J Francho

Burnie Haney

Some psuedo code for you, Lund: If emp_name = [Programmer's Name] then emp_compensation = emp_compensation + 10%

My buddy has been tearing it at local opens up here on a homemade version.

I would go reliable, cheap, and simple. You'll be picking out snarls, loops, and tangles. Possibly respooling a few times before he gets it down. Trilene XL fits that bill.

Ever see the movie Big Fish? You should.

Replaced a buddy's (eventual winning) creel in the livewell with sunfish and perch just before a weigh in.

Actually a REAL good technique for getting a diver through weeds. Feel a bump, stop sweeping, and let the bait rise a few inches. For some reason it's easier to stop sweeping the rod than it is to stop reeling.

If you only saw it, me standing on a bright yellow kayak, totally inside a huge lay down, repeatedly pitching to a spot on the spot in that tree. My buddy Paul just sat there doing a face palm. He'd been working that tree from a distance with a spinnerbait, until I hot holed him, LOL. It gets a little competitive when kayak fishing in close quarters. I wish I had video of it. Totally NOT finesse. My take is that I actually drew that fish into cover with all the commotion.

That was no finesse bite, it was a 1 oz. jig w/ a super chunk trailer. I think it bit because it was annoyed at that black and blue blob banging into the branches for five minutes, LOL.

People that gain confidence by buying lures, quickly lose that confidence. Confidence is a buzzword that means nothing when it isn't accompanied by success. Neither comes easily, and its a chicken or the egg problem. Time on the water will open opportunity for both.

My motto: The world is full of stupid people, and I think I might be one of them. IOW, it's easier to let him be the smartest guy.

I get that, but pride doesn't fill livewells, LOL.

LOL, $700 worth of overkill.

I've made finishing up others' misses with big catches one of my hallmarks. For years, I fished behind people, and caught. That fish up there isn't just one time thing. Now, if you are fishing a community hole, or just along a shoreline, then sure, maybe those are marginal fish. But if you are on prime cover and structure - the best the lake offers - then to assume that you are only panfishing is a mistake. This is why guys will say finesse baits or rigs are dink magnets. Stop fishing for dinks, I say!

Wood. That's when I shorten them, but that's it. And that's only because I don't feel like tying up the proper tool - an arkey or football jig, LOL.

Shortening a brush guard makes it stiffer. That may not be a bad thing in some situations.

Really? It took me about 13 casts to a laydown to get this fish, and that was after two boats hit it: I think you have to be absolutely sure of what that bite isn't before dismissing it.

Not this one. It's based off the Aggrest.

Made that video on my iPhone!

Either would be fine. The Cabela's is a store branded Daiwa.

Haven't handled both, but the Pinnacle power ratings run a bit high. The Medium is between most companies' M and MH. They are REALLY nice rods.

4 lb. Trilene XL will be fine.

Savor the moment, because they will be few if you don't change that attitude. Prove it. Do it. Don't whine about it! Seriously man, I would not worry about winning some intellectual debate with a senior citizen in Taco Bell, LOL. That stuff is a waste of time.

Jim, a Calcutta will do the trick. In fact, I'd be willing to let you pitch with mine when the weeds come back. A 200B will probably fit your hands nice. You can go smaller, but that is a solid reel without being too chunky.