[Daniel_Gig]

I would also look at heated vest/jackets too. Those heated gloves i have are a total game changer for fishing those brutally cold days. They stay charged for a full 4-5 hrs on high. and get so warm on high you could make them last even longer on low.

[Daniel_Gig]

For winter gear, i use snow gear. I think my stuff is northface and my wife has columbia gear. I also use heated gloves and socks i got off amazon. Base layers are a must. Also if you dont already have one, vacuum pack a spare change of clothes incase you get wet.( i need to do this one before i go out again)

I know a lot of guys use their hunting stuff, for someone like me who fishes solo a lot, i dont think its a good idea. God forbid you get separated from you boat, that dark green camo is going to be hard to spot in the water by coast guard. Just my thoughts.

[Daniel_Gig]

Ive been near fort pike for the last 3 years and just pulled out in october. It isnt a bad location by any means.

But personally i think anything off of chef pass is the best location. The problem i had was constantly having to running all the way around to get into the icw. If youre comfortable passing under the tracks at unknown pass, its less of an issue. After hitting that bridge, i am not a fan of tight clearance bridges. Just my 2 cents.

• This reply was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by  Daniel_Gig.

[Daniel_Gig]

Also consider how your deploying the spot lock. If im drifting forward at like 2- 3 MPH with the wind at my back, then i hit spot lock, the trolling motor will turn on like its preventing me from drifting off a cliff, then the boat will spin around. For a fish that is used to detecting a 2-3″shrimp, you are literally like “a bull in a china cabinet”.

[Daniel_Gig]

i have spot lock, and dual power poles… From what i’ve experienced, in anything under 3-4′, spot lock will kick up mud. But i will say this: the fish aren’t dumb. Using their lateral line, they can feel your presence. Even when i use my power poles, if the fish are in a hunting mode ( ie usually what they are doing in the shallow water) , using the PP’s will spook them. Your best bet is to perfect boat positioning, and increase your casting distance. On windy days, when boat positioning is difficult, fishing with stealth becomes difficult.

[Daniel_Gig]

Boat trailers…ugh… If i were smart enough i’d start a trailer company and design a trailer that isnt made like a RV.

It amazes me how a truck can have 200k miles+ and be 20 years old, no axle issues, wiring issues… Yet a brand new boat trailer can need to be completely rebuilt after being used for 2 years. Yeah submerging them in water hurts them, but that shouldnt make steel bend. I think these builders are just throwing them together now using $10/hr welders or something.

[Daniel_Gig]

I made a post similar awhile back, its in the general discussion thread. I ended up doing it all myself , trial and error style. Worked out well. The one plus to this is you can easily fix it when it breaks again.

[Daniel_Gig]

Hahaha great report man. Thats INSANE!

[Daniel_Gig]

Yeah, I can see where the marinas would want to try to silence anyone making that point and being in the industry you gotta watch what you say and who will be hurt by it.

But yeah, I’ve been at work all night and day so I’ve been utilizing the “past digital issues” feature on Louisiana sportsmen’s magazine. Mostly it’s a lot of the same info, but with some gems found in there like brand new boat ads listing new boats under $30k! Haha.

[Daniel_Gig]

Me and my 2 year old son love marsh man mason on YouTube. I’ll click on it, and as soon as my son hears todd talking he goes “fish? Reel reel fish?” lol.

[Daniel_Gig]

Speckled truth is good. I like Chris’s story telling style and his theories on things. I really wish he was more focused on Louisiana, but as a trout angler, I still enjoy it.

[Daniel_Gig]

Man those evergreen plugs are crazy expensive, and those triple treble hooks are stupid sharp. I had a different color a year or two ago. Lost it to a sail cat trying to unhook it. Amazon is the only place ive found it for sale still. But they are like $15 ea if i recall.

Evergreen is a Japanese company right?

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Daniel_Gig.

[Daniel_Gig]

No no, its terrible. Keep directing people to Delacroix! haha j/k

[Daniel_Gig]

If nothing else, seeing recaptures confirms without a doubt that catch and release can work. Despite the people who say that a 12″ trout wont survive being hooked and released….

[Daniel_Gig]

Nice! Hoping to up my numbers this year.