mcipinkie

3/4 oz. Gary Klein Heavy Cover flipping jig. I can't guess how much money I've won on that jig, or how much I've lost because I won't put it down. In an average tournament year, I'll bet I have that jig in my hand over 50% of the time.

In Georgia, what are you talking about winterizing a boat? The best fishing of the year is just now starting. I'm in KC. It was 9 degrees here Friday night. We fished a tournament today. We run a winter circuit until the lakes freeze. Some years they don't freeze, some they do. If they freeze, then open up, we fish. I've got three bass boats plus a pond boat. I never winterize any of them. My newest one is a 2002 200 HPDI Yamaha. Fish all winter out off all three. If it's not up for over three months, just put it up. Charge the batteries a good idea. New LU grease. Need that at least once a year, anyway. Pull the hose off the water pressure gage, good idea if it gets real cold. I've gone through a half dozen in the Yamaha in 16 years. Run some Stabil through it if you want. I never do, but I never put my boats up. Other than that, get your clothes on, and go fishing.

I think I'm pretty d**n good. Been throwing baitcasters over 50 years. I can pitch, flip, cast, roll cast with either hand. Don't matter to me. Then I watch Swindle on the Tube and I see a really good caster, and decide I really ain't that good. Whether it's fishing, golf, tennis, bowling or whatever, it's hard to believe the gulf between the merely competent amateur and the highly skilled professional.

Here's my $0.02. Turn off all the brakes, whatever kind they are, and learn to use your thumb. I've been throwing baitcasters for over 50 years. Started with the old red 5000's, currently a Lew's man, but I have Revo's, Quantums, even a hand full of BPS Johnny Morris reels. Every one of them has the brakes completely loose. Honestly, I don't even know what kind of brakes they have. The only time I ever touch the brakes on a reel, and its a Revo Winch, is when I'm throwing big crank baits, 8 or 10XD or something that size.

I had the same thing happen with a whole box of SK Red Eye Shads. Two dozen lures. Took the hooks off, and trashed them. The only thing I can think of is heat. All mine were fat and round and most of them split just like what you are showing. If you took yours out of a cool to cold place and put in the boat at 100 degrees or so, expansion probably set in. TRASH !!

What is this "drag" you are all so scientific about? Is it that little star shaped wheel under the handle of the reel? That must be the one I crank down all I can on my casting reels. Set the hook and yank 'em in the boat. We don't need no stinking drags !!

You've got the right idea, just not carrying it forward enough. I'm 72 years old and have pitched and flipped as long as I can remember. Cast right hand, then change hands. Then I saw Biffle on TV about 10 years ago. He's the best I've ever seen. Even better than Denny. I started working with the rod in my left hand as my primary method. Over the course of a season, it'll mean a fish or two, I believe. But here's the carry forward. It's important to learn to cast with either hand. Sometimes you just can't get the angle right with one hand, but can the other. Plus switching hands gives one hand a chance to rest. To me another advantage is "wet hand, dry hand". I try to keep my rod hand dry. Not just pitching and flipping, learn to cast with either hand. It'll bring rewards. That said, it's still more important to put the bait in the right place, than the hand you cast with. Watch Hank Parker. I don't see how he ever catches a fish the way he holds the rod, but he casts in the right place.

The same reason people will pay $5.00 for cup of coffee. Someone has convinced them that it's worth it. I like Quik Trip coffee just as well, if not better, than Starbucks. When people quit buying the high dollar stuff, then it will quit selling. Hell, You can buy a Cadillac pick up.

