Pensacola Fishing Forum / General Discussion / Boating and Fishing Tricks and Tips

Yamaha OX66 250 VST cleaning

kde71 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:18:50 GMT

I was out on Sunday and running about 4800 RPM everything was fine and all of the sudden the boat just lost power. It didn't shut off, I gave it gas and took off again (this hppened 3 times total). I have read that my motor has a Vapor Seperator Tank that could cause the motor to loose fuel pressure if it is dirty. Does anyone have any suggestions or know how hard it is to clean this tank?

How does 1994 Cape Horn ride? 21'

kde71 — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:29:00 GMT

I am looking at buying an older cape horn....1994 hull 21', I haven't rode on a 21 before but I have rode on a 19' 93 hull. My question is how rough and how "wet" is the ride. Is it as bad as the 19' or better?

Top water lure help

DevilDog — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:37:42 GMT

Here is my problem, I use braided line w/ a flurocarbin leader and everytime I cast a top water lure the fluro gets wrapped around the treble hooks. Any tips? :banghead

Ever look at one of these up close? Fishing Tip.

captken — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:05:27 GMT

I've never liked to tie to split rings but I often have no choice. Actually, the only choice is the knot to use.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringsharp.jpg[/IMG]

The ring in the photo is 150# test, magnified about 10X. There is no need to mention the brand name because you have no choice in who's ring you get when you buy a lure. Just for the heck of it, pick up a lure with the largest split ring you can find and run your finger across the end of the ring. You might be surprised. A magnifying glass will reveal even more. Imagine what those sharp ends can do to mono if you use a loop knot that slides back and forth across them. I checked 3 brands of split rings and all were rough to sharp. I darn sure won't be using a Loop Knot with split rings anymore.

I've reeled in an empty line to find a loop that was frayed into in the middle more than once. "Damned Spanish Mackerel" has often been my thought. Last week it happened to me on Lake Rousseau where there are absolutely no Spanish. I looked at my knot very carefully then clipped it off, bagged it and brought it home to look at magnified. The "Old light bulb" flickered then came on at full power.

Here is the frayed knot I clipped and saved. Photo quality isn't great but you should see it at 20X under a steroscope, properly lighted.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringfrayedknot.jpg[/IMG]

A snap will eliminate the problem but there may be another problem we haven't talked about here yet.

Did you ever see a split ring that was slightly open? They sometimes spring open under heavy strain but I've seen deformed rings on new lures; rings that were deformed by installation. I found the lure I used to illustrate my point floating in lake Rousseau, the same day I made the above observation. There was no knot on the ring but that doesn't totally support this next argument. Small wire slips out of a split ring even easier.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringopen.jpg[/IMG]

I tied this Loop Knot and photographed it after slipping it through the deformed split ring above. The leader in both cases is 20# Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringloop.jpg[/IMG]

Now lets tie a knot that will eliminate this problem, once and for all.

For lack of a better name, I call this knot the "Split-Ring Knot." Tie it on the side away from the split and you will never have a problem because it will not slip, come un-tied or slide around on the ring.

To tie the "Split-Ring Knot, pass the leader through the ring, through the ring a 2nd time, around to the other side of the standing end and back through the ring a third time. Pass the bitter end around the standing end twice and back through all 3 loops. Moisten and tighten.

I used single strand electrical wire for the first 4 steps and 50# test Shakespeare Cajun mono for the final completed knot. It is difficult to tie the "Split Ring Knot" with stiff mono.

Here is the "Split Ring Knot" tied step by step

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringknottie.jpg[/IMG]

A little better look at the completed Split Ring Knot.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/splitringknotx.jpg[/IMG]

That's all.

Fly tying/jig tying vise. DYI

captken — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:24:42 GMT

I posted directions for making a DYI vise on the Flyfishing Forum. It occurred to me this morning that lots of folks don't visit the Flyfishing Forum.

I have extra jaws form my little vise to accomodate tiny to large hooks. If you only need to tie a few jigs, flys or streamers for spoons, why spend a bunch on a vise?

