OkobojiEagle

Renaissance man... oe

ditto oe

anchoring... including increasing depths over varying consistencies of slop and mud bottoms. oe

But not as universally applicable. oe

After I read the FAQ's page that John linked to, I've got the impression there still needs to have power to the motor to stow it. I'm usually a skeptic concerning new technology. I've got an interest in purchasing a new Terrova but am leary of the self-stowing models. oe

It's one of 4/5 books on my "read every winter list"... Bean's other book is similarly good. oe

doesn't mean it's still not effective... or doesn't mean it's not still effective? oe

OK... Be sure and write me how it goes after you hook a 30lb musky with 6lb Fireline tied on, or even a 10lb walleye. Education is seldom free. oe

Always interesting to read of anglers short changing the line they put on their 200.00 reels and 200.00 rods throwing 1000.00 worth of lures from their 40,000.00 boats to save a few dollars... I'm fortunate enough to fish waters where 50lb Musky, 40lb Drum, Carp & Catfish, as well as, 7lb Smallmouth have been caught and I've been totally spooled of line on a couple of occasions; so I prefer having my line of choice spooled all the way to the arbor without knots or "cheaper" line. oe

I find landing the smaller smallmouth barbless to be more challenging than bringing a larger specimen to hand. oe

type "barbless" in the search function... oe

This is one of those "ounce of prevention" deals, barbless hooks are much easier to remove from game fish you intend to release. oe

Scott Martin compared to Kevin VanDam is as Kim Kardashian compared to Barbra Walters... oe

I don't know what the literature claims, but my Chronarch 51e consistently moves 22.5 ipt with about 30' of line out. I've checked it several times. oe

Loctite blue... oe

Don't overlook how a rod will balance in your hand and how length and tip weight will affect that. In my experience when holding the rod with the reel stem between my ring and pinky finger, rods beyond 6 1/2' won't balance well with a sub-2000 size reel which is often used with light lines to offer those small baits. It may be necessary to butt weight a rod of that length to achieve a maximum sensitivity. I prefer light weight rods of 7' or less for small plastic/hair presentations. oe

For years I have carried a Victorinox Hiker (swiss army knife) every day all day. I wouldn't consider not having it with me when I fish, but I've become more curious about carrying a multi-tool with me as well when enjoying my outdoor endeavors. For those of you that carry a multi-tool when fishing, what brand/model is it and do you actually use it often in a day of fishing? I'm eyeing the Leatherman Wave and Sidekick. I think the Sidekick would satisfy my needs EXCEPT I really like the diamond dusted file (hook sharpening) that is on the Wave! Can anyone with experience tell me if the Wave file is available to purchase separately and could it be changed with the file on the Sidekick? I'm open to experienced comments about both the Wave and Sidekick as well as other favorite multi-tools you've owned/used. Thanks oe

spinnerbaits are fairly easy to fish in a windy condition... oe

A revolving door of hyped tackle but bass are still being caught, hmmm... maybe it's not about the tackle? "An ounce of biology is worth a pound of tackle", Dick Bengraf oe

Here you go... this guy has got a pretty nice rod for what you're fishing. oe

http://www.gophertackle.com/mushroomjig.html Big John's are my favorites oe

You're not giving us much to go on... how large of an impoundment, how deep, what water temp...? All of the above presentations are good suggestions, but as the smallmouth are most likely hunkered down pretty deep now, I don't think you will have much success until you get a sonar to find the deep structure most likely to hold them. oe

After having worked in the manufacturing of it for several years, I merely have to wade a few feet into the water and can dip a limit from around my feet with a dip net... oe

The best way is to limit your tackle to a small variety that can be fished with one rod/reel and fit in a couple of pockets or a small bag. Bass will bite on many different lures so you don't need to bring more than a few that you will be able to present effectively. Location is more important than tackle, so put your effort into learning where the bass will be. oe

you don't need a 3000 sized reel for bass fishing... oe