K_Mac

I agree Fishing Rhino. He may have far less cash left as well when the folks that he defrauded come after him looking for restitution and damages.

Armstrong is a classic example of our dual nature in my opinion. His arrogance, dishonesty, destructive behavior is hard to understand, yet he was able to some good along the way. He is not the first, and won't be the last to get caught up in 'the end justifies the means' rationalizations. I feel sorry for him and all those he hurt. I also think the sport has some answering to do, and changes to make. Like baseball, they knew this was going on for years and did nothing of substance to stop it.

You're lucky you didn't get a complimentary cavity search...

Same here, Raider.

We had very hard water in our last place, and lines and filters would clog quickly. Make sure the valve is physically opening and water passes through it, then check for flow down stream.

I have two live wells in my old tin boat. I usually keep a plug in the rear one, and use it for storage. If I know for sure I won't keep anything on a given day I will also plug the front. You can never have too much storage...

Sounds good FFI. Thanks. I am always willing to try different teas and and coffees, but always come back to my standard Lipton black and Folgers premium dark roast. When my mother was alive she was always making other teas and trying to convince me they were better...if I find anything interesting I will let you know.

I drink a lot of hot tea. I have tried some of the more exotic stuff, and find regular black Lipton is fine for me most of the time. I use a 12 oz mug and two regular tea bags. I like my tea like my coffee-hot and black.

RW gives one method of "slow fishing" and references threads to many others. As the Nike commercial says, "Just do it!" I won't add any more specifics, but will tell you once you begin to catch fish-esp the larger ones often caught with this style, you will understand that forcing yourself to slow down is sometimes all the difference and worth the effort. Good luck.

If you are only going to take one, some kind of T-rigged plastic (like you are using) is probably about as good as anything. If I could only take one bait it would be a Senko, wacky rigged, with the option to use weight to vary the rate of fall. As mentioned jig would also work. The problem is nothing works best all the time. One of your combos and a couple of lures would give far more options. Add a top water, a crankbait or two, a hard jerkbait, a spinnerbait/chatterbait to a small fanny pack and you are ready for most situations. Just my opinion-worth what you paid for it!

RW I hope you have a good supply of essential items stored up. With those conditions you could be immobilized for a long time!

Bass Junkie and the others are right, generally speaking. My crankbait fishing has improved since going to a glass rod with a little more forgiveness. I had used a MH fast action rod with a softer tip for years, but the slower action of the crankbait rod is better, esp right at the boat where most fish are lost. One more thought, and the reason I say "generally speaking". A friend gave me a very nice 7' 2" micro guide, moderate action E21 Carrot Stix cranking rod rated 3/8-1 oz, which puts it it in the MH to H range depending on the manufacturer. He bought it to throw DD22s and other deep divers. It is just too stiff for this purpose in his and my opinion, in spite of the slower action. This rod makes a very good flipping/pitching stick for heavier cover and it works great for frogs as well. I am sure there are others who feel it is perfect for the purpose it was designed. My point is, rods vary greatly across manufacturers and finding the best for you can take a little trial and error. Good luck.

I also wish all the BR family a joyous Christmas and a healthy, safe, and prosperous new year.

After years of heart related issues, about 9 months ago my cardiologist told me he was doing all that could be done medically, and either lose weight or not to make any long term plans! I hope you're right about blood pressure not being a serious issue; it has been for me even after losing weight with diet and exercise. I am finally making real steps toward getting things under control. My point is it took a scare for me to do what needed to be done. I'm glad it was nothing serious, and hope you can use this as an opportunity...good luck.

Way to go BB! Investing in your wife will give a much better return on investment than a couple of NRXs. FWIW you have to change that avatar man. It is really creepy...