Being barely hung isn't always bad. Another tip from fishcatching101.

captken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:27:44 GMT

When I fish over oyster beds and broken rock, I sometimes want my sinker to hang as soon as it hits bottom. An egg sinker will roll with the current until it drops into a crack or crevice where it often becomes more bottom structure. The little sinker I show below holds my bait right where I want it. When I need to check my bait or set the hook, a light pull breaks it free. A fish immediately pulls it lose when he latches on.

I generally fish this sinker on the end of my line with a hook above on a "Dropper Loop." This is especially useful when fishing with Bull Minnows. In the photo below, I am using a #7 Split-shot and light, single strand insulated electrical wire. These work fine with 8# test and heavier. I made up 10 of these this morning and expect them to last for a long time.[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/hangingsinker.jpg[/IMG]

Fishing Predictions....

Danno — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:31:17 GMT

I am aware of the role that the tides, the moon and sun play in effecting how fish react. For my years of bass fishing I have learned to rely on watching barometric pressure changes and understand how it can effect the movement of fish.

From what I understand (except for barometeric pressure) the Solunar Predictions below are suppose to give the best fishing times.

Do any of you refer to something like this.

Solunar Monthly Predictions for: Pensacola, FL 32526 Elevation: 39 feet Latitude: 30.479009 Longitude: -87.323356
October 2008
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
			10/1/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:43 am Sets: 6:34 pm LOD: 11:51:00 Moon Data Rises: 8:54 am Sets: 7:41 pm Moon Phase 6% Waxing Major Times 12:51 am-2:51 am 1:17 pm-3:17 pm Minor Times 7:34 am-8:34 am 7:59 pm-8:59 pm Prediction Best	10/2/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:44 am Sets: 6:33 pm LOD: 11:49:00 Moon Data Rises: 9:53 am Sets: 8:18 pm Moon Phase 11% Waxing Major Times 1:39 am-3:39 am 2:05 pm-4:05 pm Minor Times 8:22 am-9:22 am 8:47 pm-9:47 pm Prediction Best	10/3/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:44 am Sets: 6:31 pm LOD: 11:47:00 Moon Data Rises: 10:51 am Sets: 8:59 pm Moon Phase 18% Waxing Major Times 2:29 am-4:29 am 2:55 pm-4:55 pm Minor Times 9:12 am-10:12 am 9:37 pm-10:37 pm Prediction Better	10/4/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:45 am Sets: 6:30 pm LOD: 11:45:00 Moon Data Rises: 11:47 am Sets: 9:46 pm Moon Phase 26% Waxing Major Times 3:20 am-5:20 am 3:46 pm-5:46 pm Minor Times 10:03 am-11:03 am 10:28 pm-11:28 pm Prediction Good
10/5/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:45 am Sets: 6:29 pm LOD: 11:44:00 Moon Data Rises: 12:39 pm Sets: 10:37 pm Moon Phase 34% Waxing Major Times 4:12 am-6:12 am 4:38 pm-6:38 pm Minor Times 10:55 am-11:55 am 11:20 pm-12:20 am Prediction Average	10/6/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:46 am Sets: 6:28 pm LOD: 11:42:00 Moon Data Rises: 1:28 pm Sets: 11:32 pm Moon Phase 44% Waxing Major Times 5:04 am-7:04 am 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Minor Times 