Pickerel are usually too bony to safely eat. I tried pickling their fillets and they were as good as store bought pickled herring. Of course, you have to appreciate pickled herring in the first place (LOL).
Go0d idea. I built two freshwater rods, one 6.5' and the other 7' in 1982. still use them. Good luck; tight lines.
You are right on, Greywulff. If there are people who are negative about their perception of keeping too many fish, then they have to be educated. Please take the time to explain to them that overpopulated bodies of water that don't have enough forage to feed on really need thinning out. Explain to them, if you have the patience, that you are following expert opinion based on good science.
I've seen a lot of good substitutes for lead. Mine is old window weights.
Thanks for the story. I plan to equip my 17' canoe or 12' canoe, with an electric trolling motor. Both boats are great for paddling, but when fishing, the tippiness works against me (both have roundish bottoms and have a 33' beam). Learning from your mishap, I will secure the battery in the middle so it doesn't move, install flotation foam or bags, and maybe even fashion outriggers for extra stability.
Still like the scouts' motto_ Be Prepared.
More people are finding these sea robins good eating. I predict that the word will get around and they will be overfished then a new cycle begins with another new "trash fish" discovered.
Three years ago when I was 76, I bought plans for a 12' Platt Montfort design canoe. Platt was known for designing really light boats, and after finishing the canoe, it weighed out at 16 1/2 lbs. I reasoned that as I was getting older, it would be harder to load my 47 lb. stripped built canoe onto my roof rack. Don't regret the planning.
I was in Scarborough on Wednesday, cruising up and down rt. 9 (Pine Point Rd.) and saw some likely spots for stripers at the mouth of the estuaries and in the estuaries. Talked to two fishermen and they said there aren't many keepers to be gotten- most ar large schoolies about 22-24". But if you want action without red seaweed, try this area. I'm new to the area myself. You got me curious about red seaweed. I'm going to research this seaweed to know how it gets washed ashore so I can go at times when it's not likely to get unattached from the seabed. Jim
I use an anchor in shallow enuf waters. 50' of 3/16" nylon twine isn't too heavy and won't break the bank.
Different strokes for different folks. Pros and cons for kayaks and jon boats discussed in the above replies do matter. I have two kayaks, 17' and 18 1/2' weighing no more than 28 lbs. each. I also have two canoes, 17 1/2' and a solo 12 footer, weighing 46 lbs. and 16 lbs., respectively. All were built by me.Now that I am approaching 80, a rowboat with a motor on a trailer may be the better option. I can stretch my legs, stand, save my shoulders from paddling, and not worry about losing my balance anymore. If I sell one canoe and one kayak, I will have enough money to buy materials for the dream boat and motor I want.
Battery powered aerators are great. For long term aeration, try using a combination of an aquarium aerator plugged into an inverter. This device, when connected to your 12V battery in your car or boat, will last all night and more. Inverters come in different wattage capacities; my big one is great for power outages and run my refrigerator, a lamp, and radio in the house.