tholmes

The short answer, as far as I know, is no. That mold uses a 30* bend hook. I don't think that Gamakatsu even offers a 30* hook and Owner's 30* hook has the crossed eye. You could probably modify the mold to use the Owner hooks, though. Tom

^ This. I'll fish as long as there's open water, but when it's iced over, I'll be at home. Tom

I'm not keepin' score Tom

Beeswax will work, as will paraffin, rosin, bullet lube, etc., but this is a vastly superior product. I actually prefer a little tin in the lead that I cast with. Pure lead is pretty soft, a little tin makes for a little tougher jig. I usually just add 1 lb, of 80/20 solder to 4 lbs. of lead. Tom

I picked the .30-06 for a number of reasons: 1. I own one, and I've worked out a good load for my rifle. I'm familiar enough with my rifle to know what it (and I) am capable of. I feel confident with any shot out to about 300 yards. 2. It's accurate and packs enough power to bring down anything I'm likely to point it at, including elk. 3. In the unlikely event that I arrive at a distant hunting location without my ammo box, I can go to pretty much any store that sells ammo and pick up a box of serviceable loads. Tom

I've had one for about 25 years. Great rifle, it packs a lot of punch in a relatively small package. Great close quarters deer rifle. If you're recoil-sensitive, this ain't the gun for you Tom

I agree wholeheartedly. I enjoy fishing as a sport. Introduce "winners" and competition, it would become merely a game. Tom

Wow, I was just getting ready to start a topic asking what type/gauge of wire y'all used to tie skirts with. It's eerie, I tell you! Tom

Careful...my Norton Anti-virus says that the link above is a "known malicious web site". Just sayin' Tom

I've never tried it with silicone skirts, but for bucktail I use size D rod wrapping thread and clear vinyl paint (thinned 50/50) for sealer. Tom

Yep! No matter what time of year, if I had to chose "one lure", it would be a jig. Tom

Go to this site There's a link to a topo map there. I can't get a direct link to the map to work. Tom

Honeycrisp apples ROCK! Along with Gala and Fuji, they're my favorites. Tom

There will be now Tom

I am an adult only when my wife tells me I have to be. Tom

I'd say that it's a combination of several different things. First and foremost, it's the members here and the atmosphere that they create. The vast majority are friendly, willing to help or answer a question, even the ones that seem simple or have been seen a thousand times to the more experienced on the board. The absence of vulgarity, personal attacks, spammers and other such junk goes a long ways toward making this forum feel relaxed and welcoming. The moderators also deserve a lot of the credit in that regard. The vast amount of useful information, both from the members and the library of articles. I've learned a lot here, even though I've been bass fishing for nearly 50 years. There's always something new to learn. I visit a couple of other fishing forums and a couple of guitar-related forums, and very few can measure up to this one. Tom

Illegal in Kansas also. Tom

Bluebasser86, the easiest tool I've found for cleaning the spout on my Lee Production pot is torch tip cleaners. Get 'em at Home Depot or anyplace that sells welding supplies. Tom

I use bucktail jigs that I tie myself. I use 'em year 'round for both largemouth and smallmouth, from 1/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. in black, brown, olive, and combinations of those colors. If I use a trailer at all, it's usually the tail end of a torn-up worm. Tom

I'll second what cadman posted re: Drop-Out mold release. The stuff really works! I've been casting jigs and bullets for 25 years and I wouldn't know what to do without Drop-out. Frankford Arsenal makes another product that I recommend highly, CleanCast fluxing compound. It works much better than paraffin, rosin or anything else that I've ever tried. Clean lead makes a huge difference in the quality of your pours. I get both of these products from . Midway USA Tom

Trilene Big Game for my baitcasting rigs, mostly 10 and 12 lb., 15 or 20 lb. for some applications. Spinning rigs get either Cabela's house brand or Trilene XL 4, 6, or 8lb. Tom

I've stored all of my rods in a vertical rack in an unheated shed for years with no ill effects. In the off season, I remove the reels, stuff 'em in old tube socks and store them in a drawer in the same shed. Just be sure to loosen the drag and spool brakes on your reels before storing them. Tom

Everything from classical to jazz, classic rock, country, blues, folk, bluegrass...exceptions would be most pop music and rap/hip-hop. Tom

Pictures would be helpful Tom

Happy Birthday, Alpster! Tom