K_Mac

Shakyhead fishing is one place where lighter is usually better IMO. My favorite set up is a 1/8 oz Spot Remover jig with a Zoom Trickworm. I will go up to 3/16 or 1/4 oz in deep water, or if wind requires a little more weight. I will downsize to a Zoom finesse worm in very clear water or when the fish insist. I use 6# YoZuri Hybrid and spinning gear (a 6'6" MF rod is my preference). As has been said, you can fish them just about anywhere. Transition seams, esp where rock/gravel meets grass, are some of my favorite spots to use them. Rocky points and humps are also high on the list. Good luck.

Yes. I would include a jig and craw as a "soft" bait. This time of year a jig, worm, Senko/knockoff, or creature get far more attention than any thing else.

I've had times where I caught my bait on something during the cast and had such a mess cutting was the only answer. If you can, set it aside and mess with it at home. Good light and no time pressure will make it easier to do. You may still have to cut it... If you still had too much line on your reel after a couple of cuts, you must have been seriously overfilled. :-?

Guys I recognize there is hypocrisy in my position on this. I was carrying a gun in the woods long before I was 16. I was also driving, operating farm equipment, riding dirt bikes, swimming alone in the lake after dark (probably less than an hour after eating :) and doing many other dangerous activities. As a society we allow kids to take part in all sorts activities that are inherently dangerous. I'm not suggesting we lock up our kids in their bedrooms till they turn 18 to protect them from all danger. I think I could make a case for this for daughters, but not today For most teenagers driving a car is their most dangerous endeavor. While most states allow kids to do it at 16+/-, there are many who would raise the legal age to 18. While I don't know if this is the right thing or not, there is a case to be made IMO. This quote by Ted Gregory of the Chicago Tribune goes to the heart of this discussion: Fifteen- and 16-year-olds have the logical reasoning of an adult, experts say. But their young minds' social and emotional development remains relatively immature and voraciously seeks sensual arousal, novelty and risk. When we allow kids to drive or take part in contact sports, motor racing, skate boarding, hunting, fishing-the list goes on-we accept that there are risks involved. We make a decision that our kids are physically and emotionally prepared to participate, and then we protect them as best we can. The question is: Should there be limits on what we allow children to do? I think we all agree the answer is yes. Agreeing on where the line is, is much more problematic.

Not me. And if either one was killed in their attempt, their parents would be called to answer for allowing a child to risk his/her life in such a fashion. Parents putting children at risk is everyone's business.

Here is another picture of a Northern Water Snake. I believe this is the snake. It is not a Copperhead IMHO. http://www.pitt.edu/~mcs2/herp/snake.pics/N_sipedon.gif

I agree Marty. It really depends a lot on the rod on how much over you can go IMO. I have a MXF that I would not overload much (if any) because of the light tip. I have a MHF rated for 1 oz that will easily handle more. Your dilemma is why many of us carry way too many rods."I never know what I'm going to need," can be very expensive. Good luck.

None. I've only broken a couple, and they have been done the standard way: operator error.

Isn't this contradictory? She might be a kid, but if she understands the risks and is a very accomplish sailor then what does it matter if she 16 or 18? She can probably sail better than all of us on this forum. I don't think it is contradictory. :-/ Being a mature kid does not mean she is mature enough to make a decision that puts her life at risk in order to set a meaningless record. I think it is a dumb idea at 18, but she then has a couple of more years to grow up, and the legal right to risk her neck if she wants to. Having raised a daughter, the difference in maturity between 16 and 18 is quite large IMHO. I think it is very likely she has greater open water sailing skills than any of us. For me that is not the issue.

Long Mike you may be right about her being safer alone on the ocean than many of the other places a 16 year old can go. That doesn't mean she is safe there. I do not think a voyage of this nature should be attempted unless one is mature enough to assess the risks involved. I don't believe any girl (or boy) of this age is really able to do this. I know this girl had a lot of sailing experience, time on the water, and she may be a very mature kid, but she is still a kid. Just my $.02.

Ketchup on a big medium-rare cheeseburger is one of life's simple pleasures. 8-)

Thanks Dan: I like the ketchup. Can take or leave the steak sauce. At $5 I will probably leave it.

Just like fishing equipment, it's not all created equal. I have tried other brands, but always go back to Heinz. I guess I'm a ketchup snob. :

Fourbizz summary execution of terrorists is an acceptable method of dealing with such egregious attacks. Even torture under some circumstances is not outside the pale... I think you're safe from war crime charges.

I am a casual fan and coming late to this party, but I am hoping the Celtics do it. While I am not a big Irish fan, I am with fourbiz in my feelings for Kobe.

This is the one I use most. The small grooved stones work well also.

Like Fishes in trees (and most of us probably) I learned most of what I know about boating, loading, unloading, etc. the hard way. Most people make the mistake of getting the trailer in too far. Fortunately I've never had to wait on someone afraid to get the trailer wet. : Ironically it was raining while he was doing it! The thing that really gets me going while waiting is at a ramp is when people (like this guy) act like they have all day. I understand not knowing how, it is the lollygagging that makes me nuts...

I like a F or XF action for any single hook bait. A 6'6" or 7' M or MH power depending on the situation.

Yep. Save the $30 and buy some terminal tackle.

I don't know if it was prose or poetry...it sure was fine story telling. Well done soldier.

I think the riser pipe is 21" od.

Yikes - I've broken that rule for sure. My Loomis GLX MBR842C is wearing ................................................... a BPS Carbonlite reel! Goose you are a heretic! A BPS reel on a GLoomis rod would get you burned at the stake in some jurisdictions. BTW if I ever own a GLoomis rod, it will have a PQ on it. 8-)

I can't seem to find a definitive answer. : I am not sure anyone knows for sure, but most "experts," or at least the ones who have gone on record seem to think it is 6,500-10,000 psi at the well head.

The dual braking will allow enable you to experiment with both. I find I use the mostly centrifugal, but it is nice to have the magnetic when the wind is blowing.

Number three, with the guy standing calmly as the jet passes a few feet above his head, is the coolest flyby I've ever seen. Wow.