MichiganFisherman

What is your favorite all-around rod and reel?

Although I'd love to catch many different kinds of fish around the world, the few that I want to catch in my state that I haven't yet are 1. Musky 2. Catfish 3. Trout

I think some of you may be confused. I don't buy into the whole bleeding bait thing but, I did think it'd be interesting to see if these red hooks actually brought anybody just a tiny bit more success than regular black hooks. Obviously, nobody can say that they do. And IME they work just like any other hook. Thanks for all the replies.

I figured this has been done before but, I haven't been around in a couple months and it's just something I've wanted to get input on from other anglers. I agree that the location, bait, and action play the biggest part in catching the fish but, that's not what we're here to talk about. Thanks for all the replies. I guess this is one of those 'can't hurt, can only help' kinda things.

Based on your experience, do you get more or less or the same strikes with "bleeding" red hooks? I can't say I've noticed any more action with them than without them but, that's just me.

That is one realistic looking bait, Dave. Very nice work. I like how you did the hook. Did you just drill a hole in the back and then epoxy it in? I must know what those fins are made of too. Oh and one more thing... where did you find the photo for the finish? Can you guess, I kind of want to copy your bait. ;D

My answers don't differ much from everyone elses. Relaxation. One with nature. Escape. Challenge. Fun. I love to fish because it makes me feel warm inside.

My favorites are yellow perch being #1... then walleye, salmon, trout, bluegill, pike, and bass. You can eat any fish though and most of them are pretty good when rolled in flour with garlic, pepper, and salt and fried in olive oil.

My goal is to catch a 5+ #er.

If the hooks are any good (or were) heating them with a blow torch will ruin the temper. I have never made hooks but, I know a little about heat treating knives. Anneal, shape, heat soak, quench, temper... Probably way more trouble than it's worth for a hook if you wanted to make it from scratch. If you want a specific shape you can heat it and bend it and then heat it till it glows, dip it in oil (vertical) till it cools, and then stick it in the toaster oven @ 200 for maybe 10 minutes and then let it cool. Should give you a decent temper.

Wow, never seen anything like that pike J Francho! That would be crazy to reel that thing in! Strangest things I've caught, which aren't too strange, are a big snapping turtle, a mirror carp, and a salmon with a big *** lamphrey attached to it (never seen one before). Some of you guys have caught some strange stuff. Never would have thought anyone here has caught a dead body though!

I really like it too. How could you not!?

I used to eat every legal bass I'd catch when I was a bit younger. They taste good if fried right but, I agree there are better tasting fish in the same waters. I am catch and release only now but have no problem with another man feeding himself with any bass he caught. It'd be a different story if someone was just throwing them on the bank...

For some reason the epoxy and paint cracked and peeled up on the 4 section bait... > I am going to have to re-paint it and hope it doesn't do it again then I might post a vid if I can get one.

Well thanks Cooter! ;D I'm not even sure there is a hobby lobby in my area but, I'll have to find out. I can make a video but I do not know how to format it to play on my computer or whatever. Tell me how and I will.

Thanks Dave and Marty. I really need to get an airbrush... I can only do so good hand painting the things but I try...

Haven't been on the forums too much lately but, here's what I've been doing. Tell me what ya think!

I have a few white ones, but I've never used them. Under what conditions are they good? Clear.

Black, Brown, Green, Orange, and White is all you need.

Get a piece of basswood, a wood file, a scroll saw, a drill + bits, some 18-19 gauge stainless steel wire, lead dropshot sinkers for weight, and some acrylic paints and paint brushes and you should be able to make some decent baits with practice. Just look through these posts and you'll learn a thing or two. Good luck. I'm pretty new at it myself and it's ADDICTING! ;D Have fun.

Nice bait Dave. Very realistic. Hope it catches ya some fish!

That's awesome. Pretty fish and pretty girl too. Lucky guy.

Well?

The double is awesome! Never seen that happen before... 8-) Beautiful fish and nice pics.

Throw all of the fall baits you listed... they still work on clear sunny days too.