J Francho

Actually, I thought Cal did a good job by addressing all the quality issues that had been all over the forums in his interview.

It is my opinion that I am sharing, and I am curious to see others' opinions. It is how I feel about the site. And yes I have looked at the archives. Have you noticed that the reviews of the reasonable tackle are usually two or more years old? . I hear you, some of it is pure sensationalism to draw readers. But, 9 out of the 32 front page articles are for items that are less than $250, 12 articles are features about shows, product announcements, or interviews. Yes, its geared toward high end, but there is a good mix. Hell, there's even a Berkley, errr, I mean Shimano Voltaeus review there. How much cheap gear is there that's newsworthy? Does anyone really need a review of Norman crankbaits to know they work? What really chaps my butt is that they consistently ignore the spell checker.

With their recent alliance with Daiwa, I suspect this becoming a reality. Let's hope.

They buy all the gear they review. About 20% of what they review would be what I consider "enthusiast gear." Take a look at their Archive section, and you'll see a host of products and price ranges in there. And oh, by the way, shouldn't you put this complaint on them, not here? So what's the complaint again?

Some of it is the internet, but most of it is the connections I've made with people over the internet. I've had the privilege to fish with some great anglers that were not only willing to meet a stranger, but also willing to share their experience. So my answer is other bass anglers, as it has always been. Not everyone you meet on the net is an axe murderer...

Oh, and I forgot about the TDA150P. They're out of production, but you might find one scouring the web.

He was alright by local standards, but it was good to finally hook and land a fish bigger than the 12" dinks I've been getting.

He's saying its a $100 rod. They get $50 extra up front, plus the $50 for replacement, so they get their total $100 for your replacement. I think that's what he's saying.

Carbon Pro and InvisX are two different lines made by Seaguar, the inventor of fluorocarbon fishing lines. Carbon Pro is very stiff, and abrasion resistant, while InvisX is softer, more supple line suited to spinning gear. Invisx was not nearly as abrasion resistant as Carbon Pro. I've only ever used Triple Fish FC leader, and it was very good, though I can't make any comment on reel fill line.

It almost tailor made for bank fishing. When throwing from the bank, it depends on the cover, and what you are trying to do with the bait. if you are throwing into heavy cover, then use heavier line and gear. If I want to keep the bait in place, while adding gentle action, then you might want to go up to a heavier drop weight, like 3/8 or 1/2 oz. I'll go up to 1 oz. to cannon ball pads, and down to 1/8 oz. to "bottom bounce" along in current.

that would be the Sol/Alphas. Same reel, but 2/3 the size.

When it comes time for maintenance, the Citica will win. Its more durable, and features much better build quality. No contest, really.

Depends on the car. I'd say a 16' boat is too much for a Malibu, both in towing and stopping.

Not too hard for bass, but I've abandoned them for bony jawed fish like salmonoids. I had a few snap at the bend on 30# fish - something I never saw happen with Raven hooks. Keep in mind this is an EXTREME argument against Owners - we're talking 30# fish + #10 size hooks. For just about all my bass fishing, I use Owners.

I would actually prefer them to lay down. And note which direction they are - trees fish better working them from base up.

A worthy fish to post for 2009. Took six weeks, but I got the dinkfest skunk off my back. A respectable rainbow, unmeasured, likely in the 8-9 lb. range. Note the full kype and he's dripping with milt. Early spawner for sure.

Huge attaboys for you Paul, and give her a "hi-five" from me

LMB: Personal best is a 7-2 on a 10" Power Worm with a 1/2 oz. tungsten weight. Last year's best was 6-0 on a 3/4 oz. black and blue jig with a Zoom Super Chunk. SMB: Personal best was 4-8, IIRC, and was caught with a live softshell crayfish on a split shot rig. Last year's best was unmeasured, and came on a Sammy 115 in Aurora Black. Probably about 4 lbs, give or take.

Nice work, but that's cover, not structure. Is it legal down there? I only ask, because I did the same thing for years before finding out it was illegal in NY. Ooops.

I grease my bearings with the drippings ;D

I do, if its Daiwa's Mag-Z or Mag-V system.

LOL, I kind of figured we weren't even on the same level. Its all good man

Striped or more likely a hybrid "wiper".

What was your biggest mistake as a pro fisherman? Did you have, and if so, what was the defining moment that you decided to be a pro fisherman? What has been your greatest accomplishment as a pro fisherman? Why didn't you use a steel leader when fishing for blues on that episode of City Limits? Do you want to go fishing with me, right now?

I work with two people like you. While they are debating between themselves how to do something, someone else gets it done. I love them both but they drive everyone crazy. Without turning this into a slamfest, you TOTALLY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I SAID. I work with people who may think they get things done while I'm figuring out the RIGHT WAY to do it. I got hired to fix their shotty work. Case in point, the project I'm working on right now was three years behind schedule. This was a team of ten. Two of us outside consultants were hired to replcae them. In six months time, the project was on schedule. The issue was the way the went about completing the work. Too much work filling out paperwork, not much work.