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Message Subject: What the Heck happened???

OH Musky

Posted 8/5/2026 7:49 AM (#1037732 - in reply to #1037699)
Subject: Re: What the Heck happened???

Posts: 461

Location: SW Ohio

North of 8 - 8/3/2026 5:45 PM

CincySkeez - 8/3/2026 2:51 PM

Interesting read. A little red meat for each age group here

https://open.substack.com/pub/loosecannon/p/is-boating-becoming-too-...

Some time during COVID boat prices went nuts. Demand was high and supply did not keep up. Seems in looking at used boat prices that may have modified a bit. One of my fishing partners is, like everybody, is much younger than me and when he told me what he paid for his Impact back in 2024 it was all I could do not let my mouth drop open. This spring I put a new 9" Explore on my bow after my Helix took a dump. The guy at Northland Marine talked about how much it costs today to put electronics on a boat. He has been at it a long time but just shook his head.

You're right about the Covid years. Covid wasn't the only outbreak. Lakes became heavily "infected" with new boats. But don't forget all the single boat manufacturers being bought by conglomerates that could care less about customer service and more about dollars. Having all the formerly competing companies under one hat does nothing but raise all the boat prices.

sworrall - 8/4/2026 12:44 PM

How many weekly visits do you think there are on OFM?
1) 20k
2) 30k
3) 40K
4) 60K

One question:
How many of those a bots and how many are actual people? Is there a ratio that can seen?

Emptynet

Posted 8/9/2026 5:58 PM (#1037760 - in reply to #1037498)
Subject: Re: What the Heck happened???

Posts: 406

Location: WI

If somebody is new to muskie fishing the 1st step should be finding the nearest Muskies Inc chapter. Older guys not being willing to help is BS. I learned alot from fishing with and listening to more experienced guys in our chapter. I used less than top of the equipment the first few years but still caught fish. The whole notion you need a 20ft boat to fish lakes bigger than 2000 acres is ridiculous. I've taken my 16ft Navigator to Eagle Lake, and LOTW quite a few times. You simply need to use your head when the wind blows. Ignore the people who say you need a Tranx 500 and a 10ft custom rod to catch a muskie. Get the best you can afford, buy good release tools, learn how to use a handful of lures, and have fun learning.

chuckski

Posted 8/10/2026 8:32 AM (#1037763 - in reply to #1037470)
Subject: Re: What the Heck happened???

Posts: 1712

Location: Brighton CO.

I will soon turn 66 and have helped many of fishermen over the years both on my own and as a muskies INC member. To fish bigger water and yes have a better chance at bigger fish and big boat helps, every thing from travel time to not taking on water in the wind. The biggest boat we owned was a 17 foot StarCraft with 70 horse. My nephew and I took this boat to Vermillion after my dad passed (this was my dad's boat) We got in some big rollers on the east end of V. and my nephew hasn't fish since then. (2018) And yes there's a big square on the map "High wind area" A thing that will help you catch fish is boat control get strong trolling motor and 24 or 36 volt system. Over the years we caught a lot of our Muskies out of a 14 foot row boat three of us fishing. Dad would drive the 15 horse and would take the center seat being a good overhead caster and a friend or family member in the front. Like a fool I sold this boat when I moved back home as my parents were ageing (at least I was smart enough to keep the motor) I am boatless now. Get out there enjoy the water and woods with friends and family. I don't any more lures but on my next R&H's order I'll get a new Knipex. I'm in your camp Emptynet!

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