RoLo

Sadly, the Ma & Pa stores have pretty much gone away. On the bright side though, we have three benefits today we didn't have years ago. 1) Internet Shopping (everything purchased without leaving your happy home) 2) One-Stop Shopping (the big-box stores carry a mind-boggling array of inventory). 3) Discount Prices (thanks to high volume sales) I always give Tackle Warehouse first dibs, and what they don't carry (like zulus and J-spoons) I order from Bass Pro. The only exception is "Performance Tackle", which I use exclusively for ordering Owner sled heads and Owner type-Z heads. Roger

Lowrance X135 (480x480 LCD) $400 Roger

Don't Roger

I own several boats but to be totally frank...they own me ;D Roger

True, but all these same stressors exist within the natural range of the spotted bass. Lewis Smith Reservoir, Alabama from whence they came is chockfull of redear sunfish, and I can't imagine that any amount of live bait fishing would cause their spotted bass fishery to collapse. On the other hand, waning genetic vigor can and does cause a fishery to collapse. Exactly! Roger

Cranking batteries today barely do any cranking; just touch the key and the motor's running. I probably replace my boat more often than I replace my cranking battery ;D Given the best care, the mean lifespan of a deep-cycle battery is slated as 3-1/2 years. But their longevity can be gravely shortened in three ways: 1) By consistent deep discharging (below 60% charge) 2) By not Recharging them promptly after use 3) By using a bulk charger instead of a 3-stage charger Roger

For sheer numbers of pickerel, Chatsworth Lake and Bamber Lake have been our best waters. On the downside, we've never boated any trophy-class chains from either water. Though few are aware of it, New Jersey has produced two former world-record chain pickerel. When I was a kid, the world-record was 9-lbs even from Green Pond, NJ (taken thru the ice on rod & reel). This record was later broken by Lower Aetna Lake (Medford Chain of Lakes) with a 9lb 3oz pickerel. New Jersey State biologists predict that the next world-record pickerel (now held by Georgia at 9lb 6oz), will be broken again by New Jersey. They deem the most likely candidates to be the tidal brackish waters of Mullica and Wading Rivers. These two are by far our favorite pickerel waters, the Wading River out of Chips Folly (near 542 bridge), and the Mullica River from Lower Bank to Sweetwater. We now live in central Florida which is chockfull of chain pickerel (Kissimmee, Toho, Walk-In-Water ~ ~), but we have yet to boat any pickerel in Florida that approach the heavyweights we've boated in Jersey. Roger

I've used PowerPro, Sufix Braid and Berkley Fireline Braid. For several years I had only great things to say about PowerPro braid, but unfortunately we ran into a bad bulk spool of 30-lb test. My wife and I experienced repeated and inexplicable breakoffs this past spring. First we blamed ourselves, then after switching to Berkley Fireline Tracer Braid our breakoff mystery was solved. Although I'm not a line-watcher, "tracer" braid helps me to see the fine-diameter braid. I use 30-lb braid (8-lb dia) and have no issues whatsoever with line-twist, burrowing and so-called wind-knots. Roger

During the 80s and 90s when California was in its heyday, fishing pressure was heavy and live crayfish were heavily employed. During that memorable era, Bob Crupi boated a 21 lb & 22 lb bass using live crayfish. The point being, a burgeoning fishery is tough to kill, and a fishery in a decline is tough to save. It's no secret that Japan's bass fishery is currently burgeoning, while California seems to be experiencing genetic reversion. Lake Perris is the best example that comes to mind. In years gone by, Spotted Bass were transplanted in Lake Perris, CA. which produced a freak spotted bass that broke the world-record set in the fish's natural range (Smith Reservoir, AL). Today however, Spotted Bass have virtually disappeared from Lake Perris, CA. Roger

