Hoover

GMAN, I googled SS Jacksonville and found the other info the others had posted. However, there is one entry in google that has some US Navy documents and photos of the smoke plume where the Jacksonville burned. If I knew how to post the link I would do so. Tom

GMAN, Sounds like your grandfather was one lucky person. Is he Frank Hodges? Anyway, fascinating story about the Jacksonville. I'm glad the others could help you find some information. Tom

Hey, Catt. Thank you for the information. Your follow-up posts give me a much better idea of how to work an area and find the patience for the time expended. Wish I could fish with you so I could learn some refined techniques and have the light go on. Besides, fishing TB would be an experience I would not forget. Thanks again. Tom

Also, as a multi-purpose boat, I added a bimini top for some shade on those hot humid afternoons. It helps alot. Tom

I use my bass boat (Tracker 190 TX with a 90 hp) to pull the kids on an inflatable. I concur with LBH's concerns and do not go too fast with the kids. The float never gets airborne. I use a harness attached to the transom rings on either side of the motor with a float attached. Then the ski rope is attached to the harness. It works very well and is safe. The only other thing I had to get (to be legal) was the rear view mirror which attaches to the windshied and is easily removable when using the boat as a fishing platform. I hope this helps. Tom

Good post, but I have a few questions. When you say that you need to have patience, I assume that means fishing the bait slow along the bottom. But what does fishing "slow" really mean? Does that mean that the retrieve is slow and the presentation (however effected) is also slow? Also, with having patience, does that mean that you stick to one area for some unknown period of time? At what point do you change bait type and color? At what point do you decide to move to another area? I am not the most talented fisherman. However, I will work a small cove (about 2 or 3 acres) for a couple of hours using different baits from spinnerbaits, cranks, topwaters and senkos. Is this the level of patience you would expect? I hope you do not consider this a hijack of your thread. Thanks for any guidance you can give. Tom

Frogtog: You have posted some of the funniest jokes and stories that I have ever read anywhere. You have also posted stories that are deeply moving and inspirational. Thank you for your generosity. Alpster: The Snopes post is really just one person's opinion of the meaning of the piece. Interpreted another way, the story shows the humanity of more able-bodied boys, recognizing the limitations of Shay or Shaya. I doubt the boys felt pity for Shay's limitations. Rather, they were inspired to give a gift of ultimate joy to someone who could not accomplish the feat on his own. The point being that Shay's self-esteem was greatly enhanced by the actions of those boys. With greater self-esteem, had he not later died, may have allowed Shay to accomplish much more in his life than he otherwise could have, realizing that perhaps that there is a way to overcome his limitations. Again, the story is meaningful to show the kindness, thoughtfulness and humanity of those boys. Those boys and Shay would have gained nothing by not allowing him to play. They gained much, much more by giving a handicapped boy a chance. Whoever you are, I do not think that being kind is a bad character trait.

This is one of the best threads I have read. I know it has been asked before, but can't this thread be made into a sticky?

WRB, I think the pond is in upstate NY, not TX.

PWE, I know how you feel because I am in the exact same spot. While I only get a chance to fish once a month for a few hours, I am out there chunking bait of various types. First, Roadwarrior gave excellent instructions regarding fishing the sendo and fat ika. I cannot find the thread right now. However, in sum, if you fish those 2 baits exactly as RW instructs you will either catch fish or you need to change where you fish. I have tried RW's advice and remain skunked but now I have a method of breaking the skunking streak. Second, I understand that you are between contracts now. However, while it may be difficult for you to afford right now, you may want to consider hiring an experienced guide who can teach you techniques and put you on some fish. Personally, I have decided to hire a guide on my home water to learn techniques and find patterns for finding fish after the guide is long gone. Despite all of the great advice you have received so far, I hope this helps. Tom

WIII, thank you for your thoughts. I am not offended in the least. It is certainly your right to pursue whatever course you choose to follow. I was only providing some thoughts that may cause you to consider one path over another. I wish you good luck and a successful resolution to your claim. Tom

