tholmes

I have an old Arbogast Jitterbug that started life as yellow, but I spray-painted it black because I kept reading that black was the color to use at night. I've caught many, many bass on that plug, and it's had the paint job re-done several times. I've been tempted to retire it a few times, but it just keeps on catching bass, so naturally, I keep on using it. Tom

I never fish in the grass without one of these tied on. Tom

Are you sure that's not a RevoSX? If it is, here's the spool. Spool 1125818 - OEM Abu Garcia - eReplacementParts.com Tom

Same here. I've been buying and using ABU round reels for a long time. I have 8 in the rod rack and probably 25 or so in boxes. Never found a reason to change. Tom

Yep. Wounded shad, wounded shiner minnows, etc. Tom

Blade baits are a mainstay in my tackle arsenal. IMHO, the best cold-water bass bait going. Also great for White Bass, walleye, and I've even caught a few HUGE crappie. I have a Do-It mold that pours both 1/4 oz. and 1/2 oz. baits. I generally rig them with double hooks the hooks facing backwards. It cuts down on the hang-ups pretty well. Tom

I've used this stuff for quite a while. It works very well, doesn't cost an arm and a leg and it's readily available. Even at Wal-Mart. Tom

My favorite night-time bass lure. I replace the trebles with double hooks. Tom

The Bait Monkey lives in my wallet. Tom

I have FAR more reels than rods and I just sold a rod today. I've got some catchin' up to do. Tom

I've fished before, during and after a rainstorm. Unless there was lightning in the area. No fish is worth your life. My experience tells me that bass activity picks up before and during a rain shower and drops off after the rain has passed. At times, catfish will go crazy after a rain, feeding on worms, bugs and other critters that get washed into the water. There are no hard and fast rules though, ya just have to get out there and give it a try. But not if there's lightning around. If you hear thunder, get indoors. Right now. Tom

6' even. Irish, Scot and Welsh. Oh yeah, I love corned beef and cabbage. Tom

Cold water is the faucet on the left. Tom

I like Big Game for my baitcasters and BPS Excel for spinning reels. Tom

I hope to learn that I'm gonna make through another fishing season. Tom