Nick49

I use Trilene XL for crankbait fishing, but braided and P-Line for everything else. I am not a fluorocarbon fan, except for leaders with some of my braid setups.

Just ordered two. In my opinion the Ms are like most MHs.

Tackle Warehouse. I get my fishing line, Power Pro braided and Trilene mono, at Wally World.

A few days ago I ordered some Pro Qualifier rain bibs (on sale) to go along with the Pro Qualifier rain jacket that was purchased earlier. Got the jacket at the BPS catalog outlet at a great price a few months ago when traveling through the Springfield area.

mtaag, I have the same issue. Using 30 lb or 50 lb Power Pro and 12 or 15 lb fleuro leader with a uni to uni knot (carefully tied) the line flow is problematic. For now, I have moved away from using this line combo on my Veritas and Falcon micro guide rods. On other rods I either use a very short leader or no leader at all. Look forward to hearing from other members on this.

That PB is always a goal for me. In addition, spending more time on the water and learning the not-so-obvious structure in the area of Lake of the Ozarks that I fish regularly.

I have to agree with the above "AG Max" advocates. Granted, they are not quite as smooth as some of the $100 - $200 reels that are consistently recommended. However, with all the fine "higher end" reels that Abu Garcia sells, those $45 - $50 Black Maxs' keep performing. I like my Curados and Lew's SSs, but my Black Maxs' also have a place on my boat.

When I wacky rig with o-rings, 90+ percent of the time the worm, I usually use a 4" or 5" Senko, (& ring) slide up the line on a hookup. If I am using a weedless hook or using a wacky jig, I opt to run the hook through the worm. In those cases I usually opt for a Senko "knockoff."

I lean toward red for traps and other cranks when water is off-color.

I get alot of satisfaction from "learning" a lake, especially when fishing alone. Like everybody, I have a few techniques I do pretty well and others with which I have lower success and confidence. I prefer to fish slow with weighted plastics/jigs around deeper structure. However, nothing beats an early morning topwater bite.

Good luck TJ. I enjoy your posts and enthusiasm for the sport.

I plan to substitute the Jika rig for some of the more basic jig applications. Before we get much in to prespawn patterns I want to reach back in time and reuse the old cold weather "jig and eel." That's one that I fished regularly but got away from.

Lakes of all sizes, natural and manmade.

Guys, what is the story with Matt Lee, the "college" qualifier. Was he unable to compete?

Thanks for the suggestions!

Installed geothermal three years ago, set the therostat at 71 degrees and our house has never been higher than 72 or lower than 70. Love it.

Early and late in the day are great times to throw a buzzbait, but on overcast days when there is a light chop on the water they can be effective all day.

Is there camping at or near Manson Lake?

I am looking for recommendations. While at the Quad Cities Outdoor Show today I couldn't pass up a seriously discounted Veritas rod. It is a 6' 9" MH extra fast - micro guide series. Two part question, 1) what applications would work well with this rod?, and 2) in your opinion what would be the BEST application? It will be paired up with a Quantum KVD, Lew's SS, or Curado E. Line recommendations for the application would also be helpful. Thanks in advance. NickIL

I really liked the Glenn May (BassResource) You Tube videos. Unlike alot of the free videos online, he provides good basic information rather than selling a particular product.

Welcome. I have a place on the Grand Glaize arm of LOZ. I fish out of Tracker Pro Guide (junior version of your Targa), so pretty much stick to the Grand Glaize. Best of luck to you.

Welcome GT. I have a permanent residence on Spring Lake (Macomb, IL), but have a condo on the Grand Glaize arm of LOZ. Now that I am retired I spend a good deal of my time fishing LOZ. I fish a few small tournaments here in Illinois, but at LOZ I just fish for the joy of it - not that I don't take becomming a good bass fisherman seriously. Stay in touch. Nick

Lots of good tips on this thread. Given the price of the baits, the o-rings are very inexpensive, and that worm and o-ring usually lasts through several fish.

Have to agree with Gambler on the junior spook. The version I often use but have not seen on the shelves anymore is the Zara Puppy.