senile1

I've read numerous posts about the weight of reels. Many seem to have issues with a reel that is, let's say 8.9 ounces, as compared to one that is only 7 ounces. I thought it would be interesting to get everyone's input. Some people say the heavier reel will tire you out quicker. Maybe some have troubles with it balancing with their rod. I can't say I've ever noticed that an ounce or two has made any difference in my fishing day. I mean, we're talking mere ounces here. What do you all think? 8-)

I fish the Fat Ika weightless most of the time, but I've also tried T-rigging it with a weight and fishing it like a tube. I haven't done this more than a couple of times but I did catch fish. Has anyone tried this bait this way and what do you think about it?

They say it's going to be really nice. Kind of bittersweet to me. Being an old timer I loved the old house that Ruth built prior to the current renovation. I grew up in the era of the late 50's and early 60's, Mantle was my hero. But things move on and progress is necessary so I'm anxious to see the new place. I'm going to a couple games in July so I'll get a peek at the construction site. Risk kid, I'm sentimental about it and I haven't even been there. Any stadium that has the history of Yankee stadium is a historical monument to the sport's history. I kind of hate to see it go. Besides, Wrigley Field, what other old stadiums are left?

In a nutshell: Colorado blades have a rounded shape, give you more lift so that you can swim the bait slower and still keep it higher in the water column, and they create more of a thumping vibration. This vibration makes these the blade of choice in highly stained conditions where visibility is poor as the vibration helps the fish to find the bait. Willow leaf bades are shaped like . . . you guessed it, a willow leaf. They don't provide as much lift. Their longer shape creates more flash, and some believe the combination of the spinnerbait body and the two willowleaf blades simulate the action of a couple of shad with a slightly larger baitfish below. These are used in lightly stained to clearer water. Indiana blades are in between with more of a tear-drop shape.

Exactly. There are a number of variables that affect oil prices and I believe the weaker dollar has been the biggest culprit in the rising oil prices. When the dollar's value goes down, what do investors do? They leave the dollar and put their money into commodities. And there have been no new refineries built here in over 30 years. That's a heck of a way to artificially keep gasoline supplies lower than they could be. Just remember what happened to housing. Any market can experience a bubble. The bubble for the oil market will eventually burst as well.

Responses to your enumerated points: 1) Solve this problem by not hanging up. Seriously, hangups suck with braid. You have to pull your boat up close and if you can't get it loose then you have to cut the line. (Scissors work best.) If you cut from far away you're leaving a length of line for other animals to get hung up in. (Not a good idea.) 2) I've been cut by every type of line known to man. Braid will only cut you if you do something stupid with it, like trying to break it off with your hands, or trying to pull or hold it with your hands. (Hands off when hung up.) 3) True. Wind can be a pain. 4) This does happen once in awhile but if you're paying attention it's no biggie. 5) RW fishes rocks all the time. I fish weeds and trees. There's no line better for thick weeds and trees. 6) Are you referring to the knot used to attach the fluoro leader? I agree.

I've actually used 10 lb PowerPro on a medium light spinning rod. I can attest to the fact that the line handled well.

The Cardinals finally beat Oswalt last night. I think the paper stated that is the first time in 11 meetings. So we take 2 out of 3 from the Astros, but it's still early in the season. Burley, is there any team you don't hate?

Congratulations! That's a nice fish.

Dude, your kids are cute as can be. That's really cool.

I was thinking about the quote from "Atlas Shrugged" just last week. Burley is a cultural icon. : Darn, it looks like he changed it.

I agree, RW . . . . . . but I part ways with you on KVD. I think KVD has earned a spot among the greatest. He has three BASS angler of the year titles (as many as Bill Dance) and two Classic wins (Only Clunn has more). In tournaments he has 13 first places, 8 seconds, 16 thirds, and 76 top tens. These stats rank among the best and better than over 99 percent of the anglers who have participated in BASS over the years. I think KVD could quit now and he would still rank among the best of all time. Other than Clunn with 4 Classic wins, one AOY, and 16 first places and Roland Martin with 9 AOY titles and 19 first places, who else can top him?

Congrats, hawg caller! I'm at a loss for words.

Nice story. Nice pics. Sounds like you guys had a blast.

You can't beat catching a DD but you've got to be slamming your head against the wall for not taking a camera. I've forgotten my camera numerous times in the past but I always have my cell phone camera as a last resort now. I rarely forget my cell. Congratulations on your new PB!

Daniel, congratulations! That's a beautiful fish. Perfect dimensions on that Baby.

It is a simple knot. Regarding it's strength, how does it hold up, RW?

senile, very lucid thinking. 8-) Maybe they'll let you out of the memory ward yet! ;D No, Paul, they'll never let me out of the institution, but I still like to think that lucidity is achievable.

I debate this idea in my own head but I've never reached a definite conclusion. It is a fact that bass do not perform deductive reasoning. The question is, "Are they susceptible to classical conditioning?" (Pavlov's dog) I tend to think they are. I think they learn to associate danger with certain objects. Classical conditioning is a learned response to a stimulus. Whereas you or I can touch a hot stove, and we can deduce why we were hurt, a bass would learn that they experience pain when they touch an object. They don't know why and don't care. They just learn to associate it with pain or fear, etc. If they didn't have this ability how would they learn to hide from predators?

There was another thread regarding problems with the TS-17 aluminum from Triton. Though you were considering the VT series, it still makes one a little wary of Triton aluminums. (See below.) http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1209620531

I'm sure some Kistler users will step up with some ideas. I'm not a Kistler guy, but I checked their web site and you might check out the link below. Your profile shows that you are 11 so, though I don't know your height, I'm making an assumption based on your age that you would want a shorter rod. I would think the Magnesium All Purpose Medium 6'6" Spin Fishing Rod would be a good fit. http://www.kistlerrods.com/c/KR/mt-spinning-rods.html

Hello, joshuah123. If you can provide a few more items of info it will help us to help you. What types of lures do you plan on fishing with your spinning rod? Are you looking for a good all-around rod or a rod that will perform well using particular lures or particular techniques? 8-)

A short person pitching with a long rod may hit the tip on the ground, the boat, etc. Length of the rod as it relates to your size is important.

The Avid is a great rod in this price range. Having said that, I own Avids and Powells and I would buy the Powell 683 CEF Medium-Heavy as an all around rod. It is good at everything and I find it to be more sensitive than the Avid. It lists for $169. SJex mentioned Dobyns rods as well, which are designed by Gary Dobyns, who also designed Powell rods. Some say the Dobyns rods contain minor improvements over the Powells, but I can't speak to that, as I haven't tried these rods yet.

I resent that. Making a broad general assumption as that is childish and inmature. C'mon, that's what the laughing smiley is about... Regarding the line. I wasn't going to post...again! I have heard that the "New" formula Vanish is better than the old. The same comments have been made about the "New" Sensation. Unfortunately I used both of the "old" and will NEVER try the new... Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me. > I've heard the same thing about the newer Vanish Transition. I haven't been able to convince myself to try it again though.