Shane J

I would go with a swim jig, or maybe a swimming a keel weighted Rooster, either one in a green pumpkin color.

Nice to hear you guys got on some fish! That's great! Sorry, though, I got a topwater fish two weeks ago up there. It was crazy, but on the other side of the foot bridge, every once in a while, I see a fish blow up on top, so I had to throw a Shad. All pearl Rage Shad worked real slow along the bridge parallel, and I got blasted by a smallie. It was awesome.

That is a ridiculous deal. You get the real for for less than half price, PLUS a free rod! My dick's sucks, and doesn't have anything. I'm pretty sure I have more stuff than my local dick's. I did just pick up a Minn Kota 45lb thrust trolling motor for $94 for my jon boat, though. Usually like $380, so can't complain too much!

I'm with you, Mainebassman. My PB smallie is 4-5, and I can't break it to save my life!

If the reel comes with one, then I'll spool it with the same line as I'm using on the combo. For instance, I have a Stradic that came with a spare spool, and if that combo is going out that day, I'll throw the spare spool in my bag, instead of a spare spool of line. The only exception for me, is my topwater combo. I have a Revo STX that I bought a spare spool for, just so I can go from braid, to mono if I want.

By the way, I wanna know how you guys did today up in the river. I don't think they were pulling water (my office is on Dunklee Rd. right behind the plant), so finesse is probably what it would take today to get anything. Please post how it went. Thanks.

No doubt, Nashua, that's what I'm sayin!

Nice job. Looks like a really fun outing!

What?!? Wow, I don't even know what to say. He was a really great guy, even though I never personally met him, I felt like I knew him. That's so sad, and he will be missed. RIP, Jack.

Congrats, bro! Really, really nice combo!

It is 100% legal to fish up there, just don't let 'em see you set a foot on the shore!

The parking lot is almost always plowed, and most of the time the ramp is, too. There's a couple guys who fish there that run their plow through there. Today, it wasn't plowed, but the parking lot was. Yeah, I was out there today in the rain. Awesome day, too. The big largemouths were lovin' my Bitsy Bug jig/ Rage Tail Baby Craw. Caught 8 LM, and 4 SM. Two of those LM were over 5 lbs. Here's a couple pics.

Congrats, Nate! Awesome, man!

Thanks for the reply, Marc. Good luck out there Saturday.

They do look good. All the swim baits in the Matlures lineup have great detail.

Shakey head or drop shot.

What a heart sinking feeling that has got to be. For this exact reason, I got a personal effects insurance rider on all my gear. Every time I get a new combo, I have to take photos and e-mail them to my agent. $5000 coverage on my tackle bag, and $5000 for my rods/reels, only costs me $200 a YEAR, and no deductible. Helps me sleep better at night. I know it wouldn't help in a tourny situation like these guys, but at least I'd be back in action real quick. It would be great if one of these scumbags got blasted while in the act.

Mostly weightless for me, too, but will run it on a weighted hook if I want to get deeper, or if it's windy.

Hey guys, are there any places anyone could recommend for ice fishing, that catching bass wouldn't be out of the question? I guess I'm gonna plan an outing here soon with a buddy, and don't want to just catch crappie and pickerel.

Welcome!

Great technique that I will be using more of this year. I have a friend that does really well with it with Senkos.

Haha. Good stuff.

I have three Revos (2 STX's and 1 S). One STX with a 7.1:1 ratio, is used for pitching/punching heavy cover with jigs (15 lb flouro). The other STX, with a 6.4:1, I use for topwater frogs and toads (braid), and the S is a backup reel, that is mostly used for plastics (12lb Abrasix). I feel that for mid priced reels, they are all great, and offer an exceptional value. I also never had a single issue with setup or day to day use.

That is a great idea. I should have thought of it.

I hate catching 8lbers by accident. You must've rigged it all wrong.