grampa1114

So I assume that you think this ban is enforceable.....well if you do, and are worried about 'getting caught' some alternatives are Timmy Tom's Leadfree Jig Co. and Leadfree Jigheads.com. I've used both and they have good prices and very good products.

Tom:So although not perfect, the lobster fishermen got it right. No doubt, it took many years of trial and error for this to happen. John: The thought of commercializing anything you want, strictly by legislation, is a scary thought. When would that end? We already have ranches producing Whitetails, Ringneck Pheasants, Talapia and Oyster beds and probably many more species we don't even know.

I'm not positive...but...I think he was kidding. Seeing that you brought it up....How come we haven't run out of lobsters?

at about $85 an ounce.........Wow.....

Excellent job Trickerie......Now remember how you did it and do it again.

Done well freebie...stupid fish need love too...hang in there jiggie you might have a shot next weekend too... Grampa

Sweet work buddy...hang in there as long as you can.

Way to go Freebie...Fishing Rhino's still at it too.

I didn't think the "Fishing Women" section was open for guys to read...but I kept seeing the 'respect' issue being brought up...as I scrolled by, so I stopped in. I'm older than most on this site but perhaps not as well informed as I should be. Been told that I didn't know when to 'shut up'. Just seems to me that as long as people think that there is a need for a different section for anyone...that there will be a 'respect' issue. I'm afraid that in this case, the fish have the right idea...If you're good enough then you're gonna catch'em. Maybe by separating one set of fishermen from another...everybody misses out on valuable experience. Anybody that watched an early "Jimmy Houston" show knew his wife could outfish him...just like mine outfishes me. Like I said, been told I don't know when to 'shut up'. . Grampa.....

It'll be great having you along Deak...some tentative locales this year are Merrimack, Connecticut and Charles Rivers, along with some from last year. But...But...We are constantly looking for input from EVERYONE.....Grampa

As many of you know, the Northeast is on a "Save the Loons" campaign...and to some extent I have to agree with them. I'm old enough to remember the "Silent Spring" that almost wiped out Bald Eagles with DDT. Ok, so small lead isn't good for birds...got it. How does a Finesse fisherman, like myself, handle this situation? There are farsighted companies who are marketing non-lead sinkers and jigheads for reasonable prices. One is located in Hawaii and gave me free shipping, delivered in an amazing 3 days and upon examination, seem to have a very worthy product. This is not a commercial, just a note that hope is not lost, going lead free.If you are interested in the people I've just mentioned, a PM will get you their website. Grampa1114

So I guess that you have a pretty good idea on what to throw across the country...surprisingly enough all that stuff works where you live too. I guess that the key is how much you want to spend on each type of bait and how much you're going to throw them. Black and blue and brown and orange crayfish live here...herring and alewifes are also a mainstay in your area. There are plenty of white perch and yellow perch and blue gills that the bass forage on as well. If you try to match the hatch on your body of water then you can't go too far wrong.

Also done...

We would really appreciate more boaters participating...do we need to add a competition factor to get you to join? Perhaps a "Big Fish" aspect. We need some input....anyone...anyone...

My Dual Pro reacts the same way...after full charge it goes into maintenance mode...only needed water once in 3 years on these batteries. I leave it plugged in as soon as it gets home and unplug just before I leave...Over the winter, I turn it on for 1 day, once a month. I just plug in the extension cord that hangs out from under the cover. Works fine.

The debate seems to still be going on about spinnerbaits and buzzbaits but it seems that jigs are included. I don't see weeds as a big factor on the Charles, moreso near the lake area of the Mystic.

Dynamite...yea...yea...that's the deal today....you can catch a 5-6-7-8-9-10lb bass with dynamite. Right Roland? I still think a 'Legends Tour' would be good for the sport.

The new lead ban will definitely affect you next year. It sounds like your tourney may be out of the lower Charles ramp. This is a5-6 mile stretch of fresh and brackish water which locks into Boston Harbor. This is a haven for crew and skull activity along with numerous marinas. The fishing is good and the water quality has improved greatly in the last 20 years. This will be pretty straight foreward river fishing with a lot of traffic and a soft(mucky)bottom. I prefer baits that are not going to rest on the bottom and catch my share but next year could be brand new. Your prefishing will help. The Mystic river also accesses the harbor and is very shallow and tight in some places, with a small lake at the top. The lake has been my primary area but again, your pre-fishing will give you a better answer. More care in navigating is necessary on the Mystic though, so topo tools will be handy. Good luck. Grampa

I just found hawnjigs@yahoo.com perhaps they would like to advertise here.

Where and when are you fishing the area J?Tthose two rivers don't have anything in common except Boston harbor. Are you fishing for Black bass or Stripers? Perhaps we just don't understand the question. Grampa

I had the privelige of taking a fine young marine mechanic(freebie) fishing this fall and he explained that gasoline looses octane over a period of time and recommended emptying the gas tank for winter.With a fresh refill in the spring, you need not worry too much about more than the normal shot of sta-bil.

The older guys, going back on tour, works for me but I think that it's getting to be a young man's game...at least on a professional level. I would, however, enjoy a "Legends" tour, starring all our older heroes. Hey Jerry McGinnis...are you listening?

Thanks guys...I appreciate that somebody's paying attention.... Grampa

More wonderful news from skin people...It seems that....once the barn door is left open.....Didn't matter how much I covered up in the sun....trust me, I looked like a mummy all year. They're carving me up again. DO NOT...I repeat DO NOT...put yourself in this position. Please use Sunscreen. Grampa