K_Mac

Catt I think this is an important issue that should be talked about. We all need to pay closer attention... BTW you need to check your numbers on the natural seepage of oil into the Gulf. The seepage totals are all just estimates, but none are even close to that high.

Catt while I agree with you that, radical environmentalists share some of the blame for this, they are certainly not the only ones a fault. BP and Transocean took the risk of drilling 5000' below the surface. They knew the risks, whether they admit it or not. They made a business decision based on risk/reward, and decided the potential profit justified the risks. They then increased the risk of disaster by cutting corners to increase profits. The governmental agencies responsible for oversight of this industry are guilty of being asleep at the switch at best. They may be guilty of being asleep in the beds of the industry they were charged with overseeing. Politicians on both sides of the isle have done everything possible to distance themselves from this, but are not without guilt. Ultimately, We the people share some of the responsibility IMHO. Our addiction to cheap oil has caused us to pay more attention to feeding the beast than to our principles and planet. Saying this does not make me a radical environmentalist. I own a pick up and an SUV and waste as much energy as the next guy. I'm just saying there is plenty of blame to go around.

Catt no thinking person would suggest the loss of life, property, and the economic devastation caused by the major hurricanes you mention were not tragic, causing incredible hardship to the people of the region. I believe individually, and collectively as a nation, we have a responsibility to help when disaster strikes. I also believe politics, prejudice, and personal agendas often get in the way of effectively providing that help. There is a major difference in the current disaster in the gulf and the others mentioned. This one is man made. The argument can be made that global climate changes, causing more severe weather patterns are man-made, but the bottom line is hurricanes happen. They have always happened and coastal areas will always be vulnerable. I am not saying we should not help and support these areas when hurricanes happen. We have a humanitarian responsibility to do this, and the cultural and economic diversity of this region makes it an essential part of our national fabric. What I am saying is this disaster is not natural. Maybe it is an inevitable consequence of our unquenchable thirst for oil, but the impact is horrifying. The Earth has amazing ability to heal itself, but we have the technology to destroy it. That is a frightening thought.

IMHO a chatterbait is a "power" lure that is ideally suited to baitcast. I usually fish a 1/2 oz, and never lighter than 3/8. I always fish it on heavier line, and I often throw it into cover I would not fish with spinning gear. With the proper rod and braided line, spinning gear is a viable option; it just doesn't work for me. Use what works for you. Good luck.

I understand the frustration of fishing with idiots. You find them every place you go. As already mentioned, many of these people don't have a clue. While I've tried to enlighten a few over the years, most of the time it is like with a two year old child; they don't get it, and it will make you nuts. I still try from time to time, but Jack is right. Life is too short to let fools ruin your day.

My choice is the Pro Qualifier. I've been very happy with all three of mine.

My favorite combo is a 6.4:1 BPS Pro Qualifier reel on a 7' MXF PQ rod, spooled with 12# YoZuri Hybrid. Like J. Franco's LTB/Zillion, this combo will handle a high percentage of my fishing needs. I also have have a 7.1:1 PQ reel on a 7' MHF Carbonlite rod, spooled with 15# CXX that I like very much.

Yep. 8-)

Nice job! I agree with shimmy. When you start regularly catching bigger fish, you know you're doing things right. 8-)

Life is often like that; things come at you in bunches. Hang in there. Boat ownership is a fine thing...most of the time. Good luck.

Way to go. 8-) Having your own boat is a joyful thing!

Sounds like a great week to be fishing. Mild temps, a little rain, low light conditions-it's all good. Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits, frogs, buzzbaits and other noisy topwater baits would be my first choices. If you get a lot of rain, it might cool and muddy the water, slowing things down. Jigs/plastics tight to cover, or worked on deep structure would then be my choice. Enjoy. 8-) As the other guys have said: Stay off the water during the storms. I haven't always followed this advice. I may not be any smarter than I used to be, but I am more careful.

According to eyewitness reports (which may not be the most accurate) BP insisted that capping the well for future use be done in a way that left far less margin of error than what Transocean recommended. When combined with reports that that there was evidence the blowout preventer had already been damaged, which was known by BP, it appears that decisions were made to cut corners in an effort to save time and money. I agree that the lynchings should be delayed until all the investigations are finished, but if these reports turn out to be accurate, some of these people should go to jail. A year or so ago, in the St. Louis area, a trucker was reaching for his cell phone while driving. He caused a major accident in which a couple of people were killed. He is serving jail time. It was ruled that his inattention was criminal negligence. There is a long list of people who share blame for the disaster in the gulf. Not all of them work for BP or Transocean. Some of them are guilty of hubris and greed. Some are guilty of stupidity and bad judgement. Some are guilty of inattention. All of them have blood on their hands, and should be held accountable for the loss of life and the damage to our planet and people.

I experience that same feeling of, "what the..." every time I pick up a righty reel. I'm right handed, but learned on an old LH Shimano. I do wish I was more comfortable with RH reels just to be able to change up during a long day of fishing. I don't think it is going to happen though. :-/

I find, based on price and ease of use, brand Z works best for me.

I have hooked two fish on the same crankbait twice over the years. Both times one came unbuttoned at the boat. The first time both fish were in the 15-16" range. The last time they were both dinks.

The BPS Pro Qualifier is the best value around IMHO. The dual braking makes it very user friendly. My wife and I have three that we use regularly. We also have three Extremes. They are decent reels for the money, but the PQs are worth the extra. Good luck.

In my experience fishing three from a boat is a major challenge. Even in the biggest open style boat, like the Ranger Fisherman series, it would be hard for four to bass fish IMO. It is not just floor or deck space, but keeping four lines untangled while moving down a bank, esp. with three young boys... :-? Fishing is great way to spend time with your sons. 8-) Good luck.

I also use a 3/0 Gammy EWG. I have been using the super-line version since going to heavier line.

I don't have a Curado, but have several 7.1:1 reels. That is the perfect speed for frogs IMO. The higher speed enables you to get the fish out of heavy cover quickly, before it can dig in. The higher speed reel also allows you to quickly pickup line when fishing a bottom bumping bait like a jig or worm. I think you will be happy with the reel. It gets very good reviews.

I always use one when fishing from my boat. I have seen too many fish lost at the boat. It is the most likely spot for one to come unbuttoned even with good line, knot and hook set. :'( I don't fish for money, but a good fish lost at the boat is no fun. I fish with friends who do not carry a net and think it is somehow wrong to use one. This seems silly to me, but to each his own... 8-) Edit: I always use one on larger fish. Not so much on the little ones.

Well said. I completely agree.

I will always have a chatterbait ready to go on windy days. Usually 1/2 oz in white, white/chartreuse, or fire tiger depending on water color. I play around with retrieves, but a steady med/fast works more often than not.

This topic has come up in the past, and the consensus has been that age and use does not affect the sensitivity or action of a rod. I would agree with this.

I have three that are in their third year. They are decent reels for the money. As mentioned they are a little temperamental. They are not well suited for lighter lures, but do fine with 3/8 oz and up IMO.