J Francho

Thanks, Dwight. Yeah, funny you should mention that tackle bag. I was given that bag for review. It did not live up to expectations, and I DO NOT recommend it. Pretty much all the strap hardware isn't up to the task. It'll make a nice overnight bag. See that review here. Here's all the gear stuffed in there: I generally roll with a Flambeau AZ 8, which carries 6 3700 boxes, a 3600 box, a smaller hook box, spinnerbait wallet, and tools. Throw in two small speed bags for plastics, and that's pretty much the traveling show. I don't over load the treble hooked baits, and I use hook bonnets, so that takes up much of the space. All told, its less than 30 lbs., which is less than I've seen many carry. Some guys go nuts, and bring the garage. I could probably cut it down to four big Planos, and I have for some tournaments, especially when partnered up with a guy with a small boat.

I actually don't gamble, save for the occasional football pool or $40 in quarters at the old school slots, LOL. Just messing with you all. That thread started over there as a way to blow steam. People would get all upset, arguing about MTF charts, diffraction at the pixel level using small apertures, what "bokeh" really means, etc., that "banning each other" with a little joking jab in there actually helped build some camaraderie. Some of the bans are pretty funny. there's another one over there, "Another useless thread..." that has about 2500 replies, and has much more content, despite the title, LOL.

Sorry, can't make it. (see, I'm helping your cause, LOL)

It'll get locked if they're just fluff posts.

If I'm on an all out assault, I prefer the old boat. For small waters, teaching others, and quick trips, the new one. I would not hesitate recommending the new boat to someone new to kayak fishing. I believe its a perfect 1st boat. $995, just throw your gear on board, and go! In case anyone is wondering, this is my "old" boat:

OK, gentleman's bet. I've got $1 that says you do not hit half that in two years, LOL. You game? (you do realize that's over 10 posts per day for two years straight, get spamming!

I'd recommend starting out in a team format, as a co-angler. This way, you won't be competing against the boater. You both contribute fish to the weigh in. Once you learn the ins and outs of tournament fishing, then try your hand at the non boater thing.

200+ replies? You guys are WEAK!!!! Here's one I started on another forum that is approaching 15K replies. http://photocamel.com/forum/fun-stuff/33844-ban-person-above-me.html 8-)

St. Croix Avid AVC710HMF. $210.

In the circumstances you describe, I'd say, "job well done." That you were able to turn it around, and clip his wings later is just icing.

Its not really about "trying" this, or "trying" that. its about getting to know a body of water, and understand what the fish are doing. I figured this out my 2nd or third outing there, and honestly, a spinnerbait, weighted fluke, hard jerkbait, or even a crankbait probably would have worked on these fish. Anything that resembled a fishy meal. Topwater was more fun, though.

Huge understatement! That sucks.

I use two graphite rods for my cranking duties: AVC70MM and AVCMHM. They have a moderate action, and are more sensitive than any fiberglass or glass/graphite blend rods I've tried. Lighter, too.

Weight doesn't equate to strength. Balance is more important than weight, to me. I don't see how you can compare a high modulus, light weight bass rod to something you'd use for stripers. I don't think sensitivity would be an issue in the latter.

Not with bass, but with larger species, such as steelhead and northern.

This is a VERY clear lake. Its only about 4 miles long, and 4/4 mile wide. Smallies will suspend in the top 15-25' of water, hunting bait balls. A Sammy 115 in MS Am. Shad will trigger explosive topwater bites on this lake at dawn and dusk. During normal daytime hours, they will be more structure oriented, and less aggressive.

Thanks Tom, I was hoping for your reply. Sounds like I'll just have to evaluate the needs of my guests, and use the appropriate solution.

Muddy's good. I talk to him on the phone occasionally, and he's been keeping himself busy. I'd rank the guy in my top 10 of really good people I know. I heard he's looking to buy some Shimano reels.

OMG, I WAS RIGHT!!!! http://www.fazed.org/video/view/?id=682

Its probably from some lame YouTube video. LMAO.

Yep SMB 3. :

$30 is still $30, and would expect it to last longer than a month. Cripes, my "disposable" Zebco 33 Classic is 20 years old, and it still works fine. Was $15 back in the day. Since this is a Berkley Product, I'd contact them and see if it has a warranty.

I'll stick to bass for this one, LOL. 7-2 on a 10" black berkley Power Worm, 1/2 oz. TT weight, 15# CXX. Was fishing a deep weedline that ended at about 17 FOW, with a ledge down to about 70 FOW. Fish hit it on a deadstick in about 35 FOW. Other than thinking it was a big drum, and staying down, the fight was uneventful.

Can't say much about the spinning reels, but I have four or five Pulse baitcasters in the "Johnny Junkyard." They were donated by a friend of mine. All were inoperable, but still had usable parts.

I was feeling the same, but for your sake, I'll post up. I am sorry this hit so close to home, and glad to hear you are OK. As for the rest, I'm at a loss for words.