pitchin fool

I have 2 TDS rods, and I like them very much. I have the 7foot jig/worm and the 6-6 jig/worm. I have held and played around with the froggin' rod, but wasn't sure on the telescopic part. I'd rather have the full one piece, but if you went for it I'm sure you would be more then pleased with it. Mine are light, sensitive and very durable...great rod for the price!!!

My first baitcaster was an exceler. It served it's purpose and is still on one of my set-ups for lake fishing. Not the smoothest or most powering, but it works. When cleaning it, you will realize why...lots of plastic in place of metal. overall a 6/10

I use them mainly t-rigged, but have also used the titleshot jigs to get them to really stand up and tempt them finicky bass. Last year I mainly rigged them with an 1/8 oz. bullet weight and that gave them a really nice slow fall. That's also a good weight to choose when you want to skip the bait around docks and timber, just be sure to practice that thumb motion.

I can't wait for our lakes to thaw!!! AAARRRRGGGGGHHH!!!

In my personal experience I prefer a beaver bait with more of a realistic pincer on them like the Northland Brush Beaver. I have used the RI sweet beavers, but the triangle cut appendages don't seem to get me the same amount and quality of fish. It's probably a mind thing, but that's my opinion and I'm stickin to it.

Soon as the ice is off the lakes...hello iowa fishing lisence!!!

I like the crazy legs t-rigged by itself and use the chigger chunks for jigs, but you should catch fish with it.

I mainly stick to buying what I like also, and only buy a couple new ones per year if my buddies are haulin' em in and I am not. What I do like to do, however, is ask for lures for my birthday and not specify what I would like. This is a fun way to get more gear and you never know what you will unwrap. I have received some lures I have really liked and some that haven't caught a darn thing, but hey it's all fun, as long as your fishin'!!!

I tried stren flouro in 8 pound last year and lost way too many lures on it. Don't know if it was a quality control issue or what, but I only give things one chance and if I'm not happy, I'll never go back. Before spooling it, pull on the line with your hands. I would do this and I could see the line fraying before my eyes...YUCK!!

Great story!! Just goes to show that you never know in what kind of water a big ol' girl lies. I love small waters that everyone else passes up.

You've stated that you fish on a river system and it's tributaries a lot and I am the same way. This last year I used braid on the river and noticed that it is a lot harder to keep bottom contact, due to the braids floating capabilities. The current carries it too fast and your out of the strike zone within seconds. My fishin' buddy will make fun of me for saying this, but on the river I feel flouro is a little better(for jigs and t-rigged plastics anyway.) However there is now a braid coming out that sinks. I'm going to spool up with it next year and see if I like it, cause I do love how braid feels in no current situations. That and you can't beat braids sensitivity and strength to size.

I have the origional pro qualifier. It's a decent reel. I love the dual brakes, but the smoothness is a little rough. I cleaned it as soon as I got it and it felt better after that, but I don't know what Edwin Evers was thinking when he stated that most people think they are using a three hundred dollar reel. My daiwa advantage leaves this reel in the dust.

I'm feelin' the same hurt in my heart. The countdown begins.

You two had one heck of a day. Gotta love it!!!

Holy Crap!!!

I die a little inside everytime I look at your pictures.

That's one loooong fish. Did you get a measure on her?

When can I come....I don't get any that size 'round these parts, but I can dream.

Gotta love how them smallies look and fight. Gorgeous!!!

Them bass love tubes. They get bigger in Iowa...Trust me.

I love fishin' smallies on the rivers. I'm heading out this weekend here in Mn. We are just getting back to regular water levels after a huge flood. Hope the bass are there and in a feeding mood. Nice to meet another river addict.

I've had the same luck this year. I've always caught a lot of bass just never any good sized ones. This year I've caught numerous 4+ and one just over 5. Being on this site and going with new people who are good teachers really helps. Go get some more.

Your one lucky dude to have such a great fishery to hit up at peak times...with huge fish to boot. Excellent stuff!!!

You got some real sow's there!!!

That spot looks like the bees knees!!! I just recently got introduced to sloppin' hold on tight!!!