OkobojiEagle

Thank you Wayne. Even the smallest flicker of candle light is helpful when I'm navigating in total darkness... your explanation is once again illuminating. My original intent was to replace my grey scale screen Lowrance X-85 unit with a similar color screen unit. I've bit off a tad more with the Hook 7 and its apparent I've got plenty of chewing to do before I get this unit thoroughly swallowed. Thanks again for the helpful information. oe

I don't think what I found (or understood) was that in-depth. What I do understand (I think) is Navionics uses a separate layer for community data and doesn't change their base layer of chart info. It probably isn't going to matter to me, as I'm looking to use the map to store personal way points from my local lakes and not much else. I won't be uploading any of my data (as if I could figure out how anyway) or, most likely, downloading any changes to the map after I have it loaded into the Hook 7 sonar. I'm looking to purchase the Navionics+ card, if there is a better map suggestion for the Hook 7 please post it this evening as I'm off to make my purchase tomorrow. I'm not counting on finding knowledgeable sales help at the Cabelas store which is 7 hours away. As always, I appreciate the information this board provides me! oe

Found my answers on another site... thanks. oe

Navionics+ (and probably other maps as well) allows downloading updates to a lake map taken from individual users of the map. Considering GPS isn't "to the inch" accurate and lake levels change, how is the accuracy of these maps improving? oe

83.7% time spent with a spinning rod oe

I defer to your grass situation as I don't have that to deal with in my lakes. I do have quite a few other weeds/vegetation... reeds, milfoil, pond weed, cabbage, coontail ect.; these weeds will catch on the jig heads and exposed hook points, but I've never had weeds catch on the tails of worms, grubs or small swimbaits. Different geographies will present different problems that require different solutions... oe

I take exception to the word "better"... certainly a lot of bass are caught using a straight tail worm, BUT that little 4" curly tail worm has its place chasing springtime smallmouth. oe

Rig your worm straight, push the hook point completely through the worm then pull the hook point back into the worm until you can no longer feel it when you slide your finger along the worm. I prefer the 3/0 classic spider head. oe

http://www.sliderfishing.com/4-Bass-Grub_c30.htm oe

I used to do exactly this^^... now I don't even bother with the plastic bags, just fill a plano box compartment fairly full, the jigs don't move about much. Hair and fur are pretty sturdy materials and jigs made of such don't damage easily. Feathers are a little more delicate and benefit from more gentle care. Of course, always dry them completely before you return them to the storage box (overnight on the boat deck works for me). oe

I've been married to the same woman for 40 years... at this point in our relationship she's begging me to go fishing more often! Hang in there, you'll work it out. oe

small jig head dressed with a 3 1/2" light colored swimbait. oe

It's fishing... Go when you want and find a different project when you don't. oe

light jig heads dressed with plastic is spinning tackle for me... 6.x:1 retrieve. oe

Try an auto parts store oe

Joel... Waters south of Interstate 80 fish like Missouri waters, north of I-80 fish as Minnestota waters; where in Iowa and what types of water are you fishing? oe

... but will repeat it on the internet for thousands of people to read oe

You guys should check out Redheart.com ... there are some really useful macrame knots over there. oe

The next time you visit your dentist ask if he/she has a broken dental pick ready to be thrown out... the usefulness of a dental pick is limited only by your imagination. oe

Updated 4/13/17

I think too often the customer follows only what the latest pros tell them. The tackle industry follows the money... Count me as one who enjoys the more relaxed cadence of a left hand retrieve 5:1 ratio casting reel. oe

Storm SubWart and original Spence Scout, both out of production for several years... oe

I don't think ccsevaneebasser got his due. In my very clear water I fish a skirtless double willow dressed with a 3" or 4" grub. If weather conditions are breaking up the surface quite badly I might throw a bright yellow head with a dozen of so strands of bright skirt left to cover a yellow grub body... of course this invites more pike bites as well. oe

I don't know if it is diamond dusted, the "V" knife sharpener is ceramic, but I don't think the hone is. It's very fine and does a nice job on small hooks. oe

www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Pocket-Knife-Sharpener-Black/dp/B000AR7AKG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491426569&sr=8-2&keywords=Victorinox+knife+sharpener Purchased this to sharpen my pocket knives this past winter and am quite impressed with it sharpening my small hooks as well. oe