While I think having Micro provide advise is a little like inviting the fox into the hen house, he does make a very good point that W-III obtain his best offer from the insurance company and then ask the lawyer to take his percentage over and above the offer. Micro, I could take offense to your off the hand comment that I watch too many lawyer ads in that I happen to be a business litigation attorney who is presented with claims against insurance companies for business losses, etc. from time to time. I agree that claims have to be reasonable and fair for both sides so long as the injured party is made whole. I think we all agree that we have insufficient facts to know even if the insuries suffered are worth the typing effort. Nevertheless, you have to agree that his fiance may suffer from soft tissue injury which may not show up for months. We do not know if his truck is unusual in some way which would give it more value. Sum and substance, the purpose of insurance is to make sure that that the injured party is made whole for his damages and injuries. It was not her fault. Thus, she should be adequately compensated for her loss and his loss (property damage). At the end of the day, whether W-III comes out ahead will depend upon the facts of his particular case. I respect what you have to say and it certainly is one side of the insurance claim business. However, I do not need to watch attorney ads to know how insurance companies operate. Their operations are not looking to offer fair settlements at the out set. Typically, it is the threat of punitive damages that gets insurance companies to pony up for the damages actually suffered and damages anticipated to accrue. Even you concede that while the initial damand from the injured party is unrealistic, the attorney can present an offer grounded more in reality, but certainly significantly more that the initial insurance company offer. By my response here, I don't want to have this discussion deteriorate into an attorney bashing or insurance company bashing thread. My comments are really for the benefit of our member who asked a question about his damages to his truck and personal injuries to his fiance. As in every court case, there are 2 sides to every dispute. And the settlement rate of those disputes prior to trial is at about 95%.

There is an old saying: Dollar wise and pound foolish. Adjusters negotiate with people like you every day. Believe me, they are at a distinct advantage. The insurance company will low ball you and refuse your most earnest demands. Then what will you do? Sue the insurance company on your own? Accept their low ball offer? This claim involves personal injury, a complex matter in terms of legal issues. The facts you present do not give much information about the extent of injuries suffered, the property damage and other issues. The first question you need to ask yourself is: How much money am I willing to leave on the table?

lol, I don't want to spook the fish in my birthday suit. ;D ;D ;D Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look at the Frogg Toggs.

RW, what do you recommend for rain gear during the hot, humid months in the South? The guide bibs and parka from Cabelas look heavy. I think I would suffocate wearing something like that during a summer shower. Any other ideas?

Chicken Breasts in a tomato/vodka cream sauce, rice pilaf and zuchinni with sauteed onions. It was good.

Yes, slower than molasses in January.

Mosquitoes. ;D ;D ;D

Hey, Roger, thanks for the insight. Now my next question is how would you fish these bunched up plants in coves and on points -- with a jig? Would 1/4 oz jig work or should I go heavier? Could you also use a Texas rig worm or weighted senko? Thanks. Tom

My lake (Livingston) here in East Texas has an abundance of water hyacinth. I believe that the state considers it a pest plant because each year it sprays the hyacinth to kill it back. It grows very thick like water lillies and can break off and float in huge rafts. However, it seems to me that the hyacinth would give good cover to bass. Is this true? Does anyone have experience fishing water hyacinth? If so, how would you fish it? Thanks. Tom

#1 Just to catch a bass; #2 Repeat #1

I fish Lake Livingston in East Texas, located on the Trinity River about 1.5 hours north east of Houston, TX. It is a 90,000 acre impoundment to a depth of approximately 30 - 40 feet. Fair on lmb, better on white bass and hybrids. Livingston is also well known for its catfish and crappie. Dangerous lake to run at wot due to snags and stumps. Water can be turbid/stained during the summer, clearing somewhat during the winter. Hydrilla does not grow well due to stained water, but lillies are abundant. It is predominantly a very shallow lake, mostly to 11 feet. It provides water to Houston so lake levels are fairly constant.

Hey, Hunk, take a look at the stickies under the rods, reels and line forum. The sticky should answer most of your questions. Good luck!

Great letter and good work!! Applause to you and your son.

Good for you Matt Fly. HBA, I agree, you really kept your cool. Good job. Tom