11:47 am-12:47 pm --:-- - --:-- Prediction Average	10/7/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:47 am Sets: 6:26 pm LOD: 11:39:00 Moon Data Rises: 2:10 pm Sets: --:-- Moon Phase 53% Waxing Major Times 5:53 am-7:53 am 6:19 pm-8:19 pm Minor Times 12:10 am-1:10 am 12:36 pm-1:36 pm Prediction Average	10/8/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:47 am Sets: 6:25 pm LOD: 11:38:00 Moon Data Rises: 2:49 pm Sets: 12:29 am Moon Phase 63% Waxing Major Times 6:12 am-8:12 am 6:38 pm-8:38 pm Minor Times 12:29 am-1:29 am 12:55 pm-1:55 pm Prediction Average	10/9/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:48 am Sets: 6:24 pm LOD: 11:36:00 Moon Data Rises: 3:24 pm Sets: 1:28 am Moon Phase 72% Waxing Major Times 7:00 am-9:00 am 7:26 pm-9:26 pm Minor Times 1:17 am-2:17 am 1:43 pm-2:43 pm Prediction Average	10/10/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:48 am Sets: 6:23 pm LOD: 11:35:00 Moon Data Rises: 3:56 pm Sets: 2:27 am Moon Phase 81% Waxing Major Times 7:45 am-9:45 am 8:11 pm-10:11 pm Minor Times 2:02 am-3:02 am 2:28 pm-3:28 pm Prediction Good	10/11/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:49 am Sets: 6:22 pm LOD: 11:33:00 Moon Data Rises: 4:26 pm Sets: 3:27 am Moon Phase 88% Waxing Major Times 8:30 am-10:30 am 8:56 pm-10:56 pm Minor Times 2:47 am-3:47 am 3:13 pm-4:13 pm Prediction Good
10/12/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:50 am Sets: 6:21 pm LOD: 11:31:00 Moon Data Rises: 4:56 pm Sets: 4:27 am Moon Phase 94% Waxing Major Times 9:15 am-11:15 am 9:41 pm-11:41 pm Minor Times 3:32 am-4:32 am 3:58 pm-4:58 pm Prediction Best	10/13/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:50 am Sets: 6:20 pm LOD: 11:30:00 Moon Data Rises: 5:28 pm Sets: 5:30 am Moon Phase 98% Waxing Major Times 10:03 am-12:03 pm 10:29 pm-12:29 am Minor Times 4:20 am-5:20 am 4:46 pm-5:46 pm Prediction Better	10/14/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:51 am Sets: 6:18 pm LOD: 11:27:00 Moon Data Rises: 6:02 pm Sets: 6:35 am Moon Phase 100% Waning Major Times 11:18 pm-1:18 am 11:43 am-1:43 pm Minor Times 6:00 am-7:00 am 6:25 pm-7:25 pm Prediction Best	10/15/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:52 am Sets: 6:17 pm LOD: 11:25:00 Moon Data Rises: 6:41 pm Sets: 7:44 am Moon Phase 99% Waning Major Times 12:12 am-2:12 am 12:37 pm-2:37 pm Minor Times 6:54 am-7:54 am 7:19 pm-8:19 pm Prediction Good	10/16/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:52 am Sets: 6:16 pm LOD: 11:24:00 Moon Data Rises: 7:28 pm Sets: 8:55 am Moon Phase 95% Waning Major Times 1:11 am-3:11 am 1:36 pm-3:36 pm Minor Times 7:53 am-8:53 am 8:18 pm-9:18 pm Prediction Good	10/17/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:53 am Sets: 6:15 pm LOD: 11:22:00 Moon Data Rises: 8:21 pm Sets: 10:07 am Moon Phase 89% Waning Major Times 2:14 am-4:14 am 2:39 pm-4:39 pm Minor Times 8:56 am-9:56 am 9:21 pm-10:21 pm Prediction Average	10/18/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:54 am Sets: 6:14 pm LOD: 11:20:00 Moon Data Rises: 9:23 pm Sets: 11:16 am Moon Phase 80% Waning Major Times 3:19 am-5:19 am 3:44 pm-5:44 pm Minor Times 10:01 am-11:01 am 10:26 pm-11:26 pm Prediction Average
