senile1

Ah, yes, the old whistling reel bit. Get back with us if your reels start to moan.

In terms of overthinking things, I have done that but never have I worried about the detailed minutiae mentioned by Slone in his first post. There is a path we may take in our development as anglers that gives many of us the appearance of "that guy." In our early years we try to develop enough techniques to become versatile in numerous situations on the water. This leads to purchasing more lures and rods, not because one wants the latest fad, but because one wants to be able to adapt to all situations. Once we have an acceptable skill level to handle most situations, we buy less equipment and may even decide that we can slim down our offerings and still cover all situations on the water. At some point later in our development, we may see a technique that has been proven to work in a specific situation, or we may discover a new situation that needs to be addressed. At that point we may be tempted to add more lures and rods as a result. I see this as a logical development path for a bass angler and not the same as being "that guy."

I use single Colorado and double Colorados when visibility in the water is poor, or in colder water temperatures. The seasons for the colder water temperatures are typically in mid to late fall and prespawn seasons. I almost always slow roll on the bottom during those times.

Welcome to the forums! I am the same as you. GPS gets me in the area but if I am in open water with no cover to use as guideposts I often use marker buoys.

It sounds like you are making good progress, Dwight. I'm glad to hear it!

I've been waiting for you to post your yearly spring hawgs, Paul. That's a sweet one!

Very nice looking PBs! Congratulations!

That's a very nice fish! I know it has already been implied but it bears repeating. There is potential in that lake for future DDs.

Welcome back to the fold! That's a beautiful crappie.

Jay, I appreciate your efforts to be civil and keep the peace; however, I have some points of contention with your response to Kevin's information and I have listed them below. While I agree with you that there should be no big "fisticuff" about this, striving for what one believes is an improvement in a peaceful manner should not be frowned upon. It is not the end of bass fishing or tournament fishing if someone chooses to use information to try to change the way professional fishing payouts are funded. Just to name a few items, we would not have the light bulb, the airplane, civil rights for minorities, etc. if people gave up when they failed the first time. One attempt does not typically settle the matter. Kevin isn't just "writing stuff down." He is making what appears to be a valid point with facts. If you have other facts that present a more balanced picture of what Kevin is talking about, please provide them so that the rest of us have the full picture. You also use the phrase, "axe to grind," and I am not sure to what you might be referring, but I just want to clarify that it isn't "axe grinding" to strive for change that is needed in a mature and respectful manner. Some information is useful for improvement, and as such, should not just be relegated to interesting reading. Trying to make a change doesn't mean that people stop caring or stop helping people. I'm not sure how that even relates to the issue. I am sure you do have perspective in this industry. I think Kevin has a perspective that is just as valid for consideration as yours.

That's the difference between a huge fish and a double digit. I would definitely want to know if I caught a double digit fish. Many anglers never get the chance to catch a bass over 10 lbs.

Very nice fish! She is a long one and has potential to pack on more pounds.

I have the number 13 painted on my boat. I always walk under a ladder and open an umbrella inside the house before I leave for the lake. And for good measure, I also break a mirror. Then, when I get skunked I have an excuse other than the weather. I believe in facts, logic, and experience. Superstitions and rituals have no place for me in catching fish or anything else.

This is a very helpful video and does cover one of the major reasons for losing fish. The attached links cover some others, especially with respect to larger fish. Check out the size of the fish that Mike Long lost in the first link. http://www.mikelongoutdoors.com/jumping-bass-agony/ http://www.gameandfishmag.com/fishing/bass/pro-advice-playing-big-bass-at-the-boat/

Interesting. And it appears Gary Busey is on their pro staff as well.

On my home lake, which is about 7200 acres, this is one of the most annoying and dangerous situations I encounter: A large number of ski boats doing figure eights and oval treks throughout sections of the lake with no rhyme or reason as to what direction they are going to go next. And they will turn right in front of you while pulling a skier or tuber forcing you to react. You really have to be aware of all the boats around you when navigating such an area. While reacting to a ski boat to avoid it, it would be easy to place yourself in the path of another boat. Be aware of everything around you, and if you feel disconcerted in any way with the situation slow down and get out of the traffic. This is such a tragedy and so unexpected for the family of the deceased. My heart goes out to them.

BIgBen, get some details off the boat and motor and do your research before you purchase. I googled a couple of the items mentioned by the other members above and found quite a bit of information. If you still think you want to buy the boat after that, have a mechanic check it thoroughly and test the motor's compression. It may cost you $100 - 200 bucks but that is better than blowing $4000. If the boat checks out and you want it I would definitely work on negotiating the price down.

Until I try all craws available I can't answer this with certainty, and that's probably not going to happen. Of those I have tried, Rage Craws and Netbait Paca Craws are pretty good.

The Siebert brush heads are excellent for thick wood and the grid iron football heads are excellent for rocks. If you have a limit as to how much you can buy I would use these two heads for brush and rocks respectively. The arky heads would be great for grass and all around jigs.

Congratulations on the PB!

That's a solid first fish of the year!

It's good to feel a tug on the line. Congrats!

Very nice!

You have to love that customized color. Let's call it B&B . . . . beaten and bruised.

Very nice. Spots are a lot of fun!