In effect, the IGFA awards two bonus ounces to the angler who gets there first, and every angler to follow must deal with a 2-ounce handicap. Fudging the numbers in this manner is supposed to provide leeway for possible inaccuracies. However, this kind of illogical logic only punishes one side of the equation, as though all incumbent records are carved in stone. If we can get ourselves to sympathize with their two-ounce logic, then it must be applied to BOTH parties. Accordingly, the actual weight of Perry's bass may have been 22 lb 2 oz. By the same token, the actual weight of Kurita's bass may have been 22 lb 7 oz, or 5 ounces heavier! This is the price we all pay for IGFA's inability to draw a hard line and defend that line. Ironically, Olympic events are measured in thousandths of a second, yet the IGFA sees fit to throw away 1/8-lb (2oz). In spite of any decision reached by any organization, I think we all realize that the current all-tackle world-record bass was produced by Lake Biwa, Japan and is held by Manabu Kurita Roger

Foam grips are available in two foam compositions: "Hypalon", which I personally prefer, and "EVA" foam, the acronym for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. Cork grips are somewhat more sensitive than foam grips for the simple reason that cork is harder than foam, the same reason why tungsten is preferred to lead. For use in saltwater though, where a slight loss in sensitivity is rarely an issue, foam grips are often preferred because foam offers several advantages over cork. 1) Foam is softer and more ergonomically comfortable than cork. This is appreciated during a full-day session with slammer blues. 2) Foam doesn't get slippery, even when exposed to blood and fish slime. In contrast, cork grips in a mackerel run soon feel like a waxy broom handle. 3) Foam does not show dirt or get sooty-looking like a soiled cork butt. 4) Although foam is plush and comfortable, Hypalon foam wears like iron! Not Cork, Not Foam For the freshwater angler who's looking for maximal sensitivity, there are "carbon grips", which are harder than foam and harder than cork (like having the blank-in-hand). I own several freshwater outfits that use carbon grips and they are surprisingly comfortable. http://216.149.215.9/scans/carbonGrips_w.jpg Roger

HOLY COW...you really nailed that one Kent!!! I tried enrolling in Micropterus 202, but failed the entry exam. I was told that I needed to complete a remedial course as a prerequisite. On the brightside, I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Roberts and Tom (WRB) in Sunfishes 101 ;D Merry Christmas To All Our Members and Guests Roger

Due to the mild winters in Florida, opinions vary widely with regard to bedding season. Personally, I never give spawning bass any thought at all until after New Years Day (central FL). Currently, our most productive lures have been a very strange mix (in descending order): > Gambler Ace > Strike King Space Monkey (and Rage Lobster) > Zoom Magnum Fluke (6") > Spro Aruku Shad Roger

Working submergent hydrilla beds is completely different than fishing rafts of floating hyacinths. Hydrilla is firmly rooted in the bottom, usually in water between 4 and 18 feet deep, which depends on many variables such as water clarity. Hydrilla is foliated down the stem, and in many cases close to the lake floor. The same bed of stems however, may also form a dense mat on the surface, as a result, hydrilla needs to be worked from top to bottom. On the other hand, "water hyacinth" is a free-floating emergent plant that never takes root in the bottom. Consequently, water hyacinth has no depth constraints but simply piles up in leeward coves and bays. The location of hyacinth rafts can change from day-to-day based on current wind direction but usually stays fairly put until a storm. Hyacinth roots produce a labyrinth of underwater vegetation, but the bulk of the root system usually lies one to three feet below the water surface, but can hang down much lower. Roger

My "Lowrance Depth Sounder" Without it, I may never get to use the other stuff Roger

John Fox hosts a senior fishing show on channel 47. As a Florida resident myself, who's in the inner loop, I don't believe that John Fox is your man (sorry, but this is a No-Spin zone). I've never had the pleasure of fishing with George Welcome (I've never fished with any guide, for that matter), but George comes highly recommended with strong repeat business. Roger

