K_Mac

I used to spend a couple of weeks on Bull Shoals every spring and spent as much time night fishing as fishing during the day or more. I love the excitement of catching a good fish at night. Hook a 3-4 lb, fish at night and you think you've got one for the wall. It is a great time. I still get out every chance I get, but not as often as I would like. There are many articles and threads about night fishing to check out on the site. Last time it came up someone said it was just like fishing during the day, only darker. Great line and pretty much true. One or two words of advice: Scout out the areas that you are going to fish during daylight so you have a good feel for the spots you are fishing (things look very different after dark), and keep every thing stowed away that you are not using. This is not the time to have a bunch of different rigs and tackle out. I have learned this lesson the hard way. Now T-rig your biggest dark colored worm or tie on a big jig and pig, and go for it.

RoLo I love your story about the Lake Huron trip, and I agree with the others that your careful, thoughtful approach is a good example for all of us. For most of us a trip to a far off lake is a rare thing, and you have to way the cost of a guide against the value of your time. I enjoy the challenge of finding fish, but it can be very frustrating trying to figure out a new lake when the clock is running out on your one trip of the year (or several years). I understand fishing on a tight budget all too well, and if a guide is not possible then good planning and attention to detail are an even more important part of the trip, but if the budget will allow, I will always hire a carefuly selected guide to start a trip. I Have really enjoyed reading this thread. Thanks guys.

I would agree with RR an Avid concerning the power and action of the rod. When I first started fishing T-rigged plastics (not long after water was created), I had a wimpy rod and missed most of the fish. You don't need a high dollar rod, but you have to have one fast enough to drive the hook home. Cajun suggested an exposed hook, and I have caught some of my biggest fish using plastics on an open jig, or even one with a brush guard. It might increase your hook-up rate. Hang in there brother! You will get the hang of it.

Avid What a great day you had yesterday! I, and everyone else, are very jealous. I think you have made the right decision regarding the knothead with the dock. Life is too short to let idiots ruin your day. ;)Keep us posted on your fishing success and good luck with the neighbors.

I've had some success night fishing early in the spring with water temps in upper 40's to lower 50's and air temps in the 40's, but always on a jig, worm or spinnerbait. I like to fish a spinnerbait like rattletrap fishes his trap-pop it up a foot or so and let it flutter down. Good luck!

I agree with blanked. When you take a job that places you in the public arena, you take with it a responsibility to conduct yourself in a professional way. It is part of the job. Professionals in sports, acting, or politics are often viewed as role models. They have skills and gifts that allow them to do a job that most of us can't. Because of this they are emulated, and sometimes idolized and worshiped. This is cost of having a job that many would give all they have to do. There is an old expression, The higher you climb the harder the wind blows. You can curse the wind, but that won't stop it.

I love night fishing for bass. My personal best (6.5lbs.) was caught early in the spring at night. I always use baitcasting tackle because that is what I'm most comfortable with. Organization at night is critical!!! Put everything away that your are not using. I have learned this leason the hard way over the years. I like a jig (with a rattle) or a large dark worm fished on an open jig head if conditions allow. A dark spinnerbait with a single colorado blade is another favorite. Good luck!

roadwarrior Amen brother! That is what makes fishing great; finding that subtle difference, whether it is color, speed, cadence, depth, size, or one countless other variables, that works at that particular moment.

Preston, I am new to the site also, and completely agree. If you can't fish, reading and talking about it are not bad alternatives. I've learned much since I've been coming here, and it is a great way to spend an hour or two. Welcome aboard. K

One of my favorite fishing experiences ever was watching my 12 year old daughter catch a 4 lb. channel cat on an ultralight with 4 lb. line, while crappie fishing. She is 26 now but it is still a great memory. Catching big bluegill on a small farm pond with her is also high on my list. I took one of my nephews fishing a few years ago. Brad was (and still is) a very hyper kid, so I knew we had to find fish in hurry or he would probably bounce out of the boat. We started in a spot that I felt sure we could catch some small fish. I gave him a Zebco 33 with an 1/8 oz. Roadrunner jig and told him to throw it out, count to 3, and reel it in slowly. As I turned to get my rod he yelled. I turned back to see he had hooked a nice fish (3 lbs. plus) about 10' from the boat. He was reeling for all he was worth. I told him to take it easy so I could grab the net. Before I could grab the net, he reeled the fish all the way up to the eyelet of the rod. ;D It was a sight to behold. ;D ;D I didn't know if the fish would pull free, the rod and reel would end up in the lake, or all of the above with Brad attached would be pulled in. ;D Fortunately the fish pulled free. I told Brad we were going to let it go anyway so we could count it. He still talks about the big bass he caught. Sharing the joy of fishing with someone, especially a child, is a joy in its self. I love fishing alone; experiencing nature in quiet solitude is good for the soul, but most of my favorite fishing memories are shared with another person. Teaching someone else this wonderful sport is noble work. Seeing somone else "get it" makes it worth the effort.

I could not be more in agreement with Yankee. I will only add one thing, at the risk of being politically incorrect: There is power in prayer. Good luck.

I only use this one, and have just been here a short time; but everyone seems willing to answer questions and offer advice, and do it with good humor. Life is too short to take things too seriously. You can learn a lot on this site-a good bit of it useful. I may even improve my language skills here. I bet you don't find the word internecine used on many other fishing sites!

Great info guys. Thanks. Reb-my computer doesn't know what program to use to open your file. All this technology makes my head hurt. :-?

LBH-I wonder if my wife would let your ex-g/f set me up with a similar system? How do you keep track of things on the water? I have tried a couple of times to keep records, but always get too excited when things are happening to write anything down, and If I don't do it right away it doesn't get done. By the end of the day my memory is not to be trusted. If you decide to market the LBH record keeping system, I am sure there is a market.

Triton_Mike I checked out the Hummingbird link-WOW.That is amazing. I have something new to add to my wish list. I checked out price on the BP web site, so it may be while!

T_Mike-The first 30 feet (more or less) from the boat is a darker blue. Is this indicating deeper water under the boat? What does the two shades of blue mean? What type of unit are you using? How big is a 5lb. grasshopper? These are all questions that come to mind. Thanks for your help. Disregard the type of unit question. Ididn't read the first post closely. Thanks-K

What a great thread. I guess if you haven't stuck yourself (or someone else) a time or two you just aren't spending enough time fishing. LBH, thanks for the great link. I hope I never need any of the info, but it's good to know just in case. As the sergeant on Hill Street Blues used to say, "Let's be careful out there."

Glenn, Thanks for getting my "ex-member" status cleared up. I only recently found ths site, but enjoy it very much. I looked around while you were renovating, and there is no other site I found that even comes close to this one. Great job!

I am new to this site and message forums in general. How do you Know the number of folks on the board at any given time and how many are guests/members?