RichF

Do you guys think a single paddle will do as well as a sock? Or will the boat drift funky because of the imbalance?

Bass fishing for me is more than just getting the bites and reeling them in. I love the art of casting and the skill it takes to pinpoint place baits at certain targets. I get a lot of satisfaction when I make an impossible skip under a dock or tree, even if I don't get bit. Trolling eliminates that aspect of bass fishing so I choose not to do it. I don't think it's evil, just a little bit lame (for bass fishing anyway).

For more options, try 6pm.com. I got 2 pairs of really nice polarized Spys for under $40 each. Retailed for over $140 ea.

I bought a tube of Megastrike on sale a few months ago because of all the BR peer pressure. Haven't used it yet. I still maintain that the best bass attractant is proper bait presentation;)

I don't do a ton of punching but I have a 7'6 XH moderate fast Kistler Helium for that technique. It's unbelievably balanced. I can flip an ounce and a quarter tungsten all day with no fatigue. I initially tried with my 7'11 H St Croix Legend Extreme but the extra length with the heavy weight made it tough. It was only comfortable with a counterbalance weight on the butt, which I just didn't like.

And I wasn't talking about speed...I meant it better fly...like fly fly. hahaha

Like Skeet's F-550 lol. That thing is absolutely ridiculous. $108k for a bass boat...that just turns my stomach. Hopefully it flies...literally.

HA! you're absolutely right. I was thinking along the lines of a 2011 or 2012. BTW, that boat estimate is for used also;)

I've only had one negative experience fishing docks. That was on Cayuga. The owner sprinted down his yard yelling at me. I didn't say a word, just moved along to the next one. I agree that small talk goes a long way. You'd be amazed at how far a simple "good morning" will go. I think asking permission is also a courteous gesture. I've never had anyone tell me I couldn't fish their dock if I asked. Most people are cool. I've even had people cheer and clap after pulling a nice one off their dock. Told them "You mind if I take this one for a little boat ride? I'll drop off this little guy in her place for now." I can understand the dock owners' plight though. I can't say I wouldn't be ticked if I got senko hooks stuck in my hands while pulling out my dock at the close of the season or seeing big dings in my boat or motor. If you're skilled enough and courteous enough..dock-fish-away. If not, maybe practice those things a little first.

I like pre-spawn much better. I don't like bed fishing. I'm not saying I don't catch them during the spawn as I'm sure it pull fish off beds while blind casting but I don't specifically sight fish bedding bass.

Largemouth, yes. Smallmouth, no. That brown sucker scared me when I saw it. That might have been the last time I shed an actual tear.

Thanks and 100% agree. My dad said their February was incredibly mild, even got up to 70 a day or two. March was a different story. Almost all the lakes thawed in Feb. only to re-freeze mid-March. We didn't have the big boats out so I couldn't get a water temp reading, but I doubt is was even 40 degrees!

Every year I tell myself to limit what I bring. I try really, really hard....and always fail. I wish I could simplify my approach....sigh...maybe next time.

I made the trek up to NY last weekend to fish with my dad. We both shared a nice, giant slice of humble pie Saturday. Our normal smallmouth areas on the river were blown out from 3 straight days of rain and the fish simply weren't there. I'm sure the 30 degree weather and snow overnight didn't help much either. It was incredibly frustrating since these areas always load up with massive schools between the last week of March thru the 3rd week of April (for the previous 6-7 yrs anyway). I honestly can't remember the last time both of us got skunked, but that's exactly what happened. We regrouped Sunday and went to pond we fished once, some 5 yrs ago. It was the first time we fished out of the 12 footer in a long time. The weather was much better but there was actually a little ice still on the pond in some spots. We didn't knock their socks off but we got some good bites. Ended up with 18 bites, landing 12 between the two of us (three over 4lbs). It sure fell good to have the rod bend! My dad's two nice ones to follow.

Congrats! I remember the first time my father and I won a team event. It was awesome. Glad you and your son got to experience that!

It's a random draw and I don't think you're guaranteed all days. My buddy has done it a few times and thinks it's well worth it. I'd have a hard time being in a bass boat for 8 hours and not fish! Hopefully you get a guy who's on'em.

Don't forget $35k for the truck to pull the $60k boat;)

I think the reason that was mentioned is due to the fact that braid is expensive line and novice baitcasting reel users are at higher risk of ruining a new spool of line due to backlash. Most guys will recommend practicing with cheap mono before making the switch.

Nope. I've purchased this a few times to ship them rods for replacement/upgrade. It has their address printed on it. And rightfully so, since they're likely paying a hefty fee to FedEx to be able to provide that service to their customers.

I thought so too. I could've swore I shipped a full length rod a few yrs ago USPS and it was around $20.

I tried USPS first and they wanted to charge me almost $60 to ship a TW rod tube with 2 rods in it to FL. I went UPS and it was $35.

I actually threw a 1/4 oz Phenix vibrating jig on the 736 Sunday. Only had five bites on it and landed 4. Nothing big, all around 2lbs. It's definitely more stout than I originally thought but I liked it a lot. No issues for me.

Check the rebates and promotions page. The Pline one is down towards the bottom. Add two spools to the cart and their price will drop to half.

I'm another anti-leader guy. I'll pretty much only use a leader when I'm drop shotting.

I picked up some as well. 200 yd spools are buy one get one FREE on TW right now.