AndyPlaysDrums

After catching a definite personal best (by a bunch) today, with no scale. I will be saving myself the trouble and picking up a scale this week. It sucks not really knowing.

Went out for my first day this year. After skunking at my first stop, I went to a pond near my house that my buddy said he caught a 12" perch out of the other day. Near that spot, I started throwing a Perch X-Rap. After a few casts, I thought I had snagged some weeds - until my line moved and I realized I had my first fish of the year on. However, once I started reeling in and the fish first broke the surface, I knew I had something special. First fish of '11, is my new personal best. While I can only speculate weight (no scale on me), it was far, far bigger than any fish I've ever caught before. I'm sorry I couldn't get a better picture. Thanks to everyone on this board who has made some sort of contribution to the knowledge that led me to throwing a jerkbait, in a cold water, pre spawn condition; and how to handle a baitcaster for the first time, too! This is stuff I'd have never known before I came here. What a way to start the season, oh, and it's my birthday, too!

Looks awesome, Glenn! It's been torture without it these last couple days. Thank you!

Great info! Thanks guys! Just spooled up my first baitcaster this week. I wouldn't have thought of this.

I just picked up a lefty Accurist for my first baitcaster, too. There's a ton of them all over the 'net, cheap. I'm thinking of picking up another one soon. Good luck with it!

The bait monkey and I both thank you for your service, as well! ;D

Welcome to Connecticut. My license was only $16 this year, after my $12 credit was applied from the raise, and then subsequent drop, in license fees in 2010. And they made it sooo easy to do, too. :

I may throw into my local pond tomorrow, it's one of the few around here that is completely ice free. Hoping the sun will get the bass somewhat active in there.

Just bought a Advance Angler's bag, too!

Man, that's awesome! I have a Tribute, as well, and have been trying to figure out how I want to do this. I just bought my first 7' rod, so I'll be interested to see if it will fit.

Which Loomis would be best for that?

My boating certification instructor was incessant about this.

Agreed on cranks. I had great luck with a 1/2 oz. Red Eye Shad on one of the windiest days of the season last year.Being that I was bank fishing, I was having to cast into the wind, and they'd cut right through, and then I'd reel back into the windblown area that seemed to be holding the fish.

1/2oz. Red Eye Shad in Sexy Shad

There should be a brand new (older model) Accurist PT at my door when I get home tonight, that I won on Tuesday night for $44! If it is indeed as new as stated, then I'll have nothing but great to say about this experience (and will probably go for another!).

Didn't think I had anything for this, then you reminded me that I did this to my buddy last year!

Picked up a 7' Heavy XML casting rod, brand new, for $53 bucks today! They had a bunch of XML and XMLti rods for real cheap, wish I could've picked up another.

1. Better numbers, wayyy better numbers. I zeroed way too many times out last year. Based on the amount of research and knowledge I acquired the off season before, last year was mostly a let down. I've studied far harder this year and expect ensuing results. 2. Learn how to throw a B/C. 3. Start fishing jigs. 4. Catch my first smallie.

That's awesome! At my local pond, I'd like to find a floating pickerel with a brand new Red Eye Shad that busted off just before I got my hands on it. >

Same here. I did pick up a 3/8 oz. Chatterbait for $4.50, down from $5.99, but that was about as good as it got. The one near here has that YUM sale box, too. I should probably hit that up a bit next time.

Cabela's had them on sale online as of a few days ago.

I was wondering if anyone used a label maker for organizing their tackle in hard boxes, and if so, how it worked out and which kind?

Don't worry, he's well occupied! In my case, though, it's still a matter of getting the basics together. I look forward to being in a rhythm of what works for me and what doesn't and just going with it.

Just hit that up, too! Picked up a couple of X Raps and a few Husky Jerks! They were having a crazy cheap Yo-Zuri sale, too! $2.99 for most, though the couple I ordered are now backordered.

I've been very happy with the Berkley Cross-Lok snaps. I use them for everything except my worm rig, though I have used them on it before with no problems.