Soft water season now closed

[snoozebutton]

My boat is still water ready and will be for at least a couple more weeks.

A quick question for you guys. Do I need to worry about the motor freezing up at night if I drop the motor all the way down for a minute or two when I get off the lake? Does that drain all the water out of it? Or should I be doing something else? So far it hasn't been cold enough to worry about it.

[wplatehunter]

As long as you drain the water out by putting the motor down when you leave the lake and pull your plug you should be fine.

[A.W.Wolfram]

What is winterizing?

[snoozebutton]

Thanks wplatehunter, that's kind of what I figured. Do you think it's necessary to disconnect the shut off and turn the motor over for a second or two?

[wplatehunter]

I never have, but it's up to you. All I have ever done is lower the motor and let the water drain. I have not had any problems during fall fishing or duck hunting, and there have been some cold days. When I get home if I don't put the boat in the garage I will lower the motor again. Just remember to pick it up before you leave again.

[eyebjim]

I used to just drain the motor til I had water freeze in the water pump housing and crack both sides of my lower unit enough that oil was leaking down both sides of the unit. After that I always drain and start for a few seconds to flush the water from the pump. That was over ten years ago and I have not had any problems with water pumps going out from starting dry(for only a few seconds) and no more freeze ups either. On a side note JB weld is awsome stuff. I sanded the cracks and applied JB weld and the thing is still working today with no leaks as far as I know (I sold it a few years later).

[Sandmannd]

I'm still booking guide trips into October. It's not over until the ice says it's over!!!

[vikingmeatwad]

I don't hunt so I get out as much as possible this time of year. Work has been a B lately though but I hope to get out a few times in the next 2 weeks for eyes.

[Fazerfish]

I winterized my boat a couple weeks ago, but now reading all these replys gets me a think'n about fishing again. Is there anywhere in the southern burbs to fish from shore and have any luck?

[JimBuck]

For sure! The weeds have died off considerably and the water has become much clearer....I've been finding several fish stacked up along shallow weed edges and docks. Don't forget your topwater lures....

[Fazerfish]

Has anyone had any luck at Bush lake? I have fished from shore there before, but without much sucess. I would love to find a place I could take the kids and catch some panfish, maybe enough for dinner.

[JohnK]

I'm in the boat until the ramp is iced in.

Best time of the year. Have the lake all to yourself

and once you find the big one's there's alway more than

one. Have fun guys.

Ditto. No lines at the ramp, no water skiers, few if any pleasure boaters, fewer people in general. Fall and winter are great times to be out...if you have the right cloths!