Category: boating

Not so much fishing but Italo , I’m quite certain I purchased one of your old boats . Do you recall owning a 1988 Allison XB2002 , Center steer , likey a omc 150 at that time ?Just curious …just fully restored it , you should see this thing , bet it would bring back memories, such a light fun boat .Mike

Posted on November 1st, 2022

Hi Mike, I did indeed have a few Allison’s over the years and a couple of XB2002. Glad you have it and were able to restore it. I really enjoyed their performance and fishing from them. I would love to see an image of the boat. You can email it to me at, info@canadian-sportfishing.com …God bless you.

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Hi Italo. Welland River – is the water here safe to run through your outboard motor? Had a mechanic tell me to stay out of there due to dirty water running through your outboard.Thanks, Jim

Posted on January 24th, 2022

Hi Jim, I have fished the Welland River for many years and have not had an issue with my outboard motor. Not sure what the mechanic meant. The Welland River can get very turbid after heavy rains and it can also be very clear at other times.

Make sure to check the fishing videos on our Italo Labignan YouTube channel and if you have any questions just email them to me at Ask Italo throughout our www.canadian-sportfishing.com website.

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Hi Italo, love your show. Always very informative. I was wondering if you have any tips on replacing bunks on a boat trailer? My boat is stored away for Winter right now but the wood on the bunks is getting punky and some of the carpet is worn through. I’ve heard there are plastic bunks that you can use as replacements. Any thoughts on them or know where to get them. I’m in the Kawartha’s. Thanks

Posted on December 11th, 2021

Hi Randy, glad you are enjoying our TV series. I have always used marine-grade 2×6 for boat trailer bunks and wrapped them with outdoor carpeting. I am not familiar with the plastic sections. The 2×6′ is pretty sturdy. If the plastic would be sturdy also maybe you wouldn’t have to wrap carpeting around it. Hope you figure out a good solution….God bless you.

Make sure to check the fishing videos on our Italo Labignan YouTube channel and if you have any questions just email them to me at Ask Italo throughout our www.canadian-sportfishing.com website.

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Hi Italo..I’m a big fan for 25years ..if have learned so much from you ..thank you.. I’m looking into buying my first fishing boat .. I most love fishing for walleye . I’m looking to spend up to 15000 .. what our your thoughts? Tiller ? And Hp and what kind of fish finder would you recommend .. I mostly troll and fish the bay of quite..God bless .

Posted on November 30th, 2020

Hi Mario, thank your for your kind words glad I’ve been able to fuel your passion of fishing! The ideal “Walleye” boat for your needs in my opinion is a 16′ aluminum that is deep and definitely set-up with a tiller 40 hp four-stroke outboard. The tiller set-up will give you maximum room and enable you to front or back-troll effectively. I would encourage you to check out the Team Boats Rad 1640 which is 3/16 welded aluminum and built right in Bala, ON.

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I’m looking at purchasing the same boat as yours but I see you can put a 150hp on it, just wondering why you went with the 115hp?

Posted on November 5th, 2020

Hi Steven,

Good question. The Team Boats RAD 1640 Canadian Sportfishing Special Edition is an amazing boat that performs extremely well even with a 90hp outboard. With a 90hp, fully loaded with fuel batteries, full live well and 2-people it runs at a top speed of 34mph. With a 90 or 115hp motor you have good top-end speed but you can also troll under 2mph is needed. Because if the hydrodynamic hull design it is extremely fuel efficient. From my 50+ yrs. of running many brands of fiberglass and aluminum boats that have included Prince craft, G3, Ranger, Skeeter, Stratos and Allison’s, worlds fastest fishing boats rugged with outboard over 200hp I have come to appreciate that you can only run fast if water surface conditions are very good. To me having a reasonable top-end speed, good hole-shot, low trolling speed, and exceptional mileage not to mention a solid 3/16” welded hull and fishing friendly layout and ease of cleaning is perfect for multi species fishing.  Fish with a Passion. God bless you, Italo

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Where can I purchase rubber decking you have on your boat for that extra comfort

Posted on July 24th, 2019

Hi Don, you can order SeaDek by contacting Mike Simon, mike@launchmarineconcepts.com .

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Hey ItaloI watch your shows all the time and im wondering about your rod holders mounted to the bow of your G3. what are they and where can i get them?

Posted on October 9th, 2018

I made those rod holders up by using two Tracker Marine flat rod holders.

rodholder01

I attaching them to two G3 removable gunwale plates with a piece of 32″ aluminum 1/8″ plate.

rodholder02

On the aluminum plate I  attached a fish measuring tape.

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It’s pretty simple to build….God bless you.

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Hey Italo, i was wondering where you launched your boat when you were fishing the Welland river. thanks

Posted on May 22nd, 2017

Depending which section of the Welland River I plan on fishing determines where I launch. Lower Welland River, Chippewa, ON (near where it meets the Niagara River),  Chippewa Public boat ramp. In Welland, ON off River Road just after Almond St. To fish upper Welland  River (south of Welland, ON), EC Brown Conservation Area (almost across from the Welland, ON airport off River Rd.

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First let me say, it was totally amazing to meet you on Sunday…finally!! I am the girl who eagerly listened to your workshop at the Toronto Boat Show. We even took a picture together! You are amazing!!! Anyway, I am finally taking the plunge and I am going to “buy THE BOAT” I am so excited…almost too excited and I am afraid to make a mistake. I guess my biggest fear is being taken advantage of by the “salesMEN” I am looking into a boat that would serve all my fishing fetishes and my need to be on the water all the time, but also something that will server the kids and the rest of the family so we can have fun together. I am looking for a deck type boat or even one you can sleep in (although I think sleeping in a boat might be a bit much!!!) The boat I am looking at has 5 options for a trolling motor and I have no idea what I should do…same with the Sonair fish finder depth thingamagigy GPS (which I think is cheating) Can you help me figure this out or at least direct to me someone or someplace that can???

Posted on February 1st, 2017

Hi Christine, so nice to have met you. I with other anglers would share your excitement for our wonderful sport!

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To best help you I would need to know the length of the boat you have in mind, the configuration (cuddy cabin/where you can also sleep), or other. Fiberglass or aluminum. Sharing the actual boat model you have in mind will really assist me so I can help you….God bless you.

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I am very curious to know why most every boat or similar watercraft has the steering wheel located on the right hand side (Starboard) of the vessel instead the left side (Port) as in North American automobiles? Is there some some sort of navigational issue in play here or historical significance ? What is the reasoning?Sincerely,Calvin

Posted on May 28th, 2016

Hi Calvin, possibly has to do with the original, older power boats where the lighter boats would slightly “rise” out of the water on the right due to the 50 lb. propeller torque to the right (starboard), side.

yamaha_sportboats

Propellers turn clockwise and generate that torque. Today all larger outboards have a “tab” that can be adjusted for prop-torque right on the cavitation plate. This may have been the origin, and than they just kept installing the steering on the right side. I have used Allison Bass Boats that have had the steering wheel in the middle to keep the driver and passenger balanced in the boat at high-speed. Most high-speed racing boats have  the steering wheel and driver in the center……God bless you.

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