K_Mac

Everybody I talked to at least mentioned some kind of light. Too many choices, so little money. Thanks for all the help guys. I'll let you know what I end up with. Well done Senkoman12.

On an 1/8 oz Spot Stalker shakyhead jig. I usually start with Trickworms, and if that doesn't work the finesse worm is my next choice. I always have a few bags on hand. They may be small , but I have caught some good fish on them. Edit:Spot Remover jig is correct, not Spot Stalker. Thanks Alpster

Well after spending most of the day looking at firearms (a pretty cool way of spending a day) I think I am going to go with the 870. I am going to have my local guy order it for me as soon as I decide what cofiguration I want. The choices are huge... I also looked at some nice handguns, esp. a little S&W 38+P revolver that would make a nice little pocket gun. I think I'm hijacking my own thread. : Senkoman12 I don't care if you are 15 or 50 I appreciate your opinion. You think the Wingmaster and 500 are better guns than the Express based on your experience. That's cool. 8-) It's when you say the Express is a pos that you cross the line IMO. It is not about winning the argument, it is about respecting other people... Just my $.02

That stringer of bass would now be illegal in all 50 states.

I have had a reel fall off a rod while casting due to a bad reel seat. The reel fell over the side. I was able to hand over hand it back into the boat. It was a cheap reel on a cheaper rod, but at the time it was the only one I had. I always use a simple slip knot, it won't hold if spooled by a fish, but will hold enough to retrieve the combo.

Regular Hybrid. I have not used the Ultrasoft.

Will do. I will take mine back at the first sign of rust.

You've gone over to the dark side. ;D Just kidding Shimano posse. I haven't had a rust issue with my CL, but have only been using it a couple of months. Based on the opinion of the many folks who use Crucials, I'm sure you made a good choice. 8-)

I have tried several different lines over the years, but always ended up using Trilene XL. It had been a long time since I had tried anything else. While XL is great casting it has little abrasion resistance. Based on recommendations from many on this site, I decided to give YZ and CXX a try. I bought 600 yd spools of YZ Hybrid in 6, 12, and 15#; CXX in 12 an 15#. I applied KVD Line and Lure as instructed on all line after spooling. I continue to apply it regularly. I am using the 6# YZ on my spinning rigs. With care I don't have too much trouble with it. I do like the strength of it, but when my wife and other less experienced fishermen have used it manageability is a real issue. In direct comparison on BC set-ups the CXX is more manageable, abrasion resistant, and easier to get a perfect knot. My wife wanted to know what was wrong with the line on her reels when I spooled with YZ. When I re-spooled with CXX all was right again. Hammer 4 I know many love YZ. I don't based on my experience. I don't like hate braid. Some use it exclusively. When it comes to fishing, we all have to find what works best. Best is a very subjective idea. I'm just trying to enjoy the journey.8-)

I also love fishing new water. The challenge of finding fish is a big part of what I like about fishing. Don't get me wrong, I like catching fish. Catching fish on a new lake is just very satisfying. Refining a pattern and locating bigger fish is the icing on the cake. My back-up plan is to blame not knowing the lake for any lack of success. : Getting all the information available before your trip will greatly improve your chances. Fishing reports, lake reports, etc., can help. Dept. of Natural Resources (or your equivalent) lake info regarding stocking, species present, size, and numbers can also be helpful. A good topo map is an extremely valuable tool. By doing your homework and having a plan before you get there, you can increase your confidence and your chances of a successful trip.

I think you are probably right regarding the transducer. I would recommend giving Lowrance a call. I have found their service folks to be very helpful. You may have to wait a bit before you can get to speak to service... I have had the HDS 5 for a year, and it has been worth every penny. Good luck.

Avid it is good to hear from you. 8-) There are a couple of guys on the board that do BPS reel repair. Parts are readily available I'm told, although to this point all I've not needed anything but routine service. While BPS sells many reels that I would not buy, the Pro Qualifier an excellent value IMHO.

David I don't bash YZ, I just won't buy it again. I have it spooled on three of my BC and two spinning rigs. I bought it and some P-Line CXX early this year to try. I will buy P-Line in the future. It is much more manageable IMO. Some hate it. I guess that is why there are hundreds of different lines out there. I appreciate your input. I don't have to agree with you every time, but I will pay attention to what you say.

The M4 is definitely out of my price range. It looks like it would be fun to play with... I'm going to go to a couple of the larger dealers in the area tomorrow or Monday and actually handle the 870 and 500. Thanks again for the input.

Thanks again. That is a very cool site. 8-)

A couple of other questions: Can 00 buck shot be used in a rifled slug barrel? Should it be? Will it hurt anything?

That is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. I looked up top folding stocks on-line. I had no idea they were available. Looks like it would make the gun far more versatile. Thanks. 8-)

Amen. I used to be a runner. Puking is just part of it. As has been said, you will likely find out you're capable of more than you thought you were. 8-)

I'm thinking of buying a new shotgun for home defense, camping, etc. Anyone have any experience with this weapon? I have never used a shotgun with only a pistol grip. Any opinions? Thanks guys. http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=28&section=products

I don't know whether to laugh or cry after seeing this. :'(

I did throw a spinnerbait over a much lower voltage power line once on a small private lake. It wrapped up and I had to cut it loose. I fish a power plant lake that has high voltage lines close enough to the water to reach if you really wanted to. I don't know if fishing line of any kind can be a conductor, but that is a very bad place to find out. My recommendation is not to do that again. ;D

Yup, keep up the good work. 8-)

Catt you are catching way more than your share. Good for you. 8-) I need to move a little farther south. Not that I would put up your kind of numbers, but it would increase my chances...

I think this discussion is a good thing. I have health issues that sometimes keep me in the house for days at a time. When I'm up to it I go fishing. One of the things that helps keep me sane when I can't get out is hanging around here. I enjoy the conversation and believe that disagreement can be a good thing. It is often how I learn and I am a much better fisherman as a result. Spirited conversation is easier in principle than practice, esp. in this format. With the many different worldviews and philosophies represented on this site, one man's witty sarcasm can push buttons that send others over the edge. Some of us don't play well with others. Even lovable and humble guys like me can sometimes come across as nasty and condescending. There is a discussion going on in the rod/reel forum now about fishing frogs on mono that I think is a great example of how it can work. Strong opposing opinions from guys who know what they're talking about, yet the thread hasn't degenerated into, "I can urinate farther than you can" (yet anyway). That is what makes this site great IMHO.

I also agree that the built in transducer is worth the extra; no wires to pinch or brackets to break.