5bass

I really dont have a problem with the Post Office as far as shipping stuff and them delivering to me. Of all the times I've used the PO, that broken rod has been the only major problem I have had. My biggest issue with the Post Office is how slow they handle insurance claims. There really is no good reason for them to be that slow. They've had over $200 of my hard earned money for almost 4 months now. Ridiculous.

Heavy stain? I would go with the biggest colorado I could find in either chartreuse or black.

The 8# braid I use has the thickness of 1.5# - 2# test....its like a strand of hair and is mainly for the topwater baits that we have to throw so far. I'm able to get a rock solid hookset from a great distance. I do change spools when the long hookset is not necessary.

My personal best largemouth came from a golf course pond. Way to go fellas!

I do. When the water is real clear we have to make extremely long casts and the braid helps greatly on a long distance hookset. Also, the braid helps "make up" a little ground when the current puts a bow in your line and you need a quick hookset.

I'm glad to hear you at least found your reel. Thats half the battle. I bought a rod online and it arrived in 2 pieces. It was an open and shut case....postman delivering saw that the tube was mangled and stamped it as damaged material before he left my house. I filed the "official" insurance claim during the second week in May and am still waiting on my money. What's up with that?

Losing big fish, no matter what the excuse or reason is, is what fuels the fire inside, makes you a better fisherman and keeps you going back. And like avid said, that wont be the last big one you'll ever lose. Big fish are big for a reason. To your original question.....I wouldnt hesitate too long on going back....fish HAVE TO eat and chances are, she has already thrown your hook.

Rico Pop Max

I have also heard that Yamamoto Senkos are made with sand along with salt.....thus creating that 'special' texture that they have. And sand could possibly be the reason why they rip up so easily.

Ronnie, I'm glad everything went well and you made it back safe! We're all happy to have you back!

CHA CHING!!! Thats a heck of a deal on some great rods!

I one of the one's that can say that.

I just used "rural Virginia" for descriptive purposes only. I live in a "rural" area so I don't use the term loosely. ...lol Muddy, you back yet?

Muddy, I think he was coming ON to you... in a twisted, rural Virginia, "Deliverance" sort of way. Just turn him down like every other guy and girl has done and forget about it. Keith, lets not throw that blanket over everyone in Virginia..... Muddy, hurry back man! I'm about to list some Floogers for sale! ;D

I'm looking for it right now. If I find it, I'll put it back in the tackle section.

Yes, I know how you feel but you have to be careful not to fall into the senko (or trick stick) trap. It s easy to get sucked in and hard to get out. Should you fall into the senko trance, if you dont get bit while using one on any given trip, you'll swear that the fish just arent biting.....when in reality, all that is necessary to get bit is a simple bait switch. The sticks catch alot of fish no doubt but so do alot of other baits. Going without them a time or two would probably be a good thing for you....it will force you to get familiar with some other baits.

Wiggle Wart (Originals are the best) DD22 (my favorite crank, PERIOD)

Whats the purpose in doing that? I once overheard a backseater tell his boater at the weigh in that if he had any fishing ability he wouldnt be worried about the backseater catching fish behind him. Right after that, the two were separated by a few people because it was about to get ugly. The boater got mad because what the nonboater said made sense. Makes sense to me too. guess you guys cant see the laughing icon he posted sheesh All I did was ask him a simple question...... sheesh

Whats the purpose in doing that? I once overheard a backseater tell his boater at the weigh in that if he had any fishing ability he wouldnt be worried about the backseater catching fish behind him. Right after that, the two were separated by a few people because it was about to get ugly. The boater got mad because what the nonboater said made sense. Makes sense to me too.

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In a co-angler situation such as the BFL, your luck will depend on the knowledge of your boater, his knowledge of the lake and his ability to adapt or switch up areas should his main pattern crash. Alot of co-anglers (especially in BFL) learn what NOT to do as much as things they should do. Its a win-win situation either way.

The DT's are great now that they fixed the lip problems. The DT16 is a killer deep crank and yes, that baby bass color is awesome in postspawn (DT4 or DT6)

If I had the choice of hydraulic or manual, I'd go hydraulic. With the hydro plate you can adjust and fine tune the motor while running in different chops, on straightaways and in turns.....it will maximize power, speed and gas efficiency by helping to get the front end up and out of the water. The less water you are "pushing", the faster you will go and the less gas you will burn. Bow lift is critical if you're looking to get the most out of your boat. If you're not too concerned about speed, the manual plate (if set correctly) will do a good job. Check around with some others that own the same boat as you and find out what they are running (speed,rpm's,prop) and compare that to what you are doing with the manual plate. If you're not very far off from what the other guys are doing with hydro plates, (which is possible if your manual is set right) you might want to save your money for something else. I have a manual plate on my Gambler and although I have it set correctly, it took alot of measuring, trial and error, wrench work and time to get it that way.

The Oxygenator