Mike 12345

100% agree. It's not fair to the animal either. If they end up going to the 'pound', its virtually a death sentence.

If I understand your question correctly, the photo gallery is for all 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series Pros...... not for the folks competing in the Classic. That is, assuming you are referring to the Pro Guide 2009?

Another vote for me. They work great around my neck of the woods, and are reasonably priced. Academy has sales from time to time as well, which makes it even more appealing.

This is what I do as well. I wanted to get away from taking tons of boxes/bags, etc with me on every trip, and wanted to be more mobile. I got a 3600 tackle bag for lures, and use a Shimano worm bag for various soft plastics and hooks. The inside flap of the worm bag has 4 little zippered pouches, which are about exactly the size of a pack of worm hooks. It really is ideal for storing a good assortment of worm, wacky, dropshot hooks, and simplifies what I have to pack and remember.

If you look deep enough into Pat's story, you'll find that the girls that committ to her program learn a new meaning of the word 'committment'. I can't imagine trying to successfully play ball for her and do well in school as well. If you are a recruit, I suppose you really have to want it. No question she is an unbelieveble coach and figurehead for UT.

Here is the schedule for the Nashville store if anyone is close by--- FREE Fishing University Friday February 27th will kick off the Fishing Classic with seminars and autograph signings by pros: 2:00pm Luke Clausen "Finesse Fishing" 3:00pm Marty Stone "Squarebill Crankbait Fishing" 4:00pm Dave Wolak "Jig Fishing Tips and Tactics" 5:00pm Luke Clausen "Finesse Fishing" 6:00pm Marty Stone "Finesse Flipping"

When you guys replace stock or dull trebles on your crankbaits, do you replace them with round bend or EWG trebles? Also, why do you choose that style over the other?

Memo, thanks for the tips- As soon as it gets over 30* outside, I plan on checking your suggestions. The weather has been horrible here for the last few weeks. I'll post up what I can find out- hopefully this weekend! Thanks

Hi folks- On the dash of the single console of my boat, there are 2 banks of switches on either side of the wheel. They are for lights, livewell pump and recirc, bilge pump, and then there is a knob for the indash flasher. Of these switches, the lights are the only things that work. Since it looks like I'm more likely to keep my boat another year or so, I'd like to get these things (bilge and livewell) working properly, for safety's ake if nothing else, troubleshooting from least expensive upward. My first thoughts are to replace the fuses in the dash- there are 2 5Amp fuses on either bank. Beyond that, what would be next to check, and how would I do it? I'm relatively handy, but I have zero knowledge of electricty.... Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Thank you for your service!

Thats my question too- what channel are you catching it on? I can only find the DVDs on eBay........ Also, I've never seen Bass Edge- what channel is it on? I'd like to check it out-

No problem, RW, I did not take it the wrong way, I just didn't catch the topic before. And here I am thinking I'm so original! ;D I can see from everyone's responses that most people have worked out what's best on an individual basis- which is sort of where I am with it. The reason I asked the question is because I have seen people say that you should use all the same brand rods/ reels, etc, so it all feels the same and consistent. I just wondered if people went the next step and set up the retrieve on their reels similarly or not. Thanks to everyone for your responses-

Sorry, I did not see the other posts.

I am right handed, but I grew up always using spinning gear cranking/retrieving with my left hand. On the other hand, with baitcasting gear, I use a right-handed retrieve. Strange, maybe- Do you use the same retrieve with both types of gear, or change up depending on what you are using? Just curious.

What year and model Merc?

Ditto that. Got one today. Give these guys a shot- their service is amazing. Look up Kistler rods on ebay, find Simmons sporting goods as the seller, and look in their eBay store. Good stuff!

My 2009 goals- - spend more time on the water, and fish different places - learn and gain confidence in soft plastics - structure fishing - boat control

I've had my eyes on the Mojo's and have checked them out at BPS. Be sure to come back and report on performance, feel, etc when you use it.

The 'finger on the line' thing that you mention will totally kill a spinning reel cast unless you are well practiced, but I also expect that the quality of the reel as well as the rod plays a big part in the casting of a lure with a spinning outfit. Too, different people use different spinning tackle for different applications. Broadly, I guess I would say, its probably not advisable to use your bluegill setup to try to skip a bass worm or tube under a boat dock.

I was just wondering how many people here work at a tackle/ bait/ outdoors store, whether its BPS, Cabelas, WalMart, or any other places for that matter. It would seem like a good place for a person with a Bait Monkey on their back to work. Do you get reasonable discounts on stuff from the store? Just curious-

I'm not sure that any movie that Clint Eastwood has ever been in, going all the way back to the spaghetti westerns, ever exemplified 'great acting'. But Clint is a powerful figure as is, and can carry the whole film. Producers have always understood this, I would imagine. Just thinking back to the Eastwood films I can remember off the top of my head, I can remember great quotes from almost all of them. I'll pay to see it. Pale Rider , my fave quote: "When he opened the fourth seal, the fourth beast said: "Come and see. And I looked "and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him "was Death "and Hell followed with him." Enter Clint Eastwood. Gotta love it.

My 1966 Pontiac GTO. Yanked the original 389 for a refreshed 455, Ram Air III build. New heads and rear are forthcoming.

Great work!

Yellow Bass. Sorry. I guess it may be sort of a regional term.

While bass fishing this year, I caught a lot of barfish, several nice-sized crappie, and some bluegill/shellcrackers as well. Also had a gar nail a spinnerbait, but it threw it. I was sort of happy about that one getting off.