A-Jay

After 30 years working on the water and now spending a good bit of time playing on the water, going bare back in the sun is NOT an option. Quality Sunglasses, Sunscreen and a Boonie hat are standard equipment. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the summer time pre-dawn and early morning air temperatures here in the North Woods are often in the low 40's. This last week there were 2 mornings that were 38/39 degrees at 5 am. So it could be easy to forget the Coppertone after you just pulled on Under Armor and a Hoodie ! A-Jay

Big Quantum fan here - I have an a assortment of casting reels including the Codes, PT Energy reels, Energy III reels, Accurist reels and the PT Tour Edition reels. The Code is fairly smooth, casts nicely and seems to be holding up adequately(coming up on 2 seasons). I would have to say that the other models I have all feel a bit more solid and considerably smoother in all respects. That's not meant to be a knock on the Code. I think it's accurate to say you are getting what you pay for with this reel when compared to the higher end Quantum reels. I can't compare the Code to other brand name reels as I don't own any. A-Jay

Crestliner2008- I'm in the same boat. I've had a few 10"-12" worm for a few seasons. After watching Bassmaster veteran Paul Elias go ballistic down in Texas last year, I picked you some snake like jelly worms and 10" power worms. However, I've never really made a serious bid to fish them long enough to gain the confidence I have in the 6"- 7" size. And as is often the case for me with new baits, I have not scored the bite I was hoping for with them either. So I'm looking for any and all info also. A-Jay

I had the pleasure of a PP dispute - No Satisfaction at all. Condensed version ~ Ordered a product on line, used PP. Order was processed and funds collected by the seller. Then I never heard from them again. After I sent several unanswered e-mails I contacted the PP dispute center. They sent e-mails to this vendor attempting a resolution. Apparently they also were not answered either. So, PP did nothing else, they did not refund me any $$$ they just left me hanging. The whole thing was frustrating. This incident remains "open" and unresolved in my PP account and despite repeated and fairly aggressive attempts to just make the whole foolish thing disappear - It remains on my account. this was 2 years ago - Just makes me shake my head and make a face sort of like this - Good Luck A-Jay

You could use something incorporating the scientific name for bass ~ Micropterus salmoides like - Micropterus Men or - Micropterus Maximus A-Jay

I like the Quantum PTC666FKV, Kevin VanDam Model. The short handle provides pinpoint accuracy when throwing a spinnerbait into tight, heavy cover. The soft tip a fast taper allows for better feel of the baits action. And more recently the Quantum PTC6106FKV, also a Kevin VanDam Model. For big spinnerbaits in clear water, the four additional inches in this rod provide excellent casting distance. This one has turned into a very nice swim jig and worm rod as well. A-Jay

That's Funny A-Jay

Every environment is different - but up north, in clear water ~ A 4" *** fished Texas style weightless w/ 2/0 EWG Gamakatsu worm hook and Small Parasite clip is Money. For colors - Pick one that matches the bottom. A-Jay

I'm pretty sure I saw this same question on the back of a bottle of Molson Ice. I'll take 1-4 pounders all day and if I am somehow lucky enough to bump into Mrs. Mogan, I'll be screaming "GET THE NET". A-Jay

Greetings this Memorial Day. My wife, Lynn and I both served this great country proudly in the United States Coast Guard. We retired as Chief Boatswains Mates (E-7) in the summer of 2007. Collectively we had just over 42 years of active duty service. Assigned on the East Coast from Maine to South Carolina and one tour on the Great Lakes. Our primary missions were conducting Homeland Security, Search & Rescue, Federal Maritime Law Enforcement, Drug & Migrant Interdiction and Aids to Navigation. One of our more unusual assignments was, we were both Recruit Company Commanders (Drill Instructors). Article VI of the Armed Forces Code of Conduct says "I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America." Semper Paratus. A-Jay

So was it like this ? (I mean without the snow of course) A-Jay

Thanks guys. I appreciate it, and my better half gets the credit for the photo. This past week SMB fishing continues to be very good up here. After this holiday weekend I expect these fish will pull their usual disappearing act and drop back to deeper water and I'll breakout the drop Shot rig. I know it's early but I am already tied of skiers, yahoo's pulling tubes and jet ski's. There, I said it ~ and I feel a little better. A-Jay

A-Jay

SammyLee How about a keel weighted hook w/keeper. If you like fishing it up a little higher in the water column, a lighter weight will work to prevent the bait from rolling over and still allow the bait to run up near the surface. That rig has worked for me. A bit of added weight will help increase casting distance especially if there is a bit of a breeze. Also it is fun fighting bass on #6 line . . . . . A-Jay

Like everyone - I like any and all bites - a jig bite, a solid spinner bait strike is good, and the undeniable thud on a worm is sweet. But my favorite is a summer night buzz bait bite - listening to the blade whizzing along knowing that any second it could happen. Except on rare moonlight nights you rarely actually see it - just hear it and hopefully feel it. The anticipation is the BEST - Cast - reel - and reel a little more - just keep reeling and waiting and then BAM - killer exploding strike - that's tough to beat. A-Jay

Sebile Flat Shad ~ The 77-SU is a suspending bait that has really been a solid producer so far this season . . . Think of it as half lip-less crank bait and half jerk bait - bass aren't seeing too many baits like it - at least not yet The Hollow Mullet's been good in clear water here in the North Country http://www.***.com/descpageSEBLB-SFS.html A-Jay

Excellent Idea ! Especially for the spinning rod covers Thanks A-Jay

I installed vertical rod holders on my boat, too. It lasted one trip. One encounter with a cypress tree cured that problem. I hear ya, Micro Other than being mindful of my back cast on that side - I haven't had any problems. This is a better option than sitting on them all which is what started the rod holder build in the first place. A-Jay

Nice Fish ! The Subwalk does it again. A-Jay

After a little "modification" to the Old Town - I can have 9 rigged and ready . . . 8-) A-Jay

That's a good one - Dave T. Here's another good one (I caught today ) And I only used 1 rod to catch her . . . . . . A-Jay

Despite sunny bluebird skies, pretty gusty northwest winds and temps well below freezing last night, I went out anyway. I am REALLY glad I did. After landing several respectable fish from a main lake deep spawning flat, I found this fat lady tucked way in the back of a cove on the extreme south end of the lake, 10 minutes before sunset. She hit a jig in 3ft of water and made my day. Rapala digital scale read 5.2 lbs. Life is Good. A-Jay

Sorry to hear that but if you're looking to dump them - I'll be happy to relieve you of them . . . . I'll even pay the shipping to Otsego county. A-Jay

The past two springs I have been really doing well with the sub walk ~ especially on SMB. In very clear water, pre-spawn, over spawning flats near deeper water it's been very good. I fish it like a jerk bait. The colder the water the longer the pause. Often times they will Only hit it on the pause. The twitches call them over and that long motionless pause gets them. I believe the sub walk is advertised as being able to "walk the dog" underwater. I've never been truly able to do this but I don't think it matter's anyway. It's a pretty good search bait too. You can take a few biters right off and them go back with plastics (tubes,grubs) and take a few more. Good Luck A-Jay

I have the Old Town Predator model. It's a square back, 40" beam, 15'4" long. I made a few modifications so it works for me. The 55lb Minn kota does everything I ask it to. I won't win any races, but it gets me in and out of all the small to medium size lakes that I fish. I tow it on a trailer. Very convenient. Easy to load and unload by myself. For small waters without ramp access I use a boat cart. A-Jay