Marty

I use Daiwa 2500 size reels and have 15# Power Pro on them. I've dragged some big fish through extremely dense, heavy weeds without problems and never had anything happen that told me I need stronger line. One of the previous responses mentioned breaking strength and I think that 15# breaks at a considerably higher number.

In my opinion, virtually all soft plastics catch fish, although I'm not saying they're all created equal. Looking at these, I see no reason why these would be an exception. For example, their beaver knockoff, the Beav'r Claws, probably wouldn't look much different to the bass than the original thing. If I used them I'd have no more or less confidence in them than with similar lures.

Color isn't real high on my priority list. Usually two is what I have, one bright, such as firetiger, and the other muted, such as shad or bluegill.

Same.

Whether topwaters or other hard baits, I use the same hook size for the replacement. Lots of guys like to go up one size. If you don't know the actual size, you can eyeball it close enough.

Sorry about those lost fish. Before I switched to braid I used a lot of 10# Stren and Trilene XL and (fortunately) didn't have days like you experienced.

Can't comment on the lure assortment, other than the confidence thing like the above mentioned, but I firmly believe that you don't need more than two colors.

A friend's wife bought him a canoe trailer for his birthday. It ran $600 and that was about 15 years ago.

Is anyone else old enough to remember when credit cards were new, the cashier would have to phone the card company to get approval?

Interesting, and new to me. Much of what I've read over the years led me to believe that when it came to browsers and e-mail, that Microsoft was the problem.

I am a relatively new user (couple of weeks) and have a bunch of mostly minor questions. No help has been forthcoming on the support newsgroup. If any experienced user is willing to answer some questions, just reply and I'll PM my questions. Thanks.

There was a slight difference between Earl and Stan in career ejections: Earl--91 Stan--0

I'm definitely part of the older generation and use credit cards for anything of significance. My general practice is to use cash for purchases under $10 and the card for everything else.

Good luck. I couldn't even find any on eBay.

Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbait style, and topwater if the water's warm enough, say 55°. Soft plastics when I have the patience.

I've always used duolocks in the smallest size, size 1, about 1/2" and rated at 20#. I've used numerous brands and I'd have to say that the best brand of those I've used is Arkie. I leave split rings on the lure.

I'm sure these entrants will enjoy the hunt, but it's near-imposssible for me to believe that there will be any appreciable effect on the python problem. I took the liberty of putting in my 2¢ even though I'm about 1500 miles north of there.

Can't answer your questions other than to say that I fish shallow, weedy water and have caught plenty of pre-spawn fish, including big ones, i.e., big by western NY standards.

Same here, I never detected any problems using snaps with split rings. I've never used any style of snap other than the duolock.

X3. There are plenty of high draft picks still playing who are guilty of more serious things. P.S. If he did this for publicity, he got it in spades!!

I would Google: bass fishing guide new england

This is somewhat obsolete, having been written five months ago. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-3121_7-57501214-220/best-laptops-for-under-$600/

I've always used duolock snaps that are labeled size 1. They're 1/2" long and are rated at 20#. I've never had any problems with strength, so based on that, I think you can't go wrong with either the 0 or 1.

I like the centering pins. I've used the Mustad Ultra Point hooks for years, but the keeper part can pull out easily and once it pulls out it then pulls out easier. Replacing the keeper part with the centering pin has worked out well.

I agree with 24/7. Have him take it to a shop of your choice. He doesn't have to turn his boat over to a stranger and you get a shop you can trust.