RoLo

Every waterbody undergoes at least 6 seasonal transitions throughout the year. Every change in season ushers in a change in angling strategies and tactics. What worked last month may have no bearing on this month. Roger

There are several furred and feathered friends in my backyard who enjoy dining on ribcage, a whole lot more than me Roger

In a tournament, time is of the essence Roger

If you didn't actually see the fish you lost, you can't be 100% certain it was a bass (but I'll bet it was). Studies suggest that a bass's memory spans about 20 minutes, so you can lose that same fish several times on the same lure. IMO, the setup that you described is perfect for catching the pond matriarch. Keep hammering that little pond and I'll bet you'll eventually land your quarry Roger

And other days, it all falls apart

In saltwater, I used Berkley Big Game and Ande Tournament line extensively. Both are wiry lines and both have 'excellent' abrasion-resistance. In any case, fluorocarbon provides more sensitivity than nylon, no matter who's the manufacturer. Roger

I'm not surprised...That's Captain Shane Roger

Assuming your referring to largemouth bass, a black plastic worm Roger

I agree that the scrounger has more wiggle, and is better suited to aggressive bass. While the chatterbait has more thump, and is better suited to generating impulsive strikes. I know that you've had good success with trophy bass on scroungers, but in the weed-infested lakes I fish, the most important feature is "weedlessness". In other words, if I can't get the lure where I want it, there won't be any bass of any size Roger

The Scrounger and Chatterbait (bladed swim jig) are both intriguing and effective lures. Though each has benefits over the other, I'd hesitate to place them in two separate niches (I've got too dang many lures now). For example, a chatterbait with a bristle weedguard like the Phenix Proline Wobble Jig is considerably more weedless than a scoundrel, and even more weedless than most safety-pin spinners. With respect to flash, the nod again goes to the chatterbait over the scrounger. Roger

Coontail is a first-rate plant for largemouth bass. To me it sounds like "Punch Rig" heaven Roger

Catt's approach to midsummer fishing circumvents the discomfort, Tom is an estival nocturnalist Roger

I don't even remember typing that, I was too busy eating

Generally speaking, a faulty blank will fail early-on in its career, while a rod that's several seasons old was probably damaged. Based on your description though, it sounds like you were "high-sticking", which definitely puts tremendous strain on the blank fibers. Most of us found out the hard way too ;-) Roger

It was my favorite spread for English muffins, but then I lost my taste for it

Dirty Jigs Swim Jig (for weed-probing, not swimming) Roger

Hmph...not sure I've ever heard that before For my money, casting gear is better suited for handling fluorocarbon line, while spinning gear is better suited for handling braided line. Roger

Yup, JULY 1ST I stash all my fishing gear in moth balls, and break out the high-steppers. Now it's time to hit the discotheques and dazzle'em with my footwork Roger

Back in the 60s, I was fairly evenly invested in Daiwa, Penn and Shimano, but since that time I've had a serious falling out with Diawa (The Advantage was one of their clunkers, followed by a Steez that fell short of my Stradic) Though I'm not a fan of round reels nor steep prices, the "Calcutta TE 201GT" seems to scream "Buy Me" Roger

Raul, the next time we get hit by a case of lockjaw, I suggest we stroll down to Rosie's Cantina You don't have to go, but you'll know where to find me. Roger

The Minn Kota electric motor does exactly that. The "Spot Lock" holds your boat on spot in heavy seas and in any depth water. Roger

Rage Craws Rage Lobsters

Hash brownies and space cakes

IMO, it would be a mistake to pay attention to the shoreline (fish don't). Deep water can be close to shore, and shallow water can be faaar offshore, the shoreline is just a pawn. On your contour chart, pinpoint the food shelves that adjoin the most rapid depth change (per current water level) Then during your field survey, locate the best cover adjoining the best structures. Roger

Tom, your response to a brand new member was neither congenial nor ambitious. It goes without saying, every single topic and subject has been revisited uncountable times. If the survival of the BR forum depended on new & unique material, the time has come to close these corridors. Mr. McCauley rightfully pointed out: "There are always new experiences & opinions to be heard, whether from people who weren't here or from those who've learned new things since then" Kudos Neil Roger