senile1

Raul, I would place your post to start this thread among my favorites. Excellent! In addition to helping us find fish, I think that the more observant we are the more we find in this beautiful world of ours to enjoy. Nature is full of wonder. We just need to pay attention.

Thanks, WRB. This is so unfortunate. I hope our California fishermen can keep the rest of their waters open.

Flounder trapped in a freshwater lake . . . how cool is that! Nice fish, ba7ss3in.

Citica's are awesome reels at this price point and I own three of them, but if you're looking for something even less expensive, I have been pleasantly surprised by a Cabela's Tournament ZX reel I bought back in 2004. It's not quite as smooth as the Shimano, but it casts and pitches well. It's been a solid reel. I think these sell for just under $70 now.

For those who are too young to be familiar with Mr. Dance's bass fishing exploits, here's a summary I found and copied directly from the site listed below. Tournament Information: 23 National Bass Titles; Bassmaster Classic Qualifier 8 out of 9 years and finished 2nd in 1973. Three time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year - 1970, 1974 & 1977. Of 78 total B.A.S.S. entries, finished 64 times in the money. 7 wins, 8 times runner up, 6 third place, 40 top ten finishes (51% of tournaments entered) and 51 top 20 finishes (65%). In first 11 tournaments, was only out of the top 7 once. Won 7 of the first 17 events entered (41%). Retired from competition in 1980 at the age of 39. Credited with catching the first bass in B.A.S.S. history. Credited with popularizing the "Carolina Rig". If you want to read more, go the the following link: http://www.countryhams.com/dance.htm. Bill is the real deal.

Sound great, but can you elaborate on what punting and the lateral technique are? Thanks! Punting = kicking the football to the other team so as to relequish possession of said ball to the opposing teams offense. Doing so will hopefully gain a favorable field position for the kicking teams defense. If the latter is not achieved, it can be said that the punter "muffed" the kick. usually used in a forth down situation when the punting teams kicker is out of field goal range, or a conversion of fourth to first down seems unlikely. Ideally, the punter tries to punt the ball out of bounds as close as possible to the other teams end-zone thus eliminating the possibility of a return for additional yardage. This is called a "coffin corner" punt. Lateral = a directly sideways (lateral) pitch of the football. Usually performed by the teams quarterback to a member of the backfield with a thumb-down flipping of the ball. Neither a forward pass nor a handoff. Should the ball be dropped by the intended receiver of the lateral, it remains a live ball unlike a dropped pass. Used primarily in an option heavy type offense. Can sometimes be employed in a usually unintended four-seconds-left-one-guy-pitches-to-the-other-guy-who-pitches-to-the-other-guy-who-runs-35-yards-then-pitches-to-another-guy-who-runs-for-six type circus play then later seen on ESPN classic. A big part of college and high school football, not so much for the NFL. Google Eric Crouch+nebraska or vincent young+texas for further. Thank you, WIII-60. The joke was so corny, I thought it would go across a little better if I added no hints.

I missed this thread somehow. Nice catch, Mr. Bizz. What was the total weight?

The football head is designed so that you will hang up much less in rocks. I fish these with either the punt or lateral technique.

I read a few more links and it sounds like this is a vintage lure. These were made by South Bend. http://fishingcollectables.com/south_bend.htm

I found this. http://www.tacklehaven.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=t4127950&Category_Code=LURES-BASSORENO&Product_Count=0 That's one ugly freakin' lure.

This is a good question and is sure to elicit many responses, but for me, it's an exercise in semantics. I love to fish and it is one of my favorite pastimes, so how it is classified really isn't important.

Touche', Dominick.

I'm set, but there's always something on my list to add.

Thanks for straightening that out for me, Matt. I thought my doctor was autographing lures on the side. Cool idea, FBL.

Indeed. Don't be afraid to speak up. We're all learning here, from the greenest fisherman to the most experienced. Welcome.

Hot-diggity-dog, Rick-diggity!! Glad you could join us!

Randall, I was just reading some information about Lake Varner and it sounds like an awesome lake. I see that boats with gas motors and tanks aren't allowed on the lake. Do you guys fish from jon boats and what setup do you have with your trolling motors to fish this 800 acre lake? (24 or 36 volts?)

You're old enough to know to keep your hip waders on.

Awesome bass, guys. I'm amazed at the number of huge fish you guys pull out out of that lake.

I figured you guys would be posting some big smallies for the State vs. State contest.

Muddy, that's right, you're in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I suppose you guys still have everything under ice? I feel for you, my Brother. Thanks for reminding me to count my blessings. It could be worse.

In answer to your question I would get the reel checked out. It sounds like something is not quite right to me. If I have my brakes and control knob set correctly, I can put as much energy as I want behind a cast and not experience a backlash. Once in awhile, one might expect a slight overrun. I'm assuming he's not swinging the rod like a sledgehammer.

It looks like they missed the forecast on the snow. The last of the snow melted in my yard yesterday. It's nice to see some grass. Monday through Friday this week we are projected to have lows in the teens and 20s plus highs in the low 30s. It's supposed to break 40 again this coming weekend. There's a lot of ice still in the coves of the bigger lakes and the smaller ones are still iced over. It won't be long. I have my weapons at the ready.

As Burley's post shows, the Husky Jerk is still on Rapala's website. If the Husky Jerk, the original floater, or the Shad Rap were discontinued I think it would be getting rather cold in hell.

Long Mike, the month of March sounds awesome for you. I'm looking forward to hearing about your escapades.