tholmes

Tom

Thanks for posting this! It's always interesting to see what fishermen in other places are catching. Those things have some pretty fierce teeth! Tom

I've been using Pro-Tec powder paint for years and have never had any problems that weren't due to my own ineptitude. I use a different approach to heating my jig heads though. I heat them in an old toaster oven, hanging on the wire rack, set at about 375 degrees. I can heat about 20 at a time. I take them out and dip them and hang them on another rack. When the whole batch is painted, I back the temp on the oven down to about 325 and put the painted jigs back in to cure for 25 minutes or so. Tom

Congrats on your first jig fish! Be careful, though. Jig fishing can be addictive. There are so many different types of jigs; hair jigs, feather jigs, etc., that are all effective, and in sizes from small fractions of an ounce to well over 1 ounce. And all will work at some time. You could spend a lifetime learning to fish "jigs". Ive been fishing them for over 50 years and I'm not even close to "mastering" the jig. Tom

I really don't amass large quantities of jigs. I make 'em over the winter and lose 'em during bass fishing season. Tom

I never use snaps on crank baits. I tie directly to the split ring or eye, depending on the lure. This forces me to re-tie when I want to change lures, but that's not always a bad thing, as it gives me a chance to check the line for nicks and scuffs. Tom

7-1/2" or 10" ribbon-tails, any brand will do. Colors: Tequila sunrise, red shad, junebug, black, watermelon, green pumpkin. Tom

I've been carrying a Gerber compact multi-tool for about 15 years. My wife bought it for me for my birthday, and it's been the most useful gift I've ever received. I use (and sometimes abuse) it almost every day. The tools that I use the most (in order) are the pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and scissors. The only tool on it that I've never used is the can opener. The one thing I wish that it did have is a file. It's held up remarkably well. I had to replace the sheath about 5 years ago, but other than that, no problems at all. Tom

Which Lure Would You Trout Fish With? The shiny ones. Tom

That was my first thought also. Those look really good! Tom

I like 'em! Tom

This^. I've been using the $20 fit-overs from Wal-Mart For years. They have side shields and brow shields to block out stray light and I get several years out of a pair. I'm WAY past caring how they look. Tom

Probably more incidental contact rather than a deliberate attack. In muddy water, he just didn't see you and bumped into your boot. Good thing it wasn't a 50 lb. flathead, he might have knocked you over. Tom

^ Yep! I use the "Solar" color for line-watching applications and clear for everything else. Tom

I don't use any repellent. Skeeters just don't like the way I smell, I guess. DEET is some nasty stuff. A friend of mine got some on a guitar that was finished in nitrocellulose lacquer and it literally dissolved the finish in a few spots. Tom

Spend more time with my wife, fish when I can, reel maintenance, make jigs and blade baits, play my guitars a lot, watch Jayhawks basketball. Tom

I agree^. I prefer a medium power rod for squarebills and shallow to medium cranks. That combo would be pretty sweet! Tom

Smithwick Suspending Rattlin' Rogue, 5-1/2" in Chrome/Blue back/Orange belly or Foxy Mama. Rapala X -Rap, size 8 or 10 in Gold, Glass Ghost and Slick. Tom

Before fishing: SET THE DRAG, check the line for nicks and kinks, a quick once over to make sure everything is working properly. During fishing: Wipe off any dirt, especially in the line guide. After fishing; Loosen the drag, wipe down and put a drop of oil (never grease) on the worm gear. At least once a year: Tear down, clean thoroughly, grease the drive train, oil the bearings (more often on reels that see heavy use), replace any worn parts and put them away (in Crown Royal bags) until net season. Do this religiously and your reels should serve you faithfully for many years. Tom

Ribbon-tail worm, Tequila sunrise, red shad, or junebug, t-rigged. 2nd place would be a blue/black jig with matching trailer. Tom

Sweet dreams! Tom

Fritos Chili Cheese! Tom

Oiling the brake drum has become a routine part of my "clean 'n' lube" ritual. It just takes a tiny drop of oil on a cotton swab wiped around the inside of the brake drum. I usually do it about twice a season on my reels. Tom

Replace the tip guide with a new one of the same size and type. It's super easy. Tom

I am praying for complete victory over this, Dwight. Tom