Marty

Can't tell you anything about that rod. But I like to use line that's somewhere in the middle of the range, so using 15# on a rod rated for 8-20 would be something I might do. But remember, that's just a personal preference and everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

I can't tell you what to use for wacky rigs. But if you can return it, then do so. In my opinion, if you're not 100% comfortable with a purchase, then get rid of it if you can.

If you have access to a Gander Mountain you might look at their own brand, although they might run $60. I have two of their rods and have been satisfied with both.

Check your state's regulations. In New York, with a few exceptions, foul-hooked trout and salmon must be released while other species may be kept.

Perch and bass both take a wide variety of lures and anyone who fishes perch waters has probably caught a number of them while fishing for bass. I'd try a happy medium, such as a 1/4 oz. lipless crankbait, not too small for a bass and not too large for a perch. I'd take the same approach with other lure types.

You seem like they type of guy who might enjoy Knowing Bass, by Dr. Keith A. Jones. He gets into a lot of scientific stuff about the bass's senses.

I agree, I'm not looking for a confrontation. I did once call the DEC to report illegal keeping of fish. They sent an officer over there, nailed him and called me back to let me know what happened.

Black is one of my main colors for both plastic worms and Senkos and the color seems to work under a variety of conditions.

Agree, the statistical probability of similar life as Earth out there is very high, even though we'll never know.

Bill, good to hear that the injections are helping.

I've used short shank round bend trebles in a variety of brands. Any brand which meets the "thumbnail" test is OK by me. I've used VMC, Eagle Claw Lazer, Owner, Gamakatsu and probably others. I usually use the same size as the originals but I know a lot of people go up one size without affecting the action.

My opinion is not to overthink it. Never having used either of those lures, I'd say choose whichever you think you'd have more confidence in. Perch will take a wide variety of lures and anything appropriately sized should work. Make sure that the lure covers the depths you want to fish.

I would say that baitcasters are the better option for bigger line, not necessarily bigger fish. Big fish can be caught on light equipment in open water. Often bigger line is needed for the cover, not the size of the fish. For bank fishing, I'd use a medium spinning rod 6'6" or 7' with fast action along with a reel about the size of a Daiwa 2500, loaded with 10# mono or co-polymer or 15# braid. This is an excellent outfit for general-purpose use. I can't give any specific recommendations about brands and models.

Were you targeting the crappie or did you catch them while fishing for bass or something else?

There are dozens of crankbaits that work very well, I don't think there's a "best." There are Rapalas, Norman's, Bombers, Luhr Jensens, Heddons, Bandits, Strike Kings, Lucky Crafts and the list goes on. You're going to have to experiment to see what works best for you and possibly make some arbitrary decisions as to the brands you buy.

Good luck with the brace. Hope it can increase your fishing time.

After the tail comes off the remainder of the lure can be fished like a Senko and you'd be surprised at the results you can get with them.

I've done a lot of fishing with a grub on a jighead with an overhead spinner attached. I can't see any reason why a spinnerbait with a soft plastic in lieu of a skirt shouldn't work. Bass hit an extremely wide variety of lures and combinations therefrom and this should be no exception.

You didn't mention the size of the pond. If it's small enough I'd fish as much of it as possible to see if a pattern emerges. Often a spot turns out to be good without you knowing why because you don't know what's under the surface. Also, many ponds are more productive fishing roughly parallel to shore rather than casting out as far as you can. Unless you know you can can catch fish with those long casts, I'd concentrate more on the parallel-to-shore thing.

Never heard of them until your post.

Why not call the local DEC office, ask for a fisheries biologist and see if they know what's going on to cause this apparent imbalance.

I don't think your state has a monopoly on your colorful description of drivers.

I have a 6935 which I use with a M/F or MH/F as an all-purpose outfit. Power Pro in 15# is my line of choice.

Pickerel have less status than bass, so I always prefer to catch the bass. I must be a fishing snob because I've always felt that pickerel fight better than largemouth. They will hit any lure in existence and are often found in the same places as largemouth. A number of my pickerel and pike (more so with the pike) clamp their jaws down tight with the lure in their mouth. I carry one of those jaw spreaders which I've had to use on occasion. I've had negative experiences with thrashing pike which have given the hook right back to me past the barb. I've been to the ER three times with a hook in me and I'm not looking to make it four.

Yes he does. But on the other hand, "Goodnight Irene" was a #1 hit on the Billboard charts in 1950. So I view him as keeping its memory alive by punctuating locked threads with the title.