Marty

I also like buzzbaits in the rain, but don't like to get into topwaters until the water gets into the mid-50s. Do you know the temps there?

Winters like this have many negative consequences, such as endangering crops and plants, more mosquitoes, more algae and numerous other things. The warm days are extremely enjoyable, but I'd much rather have more normal conditions.

I've known T9 (not personally) for about 10 years and when he talks, I listen. When he says 3.5 million years you can be confident that that's based on the best scientific information available.

Hey, you're from western NY. How can you forget about Collins replacing Kelly?

Many of us have been conditioned to release bass because catch-and-release has gotten so much exposure. And many, including yours truly, have no desire to keep a bass even if it was good practice for a particular body of water. And as was alluded to above, keeping bass, even legally, can absolutely ruin a small body of water. Unfortunately, I've seen it happen to more than one formerly good pond.

Endless, where did you get those weights for the milk? Regardless, as far as I'm concerned, the only way to test a scale is to weigh things that have already been weighed on a certified scale. Yeah, at times I've felt a little silly weighing things like milk and soda at the supermarket, but I want to know exactly how accurate or inaccurate my scale is.

I think it would be great if he spent his entire career with the Colts, but I'd wonder if that were a possibility why it wouldn't have already been negotiated.

Have you been checking boat dealers? I'm also wondering if you could contact some bass clubs and see if they have any advice for you.

We'll never know what happened. Maybe Manning was offered terms as suggested above and rejected them. In the meantime, the stories of what happens with Manning and what happens with the Colts will be fascinating to watch unfold.

I would urge you to write to the manufacturers for some answers. Too few of us do and that is why a number of products continue to have undesirable features. Why should they change if they're selling product and receiving no negative feedback?

I don't know for sure, but my interpretation of New York's regulations says it's legal. If any fellow New Yorkers have a different interpretation or actual knowledge about the rig, I'd be interested in hearing it. "An angler may operate no more than two lines, with or without rod, except that one person may operate up to three lines in freshwater; and each line is limited to not more than five lures or baits or a combination of both; and in addition, each line shall not exceed fifteen hook points in any combination of single, double or treble hooks."

I've always used packaged metal leaders and never felt that they were a deterrent to bites, but a tie-able leader sounds good. Just my own personal view, but I wouldn't trust any filament to thwart pike.

I don't think about it, don't plan for it and don't expect it.

I'd also check back with your neighbor to see what he had in mind. Let us know if you do.

No titles stripped because this--if true--didn't give them a competitive advantage. Conventional wisdom has it that they're not the only team, but they got caught. If Goodelll is serious about improving safety I expect to see some fines, suspensions and loss of draft picks.

You might specify which Speed Worm interests you. There's a paddle tail and the Ultra-Vibe. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&searchTerm=speed+worm

And how 'bout 'bout? That'll pass too, as it thinks you're talking boxing. You need to get the Mind Reader add-on.

I wouldn't argue with the previous poster's advice, but almost all of my fish have been caught on medium power rods. I have to think that your loss of 10 fish was for more reasons than just the rod's power. Do you typically lose a lot of fish on this rod?

I've been using the 5" Assassin jerkbaits for years. I also use Super Flukes and am unable to notice any difference in effectiveness between the two. For what it's worth, An Assassin weighs about 15% more than the Fluke.

Good advice. I've been using crankbaits for 40+ years and I've used many brands, almost all of which catch fish. It's extremely difficult to say some are better than others because it would take a huge amount of fish caught, over a long period of time, under controlled conditions, to really make a valid determination. Having said that, I have more confidence in the Shad Rap than any other crankbait, but that's probably more of a mental thing. Of course, it catches fish, but I can't have a way of knowing how other baits would've done if I were using them instead.

I can't quantify it. You'd want something heavier than a drag for bass because too light a drag won't tire out a large carp, but you don't want it so heavy as to risk line breakage. The only way I can do it is by feel. Just pulling the line out and adjusting drag until it feels right. Having said that I use 8# mono when targeting carp.

Yes it's possible. You'd need line without nicks, frays or any other weaknesses, a sound knot, a properly set drag and open water in which the fish can make long runs and there are no objects which the line could rub against. And, of course, a certain level of fish-fighting skills. I came very close to catching such a fish on 4# line, but after a series of long runs when it was within six feet of me (I was on shore) the line rubbed against a rock and that was it.

Have you tried the company's parts department?

I'm confident that a variety of rods will serve the purpose well. I use inexpensive 6'6" rods, one MH and the others M, all with fast tips and they're fine. "The grass is always greener..." I can't imagine what benefit you'd get with a change. Maybe with a longer rod you might get a little more control during a fight, but I just can't see a significant difference.

I've used PowerPro for years and wanted to start using the new SuperSlick. I was looking around today and read a bunch of user reviews which has dampened my interest. Like Mark and Darren, I'll stick with the regular until and if something changes.