J Francho

Aged (dechlorinated) water. I have a deep freeze, and I use the big freezer zip loc bags. I lay them on their side, on some 1/2" light diffuser that use for "shelves" in the deep freeze. Once their frozen solid, I store them in another section, vertically. Make sure you mark the species and date. I've used fillets over a year old with no issues.

Great movie. I'm NOT a bills fan. I just happen to live an hour from the stadium.

Already posted it before championship weekend, Giants over Pats in OT..

You're showing your age. That move is called a Scott Norwood in these parts, LOL.

Freshwater scallops, LOL.

I had a lefty version of this reel I think. It was similar to the original Black Widow. It wasn't very refined, but I caught a ton of fish on that reel. If it still works, fish it.

The sealed cork gets a used look to it. The main difference is that the cork doesn't slowly disintegrate. Here's a sealed handle, with a season's use in it: http://plan-b.smugmug.com/Family/Fishing-Journal/1995135_hZFHNG#!i=1089373009&k=brPHr&lb=1&s=O

After the Magic Eraser and pick out any loose filler, I fill any cracks with wood filler. Then a light sand with 220. A coat of U-40 Cork sealer after than, and my grips are good for the whole year.

Let's limit this to a list of bait manufacturers that are Made in the USA. Anything off topic from here on out will be removed.

When does pitchers and catchers camp start? LOL. Great game for the NFC Championship. I hate both teams, so it was just fun to watch them duke it out.

Mine says, "USCG Approved Type ..[blah, blah, blah] when worn." on the USCG stamp inside.

I soak mine in milk, but it's probably the same difference. One thing I've done with perch and blue gills is frreze them in a block of ice. Usually a zip loc, store on it's side. Make sure you freeze somewhere flat - no grates - so you can stack them easy.

Not necessarily. There both auto and manual inflate. Any auto inflate must be submerged while being worn in order to work. It says all this right on the PFD, if it's a USCG approved jacket.

You sent me some of those and they suck.

Or http://www.lunkerville.com. When you get there, PM "Wild Bill," and he'll set you straight. Tell him jfrancho sent you.

We're not even close up here, and with temps in the 40s next week, any ice we have will be gone.

I don't think walmart shoppers are who they mean by "the masses." It's a $70 rod, not a $40 Ugly Stick or $20 Cherrywood. Big difference. Think Academy, Gander, DSG.

Nothing's been deleted.

Yes, very much so. The fact that you prefer a spinning rig is another aspect to consider. I use casting gear for jerkbaits.

I guess you have all the answers. Carry on.

Well, they have to become active once a day, right? I mean, I assume they eat at least once a day. Here's the thing, and it's a reason why bass fishing is so cool. SOMEBODY always figures out how to catch them. Even on the worst days. You just have to look at any local tournament results to see it. So that gives me confidence that at it's worst through trial and error, I can luck into a few bites. And once I have a few bites, I might have enough info to get the rest I need.

I think the part that is really silly is putting anglers at odds with DNR/Econ officers. Seems to me, that whole, "we are your eyes and ears on the waters" thing will evaporate.

Poach it. Drop a couple of lemons, halved with the juices squeezed into the water, and some stalks of dried Rosemary in the water as well. Steam until cooked. Start a bechamel sauce (butter, flower, skim milk), and add a couple of tablespoons of that poaching water once you've got a rue. Season with black pepper and Rosemary. Serve the fish on a bed of rice, sauce poured over the top, and some steamed green beans or asparagus on the side.

It reinforced something I've always felt: most of the time, bass are either neutral or negative. They are rarely truly active. Makes sense, considering their environment and lifestyle.