Darren.

Congrats! Went out yesterday, nada, zip, zamboni. Not even a nibble. But it was a beautiful couple hours on the water here in VA.

No replies so far ... Hmmm. While I haven't fished the A rig, my understanding is that it mimics baitfish to bass whether or not they (bass) are schooling or isolated. So it should work on either schooling or loners...

Aww man, that's awesome. Would love a Sol or a Pxy. Would opt for the Avid, but since they're rated a tad stiffer I'd go for a ML, but that's me... Congrats.

Suppose it'd make for some great TV, eh? Wouldn't mind seeing Pros vs College showdown.

Absolutely awful. Hope/pray for safe/quick resolution.

I would venture to guess everyone gets skunked from time to time. But I'd also agree that these guys could figure the pattern better than the rest of us...

Welcome to the site!

I used low odor mineral spirits and some old rags to clean mine. Then I used a toothbrush and sealed with a single coat of UV-40 cork sealer. Just like new!

I just watched How Its Made and they featured bacon. You need some bacon, too. And don't fry it. Bake it in the oven between 225° and 275°. The bacon won't shrink like it would when frying.

Dude. I bought Costa 580G's last fall and LOVE them. Was scared to death given the cost ... get it, "cost"a. Sorry. But I scored a pair of 580G's off of eBay (yes, they're legit) for far less than at retail outlets. Been super happy with them - and the cablz to keep 'em on my head.

Ok. So long as it is constructive and not painfully obvious we live in the wrong place. But in all honesty, to hit your lakes for some FL strain bass is a dream of mine. Would love to catch a PB of double-digits there. And I'd like to score some Peacock bass while I'm there, too.

Nice haul, dude. Under $20 for that many bags!

I'll be the n'th recommender for the Stradic... But that said, I use my 1000 FI's for bass fishing, and some crappie on the side. Also have a Sahara 500 which has proven quite good at fishing as well. Mostly used by the kids, but hauls in bass as well as every other littler fishy as well. Let me also admit, though, that my eye is on the new Daiwa Lexa spinning reel in a 1500 size. Been so darn impressed with my Lexa 100 bait caster that I've been caught daydreaming of Daiwa spinning reels by my Shimano gear.

I second the best wishes for your quick and laughter-filled recovery. Laughter's the best medicine!

Dadgummit if you aren't the SECOND dude that has scored unreal deals on Premiers. My buddy fishes his Premier all the time and loves it. Got it for $24, just like you. Every time I look for a deal like that at DSG's they don't have 'em. In fact, the only Croix's I see are Triumphs now.

Wait now! Are we talking Senkos or senkos?

Yessiree! Like getting free candy as a kid. Love it when I check out at DSG unaware of the deal at hand. Makes me feel like a million bucks, LOL. "C'mon kids! We're going to DQ with the money Dad saved tonight!"

And that's one reason to love spawn in VA. Water temp? Pshaw. Dogwoods are in bloom? Well then the hunt is on! Paid off in spades for me last year, that's for sure.

I think Floridians should not be allowed to chime in on this conversation. Y'all are in the tropics year-around, no need to torture us folks in the more temperate climates....

I'd fish soft plastics (worms), and would fish them wacky style. So easy to set up, easy for kids to rig, and quite productive. Use standard colors like watermelon, green pumpkin, I like those with black and gold flakes, personally. Bass Pro does have starter packages, as does Walmart if you're looking to buy the stuff in Phoenix as opposed to hauling it with you. Also consider some floats (bobbers) and some catfish bait. If your kids land a cat, it'll be a fun fight. All this stuff can be had on the cheap at Walmart.

If I still lived up north, I'd probably agree, LOL... I braved the weather for the past couple of winters here, fishing on days into the 20's. Not this year. Not saying it won't happen. The itch is killing me!

So sorry. But hey, we get that in VA as well. 72° tomorrow, then back down to 40° on Thurs...

Not really. There are things I'd LIKE to become proficient at (cranks, spinnerbaits, etc.) but because i want to maximize my time on the water by catching, not just fishing, I tend to stick with my standards. Soft plastics. If I were fishing tourneys, I'd definitely spend more time on becoming more "rounded" in techniques.

Not only that, but thinking outside the box last year netted me my PB. Wacky rig watermelon goldflake lizards, weightless, or a split shot a couple three feet up the line if needed. Wacky is versatile for so many different types of bait. I wacky rig tiny Zoom flukes as well. Need to break water tension to get them to sink, but they're deadly, too.

I've never been a journal-keeper. Not my thing. Sometimes I wish I did, and maybe it would make a difference. I don't always have my depth finder with me, so air/water temp/depth not always on my mind as much as structure, contour -- things I already know for the most part at my primary fishing haunts.