K_Mac

I just read an article describing the fights that occurred during a joint practice. Some of the coaches seemed to think this was a good thing, that just increased intensity. I am only a casual fan, so for you football guys: Why would you risk injury during practice by going against another team? There were ~9000 spectators and a bunch of celebrities there, so maybe it's about money? Inquiring minds want know...

One thing is absolutely certain; if I were going to choose a fishing rod to kill cottonmouths, it would be an Ugly Stik.

I agree with you Dwight and I haven't used live bait for bass in many years. I just don't care to in the waters I fish. If I fished Erie, the Tennessee River, or other places where live bait increased my chances of a trophy I would have no reluctance to do so. I do not believe that the use of live bait is unethical or that mortality rates when using live bait in these situations is any higher than using artificial. C and G I think that keeping 4# bass to eat, if legal, is your choice. Whether or not it is unethical is a matter of opinion. I think that is the point here. While I don't keep 4 lb fish or use live bait I do not have the moral authority to condemn anyone for doing so. What I can do offer my opinion and make my case respectfully or keep my opinion to myself...which really isn't my nature.

I have PQs in both 6.4:1 and 7.1:1. I don't notice much difference in them when it comes to contact baits. I use the higher speed for jigs, worms, and frogs in the slop, and the 6.4:1 for everything else.

When fishing in heavy cover you have to be able to turn the fish . Your equipment sounds like it is up to the job. The drag is the safety to keep from breaking anything. Sometimes you will lose a fish when treble hooks pull out. That's fishing. You lost this fish anyway. With experience you will get more comfortable doing it. FWIW you do not want the fish on the surface. Once it gets its head above the water the odds go way up that it will toss the lure. When you see the pros skidding a fish across the the top, you can bet it is hooked on a single hook.

A-Jay it was gone, but now it's back! I don't mind Leadbelly's version so much. Very cool.

One of my favorites. A gifted actor and one of the best ever at ad libbed comedy. I have always admired his honesty and self-deprecating humor. It is sad that some of the most brilliant and creative minds have such troubled inner voices. I will miss him.

A-Jay I now have "Good Night Irene" playing in my head...I wonder if it will go away if this thread is locked?

I think we are close to Irene making an appearance. Just for the record, the definition of involuntary manslaughter is when someone dies as a result of a defendant's non-felonious illegal act or as a consequence of the defendant's irresponsibility or recklessness.

My budget doesn't allow for anything high-end, so a $300 combo represents a significant investment to me. I also treat everything pretty much the same. They are all tools. I enjoy them for what they are. I would not have a tool that I was afraid to use or lose. I have fished with guys who are so worried about their gear that it becomes their central focus. Life is too short. Buy what you can afford and enjoy!

I completely agree with you A-Jay. Those are simply the facts. Others can judge whether Stewart's actions warrant charges or sanctions, but no one can argue that he has no responsibility for what happened here.

Raider, deaknh is right. It sounds like you and your wife are going through the challenges that come with a new baby, financial challenges, and the general ennui that comes from dealing with life that does not seem to meet your expectations. Life will throw you some curves. I will pray for you and yours my friend. I take great comfort in that. PM me if you want to talk.

Well said. Squirmy not a thing wrong with the Ford and if that is what you like then go for it. Don't try to convince me that it is "as good as it gets" though, unless you just want something to argue about. I'm good with that...

Jhoffman I don't disagree with most of what you say. You continue to make it about money though. It does not matter one bit whether the owner of the house and recliner made his money or was given it, whether he likes to fish or not, or even if he behaves like an idiot. The only thing that matters in all this is how I conduct myself. I cannot control anyone else, and neither can you. Life is too short to worry about stuff you can't control or to fight with fools. Peace.

That is funny stuff! I am not ready to make my own, but if you can get it to market at a reasonable cost I will try it.

This statement represents an attitude that many have. It is the idea that excess starts where my budget ends. Some of the people who own these luxury homes,docks, boats, and recliners have worked hard doing things other people can not do to achieve the success they have. Good for them. Others have the same entitlement mentality as those who own nothing and think because of their economic status they are somehow more deserving. Tearing down a perfectly good home to build something else in my world is hard to accept, for others it much the same as adding a deck; they both use available funds to make the property better suited to their needs. A guy with a 20 million dollar home has the same right to be concerned about his property as I do fishing his dock from my old tin boat. There is always an under-current of judgement in these threads that suggests that because someone has more money than me he does not deserve to be treated with as much respect. It is as wrong as the knot-head who thinks that because he has more he deserves preferential treatment.

That was fun. Kind of an odd mix, but it all fit together well-including the vocals. Raider did a good job on accordion! Nice hat too.

My personal best came fishing a big worm at night on Bull Shoals early in the spring. I was very excited, but not at all surprised. I have caught many big fish in similar conditions. All of the lakes I regularly fish have the potential to produce a new best, and I target bigger fish. So like others, I plan to catch a new PB every time I go. I am surprised when I don't!

There are certainly times when live bait is superior, but I will take something artificial in heavy cover every time. Truth is I will take something artificial in almost every case. I enjoy the hunt and the deception involved with artificials and am ok with catching less or nothing at all if that is my choice.

I could have started a fire out in the yard, even though it is raining, and made my oatmeal this morning if I wanted to. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else, so I used the stove. I also have no interest in fishing using primitive techniques, not that there is anything wrong with that. Enjoy!

If it is not a brown water snake, it may be an anaconda-it is not a copperhead!

It is your garden variety brown water snake. Serves a purpose in the ecosystem and no threat to anyone. A copperhead has a heavier body, a thicker tail, and a bigger head with eyes that set it apart.

You would have a very tough time convincing my wife that she does not need cake from time to time. A-Jay the way you represent the Coast Guard is a credit to all who wear the uniform. Enjoy the cake and the day!

I've used both. CXX is far better for a C-rig IMO. It is stronger, has better abrasion resistance, and much less stretch. 15lb would also be my choice.

I am not sure if you are just rattling our chain or are serious about taking the line back having cut it and then decided you had bought the wrong size. My answer in either case is no it would not be ok.