10/19/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:55 am Sets: 6:13 pm LOD: 11:18:00 Moon Data Rises: 10:29 pm Sets: 12:18 pm Moon Phase 70% Waning Major Times 4:23 am-6:23 am 4:48 pm-6:48 pm Minor Times 11:05 am-12:05 pm 11:30 pm-12:30 am Prediction Average	10/20/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:55 am Sets: 6:12 pm LOD: 11:17:00 Moon Data Rises: 11:38 pm Sets: 1:13 pm Moon Phase 59% Waning Major Times 5:25 am-7:25 am 5:50 pm-7:50 pm Minor Times 11:42 pm-12:42 am 12:07 pm-1:07 pm Prediction Average	10/21/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:56 am Sets: 6:11 pm LOD: 11:15:00 Moon Data Rises: --:-- Sets: 1:58 pm Moon Phase 48% Waning Major Times 5:48 am-7:48 am 6:13 pm-8:13 pm Minor Times 12:05 am-1:05 am 12:30 pm-1:30 pm Prediction Average	10/22/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:57 am Sets: 6:10 pm LOD: 11:13:00 Moon Data Rises: 12:45 am Sets: 2:36 pm Moon Phase 37% Waning Major Times 6:40 am-8:40 am 7:05 pm-9:05 pm Minor Times 12:57 am-1:57 am 1:22 pm-2:22 pm Prediction Good	10/23/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:57 am Sets: 6:09 pm LOD: 11:12:00 Moon Data Rises: 1:50 am Sets: 3:10 pm Moon Phase 27% Waning Major Times 7:30 am-9:30 am 7:55 pm-9:55 pm Minor Times 1:47 am-2:47 am 2:12 pm-3:12 pm Prediction Better	10/24/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:58 am Sets: 6:08 pm LOD: 11:10:00 Moon Data Rises: 2:51 am Sets: 3:41 pm Moon Phase 18% Waning Major Times 8:16 am-10:16 am 8:41 pm-10:41 pm Minor Times 2:33 am-3:33 am 2:58 pm-3:58 pm Prediction Better	10/25/2008 Sun Data Rises: 6:59 am Sets: 6:07 pm LOD: 11:08:00 Moon Data Rises: 3:51 am Sets: 4:09 pm Moon Phase 11% Waning Major Times 9:00 am-11:00 am 9:25 pm-11:25 pm Minor Times 3:17 am-4:17 am 3:42 pm-4:42 pm Prediction Good
10/26/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:00 am Sets: 6:06 pm LOD: 11:06:00 Moon Data Rises: 4:49 am Sets: 4:38 pm Moon Phase 5% Waning Major Times 9:43 am-11:43 am 10:08 pm-12:08 am Minor Times 4:00 am-5:00 am 4:25 pm-5:25 pm Prediction Good	10/27/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:00 am Sets: 6:05 pm LOD: 11:05:00 Moon Data Rises: 5:47 am Sets: 5:08 pm Moon Phase 2% Waning Major Times 10:27 am-12:27 pm 10:52 pm-12:52 am Minor Times 4:44 am-5:44 am 5:09 pm-6:09 pm Prediction Good	10/28/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:01 am Sets: 6:05 pm LOD: 11:04:00 Moon Data Rises: 6:44 am Sets: 5:40 pm Moon Phase 0% Waning Major Times --:-- - --:-- 11:12 am-1:12 pm Minor Times 5:29 am-6:29 am 5:54 pm-6:54 pm Prediction Good	10/29/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:02 am Sets: 6:04 pm LOD: 11:02:00 Moon Data Rises: 7:43 am Sets: 6:16 pm Moon Phase 1% Waxing Major Times 11:33 pm-1:33 am 11:59 am-1:59 pm Minor Times 6:16 am-7:16 am 6:41 pm-7:41 pm Prediction Best	10/30/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:03 am Sets: 6:03 pm LOD: 11:00:00 Moon Data Rises: 8:41 am Sets: 6:56 pm Moon Phase 3% Waxing Major Times 12:22 am-2:22 am 12:48 pm-2:48 pm Minor Times 7:05 am-8:05 am 7:30 pm-8:30 pm Prediction Best	10/31/2008 Sun Data Rises: 7:04 am Sets: 6:02 pm LOD: 10:58:00 Moon Data Rises: 9:38 am Sets: 7:41 pm Moon Phase 7% Waxing Major Times 1:13 am-3:13 am 1:39 pm-3:39 pm Minor Times 7:56 am-8:56 am 8:21 pm-9:21 pm Prediction Best

