[Jonathan]

I replaced all of mine last year with Interstate so I havent went the lithium battery route yet. I have read good things about the Duracell batteries from Sams but no 1st hand experience.

@Boyce made an good post on switching to lithium not long ago.

https://www.lafbelite.com/forums/discussion/lithium-batteries/#post-43893

[Jonathan]

Good list. I dont know how often or far you pull your trailer, I grease my bearings more often. About every other or 3rd trip. I have the easy lube axle that has the grease zerk at the end. It always takes a few pumps. The shortest trip is an hour and a half to longest is about 3 hours one way. My intervals would probably change if I had to pull the hubs though. I dont know your setup. I learned this habit the hard way after loosing a wheel & hub on the interstate over an hour from home.

I dont know the maintenance schedule for the Tohatsu. Is changing the oil but not the filter standard?

I also keep a volt meter on the boat and just started using a salt gone product as well (not to flush motor yet).

[Jonathan]

Still waiting on boat to clear the fiberglass shop from a hole poked in the bottom courtesy of Grand Isle, so I cant make it. But I love the post and idea behind it. Thank you.

[Jonathan]

When I use live shrimp or have the kids out, I use a 1/0 Kahle. Recently changed from the head to the tail now.

[Jonathan]

Yep. I have gotten some of those. They add up.

[Jonathan]

I have found to add about 5mph to whatever wind is predicted is about right. The south wind in grand isle has a long runway for waves to build especially pushing to the beaches and into the passes to get out. I would give it a try but have a backup plan in pocket.

[Jonathan]

Yep. I have paid the troll to cross that bridge several times. It goes by length not axle count.

[Jonathan]

Thanks for the report. Thats a stud in the picture. Congrats.

[Jonathan]

You’ve got to be pretty confident in your plan/capabilities to bring a date out for an all day fishing trip, LOL. Especially one that doesnt fish. Thanks for the report.

[Jonathan]

Very nice box. I have started to carry two spare tires. Which reminds me, I had to use one after the last trip which I need to replace. I also carry a spare hub kit with lugs, packed bearings, a castle nut and cotter pin. I recently got a battery powered impact I keep in the truck that has been great.

[Jonathan]

I have very limited experience fishing the rigs offshore/near shore. I have found to fish every side. We have fished a few of them a while back. Each side had a different species of fish. You will know pretty quick if they are there or not.

[Jonathan]

Im glad its not just me that feels that way. I got a chance to make it out to the rigs outside of Grand Isle a few weeks ago and am hoping to make it back soon before it gets too hot.

[Jonathan]

I have asked the workers at the marina or bait shed how people have been doing. Im not so much as looking for spots but more for general areas and to see if my plan lines up with that of successful people out catching. I have talked to charter captains (just general conversation b/c I find it fascinating) hanging out at the marina and some have offered advice. I dont think I have ever directly asked a charter captain, although some of the marina workers have put me on to a captain and the marina worker has asked. I have also been out on charters that the captain has told me to give them a call when Im in the area and they will give me advice. I have never taken them up on that. It does feel more rewarding to catch fish on my own merit. But it can be difficult learning an area when I only get to fish 1-2 days a month. After a trip or two the whole pattern can change. especially if you dont fish the same area consecutively.

[Jonathan]

I dont have any good answers to your questions, but congrats on a successful trip with your daughter. Only thing that comes to mind is that they are feeding up getting ready to spawn and the midday hasnt been extremely hot yet.

[Jonathan]

Here are a few. I think they have since been marked with PVC. First one was the one I hit. It was a pole completely submerged. Headed to a buddys camp off of that canal. Water was extremely shallow and had to come in on plane. Buddy told me two other boats lost lower units the same month in that area. I was lucky enough to gouge from mid-ship back, rip the bottom area with the drain plug off, take out the lower unit and crack the front of the cowling. </div>

29°12’33.09″N 90° 3’43.94″W

29°12’30.04″N 90° 3’49.89″W

29°12’29.54″N 90° 3’46.69″W

29°12’31.67″N 90° 3’39.58″W

• This reply was modified 1 month ago by  Jonathan.