On the contrary, a hooked bass demonstrates hyperactive behavior and that can only pique the curiosity of other predators. In both fresh and saltwater, aggressive behavior is what ignites every "feeding frenzy". In my opinion, a hooked fish is the best "fish-caller" in the world. Particularly in spring, while leading a trophy bass to the boat, my wife and I will often see one to three other bass of equal size, excitedly following their tethered sister to within ten feet of our boat. Bass know a great deal about their world, and they sense the difference between natural and unnatural. But in my view, bass know nothing about hooks, fishing line, boats and fishermen (lucky for us). Though you may not be aware of it, bass often seek the shade directly beneath your boat while you're busy fishing. I'd imagine that a hooked bass looks to another bass like a predator in hot pursuit of some active meal, a completely natural event. Overcome by competitive instinct, this might explain why we occasionally catch a 'doubleheader', two bass on the same retrieve. Bass have no restaurants down there, where they can buy food, so they instinctively know that too many missed opportunities can cost them their lives. Roger

Actually, there are two basic types of fishing publications: 'National' and 'State', and in my opinion receiving one of each is the way to go. With a good National magazine it's easy to stay abreast of the latest lures, National tournament results and latest fishing techniques. However a State publication is indispensable for local information about waters within easy striking distance of your home. State publications typically give you the skinny on changes in local regulations, current ramp levels, lake drawdown dates, catch-rates on state-monitored lakes and local tournament results. When I lived in New Jersey I subscribed to "New Jersey Outdoors", in Georgia it was "Georgia Sportsman" and now living in Florida I receive "Florida Game & Fish". Among the National magazines, "In-Fisherman" is the clear winner, a highly scientific, multi-species magazine that goes well beyond largemouth bass. Even before Al Lindner founded In-Fisherman, he was already my favorite fishing writer. Years before launching In-Fisherman, Al was a featured writer for Fishing Facts magazine. The question about favorite fishing magazine comes up periodically. During my first response several years ago, I had very little company when mentioning In-Fisherman. Though I'm happy to see that's all changed, there's a still a poor showing for Fishing Facts magazine. Although Fishing Facts is not the comprehensive encyclopedia it was when Spence Petros was editor-in-chief, I'm sure it still ranks among the top 5% of national periodicals. Roger

Though most of us were not aware of it, the line industry came very close to breaking away from both fluorocarbon and polyethylene. Japan concocted a revolutionary new line that's far stronger than fluorocarbon and even stronger than polyethylene braid. In keeping with the name Nylon, the new line was dubbed "Zylon". Actually, nylon is a binary name that stands for New York (NY) and London (LON), so I'm surprised Japan didn't name their new line Toklon. Unfortunately Zylon has a huge stumbling block; it is rapidly degraded by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. On the other hand, Zylon has all but replaced Kevlar in Bulletproof Vests, because the outer jacket protects Zylon from UV deterioration. With respect to the fishing industry, line manufacturers are presently working on ways to hybridize Zylon with polypropylene (Dyneema). Keep your fingers crossed, because this will be the biggest fishing line breakthrough since 1939 when Nylon was introduced. After seven decades, nylon is still the most popular line material in the world, as it's used in the production of all nylon, copolymer and cofilament fishing lines. Roger

Can't say that I've ever forced myself to stick with any one lure after I've lost my focus. I believe that forcing yourself to stick with any one lure is a good way to end up hating that lure. On the other hand, I might fish one lure all day long, but only a lure I'm intimately familiar with and one I feel confident is the best choice that day. But I'm rarely that confident in any one lure. To me, trying different lures is half the fun, and intentionally I'll rarely fish the same lure my wife is using. Maybe that's my problem ;D Roger

Dan, do you have muskies in Europe?

