Dwight Hottle

There are days when live bait definitely gives you an advantage.

Not yet. They said 4-6 weeks for processing the gift cards. The FWC started a program with three categories. Lunker Club 8.0-9.9 lbs Prizes $100 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops, Dick's and or Rapala Trophy Club 10.0-12.9 lbs $150 gift cards Hall -of-Fame Club greater than 13 lbs $200 gift card Each entry is eligible for an annual bass boat give away Here is the link for explanation & other gifts https://www.trophycatchflorida.com/prizes.aspx

Swim jig bassin at its best. Nice pea Lou.

Try sending him a message. http://russlanefishing.com/contact/

Based on the limited intel offered so far I would start my search in the deeper water located in the middle of the reservoir. Graph the light blue water, dark blue to pink/fucia water. Since we don't know the geographic location that would be my starting point.

I used the 22lb on a Calais DC for a couple of days last week. I was using topwater baits, lipless cranks & jerk baits. No problems with knots or breakage. Very smooth casting line. I really am impressed with the cast ability and controlled stretch without being too stretchy.

Just read about it. He started out drilling holes in 6" of ice then moved further out to 2" and fell through. The middle of the lake was open water. Very sad.

My parents chose it.

Have you considered hiring a guide for the first time? That would advances your learning curve. Steve Daniels and Capt. Shane Procell both guide on the Big O.

Nice piece if equipment. But I have to tell the newer backup cameras make hooking the boat up real easy by yourself. They are going to OE next year I believe.

A real hero. We need more like him.

Crow Road-kills Researchers for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority found over 200 dead crows near greater Boston recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu. A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone's relief, confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu. The cause of death appeared to be vehicular impacts. However, during the detailed analysis it was noted that varying colors of paints appeared on the bird's beaks and claws. By analyzing these paint residues it was determined that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with trucks, while only 2% were killed by an impact with a car. MTA then hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of truck kills versus car kills. The Ornithological Behaviorist very quickly concluded the cause: when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow in a nearby tree to warn of impending danger. They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout "Cah", not a single one could shout "Truck." Amazing!

The smallies eat smelt all year I believe. They chase them deep during summer. Prespawn smallies are chasing them in the spring shallow in front of creek mouth areas. When there is a smelt die off the smallies are eating the dieing smelt as they struggle on the surface from cold east winds. They also are feasting on the shallow gobies.

All my little nips are gone after last nights celebration.

National champs

Who's number one now ? Sam the SEC can kiss my arse. Don't take it it personal but when you talk too much smack you can live with your defeats for a long time. Ohio states third string QB teaches the SEC who is number 1.

I just knew that story was coming. You forgot to mention you caught your PB 11-11 on November 11th, Veterans Day.

Roger I have one whole plano box filled with them. I just wished they made a 127 deep diver as well. Both the 128 & 127 fish about the same depth. The 128 has more of a shad shape with a deeper profile. The 127 is more of a smelt bait profile in my opinion. The 128's weigh 1 oz & the 127's weight 7/8 oz I believe. They both cast great because of the weight & overall size. The 128 has a louder rattle which you actually hear in shallow water as it resonates off an aluminum boat hull. We get a lot of fish off the hang or dead stick rod with the 127's while drifting. It is a good casting bait with hard jerks or big swings. Just in case you ever get the chance the 128 in black back with blue sides (auroa black) is a killer for pike.

X2

I just spooled up some 22lb. Tried it at a local pond and I can tell you I am very pleased with it. Minimal stretch, cast like a dream with no coiling and worked a jerk bait to perfection. I even caught a dink. I'll be buying more for my mono needs. The end of the spool is marked red for about a foot just before the you get to the bottom of the spool.

I'm spooling some up right now for the first time. WRB recommended it. The dia for stated pound test runs small. 22lb is 0.015 dia. while the 20lb I was using was 0.017 dia. I wont get to use it until later this week but will let you know. I sure it will prove to be good stuff based upon WRB experience.

Very informative Paul. I have almost always fished for those smallmouth suspended or on the move. My personal weakness has always been those smallies touching ground compared to the average bass fisherman who always target the bottom feeders. The smallmouth on the move have always been my easy Pickens.

Those channel cats are apex predators in my book. I have caught a few of them fishing lake Erie with jerkbaits for smallmouth. The first one I caught I thought I had the new state record smallie on until seeing her boatside. They are tough fighters & will chase just about any artificial lure. They are definitely a fun fish. Glad you got to enjoy one.

Topwater.