RobE

I think that is what is refered to as an 'understatement'.

I think you meant that buying artificial bait is more fun?? The last time I bought minnows, it took all of two minutes and I didn't get to look at them first. :'(

Very nice explanation, Chris. Better than I could have said it.

At least you have tires that you will use!

Yes and working hard, too! Charging batteries and vacuuming boat carpet.

Another Maxima vote. I like 6# Chameleon in the clear water I fish. A lot will depend on how you're fishing for them. 75% of the time I use minnows 12" off of a split shot. Seldom do I watch the line. I just keep the rod balanced on two fingers just ahead of the reel and can feel every little hit. I've (accidentally) pulled up 20 pounds of a brushpile on 6# Maxima. It's great line!

Nice craw look, Ben! Looks like something that would get gobbled here on Lake Norfork.

I like the neoprene kayaking gloves. They're not bulky and okay doing most things other than tying knots.

I don't usually put the boat away for Winter but, twice a year I like to detail her. I vacuum up the heavy stuff while dry, then rinse with a hose on 'jet'. Just before it dries, I use some stuff made by Prestone (cloth cleaner for vehicles - forget the name) and scrub it in with a stiff nylon-bristled brush. Hose it down (2x) again with the 'jet' setting and let it all run into the bilge with the bow as high as I can get it. Wet Vac a few hours later and let dry for 2 or 3 dyas.

I had to go with Bait Monkey. I've learned, though, to not let him ride on my shoulders. If I'm asked to pick up a few things at the grocery store on the way home (my fave grocer is a small BPS outlet), I figure I can add 20% for my effort. :-*

Fishing with (plastic) worms isn't as easy as it sounds. One really needs to be able to Feel what is going on down there. All of the presentations that you mentioned are valid and will work. There is no 'best'. It depends on where you are. Concentration on the Feel is key to worms, jigs, etc.

Sure enough sounds like an Ozark lake, huh, Cart? Right now, I've pretty much given up on bass and am taking Crappie home. Norfork has risin a couple of feet due to recent rain and the dam isn't generating much. Turnover probably won't happen too soon with these conditions. The few (day) bass I've caught have been in feeder creek channels and suspended 5 - 10' off the bottom at 40 feet. They're easier at dusk but, still not too cooperative. Jigs imitating Craw in brown worked down bluffs or anywhere rocky have been good. Crappies are liking minnows and black jigs, and the Walleye seem to be waking up.

But, the cork is clean!

Lee... that thing looks a whole lot like an old Shimano Bantam 100GT that I'm quite familiar with. How deep into it do you want to dig?

Hey Lee. Without a model # or name, it will be hard to help. We are fortunate to have our very own ReelMech as a member here and I'm sure he will chime in. Still need more info, though. Do you not have the manual that came with it? If not, I'm afraid that the best that you're going to find on the 'net are places like reeldr.com that only offer PDF's of the schematic and no instructions. Are you looking for info on just a 'field strip' type clean or an 'overhaul'? Have you done this before? A lot of reels share so much in common design that one is a lot like another with just a few little changes that shouldn't present much of problem.

My grandma once broke one of my grandads rods on my behind. :-[ I've seen a gaff made from an old rod. A telescoping gaff would be cool as I seldom have a need for one and it would stow easily.

On Saturday, I found a Diawa spinning reel at a yard sale for $3 (I don't know why I do this). It's in good shape cosmetically but, clicks on the retrieve and squeals. Needs a good lube for sure but I think it's salvageable. It's gunmetal colored with gold accents and is approx the size of a Shimano Sahara 2000 and has front drag. On the foot is a decal "Diawa - Made In China". The decal that wrapped around the spool has been removed. On the spool body (?), if I use my imagination, I can almost read the word 'INFINITE' in gold above what may have been the Test/Yards. Does anyone have a clue as to which reel this may be? Is it supposed to click on the retrieve?

I'm not a rod builder but, I have an elderly neighbor across the street that used to build (and teaching me) and he pretty much echoed Reel Mech's answer with a few other tidbits offered... A - don't forego cork for foam unless the cork is worn out and you prefer foam. Good cork transmits better. B - agreed with RM. C - He asked why you and your Dad don't do it together. It's easy to do, inexpensive, and ... you get the picture.

I love Neil Young, too!

No, RW, I'm serious! This cap is the 'one size fits all', 'micro-adjustable velcro strap' model in Beige with Royal Blue embroidery and it was made in Morraco, Mississippi! Oh... wait.. Uhh.. my mistake. :-[ Do you have a suit it will match? If so, I'll wash it and pay postage. 8-)

Wowsers! 3 pages and close to 1,000 reads in two days. I didn't expect this! I agree with the majority of the replies and, for those that bothered to actually read the initial post rather than to merely reply to the thread title - thank you. My point was; while Eagle Claw may not be our first (or even 9th) choice of hook, a good percentage of the replies indicate using at least some EC product. What does that tell you? If EC aberdeens work for crappie, why knock the company as a whole? Perhaps a rep of EC will catch this thread and the company re-thinks its market position. Besides - I think I look pretty stylin' in my EC ball cap. My Mister Twister cap doesn't match my PFD.

Absolutely amazing! It's not often to see someone actually pop the cap and get that deep into it. I like what you've done with that ol' girl. What really caught my eye was the gold accent rings on the instrument cluster. Goes great with that deep red color. Great job!

You know, you could be run over by a jet-ski tomorrow. You better get back to fishing. (and I do hope that you're never run over)

I weigh my crappie minnows. Oh, that was uncalled for... sorry. I can't remember the last time I weighed a fish as I don't do tourneys. I can usually guess within a 1/4 lb since I'm an old fart. I do weigh big cats if I think they're photo-worthy. That starts at 20 pounds.

SEE! It's already starting. :