Ratherbfishing

Do you still have empty compartments in your box? Be sure to fill them up with something. Then, after you've done that, place any extra dividers you may have into your box to create more "sub-compartments." Then fill them up as well. Rinse and repeat.

There's the rub (pun intended).

As it's uncommon for me to find both the desired rod and reel on sale at the same time, they are almost always purchased separately. In recent memory, I've only purchased one combo but that was a Pflueger President combo which was marked down to only $30.00. Hard to pass that up.

Just press a pink highlighter down on some faded line while you are feeding it onto the spool. It may not last but I'll wager it'll work for a while.

In my formative years (for fishing, anyway), Virgil was THE man. I loved it at the end of the program when he swam a jig or worm (or whatever) in his aquarium.

Still learning. Every trip out offers its own challenges and I'm FAR from understanding it all. I do read (and learn) some but MOST of my real learning comes from time out on the water.

Floating Rapalas are what I cut my teeth on. Strangely, I don't use them as much anymore BUT on flats with submerged vegetation and on weed edges, they can still work miracles. I like the standard one-piece ones better than the jointed variety.

About the only bait/technique I know that works well in cold water is a jerkbait fished very slowly-long pauses. Honestly, though, if I'm not enjoying myself, I don't fish. I can usually still enjoy myself if it's comfortable outside-even IF I'm not catching fish OR when it's uncomfortable outside and I am catching fish. But not when it's uncomfortable outside and I'm NOT catching fish. I find something else to do-especially after several attempts. I don't think there's any shame in this. MOST of us fish for enjoyment. If you don't enjoy it, don't do it.

If there hadn't been any responses yet, I probably would have responded with ( "crickets chirping." )

"It's a fair cop!"

I am not familiar with all brands of baitcasting reels however many/most reels have a "handle nut cap" that surrounds the nut and prevents the nut from working its way loose. Having said that, I tighten the nut snugly enough so that the aforementioned cap fits over it and can, itself, be secured on the handle (usually with a single screw). For other reels, as the expression goes: "Good'n tight" (but don't bear down on it).

Between 10 minutes and an hour and 45 minutes away. (Wouldn't you know that the best fishing is some distance away!) C'est la vie.

The GOOD news is that ponds fish much differently than large lakes and reservoirs. IMO, bass in ponds don't usually relate as closely to cover as larger bodies of water (unless there is a real reason to) and they USUALLY can be found much easier. I can't tell where you are from but if there are bass in this pond and the water temps aren't too frigid, you should be able to get some to bite in the early spring using lipless crankbaits and jerk baits fished VERY slowly (long pauses between jerks). Spinnerbaits are not my first choice (or second choice) in the early spring. If there is wind, fish the downwind side of the lake where the warmer water is "piling up." (This is more useful if there is-or has been- some sun).

Have you tried them yet? I wonder if the "wiggle" is really loose or tight. Before I replace hooks I'll spread/widen the gap on hooks if I deem them too small. Sometimes (not always), increased hook sizes can impede action. Maybe not this lure. Anyway, just a thought.

I'll keep this brief: Has anyone used Cabela's Button Shad? It looks like it might be a decent jigging bait.

Am curious (I don't have Spike It). Have you ever applied it to crankbaits? I tried dipping a white(ish) crankbait in JJ's magic and it had little effect (of course the clearcoat probably foiled THAT attempt).

Yesterday I was sharpening hooks on all my crankbaits and I observed several that needed a touch up on their paint (hook rash and what not). So I whipped out the old trusty black sharpie and away I went. Overall I was happy with the outcome. THEN I got to thinking, "WHY not exclusively use permanent markers in a myriad of colors to color lures?" I don't really care for airbrushing that much (messy and a lot of prep time) and while I've seen some AMAZING work (on this site and elsewhere) I don't think I want to go to that level. But with a fine tip marker, I think I could produce some pretty nice work. Has anyone else ever JUST used permanent markers? Were you pleased? Are there any particular "minefields" I haven't considered?

I'm FAR from the final word on this but have you gone into "simulator" mode and played around with it? You can make many adjustments with it which MIGHT help you get a better picture. Also, again NOT an expert but were you moving when in side imaging mode? I think it helps to be moving to get a clearer picture. If I'm wrong, I'm sure SOMEONE will correct me. : )

I've learned to schedule my all-day trips for Fridays so I can recuperate over the weekend. Fishing long and hard on a Monday makes for a very long Tuesday (at work).

I've never tried to squeeze a squid. Hmmmm....sounds like a good children's book.

Something that wasn't mentioned (I don't think) is that a long limber rod will ALSO help from tearing the hook out of the crappies mouth. Plus it's easier to toss a bobber rig with a long rod than a shorter setup.

How old (or young) is directly proportionate to how much patience YOU have and how much YOU actually want to fish yourself.

Since I've been fishing (going on 40 years now), I've switched OFF the anti-reverse lever perhaps 2 times. I really don't know why it even exists (except so that I can accidentally dislodge and lose the tiny little spring when I am cleaning the reel).

I learned that March is a cruel month. (I already knew this. It's just being reinforced).

To borrow from an old hippy expression, "If it feels good, do it" (within the boundaries of the laws and regulations of your state, of course). Don't get caught up in all the hype. It is easy to get overwhelmed if you aren't careful. You can make fishing about as simple or as complicated as you wish it to be. The first tip I have for you is to learn the habits of the bass. Learn what they need to survive and to thrive and learn where they tend to be at specific times of the year. Everything else is just icing on the cake.