Marty

It's a little late for afternoon. I have one XIA but haven't used it that much, but it seems pretty good. However, I've been using the Regal series reels for over 10 years and I'm very satisfied. I think you'll find it's a good reel for a modest price.

It doesn't matter. Either the smell turns them off or it doesn't. Fortunately, turnoffs aren't frequent, although I had an instance years ago. One time on another forum a guy was telling how he puts shad scent on shad-imitating lures and craw scent on crawfish-imitating lures, etc. A scent manufacturer told him that his plan was meaningless. Maybe on a given day they might prefer one scent over the other, but he said it made no difference what the bait may or may not have looked like.

It's hard to imagine what you could be doing wrong, except maybe you're not keeping your line high enough to avoid the stuff wrapping around the line. Do you know what kind of weed this is? Frogs or other creatures will work where none of the real things exist.

Your link is not the right one, it takes you to an empty cart. I think this is what you wanted to show us. http://www.culpritstore.com/catalog2/products.php?type=9

If you switch from 4# mono to, say, Power Pro, you'd use 15# Power Pro to maintain the same diameter. I'm not addressing the question, but 15# line seems to negate the concept of an ultralight rig. And I'm not questioning what Raul says either, about the breakage and lack of abrasion resistance of the ultrathin line.

I just got into fishing over the last 39 years or so and I'm getting frustrated with the amount of fish I've been catching. :'( But like others have said, you're doing better than you think you're doing.

I've seen him say on TV and have also read that he uses heavy action rods for almost all of his fishing because no matter what combo he picks up it has the same feel and that's important to him. http://www.fishingworld.com/pro-rickclunn/ArtofAngling/

Both are great baits. I prefer crankbaits, but as has been pointed out, spinnerbaits can be used in some weedy areas where crankbaits can't. I'm almost always going to at least try crankbaits where the cover will permit their use.

You got that one right. I dislike Shanahan, but give him credit for having the onions to go for two.

Al, Either take the advice in this thread about specific baits or just be arbitrary. I've been using cranks from day one 39 years ago and, believe me, there are countless brands that catch fish. Decide what depth range you'll be fishing and buy a couple of lures (naturally) that run in that range. Buy a brand that's well known. Rapala, Bandit, Bomber, Heddon, Mann's, Rebel and so many more are available. You might want to include a lipless in addition to floater-divers. Since you're fishing stained water, get something bright, like firetiger, and get baits that rattle, although neither is a necessity. Good luck. Since you've posted a couple of times about cranks, keep us informed as to your progress and tell us about your first of many crankbait fish. P.S. Whatever you get, check the hooks. Many crankbait hooks aren't very sharp out of the box.

That would be my #1 suggestion. Go as often as you can so you can learn what makes that place tick. Be there at higher percentage times, such as lower light periods. Don't rule out any lures. Almost all that are used from boats can be used from shore. Shore fishing can be rewarding and maddening. But based on my definition of a big fish, I've caught more from shore than boats. There are some nice fish in some unlikely looking small waters.

The Norman lure I've used the most is the Deep Baby N and it's been great. Unfortunately, they've needed to be tuned more than other brands I've used, but still, they have a line of effective baits at reasonable prices. Bill himself is deceased, I think not too many years ago.

You don't need a teacher, all you need to do is throw some where there are some fish. Just cast and retrieve and you'll catch some fish. That's not everything, but it will catch fish. I think what you need is the confidence to use them for awhile.

Brand names mean a lot to me when it comes to reels. I'll buy almost any brand rod if it has the properties that I want like length, power, action and handle length. Unlike some previous posters, I don't buy the best that I can afford, but I do buy equipment that performs well. Most of my rods and reels have been in the $50 range and nothing has screamed out at me "you need more expensive stuff!!" For example, my Daiwa Regal series spinning reels don't give me problems, they retrieve smoothly and have a smooth drag and that's all I ask of them.

I'm with Raul, you might be doing the right things but not in the right places at the right times. Crankbaits are too good at attracting fish to not get strikes if fish are around. One other thing: when you get to a spot that you think should be good, are you using crankbaits first or using them after you've tried your more successful lures? I used to do that (not necessarily with crankbaits), but if you do it too, them you're using them after you've already established that the fishing is lousy in that spot.

I recall that from years ago. They were saying that if a man and a woman were on opposite ends of a couch, and one kept moving half the distance to the other, in theory, they'd never meet. On the other hand, they'd be close enough for all practical purposes.

Never tried it, never fished saltwater, but creative thinking, the so-called "thinking outside the box", has caught a lot of fish.

I'm the only one that answers 5582. "4 greater" = 4 + and 4 + 2 = 6 I'm not sure where you guys are getting 5's ? 6682 Oops, I misread that the tens digit is 4 times greater, not just 4 greater. As to the 5s, why not, they're supposed to be 3 greater than the ones digit?

And aren't we supposed to assume a bus driver is present? I'll take a shot. Total of 49 packs. 56 cats per pack. 49x56=64344 cats x 4=257376 cat legs. 7 girls x 2 = 14 girl legs 1 driver = 2 legs Total legs = 257392.

I wouldn't give too much weight to those lures. Unless I knew otherwise, I'd assume those particular lures were shown for commercial purposes. Regardless, I've caught fish and seen them caught, on every conceivable brand, style, size, action and color of lures, so I don't get overly impressed with too many specifics.

I'm the only one that answers 5582.

Largemouth----------Sizmic Toad Smallmouth----------Jitterbug

Welcome, hope you enjoy it.

There's a third option, which is using a snap with the split ring. I've been doing that for years and I'll be darned if I can see any reason not to continue. No visible difference in action or number of strikes that I can detect.

I keep mine in the basement, no special packaging, and it lasts for years.