K_Mac

Some of us IL guys are Rams fans. : Thank goodness for baseball!

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If I could go back knowing what I know now-maybe. If I had to make all the same mistakes again-probably not. One thing is certain:The older I get, the better I was.

The call on Albert's first "error" was reminiscent of Deckinger's call in 85...well maybe not quite that bad. The strike zone was HUGE! The plate ump must have plans for later this evening? There is some kind of grading system, but I have no idea how it works.

fourbiz I enjoy your pictures, your stories, and your attitude. Way to go brother.

I like to soak mine overnight in 90 weight gear lube. Give it a try!

I am not a big cb user, but I have caught some nice fish on the Bandit 100 series. It bounces its way through wood better than anything I've used and seems to be very durable. I've not used any LC. They cost a little more than I'm willing to spend. I did spend 3.50 each on a couple Bouya jigs the other day though... :

I have a new 9.8hp 4 stroke with about 10 hours on it. I bought it as a kicker motor for my 18' aluminum boat to fish the 10hp limit lakes here in So. Illinois. So far it has performed flawlessly. I talked to many dealers and small outboard owners before I decided to buy Tohatsu. I had some say they were made cheaper than Merc or Honda, but everyone who actually owned one had nothing but good to say about them. It was @ 500.00-700.00$ less than the rest. Time will tell if it was the right choice. For the money I think they are a good value. I really liked the local dealer. That was a big part of the decision. Good luck.

I agree. I've read the book several times and Duval brought Gus to life for me. Best western ever.

Netbait Paca Chunk and Paca Chunk Sr. for jigs used either way are my favorites. I don't use a trailer most of the time with a spinnerbait, but when I do, I use a 3" or 5" curly tail grub to add a little bulk.

squertz I have been working a lot lately on pitching with lighter weight lures on a BC, and I can feel your pain. I have made some progress, but am still trying to find the line between too free, too tight, and the right amount of thumb. If I could land a lure as quietly with a spinning outfit I wouldn't bother, but I can't. I will keep working at it and hopefully enjoy the journey. Good luck.

Thanks man. I am excited about not having to deal with standard lights; what a pain. If I always remembered to unplug them, my experience may have been better, but I was changing bulbs regularly. The last straw was breaking a new bulb (my last) while installing it.

Do you guys who have these on your trailer unplug them before backing in the water? They are submersible lights but I want the advice of someone who has them. I just installed a set and the Walmart employee who I asked left me less than confident he knew what he was talking about. ::)The lights are made by Tiger Accessories Group. I think they are exactly the same light sold as Blazer. My on-line research is inconclusive. Thanks for the help.

I have 2 Pflueger Presidents that sell for @ 60.00$. They are great reels for the money.

This is my first year to really use this technique. I have had good success fishing the edge of weeds using it. I've caught fish as it comes out of the grass, but most fish, esp. the bigger ones, seem to be at the base of the grass. Staying in contact with the bottom is key. If you find grass and rock together hang on! Good luck. P.S. A Zoom trick worm (Junebug) on a 1/8oz SpotStalker jig is my go-to choice.

I am with Catt on this-deep water structure-usually with a jig or C-rig. I know many use a deep crank in this spot, but I just don't like cranking much. Finding off-shore structure and fish, and then getting them to bite is the best for me.

A rattling jig with a big trailer like a paca chunk sr. has worked well for me. Working a single colorado blade spinnerbait much like a jig with a lift and fall retrieve has also caught a lot of fish for me at night. I think it was roadwarrior who once said fishing at night "is just like during the day, only darker." The only real difference for me is that it takes a lot more focus and attention to detail. Being on a lake after all the crazies or before they get there makes any challenges well worth the effort. Good luck.

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I don't have the Humminbird, but I looked closely at it before I bought the HDS-5 for my console and the 5X for the bow. The clarity of the Lowrance and the detail of the Lake Insight was what made up my mind. I am not saying the Hummingbird is a bad choice-it is a fine unit-but for better or worse I went with Lowrance, and am very happy so far. If you're like me either the 788ci or the HDS-5 will open up a whole new world. Good luck.

This question could have saved me many headaches and a good bit of money several years ago. The bulb had deteriorated just enough so that after a few minutes of full throttle it would begin to clog and restrict flow. Good luck.

I just purchased this unit (45" shaft) and have only used it three times, so can't give you an answer based on a long history, but am very happy with the Fortrex so far. Above @30% on the digital control and the unit is a little louder than I would like is my only complaint. Deploying and stowing is easier with this unit than anything I've ever used and power consumption is far less. The mount is very quiet and removing the entire unit from the base is very simple. I have a Lowrance HDS-5X on the bow, and it works great with the US2. It is great not having to worry about knocking the transducer off or pinching wires in the mount. The cost of replacing a failed transducer will be more but I guess that is the chance you take. Good luck. PM me if you have any questions.

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Just an FYI: Cabelas has this unit on sale for $180. I am also in the market and will likely pick one of these up in the next week or so. I've also considered the Lowrance X96. It is about the same price. I know it is subjective, but do any of you guys know how these two match up?

Just an update-I purchased the Stearns belt from BassPro, and have worn it on three trips. I am very happy with it. Thanks again fishinfiend. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_50112_100021002_100000000_100021000_100-21-2

fishinfiend-thanks for the recommendation. I will check these out as soon as possible.