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It was always a bonus to be fishing during a scheduled shuttle launch. The causeways fill with cars and the waters fill with boats. Everyone was interested in witnessing a true demonstration of America's strength and ingenuity. It was tangible evidence of what our country could do. We saw it; we felt it; we heard it.

On the other hand if getting to those back woods, out of the way, remote places is your thing you may want to check out some of the kayak canoes such as Sea Eagle's 330. It weighs only 26 lbs but can hold up to 500 lbs. It's also capable of handling class III rapids. At 26 lbs you can take it almost anywhere. How is that for versatility!

If the walleye are not schooled, and are located at different points about the reef, or breakline, drift your your boat near the reef or breakline but but not on it, then cast your walleye fishing jig towards the shallows working the jig back towards you.I would recommend you have your minn kota 101 lb trolling motor ready to keep you running parallel with the reef or breakline.Use your trolling motor to keep you boat drifting parallel to the reef or breakline. If you catch a walleye toss out a marker and work the area until the fish stop biting then move on.

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In many lakes where standing timber has rotted away, shallow man-made attractors of cedars, bamboo or old Christmas trees often draw spawning crappie. A top rig here is one used by crappie guides Jerry Blake and Darryl Morris on Arkansas' lakes Greeson and DeGray. A Thill 1/2-inch, pencil-style slip float is rigged beneath a bobber stop and above a No. 6 Eagle Claw Aberdeen hook. A split shot is added between hook and float, and the hook is baited with a live minnow. Several rigged poles are placed in holders, the bobber stops are positioned at the depth where crappie are likely to be, then using a minnkota, the guides slowly circle each attractor. Crappie often pull several floats down simultaneously, a testament to this tactic's effectiveness.

You only have 30 minutes to go and to play it safe you decide to go. You fire up the big motor right in the middle of the weeds and take off, sending a nice wake into the other boat.

Do routine maintenance. Like any type of motor an electric motor requires checks and routine maintenance. Parts should be checked to make sure they are secure and in good shape. Fisherman should not assume that electric means no worries. Maintenance is still important.

Many spawning crappie move into extreme shallows in flooded timber that can't be reached with a boat. To catch these fish, slip into some waders and move slowly through brushy backwaters, using a long pole to place minnows or jigs near cover or casting a Crappie Slider to swirls in the water that reveal fish. Don't rush, or you could trip on a stump or log. Carry a basket or stringer for your catch, and use a staff to provide support and probe the water ahead.