Mike 12345

1991 ProCraft Stalker 180, Merc Black Max XR4 150 My son, getting his first fish on it---------------------------->

Don't know about the swimbaits, but I'm in the Nashville store all the time and I think its very good. Way, way better than the local Dick's, or Gander Mtn in Knoxville. Other than Bass Pro, the only other store in the area that comes close (in my opinion) is Academy Sports- reasonable lure selection, and they actually have good sale prices sometimes. BPS is the only place that has the really specific, specialized stuff though.

People sell cift cards on our local Craigslist all the time..... like '$100 Home Depot Gift Card for $80' You might consider it-

I'm having difficulty trying to peg bullet sinkers to my line to make them stationary. I have read several articles on the topic, and understand that lots of people now do not use toothpics anymore, due to potential line damage. I have tried the Top Brass Peg it rubber 'spikes', but I can't get them to slide into the sinker and hold it in place. Toothpicks are the only thing I've been able to peg a sinker with. Is there a secret to using the rubber Peg-its, something that I am not doing correctly? Thanks

The F500's are supposed to be released within the next week or so, according to info I got from Ardent customer service. I'd be interested to hear any thoughts or reports that anyone who have used them might have on these reels once they become available.

Does the 2500 series classify as a 'wide spool' design?

Hi Folks, I tried a search on this topic, but did not get what I needed, so I thought I'd try a new thread. I'm shopping for a new spinning reel for the upcoming season, and I'm trying to determine if I should be looking at a wide spool reel- what are the advantages of the wide spool spinning reels? Longer casts, less line twist? That being said, are smaller spool reels better for some techniques, while larger spools better for others? Thanks

No problem Paul, I totally understand. Hope you have a good rest of the winter fishing!

Nice fish man! What lake were you fishing? I got my PB (so far) in 42* (always very stained) water on Old Hickory on the 8th- it weighed 4lb 8oz, so not nearly as large as yours, but I sure didn't catch any fish near that size during the previous 12 months of this year......... winter seems to be pretty good in TN so far.....

I have a related question regarding this opportunity. I know that co-angler ettiquette would suggest that one should help out the boater with gas money. What is you(re) collective opinion on this with the Marshal program?

Sorry, I should have given more info. The outboard is a 1991 Merc Black Max XR4 150. The thing is hard to start anyway, but runs great under power... just wondering if any one had ideas about the reverse gear. I guess I'm still thinking carbs/timing. Thanks

I have read multiple times in various places that many anglers will turn off their electronics, especially in shallow water, as an additional step to keep quiet and not spook fish. On the other hand, Lowrance states that the frequency used by the electronics is beyond the sensory range of both fish and humans to pick up. Is there a 'right' answer on this topic?

I have to apologize to you on this-- I just reread your post, and see what you meant. No disrespect intended.

Oh well, I still think it will be a great learning tool.

Sorry, just don't see the humor. Why would that amuse you so?

I think its a pretty cool opportunity. I was bummed that the co-angler bit went away, but I have warmed up to the Marshal deal. I know that a lot of you will consider me a complete moron because of that, based on your posts throughout this thread. However, its a neat deal for me. Vacation time is not a problem. I'm going to pull my camper to the tourney, and stay at a campground there. Minimal costs, really. And, although lots of you guys are very experienced and terribly good bass fishermen, I am still starting out in this sport, and the opportunity to spend 2-3 days immersed in the sport with top pro anglers, talking to them about techniques, lure selection, boat positioning, etc., is very appealing to me. It's really easy to drop $100 on fishing stuff at your local sporting goods store, some of which may help you catch some fish. For my money, a hundred bones getting to see how really good anglers do it (and showing me what to change up or do differently when I'm on the water) is money well spent. I don't really care about being asked to do a few things while I'm on the water. To me, its completely insignificant to the main point of advancing my bass angling knowledge and decision making. I think if you are already an outstanding bass fisherman, then it may not be a good return on your money. However, if you are someone with the same experience as me, you may very well get a few fantastic bits of information each day that you might be able to apply and could really propel your technique/presentation/lure selection, etc. My take on it anyway.

Does anyone know why my outboard would die as soon as I shift it into reverse? The only way I've been able to get it to actually engage the reverse gear without stalling out has been to very, very quickly throw it back to reverse while still maintaing enough rpms in forward to prevent it from quitting. Maybe an idle speed setting issue? Carbs?

Thanks for that info. Do you fish lake Jackson? Does it have the kind of fish I am imagining?

Hi guys, hopefully one of you out there will know what I'm talking about and be able to help me identify a body of water. When travelling south on Rt 331, through southern AL and just before crossing the Florida state line, you pass over a lake that has A TON of standing timber and thick vegetation in the water, easily visible from the road. Unfortunately, I have not seen signs identifying the lake's name. Its just about the only water visible from 331, as I remember- I have been trying to figure out what the name of this lake is, in hopes that I might research it and fish it sometime. It looks like bass heaven, at least from the road. As near as I can tell from internet maps, it would appear to be WF Jackson lake and state park, near Opp, AL. Am I close on that, or way off base? Thanks! If anyone can substatiate or refute that, please let me know.

Outstanding-- thanks Vic! I'll def check out Turkey Lake-

Thanks guys for the info. TrailerHook, Topsail is actually where I will be staying. I've seen the ponds before on previous visits, just have not gotten any info whether they hold bass or not. Guess I'll have to find out!

Does anyone happen to know if there are any good lakes or ponds to fish in the Destin area? I'll be around there sometime between March and June for the family vacation, and would like to try out the area if anyone has any suggestions- Thanks

I'll be in Orlando late next year for a conference, and would not mind getting into some good fishing while in the area. I can look out the window of the hotel I'll be staying out and see at least 3 good size ponds, complete with weeds, lily pads, etc...but I don't know if they are accessible to me. Anyone have any ideas of a good local lake I might try while there? Thanks

Why are so many of the flipping sticks out there collapsible? Is it so they better fit into cars/boats? I'm looking at a fantastic deal on a collapsible flipping stick online, but if its not going to give me as good performance as a 1 piece, I'd just as soon pay the extra $$$....Thoughts? Also, heavy/fast seems to be a pretty consistent power/action for a flipping stick.... is that so? Any further advice on this matter? Thanks!

Is a higher speed retrive beneficial for these types of presentations? I know that a slower (like 5:1) ratio is often preferred for crankbaits, but is a faster retrive better for flipping/pitching presentations? I'm imagining it would be, to help get the fish out of cover quickly- Please let me know whether my reasoning is flawed. Thanks