You are receiving this message because you have opted in on the solunarforecast.com website.
You may opt out by adjusting your profile here.

Boat gas mileage?

cole tarnok — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:22:31 GMT

I am looking to purchase a boat soon but am skeptical because of the high gas prices. Im looking at boat ranging from 19' to 22' with motor in the 150 range. I am curious of what kind of gas mileage you guys are getting and how big is the mileage difference between a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke. If anybody can help me out it would be appreciated.

thanks,cole

Advice on prop size and brand.

Hydro Therapy 2 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:40:34 GMT

want to know what you think on how to set one up Size, brand, 3-4 blade, stainless, ect.

I have a 17 cape horn with a two stroke 115 Yamaha on it and want as much performance and milage as I can get.

Close up photography tip from a novice.

captken — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:34:52 GMT

To cut down on the shine from shiny stuff, I often kill the shine with a Magic-Marker or a little liquid shoe polish.

I'd darn sure appreciate any suggestions re: photography.

New rod, best thing since sliced bread

Danno — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:10:38 GMT

This was something new to me that I came across on-line but Friday I was in BPS in Spainish Fort and notice they had them in stock. Its a sakibi rod, the rod is designed so that line comes off the reel (baitcaster or spinning) and goes into the rod. When you reel in you actually reel the sakibi rig into the rod itself.

Guess what it works, no more sakibi bird nest, no fighting hooks, no pulling hooks from fingers or clothes. It cast well and like I said it really does work. The only hang up is size 8 sakibi hooks is the largest that will fit in the rod.

braided cable

fishmasterseven — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:26:19 GMT

can any of you guys tell me or post some pics of how to braid steel cable. i have some 1/4" cable that i am trying to put some eye loops in and i cant figure out how to braid it.

Johnson outboard problem: need suggestions

ElJay — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:44:19 GMT

I have an electric start 50 HP 1987 Johnson OB.Gas tank is below deck stainless steel. Gas tubing/line is that E10 resistant type, a sort of grey plasticy stuff, looks solid still. Boat sat for 3 months in my garage during worst of summer heat. Took it to Enid lake in MS yesterday and it would start fine but die as soon as the gas in the carb got finished.Or when i put a load on the motor as in put it in gear. Or suddenly open throttle, normally it will rev freely, yesterday it just died when i did that. All our gas here in Memphis is that E10 stuff, not sure if thats relevant, but I am suspicious.

Bulb is my first suspect for replacing. Sounds like air is leaking when i pump it, also suspect the hose clamps, maybe the inferior off brand type was used(by previous owner). I plan on replacing both bulb and clamps and trying at a lake closer to home. Any other suggestions on what most likely is causing this or how to proceed? Just no decent repar shops i have found within 100 miles of Memphis so I am doing this myself.

Only upside to whole trip was i was stuck by the ramp area and using 2 1/2 ounce 6 inch long jigging spoons (i was going to target the white bass ), got into some monstrous crappies, kept 3 for a weight of 6.5 lbs the rest i let go.

What are you most anal about on your boat?

Garbo — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:45:38 GMT

You know it is there..... what is it?

I can't stand loose trash. Coke Cans, loose mono, lures laying around, it don't matter. Put it where it belongs. I can't stand stuff laying around. Most boat owners are anal about something while on the water, what is your vise?

Rig'n Hook rigged for Flounder

captken — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:27:33 GMT

I add a short length of stiff mono to the up turned leg of the Gamakatsu Rig'n Hook to make it darn near snag proof. The mono is Stren 30# test Dura Tuff. I wrap it to the hook with nylon thread and coat with Sally Hanson's Hard as Nails fingernail polish. I really like hot pink. Bait with a finger Mullet or Bull Minnow. I've used it with Shrimp too but Shrimp are far from my favorite bait.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/flounderhook.jpg[/IMG]

This rig is darn near snag proof except in a Flounder's mouth.

Pro-Line 180 Question

T140 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:43:26 GMT

Anyone have experience with this type of boat? 1997 18' CC w/ mariner outboard. I am looking at one for purchase, any information appreciated.

Hobie Mirage: is this a good deal?

ElJay — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:50:09 GMT

A local memphis dealer is closing up and selling the two man HOBIE MIRAGE OASIS for $980 new stock on the floor. Is it a good deal? We tried a similar one out in Ft Walton and liked it, it would be great for the Ghost river and other areas. Just looks a bit on the high side price wise.

