A-Jay

I have twin talons on my rig. These are the reason I chose them: Electric unit requires no hydraulics I prefer the vertical deployment. My 12 ft models are effective to a depth of 10-11 feet in calm conditions. (a 15 ft version is now available) The user selectable modes for various bottom conditions as well as the 'wave absorption' features have proven very effective for my fishing. One unit is better than none but two offers more of a pinned down feeling when I need it. Good Luck with your decision. A-Jay

Ok, so I read through this entire thread. Seems like most all the BR bassheads have their own thoughts & ideas regarding this subject; as do I. My version of it isn't much different from much of what's already been offered. I'm using the best tool for the job; whether that's light, heavy or something in between. While I've landed some respectable fish on what would generally be considered 'lighter line' & gear, I can't agree that it's the best or only way to go. As I'd expect to lose a good majority of plus size bass trying to extricate them from the jungle using undersized line & gear. While lighter line usually fishes deeper, can offer better sensitivity, and cast further, the trade off of course is strength, stretch (depending on type), and hook setting capability. So saying 12 lb mono is the only line needed is akin to traveling at 40 mph in your truck regardless of the speed limit or road conditions. Some places you'll be golden, on the expressway you'll be looking for more and watch out for those school zones ! A-Jay

You guys are going to have one heck of a Killer trip - Fish are thick this year. A-Jay

Good luck Sir . . Hope you get fish-able conditions. Also just because you watch Bruce Lee movies, may not mean you know Karate. A-Jay

Lots of intersting information already offered on the subject. My version on line twist goes like this - Braid is the way to go. There will always be some line twist which will need to be relieved behind your rig periodically. Don't over fill the spool. Don't reel against the drag, fight the fish with the rod. Close bail manually. Just like the occasional over run on revolving spool gear, spinners have this little deal we need to learn to manage. The trick is to stay ahead of it BEFORE it becomes a problem. A-Jay

That's a Tank ~ ! And Cool Pics too . . . . Congrats on sniping that Fatty A-Jay

Nice Bass ~ Congrats A-Jay

I am FAR from No Carbs ~ My requirements are met with portions that offer little to no excess. As I've mentioned a few times, for a long time, like a couple of decades, I was under the impression that I needed this mountain of food. I'd eat a ton and then bust my chops trying to burn it all off with crazy cardio. Turns out, if I don't consume excess, there's little to nothing left that needs to be 'burned off'. And I still have plenty of gas to train & live my life. I was far more fatigued from all the cardio than I am with sufficient / not excessive portions. A-Jay

Food Ratio on a plate is 40% protein 40% vegetables (which carry carbs) and 20% standard 'carbs'; sweet and white potatoes, tons of brown and basimati rice, whole wheat pasta. No bread, white flour or sugar. It works for me. The secret is portion control. I do not require anywhere near what I thought I needed and previously ate. I need to be hungry in 3 hours so I want to eat again. Will not happen if I eat a pizza ! A-Jay

Interesting perspective. While I consume my fair share of fresh green vegetables, including broccoli, butter is never on my training table. I get my required fats primarily from Safflower and Avocado oils. And while I do enjoy a steak very occasionally, considering my daily protein requirement, it's not practical for me budget wise. I eat a ton & a half of poultry; Turkey & chicken all kinds (no skin) thighs, breasts, & ground. I could never maintain my current level of lean, dipping red meat in butter 3 times a day. Never. btw - at last check (Jan) my HDL & LDL levels were right where I want them. A-Jay

I heard Michigan was Closed ~ Besides, there are no big fish here . . . none A-Jay

Cool. Congrats A-Jay

Hello Jim and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ While I an unfortunately not able to offer you any information on that most famous and challenging body of water, there are a few seasoned anglers here who do frequent The Quabbin regularly; with quite a bit of success. With any lucky they'll be along shortly to offer some ideas. Either way, Good Luck to you both. A-Jay

May not be what you fish as much as perhaps where you fish it. As you've mentioned, this special lake has a mix of both brown & green bass, and while there may be some times that they can be mingling around in the same areas, I'm willing to say that most times, they are not. My advice, after the brown bass leave the beds, fish deeper than you have been. A-Jay

I hear ya- but I'm cash committed at this point. Got my Dell XPS back last night - not repaired correctly. My poor wife is on the phone right now with a human. Lot local. ? A-Jay

I heard Hamilton may have hurt his uterus last night. Now back to our regularly scheduled programing . . . A-Jay

Still Grinding ~ A-Jay

Yup. I think we all have had & rather enjoy those trips - I know I sure do. I can admit that I've ended up switching species many a times. Went looking for brown bass, nothing. But the walleye, pike or brown trout were all over the place & chewing. #gowiththeflow A-Jay

Nice bass and GREAT HOODIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! How about game 1 last night ? #bruinsallthe way A-Jay Nicely Done. Your consistent success on such a challenging body of water speaks to your ability, determination, love of the sport and overall brown bass catching savvy. #expectsomethinghuge A-Jay

Interesting approach. I also regard details and situation awareness as important factors to my fishing. After considering the seasonal pattern, The two Most important factors for me when determining when, where & how I'm going to fish, are the weather, (past, current & short term future) and the time of day I believe the fish may be the most active. While I do like to 'fish', considering situations that may improve my 'catching' is also part of the fun & a big challenge. Do I have or know some special secret ? Nope. But after documenting years of when there has been some success, as well as the many failures, has taught some lessons that seem to indicate certain trends. I'll fish (or not fish) those trends most every time. I get a few now then. YMMV A-Jay

Hello from down in Otsego County Kurt. Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Great Bass ~ Really healthy looking. Weight guesses can be tricky. If you're 4 ft tall and a buck ten, then it's an 4 and a half. Conversely, if you're Andre' The Giant, with a watermelon for a noggin, then it's an 8 and a half. If you're somewhere in between, then I'd say 6 and a quarter is a safe bet. Either way, congrats on the new Personal Best. PB's are Always a Blast. A-Jay

Thanks and Welcome to the club ~ I recently reorganized my soft plastics for storage in the Pro-V Bass. . . Had been using zip lock freezer bags . . upgraded to the KVD Speed bag-large size. A-Jay

Good for you. There is not a decision that I make during any day that is more important than what I chose to fuel my body with. The right amount to High Test chow always serves me better than a tank full of low grade processes foo-foo. Keep it up A-Jay

Guess you gotta want it . . . Congrats to that angler. #nosedivekelly A-Jay