Tokyo Tony

Love my Calcutta B. I know it'll last forever, and it's definitely high quality. I use it for my large swimbaits. The one complaint I have is that the brake is a little finicky when I'm casting big 3-5 oz baits. I usually have to thumb the spool to prevent a backlash, or the beginnings of a backlash. Other than that, it's perfect.

Search Google for reviews on each (e.g. "Canon SX20 reviews"), then make a decision based on what fits your needs better. Can't go wrong doing that. There are tons of reviews out there.

It's not just Faux News. I don't see any reason to discount a news story simply because it came from Fox. The other outlets are even worse, in my opinion. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/internet-virus-frames-use_n_350426.html http://www.examiner.com/x-8134-SF-Gadgets-Examiner~y2009m11d9-Computer-virus-frames-people-for-child-pornography-possession http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33778733/ns/technology_and_science-security/

NewAngler - the camera references are because the camera used to take those pics was a gift from gems - an early Christmas present because we're going on a scenic vacation at the end of this month, so we got each other our gifts before then so we could use them no the trip. Paul - this wood is in 9-10 feet of water, about 30 yards off of the nearest shoreline. I'm having trouble uploading a google maps picture so I'll just describe it. There's a small island right next to the shore, more of a peninsula actually, and the point drops off gradually into the center of the pond. To the right of it, facing shore, is a creek-type of formation, although it's not actually a creek. The "creek" is about 20 yards wide. This wood is just outside of the "creek", just right of the island/peninsula. It's a mucky bottom year-round, although weeds grow about 10 yards closer to shore during the summer. Like I said, we were very surpised there was anything there to get hung up on. It was just a fluke find. I'm considering setting up more wood there this winter when it's frozen over. Need to check the legality of that first of course. Yes, I lined the spot up well :-) We caught the three big ones right off of the wood, and there were a few smaller fish we caught around the wood. We fished almost the entire pond, but all 9 fish were caught within a 30 yard radius of the wood.

Yes, let's go Sunday. And yes, the camera is amazing, as you know. Thank you

Thanks guys I just hope the pond doesn't freeze over anytime soon...

x2 To expand, the hula grub is generally used on a jighead, or t-rigged, and either fished like a grub or a jig. The Ika is fished weightless, usually backwards (if you talk to people on this site), and fished exactly like a senko. If you do it right, you can actually have the bait sink away from you, into cover. You'd probably fish the two baits around the same types of cover, but the action is completely different.

I know a lot of folks use circle hooks for wacky rigging stick baits. It's not for me. Perhaps the most exciting moment of senko fishing is the hook set! Why deprive yourself? I can understand if you're gut hooking a lot of fish. However, using bright yellow braid, a sensitive rod, and paying attention to the line will almost guarantee that no bite goes unnoticed, which eliminates the gut hooking problem. I use the Gammy finesse wide gap weedless wacky hooks (not sure what they're actually called). Very strong, sharp, and you can set the hook nice and hard with them. The only complaint I have is that the weed guard needs a lot of adjustment after it gets worn down. The only hooks superior to these, in my opinion, are the owner weedless wacky hooks. However, I can never seem to find them, and the biggest size they make is 1/0. I prefer 2/0. John, I know this isn't exactly the info you're looking for, but don't be tempted by the circle hooks unless you want to deprive yourself that exciting split second - the hook set 8-)

I decided to go fishing with my brother to the little pond we dubbed Huge Pond, where we've caught many good fish over the last couple of years. I knew we'd at least catch a few fish, with a good shot at catching a 5 pounder. My brother didn't think we were gonna catch anything. A valid assumption considering the surface temp was 52, and the water muddy after some recent rain. Nonetheless, I've done well on this pond in identical conditions, so I was still optimistic. We started off throwing spinnerbaits in the shallow areas to see if there were any fish still there, but there weren't so we went deeper to the only dropoff in the pond. It goes from 8-10 feet, and the dropoff goes across the whole pond. I found it, dropped a marker buoy, anchored, and got to it. After 20 minutes of casting a black/blue chatterbait and a black/blue jig without any luck, we moved onward towards shore. My brother hooked up with a 2 lber on a chatterbait, first fish of the day. Nice. I cast in the same direction and hooked up on a chatterbait too. Small fish, but nice to feel the tug. My brother got snagged on something, which was a surprise, because we know the pond very well and didn't know there was anything to get snagged on in this spot. It turned out to be submerged wood, and I'm so glad we found it. I put down the chatterbait, picked up my jig rod, and started working the wood. Couple casts, nothing. Then, I felt the wood, lifted the jig up over the first branch, let it fall to the bottom. Lifted it over the second branch, let it fall to the bottom. However, it only fell about a foot until the line stopped, so I checked the weight, and sure enough, it was a nice bass who sucked in the jig before it could hit the bottom. I set the hook, and after a few head shakes and dives, she was in the boat :-) I wonder how long she was stalking my jig before finally committing. I wonder if she saw it working through her home a couple times before she finally got ticked off. This was probably my third or fourth cast to the same spot. Who knows? We caught a few more small ones in that area then moved on. We fished all around the pond in different spots without any bites. Finally we decided to go back to that one piece of cover just to give it another shot. I'm glad we did. My brother caught this fish on the chatterbait, which he worked slowly just above that wood. Another nice fish :-) What a way to end the day, we said, and I told him to pull the anchor so we could leave. He said he was gonna smoke a celebratory cigarette, so to make a couple more casts. I'm glad I did. Same piece of wood, third fish over 5 pounds, this time on a jig as well. I can't believe that such a small piece of cover had three fish of that size on it. Amazing :-) I don't know if this has ever happened to us, but we each caught a 5+ on our very last cast of the day. Great way to finish, and a day I'll probably remember forever. Nine fish in all over about 3 hours, with three over 5 pounds in November in CT. Can't beat it. Thanks for reading.

