Musky Fishing | Ice Huts | 303 Boat Products - Fisherman Dennis Shares Fishing Tips & Boat Maintenance Advice

Yeti Roadie 20 Is Perfect for Day Fishing Trip

August 6, 2016 by dennisn Leave a Comment

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 02:45 pm

There is nothing like cruising the open waters and finding a perfect spot to throw out your line and wait for that satisfying tug meaning the fish has accepted the bait. Every fisherman needs a sidekick and I found mine when I decided to buy the Yeti Roadie 20. Yetis have the reputation of being the top of the line in the market of ice chests, but usually, products that have too much hype surrounding them turn out to be overrated. I figured that Yetis were the same, so when I was searching for a good boat cooler I tried out a few that turned out to be disappointing. Finally, I decided to try out the Yeti Roadie 20 and I can honestly say that it has been the best purchase I have made in years!

A fishing cooler needs to have a special set of features that make it convenient and reliable for the average fisherman. Of course, the first thing people usually research about a cooler they are thinking about purchasing is the ice retention capabilities. Boat coolers will often spend a vast amount of time under the piping hot sun with direct UV ray contact. Yetis have known to have the ability to hold ice up to an astonishing ten days in hot settings, but I have never been on a ten-day fishing trip. However, I have been on a three-day long fishing trip during some pretty high temperatures and my Yeti Roadie 20 still had almost all of its ice by the end of it! If that doesn’t make for a perfect boat cooler, then I don’t know what does. As I said, I did a lot research on sites such as DiscountCoolerSales.com and others.

My fishing boat is actually quite quaint, so bringing along a big, clunky fishing cooler was not an option. The Yeti Roadie 20 is the optimal size for a personal cooler. The Roadie 20 is compact, but it is actually roomier than it looks. The Yeti Roadie 20 cooler can hold up to 14 cans with a 2:1 ice to can ratio. I typically use the coolers to preserve my catch, and I could fit around 4-5 fairly large fish inside of it, which is a great amount to bring back from a day fishing trip.

Yeti Roadie 20 Durability

Considering I go on day fishing trips at least once a week, it is safe to say that my Yeti Roadie 20 gets a lot of traffic. My Yeti Roadie also has the tendency to be amidst some pretty bad thunderstorms that have the possibility of doing some serious damage. It is for these reasons that it is important that the Yeti Roadie 20 is extremely durable. The two-inch thick Permafrost insulation paired with its rotomolded construction makes it nearly indestructible.

Hopefully, I won’t be seeing a Grizzly Bear trying to make its way onto my fishing boat anytime soon, but it is worth noting that Yeti Coolers are “Certified Bear Resistant” from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Considering that grown Grizzly Bears just come under a ton and are almost pure power and strength, it is beyond impressive that even a Grizzly Bear can’t damage it.

My Yeti Roadie 20 has lasted me five years so far and I am sure it will last decades more because of how durable and reliable it is. If you are a fisherman then the Yeti Roadie 20 is the best boating cooler because of all of its top-notch features.

Eskimo Ice Shelters Are Like A Sauna On The Lake

June 9, 2016 by dennisn Leave a Comment

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 02:45 pm

It is a Wisconsin angler’s happiest time of the year when the lake begins to freeze over and the air starts to turn frigid cold, because this means that it is officially ice fishing season! Ice fishing season means us fishermen need to have some quality gear in our roster in order to survive the intense Wisconsin weather. After trying out a few ice shelters, I thought that I would never come across an ice shelter that could go toe to toe with that freezing lakefront effect, that was until my friend suggested that I try out the Eskimo Ice Shelters. I never thought that I would be so hot that I would break a sweat while sitting on top of a frozen lake, but the Eskimo Ice Shelters showed me that I was wrong. The Eskimo Ice Shelters are so intense that it is like having a portable sauna at times.

Eskimo Ice Shelters Offer Verstatility

I couldn’t believe how insulated these portable ice shelters are. I mean, I read reviews online, like those at the Outdoor Products U.S website, but I was still amazed at how warm the Eskimo ice shelters are.

All anglers are not one in the same, and we all have our preferences and specific techniques that we use. Thankfully, there are many different models to the Eskimo Ice Fishing shelters that are as versatile as anglers are. I like to go on ice fishing trips by myself where I can reflect and enjoy the serenity of the frozen lake. Therefore, I have one of the single person models that can hold up in some extremely harsh weather. The Eskimo Ice Shelter Wide 1 Inferno with Swivel Seat, is perfect for the advanced angler that likes to be alone on trips. Featuring double wall hinges that open up on the side, it is an expandable shelter that has a wide bottom for more fishing space, but it is still extremely light-weight for the ultimate portability.

