J Francho

I know #1 and #3 personally, and would rule out BS and excitement. I believe #1 uses an X-Tools scale, not sure what max uses. They're both NYC Res fish, and after fishing there, they have a very different look to them, VERY well fed, and weigh out heavier than expected.

The board is a requirement for the contest.... big prizes and $$$ involved. I think you misread the measurement, its a tiny bit shy of 25". I don't think she intentionally stretched the premaxillary process, and it probably didn't make a difference. I wish she got a weight as well, but...

Why would you use a nail knot to tie to the lure? A Uni, or double Uni has given me the best results. For straight shank flipping hooks, I use a snell knot. As far as a braid to leader, nothing beats an Alberto knot.

Here are some more big NY bass, though I don't think there are any lengths: http://www.nybass.com/showthread.php?40787-The-NYBass-2010-Big-Bass-Board

I suspect this fish is a hybrid. Its from Northern VA, IIRC: http://challengeseries.kayakbassfishing.com/challengeseries/uploads/25%20inch%20bass%20caught%20by%20Tina.jpg Massive fish, for sure.

Gotta say, I have no idea why you would do that to a portaboat. Now its a permaboat. :

"Zero tolerance" is simply a euphemism for laziness.

Favorite? Tough call. There is a fish on my home water that I've caught 4 times in the past three years. It has a distinct mark on its side. She's a big girl,too, weights ranging from 5-2 to 6. Another memorable fish was a 3-2 rat I caught on Keuka Lake during a tournament. Temps plummeted 30 F over night, and winds were howling, snow flying. Took Lunker Bonus that day, LOL. Only bass I caught. One or two more dinks, and I might have won. I think one limit was weighed in. When I was 8 or 9, I caught a really big bass (in hindsight, probably a 3-4 lber) on a Zebco 404 and bamboo rod. Later, my dad showed me how brittle the aged mono was, breaking it in his hands! Finally, we had a big rock bass that bedded right next to our dock every spring. I like to think it was the same fish, but who knows. After a skunking, I'd spend hours watching this fish, wondering if she'd bite. Never tried.

http://www.burniehaney.com/blank.html

I actually prefer 15# CXX when there is "snot" at the surface. The P-line pickes less of it up. Otherwise, I go with 65# braid for frogs. Be warned, that P-line sinks a bit after a while, so keep your tip up a little, and watch that you aren't wrapped up on a pad.

Try Bombers SALTWATER site: http://www.bombersaltwatergrade.com/

Doily Disease, LOL.

I recommend all beginners start with moving baits. Spinnerbaits, mid diving cranks, jig 'n grub, small paddle tail plastics. Once they get the feel of that, and the concept of fish location, I'll teach them a "feel bait."

I like turtles.

I can pitch pretty far, but accurately? Probably around 25' I can put the bait in a teacup.

Dan's or the fish? ;D

Most of my "older gear" has either broken, or been retired. I have a couple of pre IPC Avids that were demos, built in 2000. One has a cracked reel seat, and I refuse to send it in under Gold Star Service because I know I'm not getting the same rod back, LOL. I like the one I got too much. I still have a couple Daiwas from the late 80s, early 90s that are usable, but they just sit. My son still uses an old Zebco 33 I held onto.

Same rod will work fine for that, 7' MH/F.

I hear you and won't call you an egotist. I think I'll take a pic and let it go. Then post the pic all over and say, "I wonder what it weighed??" -bc my calibrated Chatillon scale only goes to 10lbs. Just to see it floored wold be cool. Maybe I'll post a pic of that with it. 8-) TRUMP! That would be awesome.

Drag is adjusted for the rod or line rating, whichever is lower, spool tension knob is adjusted to the weight of the bait, and the brakes are adjusted to your ability or wind conditions. Start at a high setting and dial back as your ability allows.

Just about any of the reels available at that range are very nice. My preference is for Daiwa.

All I know, if I beat the NY state record LMB, on the public waters I fish.....fish will be on ice. Call me an egotist.

Awesome, Dacron, like my Papa used. I see this line as a big deal for walleye trollers, not so much for bass, but who knows. Might work nice for cranking.

I'd like to see a post on durability in 6 months.

At some point the issue will become obvious to you. :-?