J Francho

Yep, ditch the snap. I use an improved clinch knot - fast and easy to tie, just loop the line areound the R-bend, and spin the bait 5 ro 6 times, and run your line back through the two loops. Works fine with just about every mono, copoly, and holds fine (contrary to popular belief) with several brands of fluoro.

Love it! I will say this, the more you fish heavy laydowns, you start to see casting points in the tree that have a high likelyhood of holding a bigger fish. The the crotch of a main "Y" or the crown of a hardwood are good examples. Also, if it is thick at the surface, it may be clear just underneath and that will always have at least one fish in there. Great article, JT.

They look like an easy target.

This is a really silly argument....use what you like/want. Bickering doesn't prove what is better.

I was weened on a flasher. I have one at the console of my boat, and I still use it. SI/DI has somewhat replaced that, but the flasher still gives me meaningful feedback, even if I'm on plane.

Keep your browser peeled to the Flea Market section. You can find some outstanding deals there.

I use Owner Mosquitos, Gamakatsu Split Shots, VMC Spin Shots, and I even used Matzuo Octopus hooks - all with good results. If the hook bends, the drag is too tight. out of all the hooks mentioned above, I'd say the Owners are the strongest, though I have broken them salmon fishing, with heavy gear.

Ranger sold tinnies in th 90s. They were well made boats.

I use a 13' centrepin rod when fishing creeks and streams for trout. Those conditions are much more "wild" and snaggy than any shore fishing for bass I've done. As already mentioned, a longer rod helps with a lot of things, like hooksets at distance, longer casts, etc. If you can get away with it, try a longer rod - you'll always have that six footer for the jungle zones.

I love their intentions here, but I just can't think of a worse idea. Efforts should be aimed at cleanup and education.

Would it be overstating the obvious to contact them directly? Here's their Contact Us page: http://seaguar.com/footer/contact-us.php

I don't let them run, if I can. If they're pulling drag, and it's set to your maximum comfort point, then you have no choice. But my general theory os more time on the line = greater opportunity for the fish to get off. I've learned this horsing (as best as I can with 4-10# line) big salmonoids in tight quarters, stream fishing. With experience, you learn to anticipate their moves, and use that to your advantage. It really just boils down to experience. If I had to point to one mistake I see, is high sticking and not utilizing side pressure to subdue the fish. An by "horse them in," I mean move the fish gently (though keeping max force on them) with the rod, and reeling the rod back into the pressure.

If those are the only choices, then pre. But they are fatter in the fall. The biggest fish are more catchable, as Tom (WRB) mentioned during pre and actual spawn.

I don't recall this being a thread about record fish, but what is the bigger "feed up." If it's the latter, it's fall, at least for northern states that actually have a winter. The fish are fatter. If we're talking record size fish, then sure - spring/pre spawn is a no brainer.

Fall. Bait weighs more than eggs.

It's a rainbow smolt.

You're thinking of the Gen 1 T-wing system. The Tatula does not open up, rather the T-wing guide rotates back to let the line flow unrestricted. As DVT said, it's neat, but low mass spool with good bearings casts light baits just as well.

Heat shrink is probably the BEST solution for this, but you've got to prepare them. I like Bill M's wacky tool for times I'm on the water and don't have time to shrink up some stick worms. Electrical tape sounds like a reasonable solution - always have a roll in the boat toolkit.

LOL, just some friendly teasing.

Technically, Domino's is a pizza like substance.

Outstanding!

Got mine on in my avatar:

Oh my, let that shoulder heal! You are HARDCORE!

It is not recommended that you shoot your dealer.

Or move...it's a dink.