If any of you can tie an FG knot as fast as I can tie an Alberto, or Uni to Uni, you are amazing. I'll tie leaders several time every day when fishing, particularly when in heavy cover. I watched a dozen videos with line in my hand and couldn't tie an FG knot, or figure out any real reason to. I didn't see any of those knot gurus tie one in less than two minutes and that was sitting at a desk, and I'll bet with multiple takes. I can promise you if I thought an FG knot, or double wrap Shindo, or any other knot, would help my fishing, I'd tie it. I'm 71 years old and have been fishing since in the single digits. I've tied, or tried to tie, every knot that's come down the pike in 60 plus years. I even tied a Bimini Twist once. Never do that again. I think the Alberto and Uni to Uni can't be beaten, but if something comes along that works better, I'll tie it. Knots can only be as strong as the line. My base rig is 50# braid and 25# FC. The Alberto comes through the guides OK except when pitching, then I make the leader short enough it doesn't go in the guides. For casting, I don't have any problem with the Alberto knot, and I fish braid and leaders on every rod, every lure, every technique, except mat punching. I'll stay with my base theory: If it's good enough for BASS Elites or FLW touring pros, it's good enough for me. Here's the real deal. Tie the knot you like. Within some bounds, it doesn't matter. It's all about catching fish. I have a part time partner, my age, very good fisherman, even excellent, that ties some old knot from the 50's that his grandfather taught him. I think it was called a "Fisherman's knot". He ties the same darn knot in everything. He doesn't fish braid. Never a problem. Uses a blood knot for splices. Go Figure !!

Here's my read: I ain't into the technical stuff. I just want a knot that I can tie in hurry and have confidence in. I figure that the guys on the BASS and FLW tours are in the same boat, so I watch what they do. Even a techno geek like Aaron Martens ties an Alberto or a Uni to Uni. I tie either one depending on the mood I'm in. I've drug a lot trees out of Lake Truman with either of those knots. They work. I can tie either in the rain, snow, driving wind, or all three with either hand. Swindle ties a double cinch (it's "cinch" not "clinch")at the hook. I tie the double improved cinch. Never fails. It's about fishing and catching fish. Now, I must admit, this applies only to bass fishing. I don't chase tuna or even muskies for that matter.

Here's my $0.02. There ain't no such thing as a safe boat. No such thing as an unsafe boat. When, where, and how you chose to use a boat determines whether or not safe. You should be able to be very safe with a 14' - 16' jon boat on any of those lakes if you use good judgement. 10' or 12' might be pushing it, but if that's what I had, I'd go fishing. If you're not experienced, get that boat in some protected area, away from a lot of boat traffic, and get experience. I'm 71 years old. I've been fishing out of either my dad's boat or my boat for 65 years. I've had everything from a 10' flat bottom to my 20' Skeeter I have now. I've done dumb things, and scared the crap out of myself in every one of them. I've fallen out of d**n near every boat I've owned and am still kicking. Get out there and learn to use the boat. Use some common sense. Wear your life jacket. You'll love it. PS: The worst I ever was scared and worst wreck I ever had was in the Skeeter. It don't have nothing to do with boat size.

If you are trying to push that load with a 150, "greatly overpowered" seems misunderstood. You're adding almost 1,500 lbs to the weight of the boat. If I remember the old Nitro's, that 882 was a hog anyway. That's the reason they make big boats with big engines. I can't remember what the stern of a 882 looks like, but I'd imagine trim tabs would be a tough install. Probably would help if you could mount them.

I used to enjoy Hank's TV show when he fished by himself and tried to teach something. Now he's sold his soul to TV. I won't even talk about that Flesh and Blood inanity.

Buy another one. Go fishing. If you want, I'll take the guides from the Kistler. Good guides. I can always use them. From where it looks like that one is broken, you'd never get a fishable repair. I've doing them for almost 50 years, but sometimes you just give up.

Fine reel. I bought one about 4 years ago for a bank walking reel. Paid 50 - 60 for it. It's in my boat now as a prime reel. The plain jane silver/blue reel.

Am I just getting old? None this crap really looks new to me. Just rehashing old stuff, telling us it's new and better, we can't live without it. and upping the price. Spot lock, or whatever they call this year, trolling motor. Who cares? I don't see nothing that makes me reach for my credit card.

