MSPbass

For sheer comedic value, this thread has been one of the best I've ever read on BassResource.com. As a new boater, this thread has been one of the best, most helpful, valuable, things I've ever read on BassResource.com. Thank You!

Huh. Thanks for that great info Crankenstein. Anyone ever use one?

I was watching his rod quite a bit; all the rods actually. I don't know for sure, so this isn't exactly an answer, but it looked over 7' and had a big moderate to mod-fast bend to it. It also looked pretty beefy, so at least a MH power. All the lipless rods seemed to be a moderate action. I hope someone can verify what he was actually using. In the mean time, we can point out the grammatical errors found within this paragraph... "I am not saying you don't know what you are talking about because you don't use a comma. All I am saying is that people who have never met you will take you more seriously if you write like you have made it successfully through grade school. I am sorry but it is the truth. Would you write a resume or job application with no capitals or with incorrect punctuation? You would if you wanted the company to put your application in the trash...The same applies here. We can argue this for ages, but I would rather end this. I apologize to the original poster for derailing this thread. I tried to give input a few posts back... " As someone said earlier, once your posts start sounding silly, no one takes you seriously after that.

I've seen a few, even brand new ones, for sale on eBay. Model # is SPL-6BBH, but I can't find any info on it. It's looks a lot like a trion LP, but not identical. Might have a twitching or flippin' switch on the back. Any one know anything about this reel?

It sounds to me like you're not looking for frills so I don't think a 16' V is off track. They're durable, light, often decked, handle rough waters better and easy to tow & store. Plus, you're more likely to find one, fully equipped, for 3k on Craigslist than good shape bass boat.

I recently got my first boat too. I stick to smaller lakes myself. Have had a few experiences in small boats on big waters though. You really have to watch out for the bigger boats, because they're not always watching out for you. I was in a small craft with a buddy last year and we had to cross the lake to get to where we wanted. On the way back in, we saw two big party cruisers heading out for the evening and right for us. We both expected them to turn. The first one's wife even waved as they approached. But the Ahole didn't turn; didn't even slow down. He just sped right in front of us. We were both in the air, as well as most of the boat, when we hit the first wake. There was nothing we could do. The lady just stared as the jerk sped off. We all thought we were going to tip. We landed OK but, man, it was scary. Another time I was out when a storm rolled in. Actually, it was pre-storm and the wind was the problem. The chop got crazy! This was a river and there were hazards all along shore so everyone had to follow these cruising lanes way out in open water. It was a long, slow, trip back to the ramp. Luckily, I was with someone who was an experienced driver. If it was me driving though, I would not have known what to do. I guess I'm saying, why so eager to hit these big lakes as a new boater? They're not going anywhere. I have a 16 footer and figure, with experience and common sense on our side, we should be able to fish wherever we want! Even with the big boys. Just maybe not next year.

I fish frogs and toads all the time. For the hollow bodied frogs it's a standard 7' H; but I use something a little different for toads: a 7' M with a mod-fast action. I do this because I'll often throw this rod in the car and fish from shore when I find some time in my day. This rod lets me get those Ribbits, on 20lb braid, to isolated patches of cover off shore and to the outer edges of the weeds and pads that are so prevalent in our MN waters. I have never had a problem hooking a fish and getting it back to me with the M rod; even if I'm dragging it over or through the weeds that were between us when it struck. If I'm in a boat, I still use these the same way because I like a long cast when fishing toads. But to be fair, we're talking MN size bass here: 4-5lbs are the usually the big ones for the day. I might not do it this way if we were down South. But, hey, we're not in FL, right?

I tried the No Knot Quick Snaps for a whole year. I said they enabled the baits to swim better and were so much more unobtrusive than regular sized snaps or swivels. But, to be honest, I really just liked the convenience of not having to un-snap a regular snap. I ended up losing a bunch of baits with them though. I use braid most of the time and when you make a bad cast or foul your line in one way or another, whatever's on the end of it stops moving real fast. If the open part of the No Knot Snap is lined up just right with the bait eye, it goes sailing right off. I decided they weren't for me. I think only one ever broke. They are sturdy for being so small. But still not worth it; in my opinion. I tie everything direct to my line now.

I got my first boat off the Mpls/St.Paul Craigslist from a guy in Eden Prairie just this Fall. There were so many boats on there I couldn't believe it. However, winter was fast approaching and folks were looking to sell rather than store for another season. People seemed mostly honest, but pics were sometimes misleading. Just go out and check the boat out in person. Sometimes the prices were way off too. But I was keeping track, checking in just about every day, and would see the same boat posted again and again with a price drop each time. But the ones that were "priced to sell" went fast. The only other thing I'd say is if you're serious about buying, you might want to wait till you can actually put a prospect in the water to test out. Happy hunting though! P.S. I ended up with a fully decked v-hull. Don't be afraid to look at the aluminum v-hulls on there too. Lunds and Alumacrafts still fetch top dollar, but if your patient, you can find a deal. Here's one to watch: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/1604704837.html

