J Francho

I use a Schumacher as well. Great charger.

Replace hooks with Owner Stingers. Remove the split ring line tie, and use a Duo-Loc. I have a few super shallow runners that are "off tune" to run right or left for banging dock pilings.

I totally agree with this. I fish Lake Ontario, and before getting decent electronics and GPS - you REALLY need both in order to get the "big picture" out there - and the best method for locating fish was to troll diving plugs at contours depths until you located a piece of structure, or a school of active fish. Then we'd anchor or drift the area using vertical lures. You can study depth charts all you want, but one big storm, and the bottom can change, especially near outlets from the protected bays. Anyway, I'd rather see a bunch of pros hit a pond from the banks in a low key derby against a bunch of kids. That would be great PR, and great to see. As far as "modern tournament format" at the top level, this has evolved over the past 40 years or so, and I really can't see it doing anything other than slowly evolving forward, not back to the good old days. So far the biggest change I think I've seen in my lifetime is implementation of the marshal program, and bigger, faster boats.

Grass Carp: Common Carp: Note the dorsal fin shape and structure for differentiating the two. It might be an intentional stocking of a grass carp to keep weed control. They both get BIG.

I bet there is an excellent forage base in that lake. Well fed fish are loathe to bite.

Carp.

Its got that "factory build" look, which is kind of cool. Most customs look "really custom," but this flies under the radar. I'm sire it will fish really well. Very nice.

Seriously, get a net!I landed this fish myself on 6# line off a 10' pier using a net that I modified using an aluminum handle from a pool skimmer. The fish (King Salmon) went 9 lbs. 3 Same place, same net different angler, bigger fish:

I've had the Kistler in my hands with a reel on it at Gander recently, and I own a similar rod, AVC70MHF. The Kistler is a little lighter, but the Avid feels better balanced, and a little heavier power. The components on the Avid seem more durable. I own three Kistlers, and you have to be careful with the guides, since they do bend easily. None have broken in two years, but a few had to "bent back" into shape. No worries with the Alconites that the Avid is equipped with. Both rods would suit you well. In either case, get a rod sleeve. Spend more than $50 on a rod, and the $7 sleeve pays for itself.

Matt has a lot fans here locally. We are always rooting for him. Great story!

In short, no. Long story here: http://www.kistlerrods.com/fishing-rod/default.165.13.0.0.0.0.html

I love a good spinnerbait bite. Nice job.

Super fluke, unweighted, fished VERY slow, outside weed edges. Be patient, the bite should pick up in a week.

Sounds more like a location issue than a what bait to use issue. Where are you fishing? What is that areas structural features? What is the cover? Are your fish still in spawn, or post spawn?

Get a net! That, and what baits are you experiencing this trouble with? Is there a pattern to the drops, or are you dropping fish in every situation?

Never been there, but it looks awesome. The only reason this piqued my interest is because the name "Seneca." Here's Little Seneca's big brother: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=seneca+lake,+NY&sll=28.86583,-81.60139&sspn=0.026308,0.037723&ie=UTF8&ll=42.694549,-76.872711&spn=0.706537,1.207123&t=h&z=10

I wish I had a pic of my late grandfather fishing online, but it just keeps going on, from generation to generation... My Dad: Me: And Big Al: Soon enough, this guy will feel the tug:

Makes my PB 22# look like a pickerel Nice Job!

I wouldn't go anywhere near any spinning reel with 10# diameter line, unless it was a 5000 series or bigger.

Thanks guys. that male that Al whiffed on, I got him at lunch yesterday. It looked as though this pond was done as soon as it started, but yesterday there was a new crop of males - some larger, some smaller, either on the early beds, or on new beds. Its hard to tell, but I think there are other, deeper beds as well. Caught a couple of fish off those "weird, light, spots" where it should weed choked.

Might be waterproof, the pictures were made above the water level.

Again, you post the same thing... Again I ask, why would Martens be penalized when another angler stirred up his spot? You guys need to take a deep breath, give these guys a break.

I love the big smile in every pic you post, it never gets old does it

Also note the defensive posture, and raised dorsal fin. The jig has his attention. Great video Russ, and pictures Bass_Akwards! Quick question, did you use a Circular Polarizer or was the water that clear?

My bass hunting days started with Culprits. When 7" Power Worms came out, the Culprits were out. It was actually silly how much longer the bass held the bait, like night and day. Its a difference that either isn't there anymore, or I just take for granted, but I do a great deal of damage with 7 and 10" Power Worms still. Black, Motor Oil, or one of those two colors with an accent or flake work in just about every situation.