J Francho

Did the dealer pay off the $7,400 loan? That's the part I'm wondering about. That's where the guy here got into trouble. He wasn't paying off the trade-in loan. People traded in a car, bought a new one, and later the banks came after them for the original loan. Mad shady.

I can tie a Palomar knot with 6# InvisX that breaks at a little over 8#. My friend can only get about 3.5# out of the same line. We've done this exercise at many sportsman shows. It proves that the knot tier is a big variable in knot strength. I have no doubt you can tie this knot well, but I don't think you're getting maximum strength out of the line. Like you say, it's good enough for you, and doesn't cause any issue. I'd hesitate to recommend the knot, when there's better.

So, he handed in a $7400 vehicle, took a $43,500 vehicle home, got a check for $7400 and a loan for $50,900. There's some bad math here.... (7,400) - (value of trade-in) (50,900) - (loan) 43,500 - (truck value) 7,400 - (refund) If they don't pay off his old loan, he's still out $7400? I hate this stuff, makes my head spin.

The issue with an arbor knot is that when you tighten the knot, it pulls the tag end back into the actual knot, while under pressure, until you hit the stop knot, which also pulls off the tag end when tightened. While it may have never been an issue with your line choice, I GUARANTEE it will weaken many others. That's why hitch and square knots are not used for fishing line, or any knot that pulls from the tag end while cinching down.

I've used all my reels, from slow 22 IPT up to high speed 32 IPT reels, and it doesn't really matter that much to me. I adjust my cadence to each reel/bait. What's more important to me is what other baits I'll be using that combo for.

Profile, retrieve, materials, fit and finish.

I have a full breakdown and review coming shortly of the Pinnacle Producer. At $90 retail, that would fit your budget. Not a bad a reel, either.

Not quite clear what you mean "arbor knot." Do you mean below? Not sure I would trust that to hold.

The "drop shot rig" is just that - a terminal rig. For any rigging, I match tackle to the cover present. For open water drop shot, I use M or ML spinning gear and 6# Tatsu or 6# InvisX. Once I get into weeds or docks, I go to a stouter spinning rig, 20# braid and an 8-10# fluoro leader. Plunking baits and heavy weeds, I'll use a heavy cover setup and straight 50# braid.

It's generally illegal to practice as an attorney, as in offer advice, taking clients, in court. What you did is no different than telling a lady at the bar your a lawyer. It's just lying - not always illegal.

Lots of knot threads in recent posts. To answer your poll: Yes. Here's a good read: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/145043-what-are-the-4-knots-that-every-angler-novice-to-professional-should-know/?hl=knot

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Absolutely. Might be easier to talk on the phone. You can't be too far from 18 mile creek/Burt dam. That's a good spot to cut your teeth.

Double digit bass are non native fish to us up north.

Sometimes it takes a boat to get to a good shore spot.

There's no standard.

Boats, Welds. I've got two that need to be winterized. Since I do all the work myself, I might as well get started. Forecast is for freezing temps and 6-8' waves. Looks like I'll be switching to steelhead soon.

SCIII is more sensitive and lighter than SCII.

These guys need to be reported to your equivalent of the AG.

Go fish, Paul. I'm out of spades.

There's a TON of topics about Hobie PA boats - some very recent. As far as opinions on the boat go, if you have the means, can deal with the weight, and don't do a ton of shallow or slop fishing, it's pretty much the nicest of the lot.

I think I'm putting all the stuff away this weekend. I'll keep the kayak handy, just in case.

You screw a hitchhiker into the tail end of a senko. Attached to the hitchhiker is a swivel and spinnerbait blade.

You can have a master power switch where ever, but you'll still have to hit the power switch on the unit itself. I don't think there's any work around for this. You can turn them on and off independently of the your boat, so I'm not sure of the point. Most boats (both mine included) have a master accessory power switch on the dash. All that does is open the circuit when flipped on. You still have to boot up the graphs using each power button. You'll also have to click through all the legal disclaimers....

If they're light, somewhat sensitive, and tough, they'd be a great car rod.