I'm no Micro (that's an impressive collection dude) but I also have 3 versions of the HMG and the oldest one, with steel inserts I believe, is still a favorite; but I'm very happy with the latest model. To be honest, I was skeptical of the new version as well. When I saw they dropped the price, I actually got worried. Fortunately for me, I cracked one of my Fenwick Word Class rods at the end of last season and had to send it in for replacement. No biggie. $15, I think they charged. When FedEx delivered my replacement, it came in two pieces. I was ticked and FedEx were jerks, but the Fenwick folks I talked with (two different ladies) were so helpful and accommodating. They had a replacement for my replacement at my door in days. Needless to say, it was a new HMG. I don't even think they had hit the stores yet. Customer service was great to me. I really like the TAC handle. It's a bit softer than the previous cork but much more grippy; without being sticky at all. I was also pleasantly surprised by the underside of the new reel seat. It's contoured to fit your fingers and feels great to me. No problem mounting Patriarchs on either of them; as I already have another new HMG. In my humble opinion, these rods aren't just a good buy, they are a fantastic one. Fenwick has done nothing to tarnish their classic and classy reputation with the new HMG; they may have even polished it for me a bit.

If it's a good deal, take it. Don't let "wide" worry you too much. It fits wonderfully in my hand and I wouldn't say mine are big at all. But if you're not interested anymore...who's selling this reel?

I had a jon with a 31" bottom. It gets you on the water, but it's not something I would recommend if you have other options. I was super excited about mine it at first, but it was terribly unstable. It only took two outings before I knew it wasn't going to work for me.

I recently got my first bass boat and was told this about batteries: "Get 27 series with at least 200 reserve amps - anywhere but Wal-Mart". What do you guys think about that statement? Would this announcement change things?

I have and I've caught bass with 'em. They call them "new" but I had one years ago; long before I ever saw a swimbait. Pretty sure I didn't pay $7 for it either. Keep one in my frog box still. I haven't used it in a while, but I would buzz the edges of lily pads with pretty good results.

OMG dude; what a riot! I'm going to use that today.

Have you had that baby in the water yet? I had a 10' jon that looked an awful lot like yours (Sears Gamefisher?) and had all sorts of plans for it. However, on her maiden voyage, it became all too clear that she was not going to handle much in the way of modifications. There are other things you have to consider besides length. She was sturdy, but narrow and tippy as heck. No one was going to be standing and casting, that's for sure. I scrapped all my plans and let her go to a duck hunter. If I stayed with it, there's no way I would have done anything but carpet the benches, floor the middle and maybe floor the back space for the t/m battery. Marine Carpet should be pretty easy to find. Home Depot, Lowes & Sears all have it. Even Bass Pro has a budget buy that's $7 for a 6' roll. The advice I got when I was planning was ½ plywood coated good with Thompson's Water Seal, cut to fit between the benches with carpet stapled on the underside. I would have set the floor on a few feet to, just barely, clear that rib. But that was just my experience. I've seen some amazing work on little jons; so good luck to you! Let us know how it goes.

I haven't had much luck fishing swim jigs in the middle of MN lily pads. I've found that, when I get snagged, they snag hard. Sometimes I'll actually hook a stalk right through but, more often, I'll get caught where the stalk meets the pad when the line was riding up one side & the jig was on the other. They're super strong plants and you can easily spoil the whole area trying to get your jig back. You've been fishing MN for a while, so you've probably heard of Outkast swim jigs. Check out their design. I throw Super K jigs though. It's a guy named Gregg, in Western WI, and he makes sweet swim jigs. Both use very smooth, simple, bullet heads. 1/4 oz. is the usual and the hook is big and sturdy. http://www.superkfishing.com/2.html

That's a great tip ib. Thanks! (The description says they have plastic inserts.)

I asked about these about a month ago and the interest was minimal. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1259684890/5#5 However, I'm looking forward to testing them out. Once you see one, you'll get how they're made. They are not stiff, as some people seem led to believe.

I dig the Robo-X Robotail in Aron's Magic the People's Worm colors.

I got a bunch from the eBay guy, Uncle Skip, and I like them a lot. The skirts are all rubber, so not as flashy as the ones at TW, but a lot cheaper. You can get a variety pack of 8, with different weights and colors, for about $10. They're solidly made too. If you're interested, search for "Texas Rig Jig" and he comes up.

Just checked out that site. As a new, used, boat owner myself, it looks like something I'm going to benefit from as well. Thanks for posting that tip B12.

I was fishing with a buddy last year and he offered to share his new tube of Mega Strike. I chose to stick with Smelly Jelly. At some point I changed baits to a Fat Ika and decided to try out the MS. I'm not saying the MS was better than the SJ but, you guessed it, I started getting bit after that. Of course, it had something to do with the bait; but I couldn't help wonder if it had to do with the Mega Strike a little as well. All I do know, is that I kept the MS by me for the rest of the trip and will have some of my own for next season. My question, to you Bobby, is what's the difference between original MegaStrike and the Yamamoto Mega Srike? Is there a reason you would use one over the other? I've seen the Yamamoto on sale next to the full price original. What's the deal? Thanks

Arbogast Jitterbug. I think it was bright yellow. But the first real "keeper" bass was on a pre-rigged, nightcrawler colored, worm I'm sure was Creme; but I took it from my grandpa's tackle box and never saw a package. I remember letting it hit bottom and how my mom always said, "don't let it hit bottom, that's where the weeds are!"

Gamakatsu Weedless Finesse Wide Gap Hook.