I know not everyone likes solo fishing excursions, and some people like to turn their ice fishing trips into family get-a-ways, so some of the bigger models of the Eskimo Ice Shelters would be ideal. For those that like ice fishing in groups, they should definitely invest in the Eskimo FF949 FatFish 3-4 Person Pop-Up Ice Shelter. My good friend owns this model and he can’t stop raving about how roomy it is for him, his wife, his child and the family dog, while still having a lot of room for all of his fishing gear. This model has 61 square feet of fishable area to use. For ice fishers with an even larger family or group of people that they want to bring along on the fishing trip, it is best to check out the Eskimo Quickfish 6 Ice Shelter. This model boasts a massive 6 person capacity with 9 self-tapping anchors to make sure the Quickfish Ice Shelter is held down when those harsh lakefront winds come bustling through.

If you are an angler that needs a great amount of back support while ice fishing, then the Eskimo QuickFlip 1 Ice Shelter With Tripod Chair is the model that you would want to go. No matter what your needs are as an angler, there is a an Eskimo Ice Shelter that will be perfect you. Click here to see all models.

SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Upgrade

June 6, 2016 by dennisn Leave a Comment

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 02:45 pm

If you’re like me and you want to make your fishing excursions as enjoyable as possible, then you’re also always looking for ways to improve your boat. I recently did just that by installing a SeaStar Hydraulic Steering kit on my boat.

SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Kit Upgrade

As a child growing up in the backwoods of New Orleans swamps and watching my dad fish in some of the most challenging bodies of water planted the seed of my dream of being a hardworking fisherman. Fast-forward to the present and I am now a fishing charter captain of my very own fishing boat. Now, that my dreams became a reality and I purchased the ultimate fishing vessel to fulfill my dream career, I now needed optimized steering to adhere to the various fishing jobs that often require different techniques and steering tricks to properly catch the fish in the swampy New Orleans waters, or the sometimes weedy Wisconsin lakes.

After doing some research, I went out and purchased the SeaStar Hydraulic Steering upgrade, and ever since implementing the kit on my boat it has been smooth sailing during my fishing excursions. The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering kit has allowed me to customize my steering mechanisms, so I can properly maneuver through different fishing locations in order to not scare off the catch.

After using the SeaStar Hydraulic Steering for a few of my more difficult catches, I have now discovered that SeaStar Hydraulic Steering kit has been the best investment that I have made in my entire career as a fishing charter captain. I am starting to get up there in age as the years progress, and the stiff cable steering that my boat originally had was beginning to take a toll on my back and shoulders. Now with the SeasStar Hydraulic Steering, I can steer my boat with complete ease that rivals even the power steering on my car. My back problems have begun improving and I now feel better than ever had since I started my fishing career.

Shrimp fishing can produce some of the most difficult boat steering experiences because the bayou where shrimp are prevalent is thick and hard to steer in. With the SeaStar Hydraulic Steering, it almost feels like I am steering in really light fresh water, rather than the thick swamp water that runs rampant in Louisiana bayous.

SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Kit Installation

I am not the best at installs, but even I was able to install the SeaStar Hydraulic Steering kit without any problems. I followed the great advice over at SeaKnights.com. The kit comes with a set of detailed instructions, and the helm, cylinder, fittings, oil and bleeder kit to set up your new steering on your boat. The kit is basically universal to all boats, with it being ideal for cruisers, or center console boats, and also offshore fishing boats and many more. It is also is well suited for boat speeds that go upwards of 60 MPH.

SeaStar Hydraulic Steering is a must-have for anyone in the fishing industry. As soon as I installed it, I couldn’t help but think that I should have gotten this upgrade sooner to my boat. Spending countless amounts of man hours and money on work I kept getting done to the cable steering to try to amend the capabilities. Upgrading to a hydraulic steering system is a necessity for anyone with a boat who wants to make their life a little easier. The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering system has definitely been the best decision I have ever made.

My Favorite Tiger Musky Rods And Reels For Summer Muskie

April 28, 2016 by dennisn Leave a Comment

Last updated on August 1st, 2019 at 10:13 am

In addition to being a Texas bass fisherman, I have been fishing the summer waters of the northern Wisconsin area for over 30 years now. The weather up there is great in the summer, making it a perfect time to get out and start fishing for summer muskie. Many people ask me what rods and reels that I use when fishing for tiger muskie. I have a variety of lures I use, but more important to me is the tiger musky rods and reels that I use.

I thought I would give you some insight into my preferences for best musky rod for bucktails and reels. The tiger musky rods and reels that I have used, I believe are truly the best fishing rods available to make fishing for muskie an enjoyable experience, as well as enabling me to catch a lot of tiger muskies in summer months. Before you take my word for it though, I suggest you head over to https://tigermuskie.net/ to check out their reviews and advice.

