach strap, swim back to trailer and start winching.

This isn’t how you guys load? Is there a more efficient way?

This is definitely the most efficient and refreshing for those late winter early spring river fishing trips.

Since I read the pictures don’t post sideways anymore I figured I’d give it a shot.

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It’s true, they are so comfortable you really don’t notice them. I bought one last year to wear when fishing with the kids to set a good example. Honestly now I just wear it pretty much all the time. Important to remember they do not count as a legal PFD unless you are wearing them.

BK is right about the kill tether. Ever since the video of the college guys dumping their bass boat last year I always use that now as well. Cheap insurance, especially when you have the family on the boat.

Pretty sure I’d need a bigger hole to try out a bait caster…

Evan Pheneger wrote:

Here is an article I put together a couple years ago on this exact topic on boat fishing in the winter (under 32 deg). I am by no accords a vet at this, but I have learned many of these lessons the hard way.

Scroll down to the section title: WINTER BOAT FISHING

http://www.imnfishing.com/reports/dont-put-your-boat-away/

Ironically enough I was going to ask the same question as Tiney this morning. Your article answered all of my questions in one. Bookmarked for sure. Thanks Evan!

Matt Moen wrote:

Just run braid and throw a floro leader on it….that works well for me and I run that all year long.

I second this…then you don’t have to worry about it.

Apparently I suck at posting links….anyway see buckybadger’s post. That’s the one I use too. It is really quite thick this year.

Here is the corp ice thickness site if you are looking for it.

Pretty sure we all need to spend some time on the water…everyone seems testy lately.

I would have to agree that a tin boat may be more affordable. I still wish I had my 14′ boat and 59 Evinrude Golden Jubilee edition 10 horse. Should’ve never sold it.

However, one thing a lot of people look past is that the ability to car top a kayak and store in your basement or apartment works for a lot of people instead of a boat. Keep an eye out for other boats and make it easy for them to see you and I think you’d be fine. I also like the flag idea.

A quick google search supplied the lake I believe you are talking about. Looks like it would be a lot like Lake Pepin and I see people kayak fishing out there. Use your ability to get where big boats can’t to your advantage and have fun. Good Luck.

I was in Lake City this weekend and saw someone drove out of Hok Si La…not sure how cause it looks like there was open water around the edge of the lake for 4-5 ft. but they were parked 75 yards from the highway. Too risky for this guy. Time to get the boat out.

FYI…I was at fleet farm today and saw them there as well. The blue plug works on my Elite 5 TI.

Wow…this thread amazes me. I am of the opinion that taking or eliminating a certain type of gun will solve nothing. After all, the Columbine shooting happened during the last “Assault Weapons Ban” didn’t it? Last I checked that went from 1994-2004 and the Columbine shooting happened in 1999.

Personally if I was going to blame anything it would be one of two things…The fact that so many people live in but do not participate in their communities, or the outrageous use of prescription drugs in this country.

If you feel so strongly that something should be done in your community to stop a school shooting. Get your butt to the school board meetings, and get involved in what is actually being done on a local level to prevent it. Speaking up on a local level will get way more traction than with the Feds.

As for the drug issue, be a part of your friends and families lives and speak up if you see a problem.

In short, this problem should be addressed on a local level and never should be addressed by anyone in our Federal Government. I bet if someone called the local police chief they would do a lot more digging into a suspected problem child than the FBI. Love your families, Love your kids, and Love your neighbors. Do that and you will feel much more comfortable in your community…regardless of what is going on in Washington.

Oh and take a kid fishing…

I enjoy reading these reports and seeing how they compare to what I saw last year on P4. Is the lack of a representation of the 2016 class a concern for future years? Will the lack of fish in that class lead to changes in the regs or because it is just one year can it work itself out? Also, I’m curious if anyone knows why the Sauger class in 2016 was much better than the Walleye class? or did I read that wrong.

Not trying to cause any regulation controversy I’m just curious if I am understanding this correctly and like to learn. Can the average angler like myself use this information to keep a more targeted class of fish and help the future of P4?

I have a love hate relationship with Jack Daniels…I love it but my stomach doesn’t. Lately I’ve been experimenting in the world of homebrew instead. Seeing some of these other options though makes me tempted to stock up the liquor cabinet.

Little Harbor

We’ve stayed there in Ruskin FL just outside of Tampa (30 mins or so) twice now. Playground for the kids, pool, decent beach, shore fishing and not super expensive. Also a restaurant on site and surrounded by other good places to eat.

I guess you wouldn’t have to pay property tax…might get kinda soggy in a month or two though.

I find this interesting but have no opinion of what would be best for the river and the fish. My only concern with creating islands has been that it will create more places for power boats to park and party. I just hope it doesn’t turn into a mess if that takes place. I’ll be watching for the plans and thanks for keeping us posted on this BK.

Personally I think its impressive as hell they can get so many new episodes out in a season that are literally shot the week before. If something like this happens, no big deal, still a fan. And some of you talk like you are owed something because they missed a couple weeks. Last I checked the monthly fee for this website and this show is nothing. Cut the guys some slack. Can’t wait to see what they have in store and I’ll be honest, I too am ready for some open water.

I guess I should elaborate. I’m not looking for shore access for the boat. I will have it on the trailer and launch when or if we decide to use it.