Boogey Man

Bargain bin, that's debatable. Some times you can find good quality name brand lures on sale/clearance. I have bought some off brand soft plastics and done OK, but as far as hard baits like cranks, topwater, etc, the "off brand" is probably going to be a less quality lure as far as paint job, hooks and so on. But, that doesn't mean the fish won't bite 'em. Big thing is, have fun whatever you're throwin'!! Remember, the fish don't care what you pay.

Thanks for all the welcomes. And P.S. NitroMan, I'm a "Nitroman" myself, I fish out of a 640. Kinda small but she gets me where I'm going.

Have everthing ready and in the boat in the parking lot before you get down to the ramp. It's no fun waiting for someone to load their tackle, coolers, etc while they are blocking the ramp. Make sure you have the drain plug in!! Give the primer bulb on your fuel line a few sqeezes until its firm. Now, this is what works for me: I unhook the tie downs in the back of the boat but leave the winch strap attached (saw a fella's boat slide off the trailer before he backed it all the way into the water, made a heck of a noise when it hit the concrete :-[ ). Then I back the boat into the water until the boat floats. Make sure and put the parking brake on. Then I unhook the winch strap and idle over the dock and tie up. I've seen some people tie a rope on the boat and pull it over to the side of the ramp instead of tying off at the dock, I guess this would work if you have a keel shield or some type of protection on the bottom of your boat. I leave the motor running to let it warm up a little while I go park the truck. Usually I can unload, park the truck and be back to the boat in less than five minutes. I'm sure others will offer other or better ideas, hope this helps. Good luck and stay safe.

38

Respiratory Therapist for a home medical equipment company. Let me tell you, it's interesting making home deliveries here in Eastern Ky :

Usually some Rooster Tails and small Rapala floating minnows. Figure if the bass aren't biting, might as well catch some bluegill or whatever may be biting. I fish a lot of really clear water and these baits also catch a lot of bass when the bass aren't hitting "bass" lures.

Just wanted to say hello. I've been a "guest" on this site for a while and figured it was about time to join-up! It's a great site with lot's of great info. I'm looking forward to conversing with you great folks.