the_fishin_dude

In-Fisherman has a book on Smallmouth. It covers everything you'd ever want to know. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0929384504/qid=1147174856/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-2761190-5648932?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

I got the eTrex Legend about two weeks ago, alittle after this thread got started. I bought it on eBay for $125. I think it's amazing for the price. I've used it pretty heavily for the past two weeks, mainly for geocaching (which is almost as addicting as bass fishing), but also marked a few fishing spots. Nothing has really come up unexpectedly, I lose signal occasionally, but for the most part it works pretty well. Overall happy with the purchase.

Please Eat The Animals ;D

I'm in the same boat as you. I've done a bit of research on GPS units, and it seems like the Garmin eTrex Legend is the best in that price range. I compared it to the Garmin eTrex Venture, Magellan eXplorist 200 & 300, and the Lowrance H2O. Based on customer reviews, it seems all these units have some trouble acquiring a signal in heavily wooded ares, so thats something you might want to look into more for yourself. Maybe someone on here can give a bit more info on these units.

It's OK, there are a lot of tips, but probably nothing you coun't find here. The one advantage I have found is the videos. There are quite a few good ones, but that begs the question... "Is it worth the extra $$$ for some videos?" My answer, I don't plan on renewing my Insider membership. Oh yeah, the message board here is WAY better.

Sooo many fish.... soooo little room in the boat!

Yeah, I signed up for it. The videos are awesome, but I'm not so sure it's worth all the money they charge. Unless you're like me (a don't have cable) you could probably just see the same info on ESPN2. Some of the tips are pretty good too (and actually updated frequently). The message boards aren't nearly as great as these. ;D By the way, any of you other Insiders get the free tackle bag or the 2000 BASS Pounds? Like pfunk said, I probably won't renew my membership next year.

Chris, do you have any tips on different retrieves. Like when you shake a worm how much is too much shakin? Or if I'm hopping it along the bottom how far should I move my rod? Or is this all stuff that's determined by what the fish want? I'm trying to fish worms more often since they're so versitile.

Hey everyone, I've made a few posts in the past week and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Jeff from Pittsburgh, PA. I've only been into bass fishin for about 2 years. I would say that I'm still a beginner but I enjoy going out every chance I get. Also, I've found some outstanding info on these boards so far. I'm planning on heading out this weekend and working with some soft plastics. I've got some Senkos, Powerworms, Shadbody Roboworms, and I may get some Horny Toads. The lake I'm fishing is small, 101 acres, the clarity is usually about 2 feet and I think the water temp will be around 65-70. There are several laydowns in 2-3 ft of water, some grass in 3-8 ft, a couple of small stream tributaries. Just wondering what type of cover I should be targeting with which bait and what type of presentation. Thanks for any help. 8)

Anyone ever read "The Modern Book of the Black Bass" by Byron Dalrymple. It's supposed to be and updated version of the original "Book of the Black Bass." Just wondering if it's worth it or if some of the other books that have been mentioned in this thread would be a better read.

Looking for a club to join in the Pittsburgh/Western PA area. Jeff

Just got Ike's Rules yesterday! I'd have to agree with everything you said. There really wasn't anything I've never read about, but I'm a more visual learner so I think the video helped me tie some things together a little bit better (yes, I'm pretty new to bass fishing). The only thing I would say to anyone considering buying it is, "It's not a HOW TO FISH video." It's more of a how to FIND fish video. But I enjoyed it and think I'll use it as a reference in the future. I'm curious to see what other "rules" Ike comes out with. Jeff