Not linear at all. If the line in the water remained arrow-straight then it might be linear, but the monkey-wrench is "Line-Belly". Though rarely discussed on the boards, line-belly is the culprit that quickly converts negligible resistance into supra drag. In my tenderfoot years on the ocean, I was marking bluefish about 30 ft below the surface in water about 150 ft deep. Several unproductive trolling passes told me that my lure wasn't getting down to the fish. I began paying out line behind the boat but to no avail. Frustrated, I paid more-and-more line astern, and though my backing was past the tip-top guide, there was still no takedown. Then I noticed something weird, a raucous group of Franklin gulls were following my boat, about 100 yards in its wake. They seemed to be taking turns diving toward the water, but invariably changed their mind just before entering the water. I finally come to my senses, they could actually see my Clark spoon under the water, but it was just below their diving capability. Due to cumulative lin-drag, my lure had reached its terminal depth and as I paid out more line, the lure simply rode upward in the water column as it departed from the nadir of line-belly. That's a lesson I will never forget. Roger ;D That's a great, and telling, story. Line belly: Hence my interest in the density of FC. Whether it pans out to be a real advantage -I find no other in FC -remains to be seen. Also, (to get further anal -you can blame trout) I think the non-linear relationship when you change line diameters, even if you COULD keep a straight line, may also have to do with the 3D (cylindrical) shape of line -meaning, mathematically, volume comes into the picture. That's a guess --I am no mathematician. Suffice it to say -diameter matters. True. Let's do the math...without getting into chords (i.e. line-belly). BERKLEY BIG GAME 20 lb = 0.017 line dia. 30 lb = 0.021 line dia. Okay, 0.004 (4/1000 inch) doesn't sound like very much, but let's suppose you have 20 ft of line in the water. If we multiply 0.004 x 20-ft, then we're dragging an extra wad through the water whose area is more than 1/4" square (0.281 or 9/32 square). Mind you, that's only the DIFFERENCE between the two lines. Now add the line-belly to the straight-line resistance and the planer board effect goes over the top. Many years ago, there was a noted bluewater gamefisherman named Robinson (don't remember his first name). He introduced a revolutionary technique for wearing down big bluewater gamefish like tuna, marlin and in his day, swordfish. The so-called "Robinson System" called for nothing special for a rod, but mandated the use of very heavy line and a large-capacity conventional reel (Penn Int'l). After hooking up, Robinson ran his boat abreast of the beast at full-throttle, stripping off as much line from the spool as possible. He maneuvered the boat in order to stay constantly abreast of the big fish, which was forced to drag a gigantic loop of heavy-diameter line around the ocean. Robinson never put a meaningful arch in his rod, until he began pumping the exhausted beast to gaff (no C&R back then). Although the Robinson System was highly efficient, it never became very popular because the line-belly and the ocean fought the fish, rather than the angler. Roger

Paul Roberts wrote Not linear at all. If the line in the water remained arrow-straight then it might be linear, but the monkey-wrench is "Line-Belly". Though rarely discussed on the boards, line-belly is the culprit that quickly converts negligible resistance into supra drag. In my tenderfoot years on the ocean, I was marking bluefish about 30 ft below the surface in water about 150 ft deep. Several unproductive trolling passes told me that my lure wasn't getting down to the fish. I began paying out line behind the boat but to no avail. Frustrated, I paid more-and-more line astern, and though my backing was past the tip-top guide, there was still no takedown. Then I noticed something weird, a raucous group of Franklin gulls were following my boat about 100 yards in its wake. They seemed to be taking turns diving toward the ocean, but invariably changed their mind just before entering the water. I finally come to my senses, and realized that they could see my Clark spoon under the water, but it was just beneath their diving capability (a good thing for both of us). Due to cumulative line-drag, my lure had reached its terminal depth, so when I paid out more line, the lure simply rode upward in the water column as it departed from the nadir of the line-belly. That's a lesson I will never forget. Roger

As many times as I see that photo, I get excited all over (luv them Gators). Dwight is the Al Lindner of the Northeast, he has boated record-class pike, lake trout, smallmouth bass and walleyes....a remarkable angler! Roger

Five snook this morning? Hmmm, I might be ready to trade places with you ;D By the way, I like your new animated avatar....It's tripping dude! Roger