Cleaning inside of Boat

Greenjeans — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:39:04 GMT

What do you use to clean the blood stains and dirt off the inside of your boat on the non skid areas of the deck, gunnels, center console and bow.. Soap and water excluded, I was using a bit of bleach today in a spray bottle but wanted to get some suggestions on some commercial stuff that might be handy. Inside of my boat is oxidized a bit and I plan on working on it with some 3M Restorer wax this week but needs some tips for something that will work better than soap and water for the blood stains and scuff marks.

:usaflag

Leadertec 49 strand

barefootin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:06:26 GMT

Tip:

Anyone that knows crimps, sleeves and swagging knows that this is the spot to buy sleeves.

Has anyone tried their 49 strand cable and care to comment? it only comes in "natural color but I don't see that as much of a negative.

Thanks,

Spanish vs King Mackerel ID made easy

Pier#r — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:24:59 GMT

In the pic below can you tell which is a king and which is a spanish?

Not being able to tell the difference can be VERY expen$ive. Not knowing the regulations can be too :doh

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/pierpounder/reports/2008/080906_ACFA_DI/MackerelComparison2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/pierpounder/reports/2008/080906_ACFA_DI/MackerelComparison1.jpg[/img]

It's easy to see the large black 'sail' dorsal fin on the spanish mackerel (top fish).
And note the lateral line 'dip' and the grey colored dorsal fin on the king (bottom fish).

BTW, here's a chart of king mackerel weight to length comparison (averages) that may help judge the legality of small kings.
[B]You can see that over 4 pounds is about the average for a legal (24" fork length) king mackerel.[/B]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/pierpounder/Misc/KingMackChart.jpg[/img]

At our last ACFA tournament a member caught similar sized spanish and king mackerel (5# +)
Both were legal so I took a couple of pictures for comparison. Thanks Mike & Austin Lee!

Hope this helps! :letsdrink

Offer to purchase suggestions

David Ridenour — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:39:00 GMT

I am wanting to make an offer on a boat. In the past I just wrote a check after a test drive and presto chango I had a boat.

Below is the language I thought would cover me for an offer to purchase. Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.

The buyer (me) offers to purchase the following vessel (description of vessel) in the amount of ( insert offer here) provided the following contingencies are met.

1. A sea trial of said vessel with the results being to the buyer's satisfaction.

2. A marine survey by a certified surveyor that meets or exceed buyers expectations.

This offer is valid until ( date and time).

Edit: I meant to add in a personal briefing of all operating systems on vessel by seller to buyers.

Fishing Tip and a way you can prove it works.

captken — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:21:31 GMT

Is there one color more attractive to fish than any other? You can bet your bippy there is and you can prove it to yourself at any bait shop that sells minnows. This is a very a simple experiment.

For the experiment, all you will need is a few various color beads and some small mono. (4-12# test or so) Tie one bead to the end of a foot or so of mono. Make sure you include some hot fluorescent color beads in the experiment and be sure to include pink, red and orange.

Dangle each bead in the minnow tank for a few seconds and observe the minnow's reaction. Some colors will elicit minor responses from the minnows but wait until you see what happens with red, orange, and hot pink.

Tim (RIP buddy) at Tim's Tackle Box in Orlando showed me this in his shop a bunch of years ago. I was amazed as I am sure you will be if you try this little experiment. If you try this, it will darn sure increase my credibility.

Now days, I use a lot of hot pink jig heads and also incorporate a little hot pink into most flies I tie.

Fishing the Bay

Fishing Mom — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:05:55 GMT

A friend of our daughter's did a excellent science project on redfishing. The child tested the best time and way to catch redfish-if you are a angler you should check it out-I think that it will suprise you on how he found out that the moon affects redfishing. The project will definently make you rethink your strategy.

After they allowed us to read his project, the child told us how this company asked him to post it on there website. My daughter thought it was so neat that this company recognized his hard work. Check it out, the website is www.redfishriviera.com. Kudos to the company for making the kids feel so special.

