Marty

You didn't say how those fish got off. I've used medium in pads for years. Yes, it's too underpowered if line gets wrapped around pads and stems, but that stuff is so tough I doubt moving up one notch in rod power would make the difference.

I'm sure a lot of us agree with some of the complaints you have. But I wouldn't look for a whole lot of change, since the NFL is the most successful sports league in history. If it ain't broke... I think it's a matter of networks paying out billions for broadcast rights and they have to get a return on their investment. That's part of the price we pay for getting most of the games for free.

I use all spinning. Used to use some baitcasting but it wasn't versatile enough for me.

Here's something from my New York State guide: "Chain Pickerel spawn in swampy or marshy backwater areas of lakes and rivers soon after ice-out. No nest is built and no parental care of eggs or young occurs. Eggs are dropped on the bottom , sticking to whatever they come in contact with." A web search for this species might get you more detailed information.

What's the source of the information about the connection between the tax breaks and their customer service policies? Thank you very much Dominick, I appreciate the kind offer.

Can't a protective finish be reapplied?

I hope you're doing well healthwise. This spring I bought a Cabela's tackle bag. I called them after a zipper tab broke off while I was zipping one of the pockets closed. They asked if it could be repaired locally and I told them I got a price from a tailor shop of $12. They sent a check out immediately, no further questions, no verification required, etc. This was not my only experience with their great customer service, just the most recent. My only complaint with them is a selection that is too small and a lot of stuff I need I can't get there.

Or you can cut up a piece of plastic, such as a lid that might come with a can of coffee. I cut little triangular pieces so there's something to grab onto when I want to remove it.

I'm closer to Raul's opinion than others. I think way too much emphasis is being placed on brands and colors. If I'm fortunate enough to locate some fish, I'm happy, because bass that are willing to hit something will generally be willing to hit numerous different lures.

Any color. Rig weightless with a 4/0 extra-wide-gap hook. (I'm talking about the 5" size.) Use around shallow cover with a twitch-pause type of retrieve. If there are weeds, let them drop in holes or at the edges. Walk the dog with them on top. There are other ways. But if you're not catching, you're probably not on the fish, because these lures are great fish attractors. Be a line watcher, as sometimes you won't feel anything, but just see the line moving off.

As far as I'm concerned, there's no lure I'd rule out at that time of year.

I find that statement humorous. Mr. L. is quite the hypocrite, pitching exceptionally overpriced products to people much less able to afford it than him.

There are sites that link to all 50. The one I have is a no-no for links to on this site.

As the above poster noted, good question, but the answer's easy: there'd be a big outrage. But it wouldn't happen. There's a lot of criticism of journalists, but regardless, no American reporter who works for a legitimate news source would pull a stunt like that. I've been a harsh critic of Bush, but this was over the top. That Iraqi a$$hole is in no way, shape or form worthy of being called a "journalist."

And they'll keep going further as long as people don't follow the advice you gave at the start of your post.

Send 'em $1000 and you'll have a lifetime supply. ;D

It certainly warms the cockles of my heart to know that my money (what little is left of it) is helping out the Steinbrenner family.

If you're talking about a lure called Super Stud, you can get them at their online store (some on sale too). http://www.gambler-lures.com/superstud.html Also, if you do a search for Gambler Super Stud, you will find other places too.

In defense of Power Pro (I've never used Sufix), I've used 15# for two years and never had one breakage and retie only seldomly, usually when the line gets tangled in the lure and cutting is the only way I can fix it.

It does suck indeed. We're not affected by this one, but had two major ones within 12 years. I hope those folks get their power back soon.

I've used a canoe for two years now. Yes, the wind can blow me around at trolling speed, but that's one of the tradeoffs. Anchoring is a PITA, but I fish shallow, soft-bottomed water and the anchor holds very well. Also, slime mats or thick lily pads can serve as anchors. I agree, even though John can carry a lot of stuff in his kayak. I also like the fact that I have such easy access to everything I bring. Mine is pretty wide and I can stand in it, but I don't very often. The width makes it very stable, but the tradeoff to that is paddling inefficiency. I don't want to get into the canoe-vs.-kayak thing, to each their own, but for me my two choices were either an ultralight Kevlar canoe or nothing.

I don't know a lot about it, but I believe square lips are less likely to get snagged than round lips when bumping cover, such as wood. If you're using the term "snot grass" as I understand it, then I don't consider it and crankbaits to be very compatible.

The right side is still truncated with my monitor set at 1024x768 and I have to use the horizontal scroll bar. Is that the intention? I can see it all with the next setting but don't care for the smaller type. P.S. This just started a couple of weeks ago.

This is a post I made on another forum yesterday: "I've been fishing crankbaits for 39 years, but I claim no expertise. However, there are countless brands, sizes, styles, shapes, colors, etc. that are productive. I'd choose a few from brands whose names you know (you're off to a good start with the BPS) and make sure they run at the depths you want to fish. I don't place a high priority on color. Get a muted color like shad or bluegill and a loud one like firetiger and they will serve you well. Don't buy too many. Use a few to get a better feel for using them and after awhile you'll know what else you want in your crankbait box. Good luck. I generally throw cranks wherever the cover will permit and I think these lures have few equals in their ability to attract strikes." I've seldom had conditions when I could actually bump the baits off bottom, but that's not necessary to catch fish. One of the things that bumping does is cause the lure to change speed and direction and that can be done with your arms, hands, rod and reel. I believe everybody can benefit by having cranks in their arsenal.

Any lure that the cover will allow use of will work. Weedless topwaters, a variety of soft plastics, such as jerkbaits, Senkos, creatures and the like. Spinnerbaits and/or crankbaits and topwaters at the edges if you can get away with using them. Let those plastics drop into holes and at the edges. I often start with topwaters to locate fish that either boil or show movement under the water, then follow up with a plastic. I'd advise braid because of its strength and incredible abrasion resistance to vegetation.