When talking about fishing for summer tiger muskie, my musky rods of choice are the St. Croix musky rods. St. Croix rods have been around for many years and their performance is outstanding. When fishing for muskie, my 2 biggest pet peeves are strength and sensitivity. St. Croix musky rods delivers on both accounts. For me, muskie rods are all about feel. If the rod feels good, then I am all about using it. The St. Croix rods are my choice and will continue to be my choice in the future.

My choice for a muskie reel is the Shimano Calcutta. It is the smoothest, most durable musky reel I have every used when fishing for summer muskie. These products have excellent rust resistance. The Shimano Calcutta reels are excellent when casting and operationally flawless. There is no other muskie reel that I would recommend for the job. The Shimano Calcutta products deliver the performance and fluidity required for a fun outing on the waters of Wisconsin.

Top Quality Tiger Musky Rods And Reels Make All The Difference

So why is quality important? St. Croix was founded in 1948. There is a reason they have been in business for so many years. Their rods are engineered for quality and made with quality materials. The last thing you want when buying a rod is a cheap product of low quality which will break and fail over time. St. Croix rods are top quality musky rods and is a Wisconsin company. This quality is the reason I have used their products and will continue to do so in the future.

Shimano is another company with a long history. Founded in 1921, Shimano has been synonymous with quality in fishing products. The Shimano reels are considered to be the pinnacle of quality when it comes to reels. Made of top quality materials, they are made to last. Shimano products are tops when it comes to performance and durability, but most important to me is quality. The Shimano reels are my choice when fishing for muskie, or any other fish for that matter.

So I recommend that you take a long look at the St. Croix rods and Shimano reels as your choice for tiger musky rods and reels. With these top quality products, you cannot go wrong, and maybe if the fishing gods are with you, you will catch a lot of fish as well!

Before you go, check out this monster musky caught on a St. Croix and Shimano Calcutta rod and reel combo.

303 Vinyl Protectant Is A Must Have For All Charter Boats

April 27, 2016 by dennisn Leave a Comment

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 02:43 pm

I have been a fishing charter captain for many, many years now. Whether chartering for guests or out fishing myself, the seats on my boat are exposed to the elements on a daily basis. No matter if it is sun, wind, rain, or saltwater, it is very important that I keep my vinyl seats looking new. For this task, I use 303 Vinyl Protectant.

This product has the top level of performance and protection that I require. When a new guest steps on my boat for the first time, the seats of my boat are one of the things the notice first. The 303 Vinyl Protectant keeps my seats shiny and new. Many people comment about how my boat looks brand new, however I never reveal the actual age of my boat. What is important to me, is that my boat looks and has the feel of a brand new vessel.

303 Vinyl Protectant Review From A 30 Year Charter Captain

After doing this for 30 years, I can tell you that 303 products are my top choice for protectant. This product keeps my seats from being damaged by saltwater, when water sprays onto them. It protects cracking and peeling do to damage from the hot summer sun and UV rays. It protects from wind drying them out. The 303 Protectant also is top notch to protect from fading or loss of color to my seats. There is no other product out there equal in performance to the 303 Vinyl Protectant. Believe me, years ago, I tried other products out there, but there is no product out there that delivers in terms of protecting my boat. My boat is my livelihood, as well as my vehicle for pleasure boating and fishing. The 303 Vinyl Protectant is superb and this is the one and only product that I would recommend for your boat to protect your vinyl seats.

303 Vinyl Protectant By The Gallon

So how much of this should you use on an annual basis? Well, my experience is that I use a minimum of 2 gallons per year. Keep in mind, I am a professional charter captain, and my boat gets a lot more use than the casual boater. I would recommend buying the 303 Vinyl Protectant gallon for a couple of reasons. First, it is a better value to buy the 303 Protectant by the gallon, rather than buying it in a smaller quantity. Secondly, you do not have to repeat order as often if you buy the larger quantity in the gallon.

The 303 product line is tremendous and the 303 Protectant is second to none in terms of performance. I have used these products for a long time and will continue to do so in the future. The 303 Vinyl Protectant product is best used when used as a preventative product. When using in it this way, it prevents problems from happening and keeps your boat seats looking new and colors from fading. It also reduces worry about weathering from the elements. Keep in mind that this is not a cleaning product, so you must clean and dry your surfaces before applying. For cleaning products, I recommend that you check out http://meanjoeclean.com/.

So get out and protect your boat today with 303 products and you will see the same great results that I have! If you’re a charter captain, this is a must have. You’ll be thrilled at the compliments received from your customers.