tholmes

I agree. While temperature isn't the only factor, it is, by far, the most important factor. Bass (and other fish) won't spawn until the water is warm enough for the eggs to survive and hatch. Tom

^ This is what I would do also. Normal price on Trilne Big Game is <$10.00 for a 1/4 lb. spool. That's way better than cutting through $$ worth of flouro line while you're learning. Tom

Barlow's tackle. Tom

I use mono with an improved clinch knot about 90% of the time. I've hauled in stripers up to 35 lbs. and flatheads up to 40 lbs. with no problems. Six wraps and plenty of spit and you're good to go. Tom

^ Same here. Jitterbegs are my all-time favorite top-water baits, especially after dark, but they aren't designed to run through weeds and slop. I fish 'em on the edges and over the top of submerged grass and weeds with deadly results. Tom

I like Plano 3500 boxes because they fit in the spaces in my big tackle box. Tom

IIRC, an insurance claim has to be filed by the sender. Take photos of the package and the rod and send them to the sender. Be prepared for UPS to drag their feet and stonewall at every opportunity, but you should eventually get things sorted out. Sorry for your misfortune, I hope things work out for you. Tom

I like the Bandit silent cranks, along with the XCalibur silent squarebill and the Bomber Fat Free Shad. Tom

Ha! There's a lot of truth there^. Tom

While not exclusively a fishing show, The Sportsman's Friend with Harold Ensley was a favorite of mine from the late '50s (when my family's first TV was purchased) until I was well into adulthood. Mr. Ensley was quite a pioneer in lure design and marketed a line of lures bearing his name. I still use Harold Ensley Fish Fry Coating Mix every time fry up a batch of panfish. It's the best there is. Tom

Same here. Looks like you're in the majority here. Tom

32.1 degrees. If it's not iced over, I'll fish. Tom

7" ribbontail worm 3" - 4" craw 4" -5" stick worm Those three cover about 95% of my t-rigs. Tom

Lansky sharpening system. It will get a filet knife scary sharp. My wife hates it when I do the kitchen knives with it. Tom

1/2 oz. Rapala DT Fat in Helsinki Shad, 10 lb. mono, 7' M Abu Vendetta, Abu 4600 CI reel. Tom

That's a freakishly huge walleye! Definitely a wall-hanger. Tom

http://www.barlowstackle.com/Soft-Plastic-Lures-C7.aspx Been buying from here for years. Great price and quality. Tom

Yep! Been using them for 50 years and I'm not about to stop. Definitely one of the all-time greats! Tom

Listen to this man^. I have a couple of friends that think I'm a reel magician (I'm a long ways away from that) because I fixed their squealing baitcasters after they had "oiled the bearings" with no improvements. Tom

^^ My #1 cold water bait as well. Tom

All of them! I use lipless cranks a lot, and I probably have at least 6 different brands in my tackle box at all times. There are subtle (and not so subtle) differences in fall rate, vibration, etc. that can make a difference. Colors? That's easier. 1. Chrome 2. Red craw 3. Sexy shad 4. Everything else. Tom

For me, it's been a Zara Spook. I catch bass on other topwater lures, even other "walk the dog" lures, but I've NEVER caught one on a Spook. Tom

It's nice to hear that Quantum has vastly improved their customer service. I've always liked their products, but was put off by a horrible experience with customer service. I'll be looking at them again. Tom

I agree. Salty, rotten fish. The most over-rated food (sic) on the planet Card is nasty too, along with kippered herring and mackeral. Tom

I rarely ever use snaps, just something else to catch weeds. I'll use ball-bearing swivels on some lures such as spoons to help prevent line twist. Tom