Fired up the Yamaha for it's maiden run...

I spent a few hours on the lake today, breaking in my new Yamaha HPDI Series 2 motor.  I'm very pleased to say it ran like a top!  What a blessing and comfort that is.  Maybe it's just me, but anytime I break in a motor, or fire one up after the winter hiatus, I'm always a little anxious about the initial run.  Well, I'm anxious no more, this new motor sure does seem like it's going to be a nice one!  After a couple of hours of running around the lake, I'm ready to go fishing! 
Stay tuned, I plan on doing just that this week, I'll keep you posted on the progress.
God Bless,
Duke

Phoenix Boats

The PAA booth was located directly across fromt the Phoenix boats display, and after several hours of watching people flock into their display, I coupldn't take it, I had to go see fromyself, what everyone else apparently already knew.  Phoenix had brought 5 boats to the show, two 721's a 719 and a 619, all of these boats were currently listed on Phoenix's list of boat models they manufacture.  The fifth and final boat they brought was a new model introduced at this very show, it was the 618.  Phoenix CEO Gary Clouse mentioned that we wanted a smaller boat with all of the big boat options.  They definitely got it. The 618 is nothing short of a "mini-me" when compared to the flagship of the Phoenix fleet, the 721.  It comes in at 18' and 10" I believe.  It is rated for a 150 hp motor and apparently achieves some excellent speeds, it has the exact same hull design as the 721.  I managed to get a few pictures of the 618, when there wasn't a throng of people gathered around it.  When I asked Gary Clouse what he thought it would retail for, he said under $30k...that's impressive.  Here are the pics:

Fishoflage...What?

I ran into a pretty interesting group of guys at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors show. THey had an even more interesting product, Fishoflage, that's right Fishoflage. It's pretty cool stuff. Here's a shot of the guys at their booth and another picture of their product. I gotta tell ya, I had to have one, couldn't stop myself. Here are the pics.

The rest of their products can be found at http://www.fishoflage.com/

God Bless,

D

Back from the classic...

Got back from the classic last night and man that was a good trip. Several things stood out . One was the sheer size of the outdoor show, or I should say the bass fishing show. Secondly was the Phoenix Boats display, and last but not least was the fishoflage guys and their products. I'll post individual information about each one. All in all if you have never been to the classic, you should go, it's a good time, That is, if you're a fishing nut!

Going to the classic...

I'm headed to Birmingham, AL on Thursday morning to go to the Bassmaster Classic. Actually to to go to the Outdoor show associated with the classic. I'm going to spend a little time in the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Booth and a little more time down at the Phoenix Boats Booth, I am also going to spend a fair amount of my time checking out the rest of the vendors at the show. There are a TON of exhibitors at this show, it is a great opportunity to check out products and meet the people responsible for creating them, as well as see the newest products available in the fishing world. I'll post some pictures when I get back!
God Bless,
D

Spent the day on the pond.....

I spent the day on the lake today, never got a bite! I went with a friend to Cedar Lake in Southern Illinois. Thanks to a calm night and overnight lows of 16 degrees, we had to break ice for a little over an hour to get to open water. I think we needed our heads examined! By afternoon it had warmed up nicely and a light breeze was blowing. This allowed the lake to thaw considerably. The ride back to the ramp was a lot quicker in the afternoon, it took about ten minutes. I shot a little video as we were leaving the ramp, actually it was about twenty five minutes into the trip...I think my comment at the end of the video says a lot! lol. Until it warms up some, I think I will stay at the house.
God Bless,
D

A little classroom session with the Rotary Club...

I had the pleasure of being invited to speak at the Cape Girardeau, MO Rotary Club today. What great group of people, it was a good time. I guess if you call listening to me talk about professional fishing a good time? I do! No, all kidding aside, I had a good time and got to meet some really fine folks. Again, thanks to the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club, and Mike Radake for inviting me to speak.
God Bless,
D

Number 2000

Waterfowl season is over, well, over today to be exact, but for all practical purposes it ended last Saturday when our geese began to migrate back northward. The last week was pretty slow, mostly unforgetable, with the exception of one thing, Calli made her 2000th retreive in the field. 2000th lifetime retreive that is, which caused a little celebration in the pit. So I grabbed the camera and we shot a few pictures. I know there are a lot of dogs who have retrieved more times than this, but I've kept records since she started hunting and the incredible part is of 2000 retrieves, she has only failed to find approximately seventy-five birds. We hunt standing flooded corn, which can be challenging for a retriever, but she has made it look easy. Here's a picture of number 2000, and a thanks to all who came and hunted with us during the 09-10 season at Pike's Hunting Club.

God Bless,

Duke

(check out the right leg of the goose...see anything shiny?)

Shining like a new penny...

I picked up my boat today from the dedalership, complete with a new Yamaha VMAX HPDI Series 2 motor. Man, that new motor looks good. I can't wait to get it out on the pond!

I couldn't resist, I had to take a picture of it before I left the dealer....to quote Clark Griswald's dad from the movie Christmas Vacation...."It's a beaut!!"

A day off!!! Well, sort of...

I got a day off...well from hunting anyway. We didn't have any hunters coming in today, so I came home to Pinckneyville and took care of some domestic duties. You know, like paying some bills. Yuck. I did get to sleep in, I woke up at 6:45 this morning, thats 2 + hours past normal, very nice!

I managed to get some pictures from the field, the whole video thing has wore me out. I just can't manage to get it done. Between calling at the ducks or geese, keeping hid so they don't see me, telling my hunters where the birds are, so they can get ready if they come in...well you get the idea. Apparently, I have a limit to my multi-tasking.

I hope ya'll have a Happy New Year!

God Bless,

D

Here's a picture of my best friend in the goose pit with me...

(Calli is her name)