bear7625

Moon phases may have some effect on fishing, but I believe weather is more of a factor. The barometer is the key! I have tried to keep a journal when I fish, but like everyone, when the fish are on the bite my good intensions go by the wayside. I have found that when the barometer is falling, the bite gets tougher. I'm going to try to work harder on other techniques like dropshot, shakeyhead jigs, and fishing slower. Hopefully I will keep track of what works.

I fish Lk Erie, but out of Port Clinton,Ohio. The main reason is because of the weather. The Bass Islands off Port Clinton allow you protection when Erie gets rough. There also is a ferry that will take you across with your boat. I know it's hard to plan a trip around weather.

I updated some rods about 5 years ago. I have a good friend who works for BPS and he introduced me to the extreme series. I bought 3 rods and couldn't be happier.

This is going back before the super braids, when the material used for braided line was dacron. My uncle carried fly line dressing in his tackle box to use on his line when he fished topwater.

That after 60 years of fishing, the passion is still burning inside. Seeing that fire now burning in my 3 sons from a small flame I may have started in them.

I agree with islandbass! Dirt and silt can kill a real. Even when a reel doesn't get dunked it should be cleaned and lubed on a regular basis.

Thanks for the info. I still have the paperwork and the reel is in great shape. I don't plan on selling it and probably will retire it along with my 5000A in its leather case. I must be a pack rat, I can't seem to let go of anything when it comes to fishing equipment.

I just bought a Soron STX last week at Gander Mountain. I ran into an in-store special and got it for $79. They normally sell for $129. Haven't had a chance to use it because we still have HARD water here in Wisconsin. The Shimano Symetre is on sale at Cabelas' for $79, but I think they're last years model. Still an awesome reel for the money. I've had one for about 3 years.

I still have 4 or 5 ambassadeur reels that I have hung onto over the years. Not to many bass fisherman use the round style reel anymore. I have a small 2500C that I still use when I fish certain top water baits. There is a guy that keeps bugging me to sell it to him. I don't think this model is made any longer. Does anyone have any info on this reel?

Hello from NW wisconsin. I live in the small town of Chetek,which is about 40 miles north of Eau Claire. I'm originally from the Rhinelander area. Been a "small town hooker" for over 50 years. I've fished everything from walleye to salmon, but mostly a bassin man the last few years. I found this forum a couple days ago,quite by accident, and want to say it's the best I've seen! Found a ton of knowledge and everyone on hear is great.

Like most "old timers", I started when shoreline fishing was the way most anglers were taught. It wasn't untill the little green box did we know what was below the surface. It amazed me the first time I fished my favorite lake with a sonar. A lot of things we had heard from locals growing up, simply were not true. Remember all those deep holes? Every lake had em. I have found there is a time to fish deep as well as shallow. That's what makes fishing so great. If we ever stop learning, we may as well quit fishing.

My father for getting it all started 60 years ago and my 3 sons who wont let me stop!

Potato Lk. is still good for musky. I don't fish muskies as hard as I did years ago. I still love to fish em, but now I spend more time chasing smallies. Also, being a wisconsinite, can't pass up a good walleye bite. I'm new to these forums, and just want to say thanks for the warm welcome and wish I would have found u guys sooner.

I found a couple of good sellers on eBay. I bought 2 Quantum Accurist PTs, brand new in the box, for $50 each.

Simmons sporting goods has a site on eBay that has great deals on Quantum Accurist Pt reels. (especially LH retrieve)

Where are u in western Wi? I'm 40 miles north of Eau Claire in a small town called Chetek. The chetek chain is OK early in spring before the water gets green. If u want to plan a great trip in Wi, try Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, the 2nd week of June. Smallies 4 to 6 lbs are common.