J Francho

Just reverse the migration for winter from spring, and you'll have the important location info down.

Think about it....when there is the rare debate, it's usually over what the best advice is. We all look out for each other, and genuinely want to help others be successful.

Zebra mussels....they should make braid scissors outta them.

I guess that about does it.

My friend did a great piece on them: http://www.burniehaney.com/files/Cold_Water_Jerkbaits_LOO_Spring_09__1_.pdf He knows what's up....

Actually, air temps were fine, 10 mph breeze and low 50s. Dress for success! The fishing wasn't exactly on fire, but that is one special place. I'll be writing more about later.

^^^ Really nice review, and way to recognize how the gear we use can help us progress through the hobby, and that our preferences progress as we learn.

LMAO, you actually need books and a few college courses to decide what the right thing to do is? :lol:

You are somewhat correct. Mine is actually a custom build, and has a full burl rear grip measuring in at 11". Yes, I can spool the reel with bigger, aero baits. Don't throw those much, mostly 2-3 oz. stuff. Sorry for the inturruption....carry on!

I give it an 7, though mostly for the reel. The Big Bait Special is one that I drool over when it passes my bench. I will own one.... It's a TD-Z not a Zillion, great reel. Rod too short and too light. Line too light. St. Croix LTBC79HF "Swimbait" Shimano Calcutta 200B, Curado 200E handle and knob, Abec 7 Hybrid Spool Bearings, Carbontsx Smooth Drags 25# CXX Treated w/ KVD L&L

OK, Tom, I'll defer. You can tow the idiot in the sailboat in. I'll call the sea tow service for them - I just checked, I'm not insured to tow a boat.

Or an outboard motor, LOL.

You guys should come up here. I get harassed by 10-20 lb. brown trout, steelhead, and even up to 40 lb. king salmon, LOL. Two weekends ago, I caught 5 smallmouth, 2 browns, a steelhead, and had a Coho salmon on for about 20 minutes, fishing traps and spoons in 10' water. Congrats Goose on that rainbow. They are nuts and a handful when they get up to that 20" class.

Thanks all for clarifying. Am I the only that has a hard time with the cold, hard truth?

It's that simple.

Would you spray WD-40 in your drinking water? I don't use it and catch fish. it's an old timer myth. Just because it doesn't repel fish doesn't mean it attracts. Try JJ's Magic. Into the recycle bin?

References to The Natural and incest arguments don't really belong here.

Brauer's tight spool, low brakes is good for skipping jigs under docks. Otherwise, I find it uncomfortable, and too much effort. However, he's using heavy fluoro, so that may change things. I do need a bit of spool tension when I pitch fluoro. hand't thought of that when I answered originally.

Are these bass boats? Perhaps their bow and stern cleats are heavier duty than what is on most small bass boats. Again, I would NEVER tow a boat by these. They are meant to hang a fender, and tie a loos connection to a dock, not towing.

You weren't quoted, so why would you assume that his response was totally directed toward you?

The only lure I can think of that comes close is the Gambler bait, but the head is different.

I would NEVER tow a boat from the top rail cleats. They aren't designed to handle such forces. Use your transom ties and the bow ring of the disabled boat.

Some pics from Saturday's trip to Chaumant Bay for a trophy bass tournament. I though I was doing well with my fish, until Burnie weighed his 5.95 smallie in! We were dink dropping these: Horizontal baits were where it's at: Not even close, at 4.17 Burnie's 5.95, good for the win!

I wonder if there are bumper thieves? The camera/sensors are in my truck's bumper.

Daiwa's braking system is magnetic, but they are centrifugally activated. Curados are simple centrifugal brake shoes and drum arrangement.