I'll let you PM me those pics for free.

If you wanted any chance of catching a good one, you should not have made the pre-trip post.

If you're looking for quality, and just starting, get a set of used cavity back irons. They're more forgiving than blades because of the bigger sweet spot. Definitely get a titanium driver with a large head - 400-460 cc's, with a graphite shaft. You might want regular instead of stiff as most beginners have trouble with slicing the ball. The regular shaft will aid in slice prevention. Of course if you're swinging at 90+ mph, go with a stiff shaft. The rest of your clubs can have steel shafts, which I would recommend. Steel is heavier, more durable, and you'll generally hit it straighter than graphite, although not quite as far. As for putters, really whatever feels best. I used to switch putters every few months/weeks (for years!) until I settled on the Odyssey two-ball. I've had that now for 6 years. For balls, you'd be best off with a distance ball that doesn't spin much. For example, Pinnacles. The reduced spin means you'll hit it straighter and longer. For a glove, go for a durable one to start, like the FootJoy weathersoft. Get a lightweight carry bag with double straps and a stand if you're walking, or a cart bag if you'll be riding. There really are so many options out there that you're probably best off taking a lesson from a reliable pro and asking him what he recommends. If you stick with it, make sure to post about it before you get your next set. I'd be curious to know. Good luck!

Just like wildlife is more active around the full moon, we are, generally. Remember, we're not all that far removed from being wildlife. It's still deep in us, whether we admit it or not. As for why wildlife is more active around the full moon, I'm not sure. I would google it if I weren't feeling so lazy today.

Sorry you had that experience. I will say that I deal with FedEx a lot, in my personal life and for work. Not once has an overnighted package not arrived at is destination at the promised time/day, and not once have I heard a story like this. That's surprising to me. I think FedEx is one of the most reliable companies I've dealt with. Their customer service and tracking capabilities are top-notch. I just wanted to put in my 2 cents, but it does suck that this happened to you. I seriously doubt it's a regular thing, and I'm sure if they had damaged your goods, they would have made it up to you in some way.

My two goldens just got a baby squirrel this morning. The thing is in a box on the porch, and I have no idea what to do with it. I have experience with dogs who catch squirrels...does that count?

Fortunately, you have the option not to shop there, just like everyone else. For anyone who wants to save some money, and get everything (I mean everything) at the same place, go to Wal-Mart.

I liked it when I first started watching it, but now it usually annoys the hell out of me. All they do is yell and scream at each other. Some episodes are really funny, others are terrible. I'll have to check out the last episode though.

Ha, another good one... A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies. Suddenly, at 3 o'clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside. The woman, bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man 'Holy nuts. That must be my husband!' So the man jumped out of the bed, scared and naked, and jumped out the window. He smashed himself on the ground, ran through a thorn bush and to his car as fast as he could go. A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed at the woman, 'I AM your husband!' The woman yelled back, 'Yeah, then why were you running?' And that's when the fight started....

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, 'The weather out there is terrible.' My loving wife of 10 years replied, 'Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?' And that's when the fight started....

Everything has been more than perfect in the northeast as well 8-)

Well how can you not tax the crap out of everything when 1/3 of all full-time employees in CT are government employees who don't actually produce a single thing? "During the recession/depression, we really don't want to cut spending at all, so we're gonna DOUBLE the cost of a fishing or hunting license so it makes it even tougher to enjoy the activities you turn to when you're on a budget. While we're at it, we're increasing the state cigarette tax to $3.00, in addition to the federal and sales taxes you pay for them. They're bad for you, so we're here to help you get better. You're welcome." These people have no idea about the real world, and they truly do not give a CRAP about anyone but themselves. On the bright side for non-CTers in New England, at least you're not missing much when you can't fish here. I need to get out and move to Texas.

In my opinion, fishing ponds from shore in the fall in colder climates is one of the toughest ways to catch bass. You can never go wrong with a dark-colored senko, fished very slowly. A 3/8 oz black/blue jig is also one of my go-to baits. Lastly, when the water gets colder, I usually opt for a black/blue Chatterbait, 1/4 to 3/8 oz, instead of a spinnerbait, which is a go-to for me all summer. Chatterbaits put off a lot more vibration and you can fish the lighter ones very slowly, which is a big plus. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, give it a jerk to get the vibrations started, then slow-roll it along the bottom, literally as slowly as you can, as long as the blade is vibrating, rod tip down. I love the feel of strikes on a slow-rolled chatterbait :-) Let me know if you have any luck on the Chatterbait - I'd love to hear some success stories.

Thanks guys Craiger, it's in Tolland/Ellington.

Well and really, let's assume it is the case. So what? This is not a paid service, it is free for us but not to Glenn. Glenn pays the bills, Glenn can do whatever he wants and if we don't like it, well... Truthfully though, i think the guys do a great job monitoring and running this site. Having moded a couple boards myself over the years, it is never easy, you never can make everyone happy. However, this is one of the first places I have been where I have not run into someone calling someone else Hitler or comparing them to Nazis or collapsing into political or religious screaming. It is a pleasant, almost always very family friendly site and you learn some great stuff about fishing...win/win I think you read what I wrote out of context.

Thanks guys. Tin - do you play poker? I used to go to the casino a lot for poker, but haven't been in a while. I remember one day in 2007 I called out of work, took my float tube out to Wyassup Lake (10 mins from Foxwoods'), caught over 20 bass, then played poker for three hours, made $330.00+, and got home at the same time I would have gotten home from work. Calling out that day was one of the best decisions I've made 8-)