New Boat.... Now what???

[Langer]

My father and I will be picking up our first Bass Boat later on this week. ( See Here for Boat http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?topic=1120.0)?

Aside from the required safety equipment required by Michigan and USCG, what other gear do you guys feel is essential to have on the boat?
Thanks,
Brian

[SethV]

First, CONGRATS on the new boat!!!! 

What do you guys plan on using the boat for?  I mean, tournaments or fun fishing?  Big water like Erie/St Clair?

A few things I carry in addition to the required saftey gear:
-Tool kit.  Include socket set, pliers, screwdrivers, hammer.
-Electrical kit.  Splice connectors, tape, fuses, wires
-Spare pump.  Mine are cartride syle, so the same pump will work for livewells or bilge.
-Spare prop.
-Helmet
-Drift sock
-Anchor
-Spare change of clothes
-Spare rainsuit
-Spare hub for prop
-Extra parts that have proven to be fragile (trim relays, ect)
-Light bulbs for running lights
-Jumper cables

I am sure there is more you can add, but that is the basic list for me.

Have fun!!!
Seth V

[Langer]

We will be doing some tournaments and a whole lot of fun fishing.  I would like to try St. Clair and Erie but those will come after I get use to handling the boat, and can find someone to show me the ropes out on those bodies of water.
Thanks for the info SethV

[djmaclf]

I believe the Canadians require a rope tied to your throwable!

[Roy Randolph]

Yes Canadian law requires that you have 25 foot (I think) of rope tied to throwable as well as all flares must be hand poppers no flare gun they consider a flare gun a concealed weapon.

Seth?s list is a good one to go by

[bshaner]

Make sure your spare tire is in good shape.
Didnt look to see what motor you have but if it takes oil, make sure to have an extra gallon of oil.

Once you have all that spare stuff, it wouldnt hurt to bring your fishing gear with you if you can fit it in the boat.  Rods, reels and all that will help you catch fish.

As for learning the big lakes, I'd suggest going with Poorboy.  Once you've made a trip or two with him, any subsequent trips make it feel like smooth sailing.  And if you are observant and have a good memory you can steal all his good waypoints.  Just commit them to memory and write them down on the way home.

B