J Francho

Seems like a simple landing net would resolve the issue.

Just get the right size ball, and the right drop or lift so that the trailer runs level. The last two are more important than whether the ball is bolted on or not. The last boldface part is probably the #1 thing I see wrong on rigs.

Northern strain vs. Florida strain? Temperature? Water temps were in the mid 50s and rising. It was prespawn, April. Though I don't recall a fish fighting like this one. it was memorable. The 7-2 I caught was like reeling in a steel toe boot.

The Cowboys used to be the best team you bailed out of jail. Not so much anymore.

Skins? Are they an NFL team? Where's Mike D from Lunkerville? I want to talk trash.

I broke two rods this year, neither was a Duckett. That help?

Save up the cash, or finance much less. Those rates are obscene.

Are you livewelling the fish? If not, immediate release usually doesn't require any fizzing.

In fact, I may have a few. I'll take a look tonight, and get back to you.

I play drums, but I will say his playing has more influence on mine than most drummers I've listened to.

That might be...there's a ton out there, though.

A couple of things, bass (boney fish) are poikilotherms, meaning they operate at a large range of body temperatures, compared to ectotherms (think turtles or lizards) that must warm and cool their bodies in order to forage, digest, and reproduce. I saw a quick quip about evolution and advantage - this is a misnomer. Just because a trait is inhereted, it doesn't mean it has to serve a purpose. It just means it's not a disadvantage that natural selection has weeded out. Sorry, I'm not much help here, carry on.....

Pretty much every retailer I've ever been in has these. Same goes for online. Did you try: Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, TW, Dick's Sporting Goods, WalMart, Acedemy, Greentop, Gander Mtn., plus all the local places as well....

Most places I see them, they are $4-6, regular price off the shelf. What is "stiff" to you? eBay probably has a ton of vintage baits that are pricier.

Great post, weber.

I see the chatter has been quiet. Something happen this weekend? LOL, are Philly and Dallas going to bring it in the NFC east? Man, I hate Philly.

"Jazz" and "Orchestra" music are diabolically opposed musical forms. If you're looking for something easy to digest, I suggest big band, Ellington, Basie, Holliday, etc. For "orchestra" type stuff, I'd be looking more to the wind ensemble side, than the full on symphony orchestra music. Less strings, more horns, more drums. Aaron Copeland, Sousa, Owen Ried. Copeland is easy to find, Ried's La Fiesta Mexicana should blow just about anyone that's into complex prog/metal/math rock. ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING from the Gil Evans era Miles Davis or Coltrane will get you hooked. From there, you can move to some the faster hard bop stuff. If you can do a little more experimental/modern type stuff Weather Report's Heavy Weather, 8:30, and Night Passage. Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock aren't too far behind. I could go on, but I'm trying to stick to stuff that isn't too difficult to listen to, and take very little "ear adjustment."

Location and presentation are much, much more important than anything else in this thread. Two things even seasoned measurebaters get wrong. If you're worried about IR/NIR, and how it might effect your tournament results, you already lost. If you're that good that you can fine tune this, then I humbly bow. That's not to say this isn't interesting stuff, but whenever the discussion turns towards using the info as an advantage, I start smelling bad science, and marketing hype. That's just my opinion.

I usually have a few rods and some tackle in the truck.

I don't care for a cranking rod with those big hooks. I'd use the other rod.

Yep. Topics merged.

There's over 1300 species of scientifically described freshwater crabs, and another 2000 or so awaiting description by science. I'd say there's probably a couple in just about every lake. Failing that, the bait has the same profile as a turtle hatchling - a deadly bait in spring.

A Senko or fluke is a good bait for misses, but think about profile, and movement. Think more compliment than contrast, especially if the moving power bite is on. A lipless vibe bait or shallow square bill is a good compliment to a spinner/buzzer combo. A spook type topwater is a good way to finesse those buzzbait misses, as well, since you can just kill it. As always, cover will dictate what works and what doesn't.

If you want wander ditches with me, let me know. I'm only a few more hours away.

Oh, and Paul, that's an old wood knob Stradic I bought from BE, back in the early 90s, lol.