Thanks for responding. When you only have a week a year it's great to learn and anticipate getting away. Going back in past posts there is great information here. For example, I found Crystal Lake interesting last year with its beauty, deep water, abundant bait fish and seclusion and was able to learn more about it here. I also lost a musky at the boat fishing alone when i bent over for the net and gave it slack for a second so Ty's idea about have the net ready over the side was a great idea. Ty, you played basketball and your dad coached? We may share interest in fishing and basketball. It would be great to get in the boat with you some day. Good luck to all you lucky people out for the opener.