A-Jay

Man your right - it has been that long hasn't it - that's quite a Dry spell for both of us. But they told me there'd be no math . . . A-Jay

I've always thought of a drop shot as a "finesse" type presentation. It's one I use mostly in a clear water situation where the bite might be tough or the fish are a bit spooky - or worst case scenario - both. There are a few less than common times when a beefed up drop shot is a good choice when you want to keep your bait suspended and out of any bottom weed, slime or other goop. This is usually in a sparse to medium cover situation and I do not use an open hook rig here though. Water color / clarity with this presentation plays less of a role on the tackle choice. A-Jay

Hey Man- Have you considered an Intervention ? ? ? Might be time - It's been almost six years . . . . A-Jay

I would recommend that when using a braid and flouro / mono set up regardless of what size braid or leader you choose, it's important to fish it on a set up geared toward the breaking strength of your leader. (providing that your mainline is the stronger of the two.) Sometimes anglers forget that even though the size of a particular braid and a leader might be similar there is often a large disparity between the two (like 30lb braid and 10lb flouro) regarding breaking strength. When the low stretch properties of braid & flouro are combined with the shock of a solid hook, your knot doesn't stand a chance no matter which one it is. The best knot tied at 100% is still the weakest link and the stronger braid will pop it almost every time. As mentioned, the right rod and / or a properly set drag is just part of "the system". I learned this the hard way, not so much with treble hook baits as I was using a softer rod, but when fishing single hook contact baits, especially on a short line, there was a period there where I was donating way too many baits to the fish gods . . . . A-Jay

So what you're saying here is - you're a Big Patriots Fan and plan on attending the Super Bowl Victory parade through the streets of Boston in February . . . . . . . .Me too. A-Jay

Crazy Game ~ ! Matty Ice pulled it out in the end . . . . . . Big Time Kick too . . . . . A-Jay

Try Live Bait ~ A-Jay

X2 When I have the same reel (or one with similar line capacity) this is what I do - When I do not, I use the methoded I post above. A-Jay

X3 - and I have 3 of them - One on the boat, one in the tackle shop and one hanging on the tackle bag. A-Jay

Fill your reel with the mono backing of you choice - Go where you can make some casts (lake, ball field, back yard) - Make casts, get an idea of what your average cast distance is - Next, make one final cast and cut the line there, discard or save the mono for net time - Then pull off a bit more (whatever you feel comfortable with) - Now fill the rest of the spool with the braid of your choice. A-Jay

I've always liked Jeff Kriet - His perspective on fishing and just about anything else always makes me smile - A-Jay

Now That's Pretty Slick - way to go Mr Pink ! A-Jay

Shoot some video of it if you can - Oh and by the way - I'd leave your wallet in the truck . . . . A-Jay

Heads up - incoming . . . . . . . . A-Jay

I have not but these guys seemed to like it. A-Jay http://www.tackletour.com/reviewgogetit.html

When these baits are presented on that hook, they usually are designed to be fished in, around and through some type of cover; otherwise a jighead / open hook could be more effective. I'd say that all the rigs you listed could work with the exception of the light (8 lb test) spinning tackle. A-Jay

I saw that one coming a mile away . . . . A-Jay

That's a first. I especially enjoyed his "sentence" - "He was allowed to walk free after taking a two-year oath of good behavior. He will face jail if he breaks the terms." That always works . . . . . A-Jay

Here ya go ~ A-Jay

You're a Wild Man ~ ! WTG - Really nice Bass. A-Jay

X2 I agree. I watched all last year. I am a fan of the format and the coverage. Had I known that they were planning to air the TV episodes well before making the on line shows available, I would not have paid for the the Extended Version. I feel like they Boned me . . . . . A-Jay

X2 - and as a Pats fan I was one happy camper they made the switch. Just couldn't take any more plays where Drew would stand in the pocket, pat the ball for 7 seconds and then get clobbered. This years 49ers are enduring a similar situation at QB. Alex Smith was hurt and replaced by Colin Kaepernick. Smith, although now healthy, has been riding the bench ever since. Now if old Colin continues to run the ball, Mr Smith may get back in there as the hammer will fall on Kaepernicks head eventually. A-Jay

That's a fair question - but I'm betting that you did understand that I was making a reference regarding their inherent value to the Team and the eventual out come of the game. As the Playoffs roll around, we are reminded that every NFL season is a war of attrition and it takes an entire roster to win a championship. A-Jay

The Major League Fishing site advertises that The Exclusive Extended Coverage (seen only on line) provides over twice as much as seen on TV. A-Jay

That could be - but the top 25 scores in NFL history are all placekickers. Grass stains might be more desirable than blood stains. A-Jay