Preach4bass is right. The only one you can control in this situation is yourself, and you will have to live with how you do that from now on. Forgiving your father doesn't give approval to his past, it allows you to turn loose of the pain and anger that lives in you. My parents made some really bad choices. It took me many years to come to terms with the fact that they did the best they could. When they passed I was at peace with them and myself. I wish you well and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

That is really twisted! I like the way you think. Maybe Big O can expand the Rage franchise to include snacks...

LMG my preferred line is not listed: P-Line CXX (copoly).

Your questions are not simply answered. Crankbaits cover a wide range of styles and techniques. Colors span the entire spectrum. What kind of bait to throw, and where to throw them is just too broad for a simple answer. There are many articles on this site that can help. I recommend starting there. Whitish, green/chartreuse and red based cranks are generally my go-to colors. Knowing the bait in whatever lake you're fishing will give you a start. Add water clarity and you have another bit of info; clearer water will generally require more natural colors, and often a faster speed; stained/muddy water brighter or darker and more noise... Not having a depth finder simply means you have to pay attention to details when you find fish, and then find other spots with the same conditions. Nothing to it... Bass fishing can be as simple or complex as you decide to make it. Good luck and enjoy the journey. Welcome to the site.

I agree with the answer that one rod is not the best option. Can you get by with a Medium or Medium/Heavy power fast or extra fast rod for both single and treble hook baits? Absolutely. The problem is what is best for a jig or plastic, and what is best for most crankbaits is quite different. If I could only use one, it would be a Med power/Extra Fast action rod rated about 1/4-5/8 oz. Just my opinion based on my preferred baits. It really comes down to what works best for you. That will take a little experience to determine. Good luck.

Traveler a man who will eat scrapple should not turn up his nose at grits. A little butter, and a couple fried eggs and you are good to go. I am watching my figure of late so a little good EV olive oil makes a good butter substitute IMO. I would guess a man with your refined tastes in "meat" would like some good fried hog jowls...and some fried okra ain't too bad either. Now pickled pigs feet are an abomination any way you spin it. I'm going to have to get a snack...

Y'all are completely crazy, yet I have done many of the insane things mentioned. No one in their right mind goes fishing when it's too cold, too hot, too windy, too wet, too late, too early, too much rain, not enough rain, waters too high or too muddy, waters too low or too clear, and 3 pounds won the big tourney held yesterday...except us. When your reel and rod eyelets keep icing up. When you have to wear rain gear to stay dry and it ain't raining. When there is so much wind, boat traffic, or both that standing on the deck requires gymnastic skills. When it's 3:00 pm, 106 degrees, you've been fishing since 5:00 am, you've caught 1 dink, and instead of talking about a cool ride home it's what spot and technique to try next.

Put an old reel on it and spool it with heavy line, then attach a lure retriever to it and you are ready the next time your favorite crankbait is eaten by a hungry piece of cover or structure. There is always the tomato stake option...

A philosophical question. Excellent! I was away from fishing for several years after my brother was killed in an accident. He was my fishing partner and best friend, and I was lost for a while without him. It took me a while to find my passion for fishing again, but thanks to a great wife and good friends I finally found my way back to the water. When I did it was like coming home. My wife has become a very good bass angler and as good a fishing partner as I could hope for, with benefits that are beyond the scope of this discussion. On the water I can talk about the verities and vagaries of life, or nothing at all. There is a spiritual element for me as well that is also beyond the scope of this discussion. While I can not begin to put into words all that fishing means to me, I do know that without it I am not complete. I would be remiss if I did not mention the role this site has played in me finding my way back to fishing. It was not long after getting back into fishing that I found my way here. I was encouraged and welcomed by folks who have become freinds though we have never met. Thanks guys.

Bankbeater you make a reasonable point. I have had other BPS reels that have not been as good a deal as the PQs. What has always been exceptional with Bass Pro is the customer service. The PQ has proven to be a very good reel, for me and many others. I also know if I buy one that does not perform up to the standard of the others BPS will make it right. I don't know of another reel that can routinely be purchased new for $80 that is a better value. Just my opinion, YMMV, etc.