tholmes

I did some tackle box rummaging as well and found one more to add to my list. Zara Spook. I've thrown that thing hundreds of times in conditions that should produce top-water strikes and....nothing. Tom

To be fair, I own a couple of Quantum spinning reels that have been OK. Just had a bad experience with one of their baitcasters. Tom

Rods are stored in a vertical rack, reels in cloth bags (or an old sock) in an unheated storage building. Same with tackle boxes. Any electronic devices are brought in the house and, if applicable, batteries removed. Tom

In my 50 years of fishing, I've owned exactly one Quantum baitcaster. That number won't increase. Unreliable products backed by non-existent customer service. Tom

I'm certainly not a lady, but she's right. Very, very right. Tom

Indeed! Thanks, Dolphins! Now if the Colts had only pulled their weight... Tom

They don't taste much better. X2. I'll stick to strong, black coffee. Tom

I've used (and caught fish with) Wally World's $1 spinnerbaits too. On some of them, I replaced the cheapo barrel swivel with a ball-bearing swivel. That makes the blade spin much better. Tom

Just goes to show you Those are two of my most productive lures. Tom

Yep. Get it checked out. If it is hemorrhoids, the doc can write you a prescription for suppositories that have cortisone in them that offer quick and long lasting relief. Take it from someone who knows. Tom

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember all the things you have to be thankful for! Tom

Anything "baby bass" pattern. Never caught a thing with 'em. And I agree on Hula Poppers. I've caught lots of bass on Jitterbugs, but Hula Poppers just don't produce for me. Those bright, bubble gum pink worms (fire-tail worms too) are another non-producer for me, probably because I have zero confidence in them and I quit on them too fast. Tom

Yep. Tail down for me too. But I really don't think that the fish care one way or the other.

There's quite a few. http://www.basspro.com/Rapala-DT-%28DivesTo%29-Fat-Series-Crankbaits/product/98346/-1537089 http://www.basspro.com/Norman-Lures-Professional-Edge-Baits-Fat-Boy/product/61263/-1540008 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Balsa-Boogie-Crankbait/product/42768/-1114598 There's three that are reasonably priced. I'm sure there are more out there. Tom

They've won their division two years in a row. That ain't all bad. Just 'cause they lost ot the CHIEFS doesn't make 'em a bad team. Tom

I carry a Gerber Compact Sport http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/160 My wife gave it to me for Christmas 11 years ago. One of the best gifts I've ever received. It goes everywhere with me. Tom

This ^. In my case you could figure in the cost of the reels too and still not come up to $1100. Funny thing is, I still catch bass with 'em Tom

54 spinnerbaits?? Wow! Do you have a dolly to carry your tackle box? ;D I probably carry at least that many crankbaits. I'm not gonna count the jigs. Tom

X3. It drives me nuts. but it works. I'd much rather be slingin' a crank or a spinnerbait, but if deadstickin' is what the bass want, I'll make the sacrifice Tom

My most productive colors have been plain white, white w/ hot pink head, chatreuse, and black. Some days, they'll hit anything you throw at 'em and other days they get real picky. I carry a good assortment of colors just to cover as many bases as possible. Tom

I love catching trout on an ultralight rig! I use a BPS 6.5' Micro-Lite rod and a Pinnacle Deadbolt reel with 4 lb. line or a 5' Mitchell rod with a tiny little Quantum MS-00 reel with 2 lb. line. Can't wait 'til June when I'll be heading to Colorado for a week of trout fishin'! ;D Tom

My year has been pretty good, so far. Early April through late June was the best for sheer numbers, mid-summer was kind of tough, and the fall has been outstanding. And it ain't over yet Tom

x2^ They all look great, but I'd be willing to bet that those two in the second to last pic would slay 'em on my local lake! Tom

My prediction for the future in Minnesota is that, for the next four months, it will be really cold. Tom

I prefer a short pistol grip. They just feel more secure in my hand. As I get older, (and more arthritic) the straight grip and trigger rods seem to be harder for me to grip securely. I always feel like I'm gonna pitch the whole rig into the water. It's getting harder to find a quality rod with a pistol grip Tom