Kimist

I have the same problem. Can't seem to catch the larger fish. Lots of spots. I have tried fishing the creeks, out of the current, but not much luck. I fish soft plastics almost exclusively, as that's what I have confidence in, and so does my usual partner. I've read lots of the articles here for some time, but most don't seem to address the population of spotted bass we have. They fight like mad and are fun to catch, for sure, but I'd also like more bigger fish. Also, Geaux Tigers!

I've only been using a bait caster for a year, but it sounds like you are releasing too late. I find that the timing is different from a spinning reel.

To say it is an error is being generous. I'm trying hard not to offend. The age of a rock is the time since it was last melted. In this case, as in some others, people have submitted samples known to be xenoliths , which are usually inclusions of unmelted, older rock embedded in younger rock. That is, the Hawaii lava flow mentioned contains rocks which would be expected to be much older than the surrounding rock. A geologist would recognize that. In fact, that is what was done. These rocks were purposely chosen to try to discredit the technique. The fact that the fraud could be committed proves that it isn't a problem. There is plenty of evidence to show that radiometric techniques work and give consistent results. I don't wish a long heated argument. My only desire was to correct some misinformation. There is plenty of information available on the subject if anyone wishes to google it.

Retiredbosn, the rocks you are talking about are well known to give inaccurate dates, and are well understood. No professional would make that mistake. The rocks were submitted for dating to purposely try to discredit the technique. In addition, many of the dating techniques used would indicate that the date was inaccurate.

Done.

I'm relatively a beginner, but I will second 00 mod's comments. Expose the hook, then skin hook it. When you feel the bite, reel out the slack, which also gives time for the fish to really have it. Then set the hook hard, over your head.

If you're talking about the recent tournaments in Alabama, the Spotted Bass in these lakes and rivers like the current. I understand that it's a much bigger deal for them than for largemouth.

Ordered on the 7th, and it came today, the 14th. 1st baitcaster for my son and I to learn on.

That's the dolly I use. If the boat and trailer will fit though at all, it should work. You aren't going very fast anyway. With the dolly, you can position pretty precisely. I don't know what the whole setup will weigh, you could have some problem if it's on grass or mud. I imagine a jon boat and trailer won't be that heavy. I don't know how steep the hill is, you may be able to go up it with the dolly. My boat is quite a bit heavier, and I can go up a very slight incline, but not much. It's a piece of cake on level concrete, though.

If you can back the trailer up the hill, you may be able to move it to the backyard from there with a trailer dolly. Harbor Freight tools sells them. I use one to move my 18 foot Tracker boat into the garage.

I have a 75 HP Mercury Optimax on my Tracker PT 175 TXW. I love that combo, by the way! It's almost a year old. Recently, I've begun to have a bit of a problem. Usually the first "run" it's fine. After or during a later run, the engine guardian will kick in, limiting the RPM's to 3000. There are no warning beeps. After idling/chugging along for a bit, it will allow normal operation, but may kick in again. The tell-tale stream seems fine. The last time it did it, I felt the stream, and it was cool. I don't know if that means anything, though. It's time for it's checkup anyway, but I was wondering if anyone had any diagnoses or ideas. Thanks.

I ordered some on Tuesday morning, got a confirmation email, and it arrived by mail today. I can't wait to try it out on Saturday! I got the clear, as I already have chartruese Spike-It for color.

First post, about a first boat purchase. Been lurking for a while. Looked at a 2009 Smokercraft 171 Pro Bass today, with a Yamaha 90 hp. It has a welded aluminum hull. I'm wondering about other's recent experiences with this brand. Is it reliable, etc? I did a search on here and saw one horror story on a riveted '98. How would this boat compare with a Triton VT 17, or a Tracker Pro 175 ? The Smokercraft basic package would be a bit cheaper, but is it comparable or better quality? Are there still issues with warranty, etc.? Thanks.