Fishing Mom:grouphug:clap

Advice on filling spools

bullet175 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:20:04 GMT

Hey folks, I hope Im posting this in the right place. Ive got my first pair of 30# Penn I30s reels and these are the largest reels of this class and size Ive ever had. Im getting ready to fill the spools with line and Im wanting to use a dacron backing and mono top shot to maximize my yardage. I want a 40# test top shot but Im unsure as to what # test dacron to use and how many yards there should be in the backing. The reel is supposed to hold 700 yards of 30# test mono. TREY

Cable caps

SharkSlayer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:27:08 GMT

I wonder if anyone has used these before? They look pretty cool and Im tired of putting a ziplock over my connectors.
I just ordered two.

[url=http://www.cablecap.net/home.html][/url]

LEAD-FREE FISHING SINKERS TO MAKE AT HOME

Perkons — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:02:52 GMT

Please pass this on to anyone who might find it useful.

http://members.aol.com/Ciekurs3/sandsinkers.html

It's great for kids who fish (and for keeping their moms happy and preventing family arguments about lead).

Also saves money and stops worry about sinkers that get stuck on jetty rocks.

Perkons

A site for Knot help

j_purdy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:06:56 GMT

If you're learning how to fish or just want to brush up on you're knot-tying skills, here's a great site I found: http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

The whole site, Animated Knots, is really informational. I hope this helps someone out there. Tight lines.

-Jason

Tips on catching keeper Pompano?

-- Saints Domination -- — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:01:25 GMT

Been surf fishing with a pompano rig and dead shrimp for about a week now and i'm only hooking pretty small pomps (and a gazillion lady fish). You guys have any advice on how to target the larger ones? BTW im casting my bait out in between first and second

Thanks!

Sonar 50kHz vs. 200kHz

Danno — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:32:18 GMT

My Lowrance LMS 525 has two setting for the transducer, 50 and 200 kHz. If I am reading it correctly the 200 kHz setting is best for coastal waters (shallow) and the 50 kHz is better for the off shore deeper waters.

Do I understand this correctly, I am having a hard time getting the past the bigger number being better for the deep stuff. Or does it have something to do with wave lenghts and other stuff that I don't need to know about.

Alabama boat driving license?

rcmay — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:18:08 GMT

I read on one of the state of AL's websites that unless your were 40 years or older in 1994 you are required to take a boaters test in order to get a boat driving license which you must have to operate a boat. Is there any truth to this?

Wiring Diagram for Auto Float

Greenjeans — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:46:28 GMT

Hey Guys,

I have a 1500 gph rule Bilge Pump and want to wire a rule automatic float switch to it. Anyone have a diagram or pointers? I am also going to wire a 2nd backup bilge but probably not to the float. Will keep that on accessory. Thanks

Can someone give me an estimate on sea tow prices?

GregBR549 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:03:32 GMT

I am thinking about getting sea tow insurance but I can't get much info from the website w/o sending in a bunch of info I don't know yet. If I get a say 21 foot boat, that is say mid to late 90s, single engine, how much would the towing insurance be? Or can you just get tow insurance w/o getting the boat insurance too?

thanks

Greg

Pay Attention and Make Connections. Fishing Tip.

captken — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:29:57 GMT

Sometimes fishing tips are handed to me on a silver platter but I don't always recognize them.

Bck in early August, this photo, along with some others was posted on another website.
[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/pup.jpg[/IMG]

The other photos in the post showed a fine bunch of yak caught fish. In the text of the post the author mentioned the name of the lure. It is, of course, a Zara Pup.

When I see that many nice fish caught on a lure I do not have in my box, I make sure I have one for next trip. Oh yeah!!! The Pup has been the hottest lure I have used since I started using it, especially when the tide is really low and fish are spooky. It is probably not the best choice for windy days when there is considerable chop but under slick conditions, it has been red hot for me.

This month's Sport Fishing Magazine had an article on Redfish and a study made by Texas Parks and Wildlife was referenced. "The survey indicated that Redfish mostly feed on finfish less than 2" long." This is probably the reason I catch so many Redfish on the Mirodine too.

This morning's project is to turn a half dozen Zara Pup clones and get them ready for fall fishing.

