Sorry about that TOO!
I meant 3/O and 4/O.
The brand I use are Gamakatsu. Be careful with them because they are strong and super sharp!

My split rings I bought at BPS are around 150#.
This was the heaviest I could find in a store without doing mail order.

I'm finally relocated in NJ, but I'll keep hanging around.

Right now I'm looking out my living room window, across the Hudson River with a beautiful view of a lit up city and the Empire State building!

Wow, this isn't Texas!

Good luck on the trip to everyone and let's see some pics with the reports.

well at least it still says you are from Texas.... .
My fillet knife runs off 12v DC, so I can run mine off truck battery(used in boat so I dont have to fillet fish in the driveway- do it on the water.)after I load the boat of course. Let me know on the jigs and topwaters- I am in 100%!!!!! I might even have to go over and join Bazztex when he sturdies them up a bit! I have a soldering iron! And in the need of some burnt fingers..lol!

I'm up for the cleaning crew. Anyone have a pic of these jigs? Maybe I can get to work on some too if I know the dimensions and specs. November is SO far off, even though it sneaks up on us fast every year, I'm thinking we might be able to all get together before then at some central location for dinner or a freshwater get together or something. Anyone up for that?

lets have a jig welding party!lol!

No problem RM, I thought so on the hook size. I've made more typo's on forums than probably anyone. Got it Gamakatsu and saw the split rings, up to #150 only. Guess I got to limit my self to the smaller Y-fins on topwaters.
Hey I'm up for a group split ring/hook change gathering. Name the place and when.
Let's seriouly look at doing the self cleaning of at least some of our fish. Bags are cheap at Sam's Club and I believe SkR knows how to write.
Got a link for some big arse poppers for about $13 or so, let's see what they can do for us. I'll email them about a big group order.
Got Walleye's deposit, we are at 8. Ain't that great!

I'll volunteer for the cleaning crew. I can bring my electric filet knife (battery) and even a vacuum sealer if we think we'll be able to plug it in.

TOO, have we decided to stick with 12? Are we there? I have one guy in mind...let me know.

Wally, I'm leaving it to everyone about the total number. I'm in favor of 13 or 14 myself. but if they are wanting to stay at 12 that's hunky-dory to me. I say we do the cleaning of the B-fins and the other little stuff. The big Y-fins and AJ's we catch might want to leave to the professionals.

I cant get a hold of my friend- so go ahead if someone wants to take his place. I wouldnt mind 15- some of us will have to sleep anyways.

TOO you've got mail. I'm up for it...let me know the details.

Chris

TOO--went back into the older threads to find what days heading out and returning. Is there room for me at the motel yall are staying at for Thursday night?

OK yall, don't laugh, but is there a shower on the boat? Yes, I can go without one more than a day, but I'm a dual transplant patient (kidney/pancreas '89) and a couple of my meds keep my head/face/back real oily. I guess I could just bring a couple of bottles of alcohol with me to get rid of that nasty stuff.

Just update me on all that's been done or set-up since yall had a full crew.

Chris

IF YOU CANNT GET A "FOR SURE" FROM THE CREW , LET ME KNOW, AM ABOUT 99% I COULD COME UP WITH ALL THATS NEEDED FOR THE TRIP. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED POST IT AND I WILL GIVE A CONTACT #

BB, got you. Got both emails. We are at 13 committed. BibB, I'm giving the others until July 1st to let me know their intentions. I got 4 others who emailed me that are wanting to go. If the committed folks can't make it, then I'll see what these others say. If they can't then we can see if your folks want to go. Fair enough?
BB, no shower, bring the alcohol or better yet a gallon of water and bar of Ivory soap. I'll do a wash cloth bath my self. Just feels better.
Haven't made anything for the hotel the night before. Won't until September. I had a hard time last year convincing the manager at Captain Quarters to give us the same rate from '02. Doubt if we'll go with them again. We will have a pre-trip meal, I vote for Trout Street, '02 went with Castaways(which was closed a month ago on a Saturday! I believe they're closed for good), '03 went with Virginia's, so Trout Street would be a good choice. Someone gonna buy me a Shiner bock, I'm still owed one from Tuna I and II. Other than that the total number will be set in October and we'll get an idea of the cost then. We are looking at cleaning at least a partial amount of our fish and having the big momma's cleaned by the fish cleaning folks.
BTW, I say after we get back breakfast again at the Island Cafe. Nice way to start off before our fish cleaning.

breambuster, you might try this in place of the shower.
Get a bottle/container of those 'handi-wipes' parents use on their babies.

Sounds silly, but after using 3-4 of those things, you'll probably feel better.

If nothing else, you'll smell clean!

Good luck.

sorry- i cant fish next to anyone who smells like "baby power".....j/kiddin! Thats a good idea- i may be smellin like baby powder too! Better than rotten fish guts...hehe! TO be one with the fish- you must become the fish... :p

Hey Too,
What was that cottage-style place we stayed at time before last over by Castaways? That was a great room with large kitchen. Not new, but large, well kept up, clean and quiet. Well until the stereo-phonic snoring contest. Captains Quarters new management/owners were kinda non-negotiable with us last year. If it's me that owes you the Shiner, you gotta remind me when we're bellied up to the bar or I'll forget. Breakfast at the cafe afterwards is a great idea. What are the depart and return date and times again, that original post has scrolled off. I haven't got a response from Russell about the MREs. Anyone elso know where to get good deals on new ones?
Are we going to need to bring some piggies? They kinda skimped on the live bait on that last 24hr. I'm up for a jetty piggie tournament the day before. That bull spec might show back up. I'm taking plenty of days off for this one so I'm not rushed to get down there and back.
RW