I don't understand any of this. My bread and butter rig is my flipping stick, 50# braid, 25# FC. Used to tie the double uni knot. Pulled stumps out of the lake. If I got hung and couldn't get loose, had to tie the line to a cleat and break it with the TM. Never broke knots. Now use an Alberto knot. It's easier to tie for me than the double uni. Same thing. I've pulled whole trees up with that rig. Never had any trouble at all. I believe I could tow my Silverado with that line leader. I'm sure the FG is a good knot. I've tried it a few times just to see how it looks. Looks great. Ain't got the time to tie it on the water. I can retie every rod in the boat with an Alberto in less time. I will say this speaking for me only. I retie my leaders at least every day, sometimes during the day. My leaders start out about five feet long. During a day's fishing, I'll cut off and retie often. At the end of the day, my leaders will be no more than a couple feet long. Tie me up another and go again. If it works for any of you, use it, but I can't comprehend using the same knot and leader for months, at least not fresh water fishing. Remember fellow, it's about catching fish. Don't lose site of the goal.

I like what you said "I like what I bought". That's what matters. Whether or not anyone else likes your choice is immaterial. The Veritas's are a little more powerful than rated, but that's a fantastic flipping stick at a very good price. I went with another brand due to some financial help I got, but I never had any problems with the Veritas big sticks. I pitched and flipped every thing from 1/4 oz to 1 1/4 oz with no problem.

Hold the reel the way it feels good and works for you. Look at Hank Parker. I don't see how he ever catches a fish holding the rod the way he does, but he's got two Classic trophies. Personally I palm the reel, cast with either hand, or both hands, depending on what I'm doing. The rod just goes to the hand it wants to be in and I cast. Never even think about it, but I'm been fishing for over 60 years so it's second nature to me.

How do you get on Lotawana? I thought they had closed that lake to outsiders because of zebra mussels. I live on Tapawingo and understand it very well. If I could get on Lotawana, bet I could figure it out. We're closed to outsiders because of the zebra mussels here also. Here, during the summer, I catch all my better fish (4 and over) suspended under docks on jigs. Here at least, the fish are not on the bottom. I come down the lake like a bat out of hell, throwing a jig at corners of the docks, lifts, posts, and most of all, ladders. Big bass love to suspend around ladders. Pitch that jig out, let it sink 4 feet, wind it in and go again. I'm looking for hot fish. Not wasting time on fish that don't want to bite. I generally fish here one or two afternoons a week. Almost always get a fish or two over 4 in a couple hours. If the tournament is early in AM. I'd throw a Super Spook along the floats and dock corners for an hour or so. Big black one. Think big. No spinner baits, no chatter baits, no crank baits. Jig and big worm. Buzz bait maybe if cloudy, but live (or die) with the jig. Remember, think big. I usually throw a 3/4 oz. jig, big trailer to slow it down a little, but hunting hot fish that will reflex bite. If you really want to be a hero or zero, put a 10" worm on the back of jig. You won't get many bites, maybe none, but you'll like it if you do. Heavy up. I use 50# braid, 25 lb fluorocarbon leader. You won't spook the fish you want to catch. Alternate idea, at least here: wing that big jig into the water willows. I assume Lotawana has them.

I can't stay away from this. You've had the knot tied for a couple of DAYS casting and you think something is wrong with the knot when it comes undone? I use the Alberto for everything. 50 lb braid to 25 lb flouro is my bread and butter rig. Hard to cinch up tight. I pull the tags with pliers. I pull up trees with that rig. I have use the boat to break off when I get hung. I also like to use 10 lb braid with 12 lb fluoro leaders to shakey head fish and jerk bait. I retie every few hours. I start out with a leader about 5 ft long, cut off and retie my lure regularly. When the leader gets to about 3 ft, I retie it all. I fished double uni's for years and had no problems, but the Alberto just looks and feels right to me. It's a good knot, probably the best. Strongly urge you to re tie more often. Nothing will last for days of casting, particularly if you are using micro guides. That's a whole "don't do this" unto itself.

I saw an interview with Denny Brauer on this subject. His answer: "I never peg my sinker unless I'm fishing heavy cover. Wait a minute, I'm always fishing heavy cover. You figure it out." I always peg or bobber stop. See no reason not to. I want to feel my bait, not my sinker.