Volvo or Mercruiser

David Ridenour — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:51:34 GMT

I'm in the market for a used a houseboat. A lot of them come with Volvos. It seems to me years ago that Volvo outdrives had some problems. These are used boats from early to mid 80's models. Is there anything wrong with Volvos or their outdrives. Should I stay away from them? It seems mercruisers would be easier for maintenance and parts. Any experience or advice appreciated.

Best Wax for Maintaining

Greenjeans — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:57:03 GMT

Got the oxidation off my boat using the 3m Restorer Wax. It did a pretty good job. Was wondering if any of you might have some tips for shining up the hull in between deep waxes. One tip I got from a co-worker was to use the Eagle Spray and Shine in between washes. Do I need to buy the 3m Marine wax? Or is the automotive stuff pretty much the same.

Best knot for mono to flouro

tnmule — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:20:25 GMT

What is the best knot for tieing 30# flouro leader to 17#, 12#, and 10# mono? Thanks

New fishing tool you are gonna like.

captken — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:36:00 GMT

Rhett showed me a new fish gripper today. It is called, for lack of a better name I suppose, "The Fish Grip." All plastic and stainless steel. The company has a website www.nortonbrassrattler.com

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/fishgrip.jpg[/IMG]

I played with it some and it appears to be very sturdy and it floats. It locks very much like a Vise Grip. I'll take this a little further when we've had a chance to test it on real fish. I certainly like what I have seen so far. I was kinda put off at first because it was plastic and some of the other plastic fishing tools I've used were far from satisfactory.

Check out the coiled lanyard Rhett used to attach it to the yak. This lanyard stretches from 6" to at least 8'. I made the lanyard out of 300# test mono. I've made several of these lanyards for rod safety lines, paddle leashes, took security lanyards, etc.

Norton make some spoons that are prettier than any others on the market. They are equipped with rattles made out of pistol cartridges, .32 cal for the small spoon and .38 for the larger. That ought to make them easier for the Redfish to find in our nasty water right now.

The yak in the photo is Rhett's new Native Watersports Ultimate 12. Nice little fishing rig.

I need to find out where The Fish Grip is sold and pick one up for my yak and my skiff.

Home made Gotchas. Fishing tip # ???

captken — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:29:42 GMT

I have no idea what the tip # is for this one and haven't got time to look for it. The photos were close at hand, though.

I would imagine you can figure out how to do this from these photos but if you can't, I'll look up the tip and post it.

I'm showing this with brass cases but Nickel plated cases look better. The hose can be colored with magic markers or worm dip. You can use PVC pipe or the bottom section of ball point pens. I sometimes use Poly ski rope if I want a wild color. I'm showing this with 00 buckshot but a split shot will work fine too.

[IMG]http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff281/davysnavytoo/fortyfive.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff281/davysnavytoo/fortyfive2.jpg[/IMG]

Fishing with my cell

dan_salt_fresh — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:10:00 GMT

My young son turned me onto this. I don't have an iPhone (yet), but it works pretty well on my T509. Screen size ok. Big blackberry might work better. I got to it mobile.clicktoboat.com Just wanted to see if anyone else has used, or if you know of any other sites... Thanks.

Dan

Trolling Saturday afternoon....

Red Fly — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:46:22 GMT

My wife and I went out late yesterday, didn't have much luck finding bait fish but we did caught a few non-keepers with the bait we did catch while fighting a strong outgoing tide in the pass.

We decided to move over to Ft. Picken and lay out some trolling lines and work our way up to Quietwater and grab a bite to eat. We had two rods running lures, pretty well bent so you would recognize that they had lures on them. Within 5 minutes we had a boat cross our wake and clip a line, there goes a lure. It can happen I understand that, we re-rigged and put out another line.

Once again out of no where another boat cut our wake, there went another lure. The question is; should I be running some kind "Hey stupid, I'm trolling" flag? Am I missing something? Or do people just not pay attention?

I notice yesterday while fishing the pass, there were several of us around each other other boats approached with no regard to the amount of wake they were creating. Sorry to sound like I'm venting but I needed it.