J Francho

Stand up? That what this particular model is built for. And being deaf in one ear, I am not the most well balanced guy. If I couldn't stand, I wouldn't have bought it BTW, I'm working on a deal where I'll be promoting these boats: http://www.freedomhawkkayaks.com/products.php. No issue standing on these as well.

I use an ITO Alphas AI, and two Sols, all 5.8:1 (22 or 23 IPT?) reels. I don't like the really slow reels, but I don't like the burners either. I used to use 6.3:1, and that was fine too. I do remember when my 5:1 reels were "high speed" LOL.

In my case, that's a stretch.

BPS is driving purchases toward their private label products, which have a greater margin. We have a local grocery store chain here that does the same thing, until they eventually phase out the name brands. GYCB are still $5.99 for most baits at Dick's Sporting Goods.

How did that happen? Being in my late 30s, I consider myself part of the "Rarely Craps Their Pants" set.

Cleveland Rocks? 20" is probably going to be the "big fish" size around there. There is probably bigger in the lakes you fish. A trip to Erie might yield something bigger. There are also a pile of rivers in that state that hold excellent smallmouth fishing. Are you after trophies? Then fish trophy water. Are out to master your craft? Then go and catch the biggest fish out of your lake that you've heard of. Are you out for numbers? Start hitting new waters, and exploit the rivers.

Yep. I had a great b'day week. 100+ fish day on Oneida, followed by a two 5+ (and about 100 fish combined) on my home water with Burnie. http://plan-b.smugmug.com/Travel/Oneida-52109/8289290_yaF4D http://plan-b.smugmug.com/Travel/Port-Bay-w-Burnie/8296541_pYqyQ

Thanks, taken by my frien Burnie Haney. it is a cool pic, but this one's way awesomer Anyway, sometimes a day of numbers with dinks, and light tackle will give you a pile of lessons to prepare you for the big ones. I've made a TON of mistakes fighting fish, and I've seen others make a TON of mistakes. You can't always anticipate what the fish will do, but if you can stack the odds in your favor....

Next time you have a dink on, in open water, try "playing" it. See what it does with various pressure. Don't torture the little bugger, but make some quick cause and effect observations. You'll see, they usually do the opposite of the way you pull. Then try "leading" them when they turn. this can end a fight with a trophy real quick, where the catch is more important than the fight. Here's an example of "leading." 3rd jump, on reentry, I turned the fish's head and had her under control, figure-8 her at the boat side, while we got the net ready. 5 lb. smallie, on 4# leader.

I clicked on the link, and I see the planet, LOL. I thought it was a trick question.

Michigan Crickets, LOL.

What is you area?

Next time try vertical pressure, chances are, it will pull down. If not, and it gets to the surface, just water ski it in to the bank. Might be less eventful, and fun that way, though, LOL. Great story

To each their own, I guess. Its not really necessary, especially with a moderate action rod, and sharp hooks. I've seen pros do it my way, which is just reel into the fish, and put side pressure on. There isn't really any reason to use a hookset for bass, they have soft fleshy jaws, and the hooks are small enough and sharp enough to penetrate on their own. Now, you want to talk other species, like large trout, or pike and musky, with tough jaws, and huge hooks, that's another story.

Just set the drag to 1/3 the breaking strength of the line, or the rod line rating, whichever is lower. You should not have to set the hook on a crankbait.

I realize that. However, in light of the things I have personally went through in the past month, the box of lure's would be LAST on my list of things that needed attention. Maybe that isn't the case, and he's reneged on the deal. Things come up, not everyone can be trusted, and that's why I said early on this would fail. If you have stuff to trade, just put them up in the Flea Market. Or have a swap meet. So much easier, LOL. And you could make it fun.

I don't have a single favorite, though I've really come to like Outcast RT Jigs for pitching in milfoil and coontail. The BPS Enticer Football jigs work great for rocks. Stanley Flat Eyes have been a favorite for years. There other more expensive, specialized options, but those are some good bread and butter baits.

Power has more influence on the size baits, action defines how it will load, throw, and fish them. All work in harmony. You can go outside the rod's specified bait weight, and line ratings, but not too far, with out some sacrifice. I'd say, for your 1st casting rod, and staying in a budget, any 6'6" to 7' Medium Power, Fast Action rod would be fine. You can throw just about everything on a rod like that, and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Thanks. My family owns four old school fast food restaurants, and the term "steakburger" around here stirs up controversy, LOL. I didn't do any meat buying, but I remember all the grades and such. Also, I used to work at import/wholesaler of tropical fish, reptiles, and exotic mammals. The ferret business required USDA inspections (NY State law for ferrets), and they were no joke. I literally left a "drip" of water on the ground near the cages, and we were fined for "unsanitary conditions; standing water."

I can get that at home, except wifey is a brunette I'd take a day on the water with KVD, or any other pro, as long as I got to fish.

Aha! Found it: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/inspection_&_grading/index.asp

Matt, they have standards, but the letters are for Pork and Poutlry, and they don't go to "E." Beef is USDA Prime, Choice, or Select. from there, there are number ratings for yield. USDA Grade A Pork and Poultry is what they sell in grocery stores. The rest (Grade B and C) gets processed, and the grade isn't advertised.

I love that everyone assumes malevolent intent. Do you really think he signed up to steal your junk? He probably got caught up in some personal business, and for whatever reason (not saying that any excuse justifies this) couldn't get the package out in time. At this point, he's probably read the posts, with all the insults, and probably won't return. Mob mentality is fun to watch, LOL.

Honestly, you'd do a lot better on a kayak, for that kind of $$$. Lots of used ones around, for a a bargain. I looked at the small bass hunter style boats as an option, and they just didn't feel seaworthy. I take my SOT fishing kayak out in Lake Ontario, 3-4' waves, no problem. It tears up smaller water.

Awesome post, great solution!