New Bass Man

Me too...

I use a Palamar knot on everything. I'm going to rethink that knot on spinnerbaits. About the only time I've had that knot fail me was on a spinnerbait.

Lots of good points. I believe the thing to remember is that everybody who fishes are not necessarily sportsmen. Most of us on this board bass fish as a sport. Of course, we have a certain point of view about releasing big hawgs so others can catch em and have the fun we did. But we are in the club so to speak. We know the rules--written and unwritten. There is another camp of people who pleasure fish to keep the fish they catch. They stock their freezers for the winter. Nothing wrong with that. These people buy fishing licenses just like we do and I don't recall my license restricting how big of fish I can keep. Where is it written so ordinary fisherman know they shouldn't keep big bass? People keep big catfish and nothing is ever said. Big muskie--nothing. Big croppie. People keep big fish all the time. So I have a question for the sportmen. Should we impose our code of conduct on pleasure fishmen or those who have no problems keeping a fish or two? And let me say, I have no idea what that gentleman is doing with those fish. Nobody will ever win this debate because there is no absolute right answers. It all comes down to what you believe. And what you believe depends on what camp you belong. The best we can expect from this discussion is a better understanding of the opposing point of view. Iron sharpens Iron, right? Even a broken clock is right twice a day. I hope we can learn to accept other view points that may differ from our own. Something I learned from Colin Powell. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position fails, your ego goes with it. He also said, you can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

When I first started bass fishing, one of the things that helped me those most was Woo Daves video, "Wormin with Woo". You can get it Bass Pro Shop. I also agree with those who advise you to use 3/0 or 4/0 hooks.

I have a Callisto. It was my first reel and still one of my favorites. You're correct is saying it is a starter reel.

Another question.... Are there different quality in spinnerbait blades. What are the best? What are the worst?

Hey man, I remember that feeling too! It was a L-o-n-g time ago. I think it's kinda normal. But things will get better. The future is bright for you as someone pointed out.

Well, I guess the next fisherman I'm pondering is Skeet Reese. It about time for him to win one. Then of course, I always enjoy Ike. But KVD is my man. He represents the sport extremely well. That actually was my point of bring it this up. He is always used as the poster boy for bass, even though it had been a long time between wins. I tell you this, if he gets hot, the Angler of the Year honors is his and his alone.

Yes

It looks like it could do some serious damage. Have you tried it out?

Avid, I'm with you. I've tried this bait several time. Nothing. I guess I'll give in one more try.

Hey yall, I'm looking for information on how to build my own spinnerbaits. I know that you can buy the forms but I need to know the better sources. Also, where's the best place to buy the material. Any information on building spinnerbaits would be appreciated. Also, if you know where I can buy kits, let me know that too. I already know Cabalas sells them. Thanks!

Yea Kevin! It's been a long time between wins.

I guess I've used a little bit of everything. I use 14 lbs test mono right now. Is that optimal?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big KVD fan as my post on bassresource.com will attest to. I was just wondering why he isn't winning tournaments like he was in 2005. He was in the hunt for AOY last year also.

He hasn't won anything lately? He's still the poster boy for Bass. Kind of curious. One minute, he's the Tiger Wood of bass fishing, then the next, he can't put a win together. Thoughts?

Ike is a crowd favorite--no doubt about it. I'm a thumbs up Ike guy myself. I really dislike the antics, i.e., hollering, etc. But I find other anglers trying to "go Ike". Others holler too when they catch fish. He's a good dude in my opinion.

I can't help to wonder if this isn't one of those "less filling, taste great" discussions. For sure, you need both rod and reel. If I was looking at this from a "fishing infrastructure" point of view, I would say a rod would be more important. If I was looking at this from a "catching" point of view, I would say a reel is more important.

Priceless moments! God is good!

Not in the least. You won't be able to tell the difference.

I guess I have to go buy a new Curado. I LOVE all my old ones. Hopefully Reel Mechanic can keep them operating for years to come.

So what is the new work horse reel now?

Hey yall, Just wondering if the newer curados are better than the older ones. If so, how?

He uses U-40 Cork Sealer. It's on his site. It's good stuff by the way. He told me what to do and I followed his instructions. This cork sealer is in a small bottle. When I received it, I thought to myself that it would not be enough. Man was I wrong. I did 10 rods with it and didn't use half of it. Now I just use soap and water and dirt just comes right off.

Thanks for the great advice. I've decided on the Kistler Frog rod.