Sam

Oh boy. We are supposed to put the baits back in their plastic cases? Like when we took them out to use? Now you tell me. OK, will do from now on. Happy New Year.

drmnbig, The Honkies open 2009 with the University of Alabama in Atlanta. Remember, Clepson opened with Bama this year and see what happened to Clepson. Honkies will be 0-1 to start the season. Hey, it could be worse. The Honkies could play LSU again. ;D ;D ;D

Right now, in the first quarter, Cinncy looks good. The Honkies do not. How about dem Tigers????? ;D ;D ;D

Super. Great slogan, Glenn. Pro-Pond is to be congratulated on a great submission.

As Bear Bryant said, "the pain is all in your head."

Yes, now is the time to talk about the best basketeball conference in the nation. ;D ;D ;D

I miss him, too. Always enjoyed his posts and pics. He has made me want to go to Florida and fish the Stick Marsh. Please pass on my "Happy New Year" to him and his family for me. Thanks.

Yes. The Illni will do great until.... 1. The regular Big 10 season starts and 2. The NCAA tournament begins. Otherwise, enjoy the preseason, like I am doing with LSU.

RW, great win for Nebraska and the ACC loses another one. I know what the "N" stands for at Nebraska. It is nowledge. You all have an excellent coach. Sorry Bo left LSU but glad he lande at a great school. Had we had him and Perry-Lou it would have been Oklahoma and LSU in the BCS title game. But then again, if bull frogs had wings they would not bump their ***** every time they jumped. Good win. Very entertaining game. Looks like the Cornhuskers are on the road back to glory.

Go on line and look up the various Shimano reels at Cabella's and Bass Pro Shop. Check out the Shimano web site, too, for details. You can't go wrong with what ever Shimano reel you select. Just note the rod's specs and match them up with the reel you are considering. Have fun!

Chatterbait. Original Chatterbait. Blue/black. Usually use a trailer hook and no other trailer.

Where is Mexico???? I would have voted for Mexico.

Mackkie, Read the articles. Get DVDs about fishing crankbaits. Get some good books about crankbait fishing. Crank fishing is great fishing and you will enjoy it. Lots of fun and you are on the move all the time. Three suggestions when crankbait fishing: 1. When setting the hook, SWING rod to right or left. 2. Carry long-nose pliers with you ALL THE TIME. 3. Be very, very, very careful when holding fish to remove cranks. I have already had to have one treble hook surgerically removed. Now go out and get some shad colored Bandit 200s and have a good time.

I fish B.A.S.S. Club is Federation but I don't fish those tournaments.

1. Ike 2. Ish 3. KVD OK, so I have lost my mind. But you got to admit it is a totally different list then what has been posted. ;D

ALWAYS USE SPINNING GEAR WHEN SKIPPING. Be ready to hit a lot of things when on the water, such as docks, pilings, ramps, piers, houses, trees, shrubs, the shore, ropes, other boats, your boat's windshield, your boat itself. Just keep practicing and do what the guys say to do BUT...PLEASE USE A SPINNING RIG. After you master the spinning rig then try your luck with a baitcaster. When skipping with a baitcaster, be sure to place a lot of Scotch Tape or electrical tape over the spool to help minimize backlashes. I love to skip under docks. Best way to get those plastics and cranks to where the fish are hiding. Skipping is like when the tourist in New York asked the guy on the street, "How do I get to Rockerfeller Plaza?" The man on the street replied, "Practice, practice, practice." Keep practicing.

Well it is about time you upgraded. We have been waiting for you to do it and finally, you did. Congrats. You did good. Now, have you checked out the Loomis or Kistler lines? Enjoy and send in those pics. And by the way, your 2500 is great reel. YOU really did good! Happy New Year.

What Tim said, X2. Condition the line and enjoy the results. ALWAYS check ALL LINES for nicks, cuts and abrasions, no matter the manufacturer, type or line test. ALWAYS retie your bait after you have caught two or three fish or if you missed a bunch. And give the Yo-Zuri lines a test, too. Especially the Ultra Soft. Happy New Year.

Super report and pic! You did good. Where were you all fishing? Happy New Year.

Of all the Virginia governmental entities, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries employes some of the best people you could find, anywhere. Give them a call and listen to what they tell you all about the fish kills. If any governmental agency can find the cause if is the Virginia DGIF. Please keep us posted on anything you find out.

Squid, go! It is unbelievable. I went to the one in Pittsburgh and had a super time. You get to meet the pros; see new products; see old products; speak with the manufacturers reps and company people; get lots of freebies; and touch and feel everything. You can ask any questions and someone there will have an answer or suggestion on any fishing and boating related topic. Just go to the first one you can make and it will better than any sporting event you ever attended. Wish I could go, but business responsibilities do call this time of the year.

Tin, it's not Senko77 anymore. I think it is Grave Robber. Ugly Sticks are super. You can't break them and they are relatively cheap. I love mine for pond fishing and catfish fishing. As for drop-shotting, I like any medium heavy brand name, be it Shimano, All Star, BPS, Loomis, St. Croix, etc. Just a good name brand that is medium heavy, be it a spinning rod or a baitcaster rod as I use both when drop-shotting.

Coach Saban from Alabama and Coach Miles from LSU were in an ice fishing tournament last winter. They were sent out to see who could catch the most fish. First day, Coach Saban got skunked while Coach Miles nailed 20. The second day, Coach Saban got skunked while Coach Miles nailed 40. The third day, Coach Saban followed Coach Saban to see what he was doing and at the final weigh-in Coach Saban accused Coach Miles of cheating. The reason Coach Saban gave to disqualify Coach miles was, "He is cutting a hole in the ice." So all I can give you, being from Louisiana and living in Virgina, is to cut a hole in the ice. Either via the Louisiana way with dynamite or the Virginia way by sitting on the pond and drinking wine until the pond melts. Sorry, but Happy New Year!!! ;D ;D ;D

Evolutions. I will start using them exculsively in 2009. They are beautiful jigs.

Sounds like he is in very poor health. Keep this trip as a memory of him for what you have told us I don't think he will be with you next Christmas. And you may want to do him a favor and have him update his will.