safety

I've often wondered how long My boat trailer tires should last. Usually the tread is in almost new condition. Today I read an article on when to replace trailer tires. Now I guess I need more than batteries this year.

Time

Time and the elements weaken a trailer tire.
In approximately three years, roughly one-third of the tire's strength is gone.
Three to five years is the projected life of a normal trailer tire.
It is suggested that trailer tires be replaced after three to four years of service regardless of tread depth or tire appearance.

Mileage

Trailer tires are not designed to wear out.
The life of a trailer tire is limited by time and duty cycles.
The mileage expectation of a trailer tire is 5,000 to 12,000 miles.

Why Use An "ST" Tire

"ST" tires feature materials and construction to meet the higher load requirements and demands of trailering.
The polyester cords are bigger than they would be for a comparable "P" or "LT" tire.
The steel cords have a larger diameter and greater tensile strength to meet the additional load requirements.
"ST" tire rubber compounds contain more chemicals to resist weather and ozone cracking.

I hope this helps someone prevent a possible disaster on the way to or from the lake.
Good Luck.

If you're finished eating, watch these videos for educational purposes.

We all can't wait to get our boats in the water and start fishing this year. The extremely cold winter has taken its toll on us and possibly our boats as well. When you launch your boat for the first time this season it is a good idea to wait a few minutes to inspect your boat for possible leaks. Bilge pump hoses and or livewell hoses or the pumps themselves are susceptible to splitting due to colder temps especially if water was left in them. ( one year I had a battery shift and broke the PVC collar in cold weather) . I was glad I had taken my time that day, I could hear the water rushing in!! If I would have ran straight up the lake I would never had heard it,until possibly too late. So take all of the possible precautions,wear life jackets take extra clothing and let someone know where you are fishing.Be Safe!

With temperatures in the 90s  it does not take long to wear your mind and body down. With all of the talk of keeping our fish alive  ( very important ) it is also essential that we take care of ourselves. Here are a few things that I do to keep my mind on the fish and off of the heat.

1. Take more than enough water that my fishing partner and I can drink. 
2. Take more than enough ice that you and your fish will use.
3. Eating and snacking on the way to different spots.  You are not wasting any time, plus you don't feel like eating when sitting in hot stagnant air.
4. Don't wait until you are hungry or feel bad to eat or snack.
 5.Eating more in the first part of the day, because the hotter it gets the less likely you will feel like eating. Plus your body needs the fuel to stay healthy and focused.
6. I like to keep clean tee shirt type rags soaked in water in a gallon ziplock bag in my cooler to put over my head and or under my hat when the temps start to get unbearable. This is very refreshing.
7. Drink , Drink, Drink. Water that is.
8. Fly spray. The flies in this area have teeth, and swatting them all day will also make your temperature rise.
9. Always keep a eye open for your fishing partner to make sure he or she is also eating and staying hydrated. This is also very important, you do want them to be ready to net your fish , right?
10. Boat ride. Sometimes just moving off one non producing spot and getting the air flowing  will cool you down  and help you refocus.
Good Luck, Stay Safe.