K_Mac

Grandchildren are a joy. Congratulations. 8-3 sounds about right.

Abu or Shimano? Pepsi or Coke? Ford or Chevy? White or wheat? Blonde or brunette? Some don't really care that much; others are ready to fight at the suggestion that one is superior to the other. Then there are the ones who will always pick one that isn't on the list...where is Dodgeguy when you need him? ;D

Redline you need to get out among us regular folk once in a while. If they ain't got it at Walmart, you don't need it...

I think the "snap set" you're talking about is an effective way of setting the hook. There are many of us who use the 1,2,3 method with excellent results. There are many ways to skin a cat, grasshopper.

After reading BigGame0892's post I will add my $.02 on buying a baitcast reel. Buying a quality reel will make learning a lot easier. Abu, Shimano, or Daiwa have a long proven record of quality products. I would add the BPS Pro Qualifier to the list. You can often find it on sale for $80, but even at $100 (MSRP) it is a very good deal in my opinion. It has both magnetic and centrifugal braking, which makes it very user friendly. Good luck.

Whether you go with BC or spinning is really up to you. Most of us use both. The rigs you have are fine for many applications, but it is time to add a MH-Fast action combo IMO. I have two 6'6" MF Extreme spinning rods with Pflueger reels that I use regularly. They are decent combos, but for heavier weighted plastics and jigs, spinner/chatterbaits, swimbaits, etc. you need more power. I prefer, and recommend baitcast. A spinning combo will work for these techniques as long as rod, reel, and line are matched. To avoid the larger, heavier spinning reels needed for heavier mono/flouro line most use braid. Good luck.

That is why people who throw deep diving cranks often use lower speed reels; it takes some energy to move those big baits through the water. It is also a reason I am not a crankbait fan.

When I feel the tap, I set the hook, esp with a jig. With a worm I fire immediately most of the time; if that's not working well I might pause for a second or two, but not usually.

X2 My favorite bait; as of tonight, I've caught 510 fish so far this season on 5" grubs... 8-) While this may not be the perfect bait in every situation, rigged and worked properly it can be used effectively just about any time, any place, or condition. If I had to choose one bait it would probably be a grub.

GMAN the idea that you MIGHT win a criminal case is a powerful reason to leave law enforcement to the pros IMO unless ability, opportunity, and intent are present.

This site gives five rules for concealed carry, but I think it's relevant here: http://www.firearmstactical.com/index.htm

I was on a business trip to La Grange, Ga. several years ago, and went fishing with one of the local guys on West Point lake. I caught a very nice bass on the first cast. The guy immediately told me we were in trouble, that I had ruined our day. ::)As luck would have it, that was the only fish we caught. He was absolutely convinced that we had upset the fishing gods...

I would tie the line to something and walk into the yard stretching it a bit, then keep a little tension on the line as you reel it in. Spray it down with KVD Line & Lure. Let it dry overnight, and give it a try. After a few casts it should be OK. If not it will make good quality backing.

I would go in and talk to one of the local law enforcement folks, preferably the chief/sheriff. He will let you know what their options are. You might be able to get a local attorney to write a threatening letter. Even if it costs a few bucks it would probably get the gun back. Good luck.

Jigs and plastics are also my biggest expense. Add hooks, weights, line, the occasional chatterbait and crank, etc... :-/ I refuse to examine cost too closely-I really don't want to know. :-?

A skirted jig is what we are talking about. Here is an example: http://www.***.com/Strike_King_Bitsy_Bug_Jig/descpage-SKBB.html Here is a good place to start learning about jig fishing: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1189609782/ There is much good information in the Articles section as well. Good luck.

Quillback may speak for you, but lsufan334 speaks for me. ;D

I am in the process of upgrading my firearms collection. I've given this some thought, and I've also spent some time on the online gun forums. It always seems to get political... For what it's worth, I don't believe I have any right to kill a BG running away with my property. Killing a human being, even if he is stealing my stuff is not something I want to live with. On the other hand, I believe I have a responsibility to protect myself and my family. Any kind of physical threat and all bets are off. A BG who comes into my house is a threat, whether he knows it or not...

Not a bad way to go. I might go with a 1/2 oz chatterbait in white/chart. Add a pack of Gammy EWG 3/0 worm hooks if you don't have them...

Of course he is bettering himself, doesn 't matter if he uses the degree or not. I guess it depends on how you define, "bettering." I agree with Raul. I think knowledge for the sake of knowledge is a wonderful thing. I took an Earth Science course a few years ago. I didn't have one good reason for taking it, other than it sounded interesting. I loved it. I now know just enough to be dangerous about the Earth, and its place in the universe. That makes me happy, and isn't that what it's all about?

Watching Charlie lose those fish was just painful. Going in he had kind of a fatalistic attitude IMO that played itself out over the course of the day. There were a lot of people, including many of the pros who were pulling for him. It was a shame he could not pull off the win. I like him. I read his "Bass Wars" blog on Bassmaster and always look for his name in the standings. By fatalistic do you mean a lack of confidence in himself going into that second day, feeling like he just didn't belong at the top? I know he mentioned the "disappearing Charlie" nickname his wife gave him for bringing in a big bag on the first day and not following through after that. I'm rooting for him to stay qualified for the Elite Series and Classic and pulling off a win soon! Yes that is exactly what I mean. I am not one of those guys that believe by saying, "I'm going to be rich, good looking, and healthy," makes it so. I do believe Charlie had some serious doubts about being able to close the deal, and those doubts effected his attitude and performance. I am also a fan and wish him well. I think Charlie 's story is a good example of why it's important to maintain an even keel when you lose a fish or something goes wrong. Watch KVD when he loses a fish. He May grumble a bit, but he never loses focus and his lure is immediately back in the water.

"There's one," is what pops out most of the time, even when I'm fishing alone. Like Goose I also find myself talking to the fish from time to time. Should I be concerned about these habits? :-/ To this point the fish have not talked back...

If you can find the time and money I think going back to school is a great idea. I've taken many classes over the years. Once I decided what I was going to be when I grew up, and had enough training and education to do that, I've been able to take classes that I want to take. That is a lot more fun. It is good to know I will never have to take another math class... You are young enough to do whatever you want to do. Figure out what that is, and go for it. If you're like me once you think you know, life will surprise you with something unexpected. Good luck.

Watching Charlie lose those fish was just painful. Going in he had kind of a fatalistic attitude IMO that played itself out over the course of the day. There were a lot of people, including many of the pros who were pulling for him. It was a shame he could not pull off the win.

I read it several times before I posted. I readily agree that it is a great bait for a novice. It is also a bait that in the hands of a skilled fisherman can produce both size and numbers. The problem with online conversations is that meaning and tone can easily be misinterpreted. Raul I have great respect for your input, and meant no disrespect. I apologize for coming across that way.