SausageFingers23

That is excellent! Amazing what will trick a fish into hitting sometimes.

Yup. x2. You'll love the SX.

I have two Okuma spinning reels and I beat the hell out of them. They've been awesome.

I'd give it a shot. The prices are excellent. I havent ordered from them yet but Im going to keep them in mind now that Im aware of the site.

Great fish! I hung my first jig fish this season in March, 5 days after ice out. I was pretty stoked. Jigs are incredibly addicting. I hope I don't fall in love with it to the point where I throw it when the conditions favor something else.

Awesome post! I love reading these. Too bad its in the 30's and snowing here otherwise I'd be on the water immediately after work.

It wouldnt be New Hampshire without a little mid April snow...

Im incredibly guilty of this. Though lately its been more of a gear addiction than lures. Im going to have to enter a 12 step program.

Nice job Jay. Im jealous. I havent been out in nearly a week and I dont think Im getting out again until Tuesday or so. The fever has really set in.

I have 12 lb green low-vis mono on there right now, nothing fancy. I don't want to throw anything on there expensive yet because I get the occassional nest every now and again. I might just stick with it for now though, it seems to be doing the trick.

Its an excellent fishery. I've only been there three times but have had good outings each time. Couple words of caution - make sure you have fully charged trolling motor batteries. The wind out there will cook them fast. Also pay close attention to your depth finder. The water is tremendously clear but the bottom changes depth rapidly and there are a ton of huge boulders out there. I've done best with rainbow trout pattern cranks/jerk baits when chasing smallies. You'll enjoy it. Especially with that new rig.

Nice boat Jay! Looks like you're all set for many seasons to come. I got out Sunday morning for a couple of hours on Silver Lake in Harrisville. Managed to do pretty well despite the winds. Here's a picture of the rainbows we pulled in.

Just like you, Im trying out a baitcast setup for the first time this season. I went with a Black Max as well. I didnt want to spend a lot to find out I hated a baitcast reel. My advice - practice. It does wonders. I was incredibly frustrated after my first two experiences but am getting comfortable now. Make sure to adjust the spool tension knob (the silver knob adjacent to the handle) every time you throw on a new bait. For me anyway, I want the bait to drop very slowly with the spool tensioner set correctly and the mag drag set to 0. Once I find that spot, I set the mag drag to my normal setting. It doesnt throw light stuff all that well. That doesn't mean it won't, just that I haven't figured out how to yet. Also make sure you tighten down the drag a bit. I've had the drag slip on a couple of bigger fish this season, the crank spun in place, and with a little slack in the line they spit the hook on both occassions. My fault but I figured I'd pass along my experiences so it doesn't happen to you. All in all, I think you'll like it but will likely want to upgrade in time. Im already looking at the intro Revo lines now that I've started to get somewhat comfortable with a baitcast setup.

I live in NH and occasionally tune in to Charlie Moore's show. I usually turn the channel after 10 minutes or so. Im not a huge fan but to each his own.

Im by no means an expert but I thing youll do just fine with that set up. I love the Abu gear.

Im late to the palomar party but I use it as well

That was hysterical! This one is awesome as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=NgFhJN4H0T0&feature=related

Haha. I was thinking the same exact thing. Then I realized that we had an 80 deg day in early April and I decided to cut mother nature a little slack. I think Im hitting up Silver Lake in Harrisville on Sunday morning. Im doing a little trout fishing. Im bringing my bass gear just in case the trout fishing is slow so I can go after some smallies.

For me, if I can get out and wet a line, I do. Hit the water and see how it goes. I'd rather be out than not.

Congrats!

I wish my lunch breaks were like that. :'( Nice job!

Sometimes up here in the northeast I'll throw an inline spinner when the going gets tough, especially in late November when the water is really cold. I've had pretty good success on it.

Nice job Eric! You're going to kill 'em the rest of the season.

I think youre right. The fish that were shallow may slide back a little deeper with the front moving through. I was out on Wednesday and they were buried deep in brush. If I were able to get on the water today, my plan would be to hit the deeper water pockets on the fringe of that cover. I dont think they'll be moving to far though. The water temps are really climbing and the nights aren't really getting that cold anymore.

I have the 6'-3" model and I love it.