made a small change to the boat.

Leaving PA on Thursday. Next stop on the tour is Smith Mountain Lake in VA. Early research is very interesting.

Fall Fishing tour continued: After meeting up with Tim Dodson on his home lake, we had another surprise visit on our way to Pennsylvania. We also got to spend time with Mack Toon in one of his hidey holes. He came aboard the vessel for a day of fun fishing. We had a great day laughing, teaching and just being three guys in a boat with knowledge and tackle. Fish were caught, landscaping was done, stumps were bumped and a hundred types of baits were thrown. We fished until the sun went down. Thanks to Mack for spending the day!

Road trip fun: Dropped in on Mr Tim Dodson today. Had a great time with him and my brother in law fishing Falls Lake.

Started the first leg of the migration to Guntersville. Then on to Pennsylvania and South Carolina. I’m bringing a box of assorted baits my wife made for all of us to play with and get feedback. She busted her butt to get these done in time. #proud

Crankbait with active target through baitballs in 15 foot of water is a blast! No giants but 7 in the boat in 45 minutes kept me giggling. Was a great time while water testing after changing fluids to prep for my month long tour.

I spent the past 2 days on boat upgrades for Guntersville mini retreat and something really special in November. Added a 2nd graph to the bow for efficiency and accuracy with my workflow. The time consuming part was running isolated and dedicated power lines to the bow and console. 8 gauge to the bow and 10 gauge to the console. Perfect crimps and shielding. Second fuse bus on the bow, harnessing, etc. Lots of pride in the craftsmanship getting it done properly with the right hardware.

One other thing I could use opinions on. I have a point one gps puck to install for quicker response and waypoint accuracy. I’m contemplating on bow or stern mount. I have nmea network access in both. The bow seems obvious but it has to stay away from the trolling motor at least 3 feet even when stowed due to magnetic interference. Recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Before and after pics included.

Learn from this: We fished a private tournament today. Multiple large fish were caught. A 7lb’er won the pot. Here is the lesson learned. When a co-angler, who fishes a lot of BFL’s, opens the livewell on the way to weigh in, don’t let a 5lb fish jacked up on G-Juice jump out and escape over the transom. As the boater I just shook my head and giggled to myself. As Brian mentioned in the “keep your fish alive” session… leave the livewell closed. Still had a fun day and stacked the experience ladder further.

I saw a little cove off the main lake and idled back to escape a wake boat. I noticed a slight water flow. Found this 25.25 inch in 5 feet of water tucked up against a concrete wall.