ÜberFly

If you are an AMA (CAA) member (or know one) you get this service for free! I used it when buying my Mazda and increase the dealer cost by 7% and was able to negotiate a fair deal (dealer still made money I'm sure, just less with me then joe blow off the street that didn't do any research). Good advise Rufus! P

Marc, I will agree with you about the room in the back seat. Put simply, it SUCKS! I'm 5'10 and Deb is ~5'5 and there is absolutley zero leg room and we were shoulder to shoulder. Even the cargo space seemed a little bit limited!! P

From what I understand only about 1/2 them spawn in a given season (or something to that effect)... P

Ok you are twisted my arm... As I mentioned last year when this $hit show started, I do random camp in the backcountry (on occasion - but do it with the upmost respect - so I do not want to sound unsympathetic or like a hypocrite). I have and will tell people that they are being unlawful & disrespectful, being mindful of the situation you have previously described... Sans enforcement (because the easiest thing to do is enforce the rules, but that is easier said then done), unfortunatly, closure is the only solution that will open peoples eyes!! I realize that isn't always possible either... I was up near Caroline last week participating in the SRD study that Don Andserson organized... One thing I did learn is how he (and others) influenced change up there. How they did it was they highlighted the "positive" economic benefits to the local economy that developing "trophy waters" could (and do) have (look at what the freshwater fisheries society has done in BC)... Obviously this takes a lot of "grass roots" organizing (I understand for the Castle there is already a proactive grass roots group)... So unfortuantly, with legsilation/regulation and charging fees, the Gov't (and the local economy) can gain economically and hire more CO's, etc. (but we know how good that works with the campgounds in the rest of the province)... Actions like supporting the "Stream Watch" program and trying to expand it, as well as having an opportunity to call in violators are all good options... Also education will also help, but in order for people to learn they need to be hit where it hurts, their pocket book (or closing the area), and as we know with the fines associated with poaching (fish) in AB, that isn't always a big deterrent!! Hense the cycle of under enforcement... I guess one thing you and I could do (as someone else had mentioned) is not random camp (legitimately or illegitimately) and as another suggested keep writing our MLAs (I was at a party last week with Morton - but didn't speak to him as I'd proably end up punching him in the face ) P

In the grand scheme of things, nothing positive will happen until the legislation changes (sorry frypan) which means "park status" (especially in areas like the Castle, where I [personally] think it is necessary)! This has the potential to be a huge can of worms on here (as it has in the past) so I will leave my comments there... As I previously mentioned, it the irresponsible types that have ruined it for everyone else - and the only way to truely change that attitude is to legislate - close the area and teach them (everyone, unfortunately) a lesson that this type of mistreatment and abuse will not be tolerated! Not an equitable solution for all parties involved, but it has gone WAY beyond reason at this point (IMHO). P

Chris, My opinion will cost you a free issue (this issue) LoL The 1st one!! Peter

Obviously you didn't read the small print Rob!! LoL P

As this has been discussed many many times before... It's the few (or many) irresponsible types that ruin it for everyone else... As an avid random camper you should be proactive in educating your brethren as you will see it more then most of us... Or at least call them in as much as possible especially if you see blatant disregard for the rules (out houses, kitchens set up, etc.). Be a steward to the positive aspects and respectful random campers!! Of the ones I've seen/witnessed, I haven't seen many! P

I betcha a $100 that they don't even measure, let alone keep a record of where the RV is sitting and compare!! P

If you have a pick-up, it's sooooo very cool to see a 'toon strapped to the topper!! If you don't then I guess you are SOL and have to break it down everytime... P P.S I'd be in the latter scenario, myself (though it might be just as cool to have one strapped to the roof of my Mazda wagon, or Deb's Forester!! Though I doubt it )

Just b/c being "connected" worked for Rahim Jaffer, doesn't mean it'll work for (or should work for) "Joe Redneck"!! P

I recently purchased a Sage LL and from what I've researched the ZXL uses (the same) or very similar blank and the LL has the reputation of being one of Sage's BEST ever (just what I've read)!! So I'm sure you won't be disappointed - especially if you get it for a good price! P

I'd say go to a shop (one of the sponsors or other wise) and that way you can see the different models (and quality)... I think Walmart (and Cost-co) even sell them so you might get a good idea about quality... I'm no expert, but things to look at would be the type of material the tubes are made of and thickness of the nylon cover (if applicable), the type of steel or aluminum the frame is made of, the warrantee that the company offers. Then look at the details, padded seat, side pockets, can you use an electric motor, it is river rated and what's the weight capacity, what other accessories they offer anchor cleat and pulley system, rod holders, length of oars, type of oar locks, etc. As I mentioned in a previous post, quality will always outlast something "cheaper" (in price and quality) and hold it's value better. If you need to cast from the bank one more season to save up for a better quality boat then that might be worth it in the long run. I think U of C and Sports Rent rent them, so maybe rent one to see if you like it or borrow one off a board member if possible... Again, just my opinion. P

Either way, I'd be wanting to see it in person... $250 seems a little "cheap" (quality wise) if it's new... Just my opinion... P

Hell, I'd be all over Colin's (CDone) 'toon that he has listed on the Trading Post thread!! I was out with him on Don Anderson's fish study last week and was able to see his boat in action! It's in GREAT shape and he is letting it go for a steal! I'd also say that you get what you pay for and a used "WaterSkeeter" is far superior to a "Cabela's special"!! P

"You play, you pay"!! P

I guess your "handle" matches up well!! LoL P

Yeah, yeah!! To charge the battery!! LoL P

Thanks, I guess I have to see if I know someone with a multimeter as I do not possess one... I think it is an adjustable charger (6v & 12v with two choices of either 5 or 10 amps for th 12v), but I'm not sure... P

A neighbor of mine gave me a 12v battery charger and said he was "pretty sure" it worked... How can I test it to see if it in fact does (as at his point in time I don't have an extra battery sitting around to charge)?! I took it b/c I figure I could use it if I purchased an electric (fishing) motor at some point in the future... Peter

Back in Saskabush in the 50's, my mom & aunts used to get 2 bits a tail... I would think prices have gone up since then!! LoL P

I've caught them on the middle section (Big Valley to Drum) before... Not sure about access other then the bridges as we were canoe tripping both times. P

Buy the best quality gear you can afford (even if it's pre-owned)! Quality will always out last and out perform (and in most cases keep it's value) over "cheaper" gear. There are some good buys to be had on the trading post (look at CDone's custom rods he has up for sale) and with some of the board sponsors specials, so keep watching the trading post and sponsor threads. You most likely will be using the gear a lot, so also consider how you are going to use it and what's going to work for you, specifically... Peter

In the summer I use both a vest and hip pack (I leave the pack on the bank most times). Fall/winter I just use the hip pack... I guess I could pare things down a bit, but I pretty much use everything (I could leave the binocs and camera at home, but then how can I spy on the people across or down river from me?! ) For the back country I use a small Fishpond San Juan pack and use just one small fly box (I pretty much have a good handle on what works up there)... I guess if you don't use something consistently (in 2 or 3 outings), leave it at home... P

Good to see you're diversifying your crop Jer! LoL P