A-Jay

Headed out for my first recon mission today to determine lake access and percentage of open water - if any. I am very happy to report All access roads are clear and / or passable. However we still have 90% ice coverage on most waters. But with the forecast this coming week of days in the 50's and nights above freezing - it shouldn't be too much longer - right ? And in the spirit of high hopes - we will not even mention anything about a possible future cold snap and more snow . . . . . . . . A-Jay

Test it for yourself ~ it's important to have confidence in your gear. The Alberto is no more difficult to tie than a double uni, just different - might even be easier. A-Jay

I picked up assorted spools of Yozuri hybrid this off season to use on the front end as a leader for braid. I have been using a uni to uni knot connection for this for years. I had tried the Alberto's Knot against the uni but the uni knot always won. But I have a feeling the inferior florocarbon line I was using then was more the cause than the knot. Today, I had my own version of Knot Wars - uni against the Alberto's Knot The Alberto's Knot won hands down - the uni to uni knot broke EVERY TIME ! I was shocked. I've been a big fan of the uni and now I'll never tie another. So I've got about a month before the season starts to become proficient at the Alberto's Knot to where I can tie it in my sleep. A-Jay

This was also BOA and that's the snail mail method. I could have it faster (and would have if it were actually necessary) but I also get to pay the extra scratch for the FedEx or whatever they would use. A-Jay

Nice Fish. I was skeptical when I first read about burning a white on white blade but it didn't take long to make a believer out of me. I've had all my success on a double willow but I have already made plans to heave some single blade jobs out there and see what happens. Thanks A-Jay

What a Knuckle Head ! A-Jay

So I had the distinct pleasure of making all the calls and changing all my accounts around because some scum bag got a hold of my debit card number and went to town. My card has a big "Total Security Protection" logo on it - hehe - not so much. But here's a question - why do they always buy PORN Memberships with stolen card numbers ??? My bank did handle it quickly and efficiently. Two things to get from this 1. Set up a automatic/e-mail alert with your bank so you are notified ASAP whenever your card is used. 2. Find out who to call and what to do BEFORE you need to cancel a card because while your looking it up - your credit limit / checking account is getting maxed out quickly. Chances are you'll get it all back, I did, but the 7-10 working days it takes to get a new card is a bummer and that's nothing compared to the fun you'll have trying to fix your credit report. Rant over - I'm good now. A-Jay

I am not, but I would be VERY interested on how you make out. If this is something that has a practical application, I will be checking it out. Please let us know. A-Jay

I hear ya, Fishing from a kayak and a canoe respectively, we are forced to have faith in the smaller selection we have room for and most importantly, know how, where and when to fish them. A-Jay

Very nice selection - J A-Jay

My 3 largest bass have come doing this in the fall, I only use a single willow though, largest came in 44 degree water doing this! Very cool - I have not taken any mogan bass like this but it is Definitely one of my favorite ways to fish in the early fall. I have never used it in that cold of water. If you don't mind sharing, what size (ounce) bait do you throw for this and what is the single blade size you prefer ? A-Jay

^^^^ ~ Here ya go. Pink and on sale ! A-Jay http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20388&id=0030669119074a&navCount=1&podId=0030669&parentId=cat20388&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

A white bait with 2 white willow blades can be a hot bait. Burning them rapidly just under the surface when the water is hot in summer and the fall migration when both bass and shad are schooling up are both proven tactics. A-Jay http://reviews.ebay.com/Spinnerbait-Tactics-Burning-White-Spinnerbaits_W0QQugidZ10000000004402547

^^^^ Nice LMB ! I used the Hawg Trough concept as a guide to turn the center bench seat of the canoe into the ruler. It works very well, takes ALL the guess-ta-mating out of play and still allows use of the seat if need be. A-Jay

I took the poll as if they were actually two different fish and chose B. So, I would agree (and always have) that you cannot accurately determine size by photographs. That's why I am all about a scale and I made my own built in ruler board. A-Jay

We all think our dogs are pretty special and know some cool tricks...but I have to say "hats off" to this girl and her dog Gin. The part that blows me away is she (Gin) is so cool under pressure and is completely oblivious to the crowd. The owner, is a 16 year old who doesn't do so bad herself! Looks like a good time! A-Jay http://www.familytiez.com/video/gin.htm

There's no waiting required ~ you both get both, regardless of the gender ~ That's the beauty of it. Congratulations ! ! A-Jay

Hello Bill Welcome to BR. A-Jay

I have a couple of the 4" Spro BBZ-1 Shad Swimbaits and have thrown they for smallies a few times with limited results. With the single treble, although high quality, the bait does not have the best hook-up to strike ratio for smb. I've done much better with soft swimbait on a jighead for a down deep "big bait" bite. I'll be interested in how you apply them and the results. Good Luck. A-Jay

Yes, my wife and I have a combined 44 years of active duty service. United States Coast Guard. Semper Paratus! A-Jay

^^^^ Great Fish ! and from the Bank no less ! A-Jay

I don't think I can answer that - I just let the success speak for itself. Maybe it's the waters I fish and/or the type of bait in those environments. It casts well, and it's a bit shorter than a husky jerk (which I do use as well). And with the new (2010) smaller 3/8 version I am looking forward to a better hook up ratio, especially with smb. The smaller version will may fit into the smb's mouth a little better. It seems like that they more or less slash at the standard size one. A-Jay

On a serious note. I am a very lucky man to have the love of a good woman. I'm a bit of a workout freak. Assorted resistance and cardio training has been a big part of my entire life, personally and professionally. This life style has been a true challenge as I mature 8-) but it helps me feel confident that I can continue to be there for my wife. My dogs keep me gainfully employed. I'm partial to the Northern Breeds ~ Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. I also have a GTO (2006) There is nothing like RWD and some Giddy-up ! A-Jay

This is info that came from the Classic Blog last week. I think it was most of the totals for the second day. The morning was productive. A-Jay "Fisherman are always fond of looking at sonar tables to find the peak times. Here is the fish catch interval report according to BASSTrakk for the entire field today. 7:00 - 7:30: 5 fish caught, 11 pounds, 4 ounces 7:30 - 8:30: 30, 41-12 8:30 - 9:30: 25, 47-13 9:30 - 10:30: 16, 30-7 10:30 - 11:30: 16, 34-13 11:30 - 12:30: 17, 36-12 12:30 - 1:30: 11, 18-13 1:30 - 2:30: 2, 2-8 Here is what the final two hours looked like yesterday with 51 anglers: 1:30 - 2:30: 11, 20-3 2:30 - 3:15: 14, 25-13"

OK - How about making all this ice melt so we can stop talking about it and go out and do it ! A-Jay