K_Mac

It sounds like Florida is missing a major source of income considering the disproportionate number of flatulent senior citizens. I still get mine the old fashioned way-WalMart.

I will second the nomination and move that nominations be closed... As for the Man Card, BC you may have wait an extra couple of months before being eligible after this thread.

My tendency is to buy what works, always looking to save a buck. More expensive is not always better. With that said I agree with RW that buying good baits is usually a good value. I swore I would never use LC baits, but once used you will see there is a difference. I would rather have a couple of Pointers than a box full of cheaper jerkbaits. RWs list also gives a selection that covers the entire water column. I would add Booyah jigs, Zoom plastics, PLine CXX, and a few knock-offs to my list : but his list would be a great start IMO.

I have not met him either, but have been around long enough to not want to. ;D I hope things are going well Burley. Happy Birthday.

Robert Duvall as Gus in Lonesome Dove brings his character to life. I had read the book a couple of times, and Duvall was Gus. Denzel Washington and Robert Redford get honorable mention.

I worked for a couple of years doing installation of medical equipment, e.g. sterilizers, instrument washers, cart washers, etc. I dealt with a lot of stainless, brass and copper. Many times I would also do de-installation of the stuff my equipment replaced. I would always rent a truck, find a local scrap yard, and sell the scrap. I worked all over the Midwest and was never asked for any kind of permit or license. I always asked for cash, and was never refused. That has been a long time ago. There may be more regulation now, but I always got the impression it was a don't ask, don't tell sort of industry.

I used to work in and around Chicago for a few days every couple of months. If I had to drive in Chicago every day, I would drive off a pier into the lake-if traffic would allow. ?

Yep. They work exactly as they should at a great price. 8-)

The XF will feel softer and load up quicker with light baits in my experience. My PQ 7' MXF is my favorite baitcast rod.

We really lucked out in my area. We have about .6" of ice on wires and trees. Not quite enough to cause the wide spread power outages that many are getting. Most of the precipitation came as sleet. Cleaning vehicles is like an archaeological dig: .25" ice, 1.5" sleet, .35" ice, 1.5" snow on top. Areas 15 miles to the south have much more ice damage; 50 miles north blizzard conditions. I hate winter!

That's just about right. 8-)

If you can get to work before things get bad, that would be my choice. Once you're there you can make do. Aftter the road crews have done their work getting home will be easier. Good luck.

I like it. Handle on the proper side, light weight, and better looking than some of the women I dated back in the day. As soon as they get the price down to about $125 I will buy a couple. ;D

We have blizzard warnings in the St. Louis area! That hasn't happened in many years. I live a little south, and we are predicted to get over 1" of ice and then several inches of snow, with temps below zero and winds to 50 mph for the next few days. There will be huge power outages if predictions are anywhere close. I hate winter. If I drop off the grid, I will return-unless I freeze. :-/ Be safe.

Excellent post. Very well said.

I like them in stained water, in windy conditions, and low light periods. I also like 1/2 oz in chartreuse, chart/white, and bluegill. I caught several very nice fish this past spring pre-spawn when fish were staging to spawn, and this summer on steep rock drops into the old river channels. Speed of retrieve is up to you and the fish; stop and go, slow, fast, or a combination of these chatterbaits have become my favorite "moving" bait.

Exactly my experience. A Senko or knock-off is one of the most versatile baits in my arsenal. Just one example: Depending on the weight, a wacky rigged Senko can be worked quickly at a variety of depths. I'm glad everyone does not use them; makes the fish more likely to bite mine.

I hate to admit that knowing what's in it is not what keeps me from eating it. Like J Franco, I have some limits but most are not nutritionally based. I would not eat anything with sweet potatoes for example. I suspect I am about as Mexican as SoFlaBassAddict, but I do know what real Mexican food is, and Taco Bell is not even close.

I would rather see a kid with a snoopy pole catch a DD than catch one myself. It would make a much better story. I will continue to fish and enjoy it whether I ever catch a DD or not. I am not sure what you mean by "some fool with a Senko." As long as it is not using the Senko that makes him a fool, we are in complete agreement. If you mean that he is a fool because he is fishing with a Senko, well, that's just foolish. :-?

There is nothing wrong with a Senko, or a deep crankbait, or a C-rig, or a drop shot, or any of the baits mentioned in this thread. It is simply about what doesn't work for you or your style. Clancy, I completely agree that there are times when a Senko will out fish other baits, and I always have one tied on and ready to go. It fits my style. I hate deep cranks, but KVD has made a gozillion dollars fishing them. Fish Chris has caught many world class LM on live bait. Others think live bait is cheating. : The only real winner is the bait monkey. He likes em all...

Could not have said it better.

My prayers are with his family. He will be missed. Another reminder that life is fleeting...

Some great advice here. Learning to save money from each check is one of the most important things a young man can do to insure his success in the future. It takes discipline, but regular saving and investing will give you opportunities that most people will never get. Showing up on time and being there when scheduled is fundamental, but it is amazing how many folks don't get it. You can be the sharpest, hardest worker when there, but if you are not there you are a liability. Working hard and staying busy are vital. Asking "what's next" will make you more valuable. It has been mentioned several times, but bears repeating; attitude is often the only thing you can control. An employee with a good attitude is far more rare than it should be. Whining and complaining are sure to get you noticed, and not in good way. Grimlin is right about cockiness. While young folks are maybe the worst offenders I've worked with many "adults" who thought they knew it all, yet had no idea of what they did not know. Do not be that guy. Good luck and work hard. The Government is going to need yor tax dollars to pay my Social Security. :-[

My favorite is on a shakyhead. 1/8 oz and 6# line.

Dodgeguy when I saw that BPS had quit making the higher end Johnny Morris rods I thought of you. I like the PQ rods , but they have lowered the price and I haven't looked to see if they did the same with quality. I can't see any good coming of you hanging out with J Franco...it's just a matter of time before he has you using Daiwa and Shimano reels, and copolymer line. ;D I'm glad you guys had a good time.