Papa_Tom

Got one with a BASS re-up a few years ago. Still in the package, probably will stay there.

Gonna use the one BUD sent me. It's on Excel, looks good to me.

Can't help with the install portion of your post. My Ranger came with one installed. Hamby's in my case. As for any negatives, I cannot think of any reason I wouldn't want it on there.

Two FLW wins and four BASS wins. Maybe that is average results to some, would think that lots of pros wouldn't mind having six wins at that level. Heck, lots of guys would like to win six club tourneys in their time. Don't want to get into a p and v contest with anyone. Having said that, I agree with the statement about the shows anymore.....seems like an infomercial these days.

Buffoon might be a little harsh. Isn't he the guy that is credited with designing the EWG hooks? At least we know he doesn't edit out everything negative.

I use a football jig for this. As mentioned, one with a flat eye or cross eye. Leaving the jig free standing on the main line, bead/no bead, swivel, leader and hook. Sometimes use 3X plastics with this, actually more so than rigging conventional c-rig. Everyone has had those killer hits, or had one running with it, only to come up empty and with no disturbing of the plastic on the hookset. Often they have picked up the sinker. This is another approach at addressing that. Some guys say they have about a 50-50 jig to plastic catch rate. Mine isn't that high, but it does work. You won't hang this up any more than a normal jig presentation. The only doubles I have had came on trailers hitting the plastic while bringing in the jig fish. That is where the flat eye and free standing jig come into play.

I use Big Game (usually green) in 10 # test and up. If they made it in lower pound tests, I'd use that as well. Been using it for years and have not been sorry. It can have some memory, to me especially in the colder temps and heavier tests. It would take a lot to get me off BG. Not knocking anyone else's favorite, I just like this one.

I have a couple of the SOSpenders World Class Automatic PFD's. Once they go on, they stay on 99.999%. I am comfortable in them. I have heard reports that they would deploy in the rain, mine never have. They shouldn't since the sensing device is under a flap facing downward. If you got swamped by a wave I could see it happening. You do need to re-arm them every year (new pellet). Should one deploy on you (accidentally or however) a complete re-arming with pellet and cartridge is probably about 10 minutes. Most folks don't carry all that with them, so I would guess that you would be fishing with a deployed vest. It should stay that way about 24 hours w/o intervention on your part. If you stow them in humid conditions, they can and will deploy on their own. Takes a long time for this to happen. Also if you do not re-fresh the pellet as you should the same thing will happen. You can guess how I know this.

My first thought was also with the Mom and Pop shops, and protecting them. More than likely something beyond my feeble mind, tho'.

Good point, Hale. I use the emulator (sp) quite often in the winter to refresh myself. Seem to forget where things are on the various menus if I don't.

Never unplug. Sealed. If I unplugged the lights I would also be unplugging my surge brakes. My trailer is an '01 and I've yet to replace anything electrical/lighting..

If you want LedgeBusters and can't find a shop to buy them, call Jackie Tibbs. 334-616-6959. Also like his jigs. He'll send you a catalog if you wish.

I have one left--3/8 oz White Scorpion. It's on the wall with some others that are retired. Not in the best of shape, but that's why it earned it's spot. I'm thinking the Tarantula also came with or without a fiber weedguard. Glad you posted, sure brought back a bunch of memories.

I think Randall's follow-up statement is very appropriate. Water conditions will influence settings. On another forum a guy has contributed some real in-depth photos about his experiences, mostly in the fall. His sensitivity settings are around 80% at that time. I think the point was made, play with your unit in manual until you return bait and fish and minimal clutter.

Ciao, Gabriele. You will find many bass fratelli here, willing to share with you. My time in Italy was spent in the Naples area. Altho it was a LONG time ago, I still remember those days, the places I got to see, the richness of the history and culture. Tom

I catch some smallies now and then at Ky Lake, altho I am by no means 'good at it'. All are just beautiful bonuses to my normal LM fishing. I appreciate them, just not good at zeroing in on them. I mostly fish south of the 68 bridge, and am told that is some of the better SM water. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and c-rigs. Surely someone that knows better than I will come along and respond. Bud, CJ and others come to mind. Other thing I might recommend is to find guide Dave Stewart's reports and scour them. http://www.kentuckylakeguide.com/. Good luck. It's a great place to fish, my favorite.

Mustad Big Mouth Tube hooks in 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 take care of about 98% of my soft bait needs. I use them for all types of plastics. I tend to keep things rather basic.

Anyone used the Omega line of jigs? Thought maybe some of the St Louis area guys may have tried them. I've been looking at them and am going to get some of their Football jigs and I may also do their shaky head. I know that they are being field tested by some Mineola area pros, and are scheduled to be 'product-reviewed' in one of the BASS publications next month. Here is their link. It is kind of annoying to have to scroll down on it to enter, but..... http://www.omegacustomtackle.com/ Any followup would be appreciated.

I think you're getting some solid advice about the line/line digging being the issue with your casting. You may also look at how you are initially spooling up the braid. I use a cheap little BPS aluminum line winder held between my feet so that I can apply my line evenly and under tension. Helps a lot to start out with an even, tight spool. When it starts to feel soft under your thumb, tighten it up some on the retrieve. I use PowerPro and have for a good while. Sufix came out after I got comfortable with this one. You may like something else altogether. It may be better for you to use the heavier sizes as advised, at least until you master this as I'm sure you will. Personally, I use 30/8 only, but I have been doing this a long time (translation: I'm old) and am comfortable with it. Good luck

I use the Cook's system. Installed it last year. I just attached mine with the 3M double sided tape and it has been fine. You can hang jigs, sb's, buzzbaits and plastics' bags. Friend of mine uses both Cook's and Easy View. He prefers the Easy View for plastics' bags. Personal preference. kb is right, too. You won't find a nicer guy to deal with than Darrell Cook.

Avid....as far as the semantics, etc., I was wondering about Reel Magic versus Real Magic myself. Somewhere along the line the name must/may have been revised. I have a can of Blakemore REEL MAGIC here on my shelf. The ad in BPS online says REEL, but the picture shows REAL. Haven't looked at an actual can lately. I won't even try to get into the qualities of either product. I don't use them on my reels (thus the old can), mostly because I don't want the spray to get on the drag discs.

Just as frustrating for me is to be watching a show where they are whacking 'em and not let you know what they are using. This doesn't happen as often anymore. I guess they gotta pay the bills, but I agree. Sometimes it seems like overkill.

30/8 PowerPro for me. I've used a few others, seem to like this one best. Never had a failure with line or knot.

Got a friend who has one and really is impressed with it. I've not used it. The first stumbling block for me is that I find them to be somewhat cost prohibitive. $250 is more than I am willing to pay. Are they good reels. I hope so and hope they succeed, but I have been Shimano for so long and happily so. I guess I don't see how I could be that much more satisfied with a reel. $120 for a Citica (and older Curados) or $250 for an Ardent. For now, I'm staying where I am.

I'm thinking that Renosky was contracted to help with the surge in business that RAD experienced last year. Don't know if something more than that developed. Almost sounds like it from the ad. Keep in mind that the ads aren't necessarily proof-read by the manufacturer prior to print. i.e. Bandits page says 'made in USA'. They were, but aren't now.