Heading up for first time with new boat

[lumpy]

Always fished with others now have my own boat. Got any suggestions for this weekend, Friday and Saturday? I've usually fished at Vineland area and out of Terry's on the West side. I've got the new reelbottom gps chip for Mille Lacs so am anxious to try that out. Would welcome some help and will keep an ear out on the FM marine channel.

[This message has been edited by lumpy (edited 05-28-2003).]

[Fathead]

Hey Lumpy,

I am heading up to Mille Lacs tomorrow for just the second time this year. So I do not have any personal reports for you.

However, looking at my logbooks for the past two years, I would recommend trying the deeper gravel or mud flat areas. This is about the time they start to be more active.

There is a nice gravel area just southeast (more east and out about a mile or two) of Indian Point that has been good for me the past three years running. It is not named on the map, but you will see areas that come up to 18' (if I remember right, I don't have my map with me). Sloppy Joes and 4-mile gravel may be worth a try as well. Although, 4-mile would be my last choice.

As far as flats, your guess is as good as mine. I prefer 7-mile, Fishers, Boot, and Agates Needle to start with.

I purchased the MMC Reelbottom this spring as well. I used it for the first time on opening day. But I am really anxious to use it on the flats. It is going to be awesome for navigating to exact areas on flats and reefs!

One hint for you...
If you use the map in split sonar/gps map mode, I would recommend resizing the map screen to a smaller ratio than the sonar. The reason being...you can zoom in to a much smaller screen resolution 0.08miles/screen. This is nice for plotting fish and baitfish (using symbols) on your map and returning to these marks much easier.

If your map resolution is set higher, these marks are spaced together tighter. At 0.08miles/screen you can really notice the difference when your boat moves 10' away from one of thes marks.

Good luck and I will try to post my report Thursday night when I get home.