CWB

To each his own. Using spinning gear, I have actually skipped a 1/4 oz. tube under a dock, under the Pontoon boat moored behind the dock and had the bait snag on the prop. That's a total length of about 25'. No way with a baitcaster. I use a 4000 size reel, 10-12lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultrasoft or P-line Fouroclear and have not had any problems getting big fish out from under and unwrapped from boats, docks, dockposts, etc. You get a breakoff every now and again but that's part of the game with whatever reel you use.

I'm no scientist but I think both environment and available food must play a factor. A 10 year old fish in one body of water might be 4 lb. while just down the road in another body of water loaded with food higher in fat content such as shad, a 10 year old fish might weigh 6-7 lb. Metabolism is a factor of temperature hence the larger fish per age on average down south. No definitive answers to posted question. Too many variables.

I can't find Sexy Shad skirts from Strike King but *** sells them. Go figure.

Deep down he really is a class guy. I've actually thrown my rod overboard once when I had a monster break me off. (I did jump in and get it) and I had no pressure on my other than what I put on myself. Imagine the pressure these guys are under. I talked with a rep from Strike King and he told me KVD had a minimum of 50 spectator boats pretty close to him each day, making noise, bumping into stumps etc. He was visibly upset but kept it in. Everyone handles difficult situation differently. I would of loved to see Ike repeat but Skeet was due. Excellent interview!

X2 You can do it with baitcasting gear but by the time you actually master it you will probably have spent $500.00 on line. That'll buy you a few good spinning reels! ;D

Love to T-Rig them weightless and skip under and around docks and boats.

I have seen this on a local forest preserve reservoir near me. There is a warm water discharge that flows into the creek right below the dam. I go there first early in the year. I have seen up to 30 or 40 smaller bass just finning in the current where the discharge meets the creek. I would guess they are sitting there waiting for any food to stupidly drift by and get eaten. I have caught some by casting upstream and floating a jerkbait back to them but as you say, they are extremely spooky.

Agree 100% I have had more than 1 brand of lure in chrome that had problems. Not sure if they are actually painted or it is some type of coating.

R.W. is right on as usual. Don't know if I'd drive 3 hours but it would definitely be worth it the first time. The closest to me is 45 min. and I'm there pretty often. Downside is I have to take the wife as it is surrounded by a huge mall. Usually something pretty good on sale and a jawdropping fish or two in the tank. Right now there is a 50lb.+ Blue Cat in there. Always a madhouse on weekends though. If you do go for the Spring Classic, don't plan on getting out of there without feeding the bait monkey bigtime and spending at least a couple hours.

Ron's right. Unless you keep the 3704 flat or cut the notches deeper with an Xacto knife, you could get a mess. If you keep it flat or so the baits hang into the slots you will be better off. Don't like the Falcon either. Odd size.

Subsribe to Bassmaster. I'm sure they will have all the details next month. Check into ESPN.com. They might have some info also. I get emails every week but maybe you have to be a B.A.S.S. member.

Snagproof Bobby's Perfect. I've had better hookups than with Spro which seems harder. Just my humble opinion. Color is probably more important to you than the fish. Can't wait to try their paddlefoot version!

Must have hurt!! ;D ;D

I like your optimism! Find the phone # of your states closest DNR office and keep it with you. Depending on where you are if you do catch it, keep it alive and if possible they will send someone out to assist you. If not, 2 witnesses and a post office or supermarket scale. If nothing close by use the nearest scale, keep accurate measurements of length, girth and keep your fingers crossed that the scale can be certified later. Most important, keep it alive as long as possible. and have as many people as possible see it weighed.

Call me nuts but on my home lake I actually snorkel around certain spots looking to see which docks and boats are holding fish and how they are positioned. Come back later and fish the good spots. Maybe that's cheating. Come face to face with a couple huge muskies doing this and they didn't seem to be too scared!!!

Go with the 3704. Flipsider does cramp wire and skirts. I was going to buy one until I took a bait off the rack at Dick's and tried to force it in. I do think they make a 3" deep version that would be better. Just my humble opinion.

I like the Rage Craws. A tad pricey but they do work. Just bought some Gambler Flappy Daddys and they look great! I like 5" Pacas also. I can't see paying $7.00 for 4 Money Craws.

Great interview! Hey Glenn- Is Bill really that tall? (just kidding) ;D ;D ;D

There is no comparison. (except for price-ouch!) Best out there.

Why should Shimano be forced to participate in BPS's youth program? What if they feel that they can get a better impact by supporting youth activities through their own channels? BPS is just ticked that Shimano won't participate in the reel trade in program. I see this as a black mark against BPS and not against Shimano. I don't believe anyone is being forced to do anything. If Shimano chooses not to participate, that's their choice. Likewise, if BPS chooses not to include them in their promotion, that's their choice and seems fair. I don't see any intentions meant on either side. I'm from Illinois. If you don't pay, you don't play. ;D

Love Shimano also but give these a look: Daiwa Regal XiA and Exceler. I have 2 Regals and love them.

E-Bay. Sorry. Check the fleamarket here also.

X2. Like the flatter head and rattles.

I think their Deadly Dudly was one of the first true Buzzbaits. Man did I kill the bass on that for a few years!! Still have quite a few of their lures and use them sparingly.

Looks like hooks would still find each other but not near as much as if you left them loose. Good tip!