PSA for those still out this fall. I’d advise against using the Isle public access at Malone creek. I hit a rock when launching and again when loading (2 different rocks in 2 different spots) right off the dock. Surprised they even consider that a public access with all the land mines right at the dock. Took a chunk off my skeg. Planned on using Macs launch until I got there and saw posted sign that they switched launch to seasonal member use only starting May 2022. Where do most launch on the south end with low water levels?

Nothing but posts on swimmers itch and trolling for pike since the season opened back up? That can’t be good news for the walleye bite. Anybody been out and know if the spinner or leadcore bite has been moving any fish?

Contacted HBird and they got back to me in a couple days. Apparently this is a known issue and they’re going to release a software fix but no eta on timing of release. They said to not run mega live in full screen mode but instead run it in a split view in the interim.

I’ll throw a meter on it and check. Just odd that it runs for a time with everything on before it locks up. I’m thinking network traffic and realized that both helix 12s have the mega live ping on. I’m going to try disabling pinging on 1 and see if that does it.

Anybody out today that can report on the tree pollen debris that was horrible on Friday and if it’s cleared up or not?

It ran all winter with that head without issue. Lots of chatter on line in the past about it being an issue with the 5 port switch.

Went out yesterday morning but go a late start. Started fishing little before 9. Found some fish on 1st break on east side on side imaging. Pitched jigs to them and got 1 right away and missed another really aggressive hit. Bite lasted for bout 1/2 hr with overcast sky’s and light wind. When that sun popped out and lake laid flat, I went another 5 hrs without a bite. Tried north end sand, north end 1st break, 1st break gravel, etc. Man that bite is tough right now during the day, especially with high skies and no wind.

Thanks for the feedback all. I’m a walleye purist posing as a panfish fisherman just to get a line wet before I get the skeeter on open water. I suppose I could’ve been missing some light up bites but they sure seemed to stop short of the bait. With this colder snap coming in (lows of 6 degs on sat) I’m going to give it a try again and see if they turn on at dusk. Slush should firm back up so skeeter won’t be wet for awhile yet.

I had a 2009 castle that i had furnace issues with after a couple seasons. Furnace would work then eventually middle of the night not light. Went through the whole furnace and foolishly ended up being the battery. Furnace blower, fish house lights, etc all worked but not enough juice to fire the gas valve. Switched to running 2 batteries in parallel and never had problem again. Something to check with a meter as your furnace goes through ignition process.

I get more bites using the tails. They stay pinned on the hook better and impart a nice gliding action on the drop with jigging spoons. Also easier to graph on your electronics and know you’ve still got bait on based on the feel. Tough to tell sometimes when a head comes off a spoon. Can tell when a tail is on. I always start with heads but use the tails too.

Thanks for the insight James and yes I’m sure you’re correct about the supply/demand. I’ve only casually been keeping an eye on the online resellers as I know with it being released in Sept that I wouldn’t have one on my rig this open water season. Only hoping they can catch up and I can have something come next spring.

Suppose I should get on some waiting lists now though as this supply chain shortage isn’t going away anytime soon.

I’m seeing lots of marketing on the mega live ice bundles. Are those more available than just the ducers?

I’ve been watching availability of it too. Must be stuck on a boat off the coast of CA.

Another season is about to pass with no mega live available. Frustrating for sure.

Wonder how many have jumped ship to Lowrance and Garmin as a result. I know some of my fishing partners have.

Ended up using agates launch. Ramp is steep and made loading a little tough but their harbor was deep. Pitching jigs on the reefs made for a pretty good bite. Light bites but got into em pretty good. Water temps 52.

What access on the east side is in the best shape for launching bigger glass boats? Was out last week and use a resort on that side and their launch was deep but really shallow for 100 yds off the launch.

Anybody been out? Have this week off and have been waiting for the wind to finally give up and looks like it will next couple days.

Haven’t been over there since early August. Is bite turning on?

That’s the one drawback I keep hearing about the Eva is cleaning it. I’ve heard and spoke to several that say soap & water and a good scrub brush and elbow grease is what it takes. Curious tho if it gets dirty easy and is a maintenance nightmare. I’m kinda OCD with my rig.

Gave it a go today. Pulled core from 2-8 out on the mud. Only managed 3 eyes. Lots of fish out there but couldn’t get a pattern together other than Perch patterned shads. All 3 came on Perch patterns. Pretty rough out there today too.

That is awesome. I’ve decided to go that route over the off-season. Can’t part with the rig during the season so wait till ice up then get it done.

Everyone I’ve talked to said they’d never go back after getting it.

Anybody been out dragging lead core in the basin? Might give it a go tomorrow. It’s been quiet here so not sure what that means:)

Thanks for the feedback. Think I’ll go your route Musky. I looked around to find the compact vhf you have and everywhere seems to say it’s discontinued. I’ve found others that will fit in that dash cubby though. Those detachable antennas are spendy but makes the most sense for me as I fish inland lakes quite a bit and be nice to take it on/off when I’m on/off lake superior.

Got really quiet on here since the closure. Anybody having any luck on smallies? Want to get my nephew out there and find a few footballs.

Has that hatch died off or are they still bad? Thinking of taking my nephew out smallie chasing but not if the bug hoards are out.

Geez that is steep. Haven’t called myself yet. Was that quote for the bow and main cockpit?

What is the current hatch? Mayflies? Sounds like spinner/crawler time on the mud but man I hate when the boat is covered in em.

Any updates on hatch from today? Was hoping to get out there tomorrow.

Thanks for the info!! I’ll be calling them soon to get on the schedule.

Care to share ballpark what they charged for it?

I see the only dealer is the HQ in Clearwater. Is that where you brought yours?

What was the turnaround time for install?

I’m definitely leaning towards aqua traction. Seeing it in the Yarcrafts it’s a really nice surface.

Hey all. I’ve got a 2020 wx2060 that I’m considering going with EVA flooring. Anybody done it in that boat? I found this post about skeeter considering offering it as a +/- 800 option so what does this typically go for aftermarket? What’s the best product/dealer out there?

I’d have definitely paid $800 as an option when I got this boat.

Are folks doing the whole boat or just the main cockpit?

Any input appreciated

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday in the cold, wind, and rain we did very well. Boated lots of fish with 2 28s, a 27, a 26 and pretty steady jig/rainbow bite all day. River had cleared a bit and current seams were the ticket. Today, high pressure and high sun completely shut the bite down. The river muddied up again from the rain and places we fished yesterday had a noticeable uptick in current. Ran out to lake and NW winds have pushed ice pack to be a few hundred yards from pine. It’s a grind out there right now.

I repurposed a horizontal SeaSucker rod holder that was a suction cup mount. Bolted a ram mount onto the suction cup mount. Slapped the suction cup on the dash of my ranger 900 and put my helix 5 on the ram mount. Didnt want to drill holes in the dash and wanted it dash mounted and adjustable. It worked great and never came off. Suction mounts can work.

Anybody having any luck out there? Debating running over tomorrow for the last day or chasing panfish.