FL Knifemaker

Nice Marty!!! I'm really diggin the bottom one!!!

I use a bunch of different hooks from 3-5 size. I've also been adding a heat shrink tubing bait keeper to all of them. Once I figured out the exact way to shape them and exactly where on the hook to put them, they REALLY work well. A pack of heat shrink tubing at the hobby store or Radio Shack will do MANY MANY hooks

I'm a lifelong NASCAR fan but I'm getting tired of the JJ/CK domination. Hopefully a new driver will come along an knock them down a few pegs ASAP.

WOW!! Best of luck with your new venture!!!

Well...............that sucks!! I was hoping to hear a better report. A good friend of mine fished all day yesterday at nearby Carter Road park and got skunked as well. We NEVER get skunked there I'm sure they'll turn on once the weather stabilizes.

I fish jigs often and do well on them. The problem is, around cattails, you will often get hung as you lift the bait out through the floating stems. The jig gets squeezed and the weedguard compresses, then you have to unhook or rip through a big long stem In that type of terrain, I quickly switch to creature bait with a Florida screw in weight. If there's not much CRAP floating on the water to hang the jig in, I prefer a jig. Also, pitching light jigs on a spinning rod around docks and other cover works very well for me also.

Ya........... I thought the water had to be warmer. I have a dedicated rod, about 20 varous baits. This will be the year of the "LCB" for me!!

Here's the forcast for Lakeland, I don't see a severe drop. http://www.baynews9.com/Klystron9.html?image=7day

X2 It's the only way..... I've heard of them killing wolves and other preditor cats as well. They also stomp the crap out of rattlesnakes.

I've seen that or one exactly like it at a car show here in FL. I guess that would be called a FishNskiNdrive??

My boat hauler......... My two wheeled transporter....... My long distance traveller..........

I would have told someone in a suit like that to "buzz off" before he ever got a chance to open his mouth!! Unless there was someone with guns and credentials, I wouldn't be taking my clothes off and dancing around

The pain of losing a dog is a deep one. Sorry for your loss. We have a tradition of making a shadow frame with various photos, dog tags, toys and anything else to remember them by. It helps ease the pain and provides a nice rememberance.

Mike, Do you have or have you ever posted a cutaway photo of one of your baits?? I don't want you to give away your trade secrets but I'd love to see how you make wire and weights inside.

I'm sure I'll be down there at least one of the days you guys will be there. I've never really done any better in the various recommended "hot" spots" more so than just heading out and fishing where it looks bassy based on the time of year and conditions. I'd take the time on the first day to get a good look at the lakes see where other bass boats are hanging out and try similar "terrain". I like to fish off the beaten path. We need BFRG T Shirts or something so we can spot each other!! Does the forum have anything like that or am I not looking in the right place??

Always impressive Marty!!

I bought some hand poured ones a few years ago that where blue sparkle on the back and redish/yellow on the belly. The looked sort of like a bluegill I guess. Anyway, the 10 in the pack got ATE UP in one afternoon. I should have bought more!!!

They look really good. Can you do a top to bottom double color as well?? Just curious.

I nominate this for next years summer Olympics........... http://www.gamaniak.com/embed.swf?file=http://media.gamaniak.com/vid/descente-cote-buggy-rollin.mp4ℑ=http://www.gamaniak..com/pics/3625.jpg&showdigits=true&controlbar=over&link=http://www.gamaniak.com/video-3625-descente-cote-buggyrollin.html&displayc

I'd like to find a vocational school that offers a 2 or 4 day class on outboards and general boat maintenance. I know they used to offer them. I need to check around. I have the tools, equipment and shop space to work on one but I could use a refresher coarse. I'd trust myself after a 4 day class over what I've been dealing with as far as local service :-/

I don't need glasses to play bass and don't need to see where my fingers are..... But when playing bass and having your hand and fingers appear to be in two different places is annoying

I dunno............ I think you should send it down here to central Florida for some early season, in water testing ;D

Same here. Having to manage two pairs of glasses in the boat is a pain the.........BUTT. I just hate having a lower lens when I'm flipping or doing things in the boat. I play bass and fish for bass as well Are you on the Talkbass forum??

That's what I do. That way they're easy to keep organized because I'm only bringing baits that I'll use on that particular day. I can also see exactly what's inside of each bag when I pack. I had the binders a few years ago and gave them away. I only use a selection of about 12-18 soft plastics anyway.

I've had a saltwater reef tank setup for almost 15 years. We have fish at are over 7 or 8 years old. I've never cared to have a freshwater setup but if I did, I'd probably put a Warmoth and a bluegill in it. I have friends with indoor and outdoor ponds and they do very well in a wide range of conditions. They're also the only interesting fish that won't quickly outgrow anything but a huge tank!! Even a crappie will max out on pellet food quickly.