A-Jay

^^^^^^^^^ ~ This ~ The Jig Alternative. Basically it's just a Texas Rigged plastic bait with a skirt between the weight and the hook. What I do like about this rig over a Standard Fixed hook jig: First and fore most, the fish eat it. The hook-up ratio is the same as a standard jig or maybe even a bit better. It comes through cover better. I can modify / customize the rig any way I want. By switching the weight, the skirt color or type, the hook size or type and the plastic trailer of my choosing - the options are endless. With very little chance of hanging up, I Fish it through lily pad fields, milfoil patches, cabbage patches, stump/log jams, and open water ~ All on One Cast ! So, instead of carrying a ton of different color and size jigs, I can be ready for anything (including punching through the slop) with a hand full of weights, skirts, hooks and a small assortment of plastics. Beavers, Beasts, Grubs, Craws and creature baits have all taken fish. I have 3 Plano (3700) boxes of jigs that hardly ever get wet. Here's the rig, from the main line to the hook: -A weight / bobber stop - A small bead to keep the stop from slipping through the weight. (if needed) - A 1/2 oz tungsten weight - a Boss Punch Hub - this is placed inside the skirt collar - The skirt of your choice - A parasite clip (optional, but does help prevent the plastic from sliding down the hook) - A 5/0 Owner wide gap plus EWG hook (#5139 - very stout, I love this hook) - Your favorite soft plastic - pictured is a Power Bait Beast Hope this helps A-Jay

That - is particularly Outrageous ! I couldn't tell, but I hope Mr. Pin Cushion was going Barb-Less. A-Jay

I finally got a pack of 5/0 today. A-Jay

Man - Now that's a Big Head ! A-Jay

What about ~ Tough Actin' Tinactin. I just like saying that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg1H9PBwLp4 A-Jay

Yea - did the survey but I never got anything from them. And it's been A WHILE now. I e-mailed them and asked them if they forgot about me - guess they did. I'm sticken with Owner thank you very much . . . . .

Nice Bass ! btw - you're fooling anybody, we all know you're wearing Camo shorts under that rain gear . . . A-Jay

Bank the money you would spend on the extended warrenty instead. Then if the vehicle is in need of repair later - you'll have the money to pay for the work. If you never need it, then you have a nice lump sum available for a down payment on your next ride. A-Jay

My wife's thought on this Father's Day . . . . . A-Jay Every year, in mid June, I find myself unknowingly navigating away from the card isle at the store. After these many years have passed, my heart breaks knowing... I will not be making my Dad one of my crazy Father's Day cards again this year. Until a few years ago, I did not know that he & my Mom kept every card I ever made. My Mom gave them to me... my hands tremble to even hold them much less read through them. I have yet to do it. They still sit, untouched. I am not 100% certain why I save them. In honor of Dad's world wide ~ I pause, reflect & remember my Dad this Father's Day. May peace be in your heart & soul Dad ~ Love, Your little girl

Growing up in MA, my parents vacationed each summer on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH ( Upper Moltonboro Bay / Lee's Mills area). I fished from an inflatable rafted that I rowed (and got blown around in ) all over the little bay we were on. Early morning topwater action for smb was insane. I think I used a Fred Arbogast Sputterbuzz. Back then I lived for that topwater smallmouth bass strike - still do. A-Jay

When it's hot - fish at night. A-Jay

Michigan does this as well. SMB entries must be 21" and Lmb entries are required to be a minimum of 22". I've been fortunate enough to make at least one entry in the smb category for the last few season in a row. LMB entries are more of a challenge, at least for me. I have manage 4 in the last five years. SMB waters up here out number Lmb waters 2 : 1. Some seasons I have at least 1 (sometimes both) by now, but this season I'm still looking for my first. At least in Michigan anyway. A-Jay

Dude - that's is a Really good Deal ! A-Jay

Congrats ~ That a trip you'll remember for awhile. A-Jay

Cool - Thanks - but isn't a #6 a fairly large blade ? Sounds too big for say 1/2 oz bait. A-Jay

Congrats ~ Looks like you guys were on them pretty good. A-Jay

I'm a 5 & 6 XD fan also - Haven't heard of the 7XD yet though ? A-Jay

We have spoken to him briefly as he passed by in his truck. The first time he slowed as he passed, rolled down the window and with a big grin asked "How'd ya like those Flags ?" Of course our response was "Out - Standing ! " A-Jay

My wife and I run down the dead-end dirt road pictured below several days a week. It's 3 miles long, pretty much in the woods with 1 home at the very end. Clearly it gets very little use other than the home owner, many deer, us and our dogs. The home owner hangs flags up & down the entire length of the road every spring - one every 1/4 mile or so. I'll admit that we are both big-time flag huggers and the first time we came across this in the early morning fog, neither of us could talk - it was very cool . A-Jay

It's always a tough time - for everyone involved. My parents bred Siamese cats while I was growing up. They are very interesting and intense little animals. No cats for me now, all dogs but the decision is still the same - very hard to know "when". I've helped many dogs "cross the Rainbow Bridge" and will continue to do so. The same commitment and love I felt for each of them as puppies is still there as they reach the end. I try my best to be there whenever the dog needs me throughout it life, especially in the end. It's different for everyone. I hope and try to time this before the dog looses it's dignity. When the quality of life is so undermined, it's time. Clearly if the animal is in pain, there is never even a question. Doesn't make it any easier. It's great to know you're considering a humane and responsible decision. I volunteer at the local County Animal shelter and it's just plain alarming how many people refuse to accept this responsibility as a pet owner. Instead they simply dump the animals on the side of the road leaving them to fend for themselves at a time when they really needed the owner the most. It's sad. I'll say this, If you think it's time - it probably is. Stay Strong A-Jay

For me it's more about how, when and where I got the fish. Of course not counting dinks, I am very appreciative of a fish that "is right where it's suppose to be" Meaning I had an idea of how to find a decent bas and what to throw to get bit. Additionally, I don't get that many "big fish" (unless I'm fishing with Dwight ) to use that as the barometer that defines a good trip. It's the journey not the destination. A-Jay

Great Shot ! A-Jay

I have become a big fan of this blade - and I have also looked for a source of supply other than the original bait but have been unsuccessful as well. I did find a sale on the bait itself last week for $3 bucks a bait - bought them all. A-Jay

Since this thread has clearly gone in another direction - this sign might be appropriate ~ A-Jay

Sometimes the sign says it all. A-Jay