Tournaments at the Jackson County lakes are starting. Looks like the ice should go away hopefully this week so we can get started. Blue Springs Lake – Saturday Mornings through May 10, 2014. 800A – 200P through March, then 700A – 100P. They have already missed a couple weeks due to the ice, but should start as soon as ice out. 4 – fish limit. $50.00 entry fee. For info call 816-550-5664. Lake Jacomo Bass Club – Sunday mornings through April 6. 800A – 100P through March, then 700A-100P. Then start Wednesday nights, with a few Sundays. They have already missed a couple weeks due to the ice, but should start as soon as ice out. 4 – fish limit. $40.00 entry fee. For info call 816-215-0065. Monday Night Jacomo Buddy Bass – We start Monday night, April 14. 600P – 900A. 2 – fish limit. $30.00 entry. We run this as a two fish circuit so an individual can fish alone if he/she wishes. The Jackson County limit on Lake Jacomo is 2 – fish per person. For info call 816-812-2787, or email to ehorton@hortonsteelservices.com. There is also a tournament at Longview, but I don’t fish, so don’t have any information. Schedules and rules are at the marina, Bass Pro Shop, and 40 Woods, and other locations. These are great tournaments, well run with a good mix of professionalism and joviality. If you are beginning tournament angler, or just want to fish close to home, these are great tournaments. Just walk up and introduce yourself, and some will help you get started. Come out and join us.

Lake Jacomo - Monday, July 8, 2013 It looks like Lake Jacomo has reached what In-Fisherman calls the "Summer Peak". Fish have moved into their summer locations, and if you understand summer fishing, you can catch them. We set another record for turn out this week, with 16 teams fishing. Brutally hot, no wind. Water temps low to mid 80's. Almost everyone caught fish. We had 8 - 2 fish limits weighed in. Several teams had fish that they didn't weigh. It seems like the big fish are still elusive, but a lot of keepers are being caught. Tom Yankee, fishing alone, won with 2 fish at 7.1 lbs. David Collins had big bass at 4.1 lbs. With the good turnout, these results paid $200 for first place and $80 for big fish. Blue Springs is still fishing Tuesday night. 600P - 930P. 4 - fish limit, $50 entry. Jacomo Bass is still fishing Wednesday night. 600P - 930P. 4 - fish limit, $40 entry. We are back on next Monday from 600P to 930P. 2 - fish limit, $30 entry. Come on out and join us for any of these events. The heat's not that bad, and you'll have fun.

Lake Jacomo - Monday Night, July 1, 2013 No report for last week other than Nate Flynn and Mike Hunsucker won at 6.9 lbs. I have been involved with some business and just didn't get it done. The weather was fantastic this Monday night, and the turn out showed it. We had 15 boats. That is our largest ever turnout. I only put room on the weigh in board for 18. With several new people coming out this week and last, if all the regulars return, we'll be keeping score on paper. Come on out. I have been predicting the fishing to turn on at Lake Jacomo and it apparently has. 11 - 2 fish limits were weighed in this week. Other teams had a fish or two, they chose not to weigh. The big fish are still hard to find, but keepers are all over the lake. Joe Almohtadi and Adam Almohtadi won with a 2 - fish limit at 6.4 lbs. Adam had big fish at 4.2 lbs. Water temp is 80 plus or minus a couple degrees. I caught my fish on a Money Craw in the water willows. With this many fish caught, it looks like multiple patterns were successful. Last week was threatening rain, so only 8 boats came out. 5 limits were weighed in. Every one had at least one keeper. Blue Springs is fishing tonight, and every Tuesday, from 600P to 930P. $50 entry. 4 - fish limit. Their summer jackpot tournament is next week, July 9. $100 entry. No qualifying. 600P to 1000P. Jacomo Wednesday night is on again from 600P to 930P. $40 entry. 4 - fish limit. We're back on next Monday from 600P to 930P. $30 entry. 2 -fish limit. As you know, we set these tournaments up with the two fish limit so a person can fish alone. We had 5 singles this week. It's not that much of a handicap. Come on out and fish any of these tournaments. Good fun. Reasonable entry. Close to home. A little bragging, if you don't mind. I fished the Joe Bass tournament at Pomme de Terre weekend before last. I caught over 20 keepers, and ended up with 14.98 lbs. Two at 4 lbs, two at 2 1/2, one at 2. Just couldn't upgrade the two pounder. Finished 7th place, just a few ounces short of winning the high Skeeter money. I fish these alone and have cashed in two of the three tournaments I've entered. Not bad for an old man.