Sam

Rather have my drag set loose and catch a big one than lose that big one I lost on Lake Gaston when I forgot to double check the drag on my baitcaster and one heck of a bass took off out of the grass with my favorite crankbait and popped the line. Live and learn!

Fourbizzle, Great story. As I drive around Virginia and Maryland (45,000 a year) I see lots of stuipd and strange sites. Other than getting upset at the traffic jam, I bet seeing that cargo container on the road would have made me glad that I was now out of the traffic but the poor folks behind me are now going to have to just sit there until it is unloaded and loaded in another container and then moved.

Super. Thanks for the update. I guess Trigon9 was in study hall?

John J, Perfect question for you to write a paper for your science or English class and get an A and then apply to LSU in their biology department with an emphasis on marine science. And how do you like higher education? Enjoying your freedom? I agree with Marty. In fact, we can further state that depending on the clarity of the water (clear, stained, muddy) the water will absorb the warmer temperature at the top level of the water column, maybe a few inches, depending on the length of time the warm air circulates over and touches the water surface. Since water is denser than air, it does not change its temperature as fast. That said, with the couple of warm days we had in Virginia last week I do not believe it had any impact on fishing since the bass have already gone deep for winter and as the thermoclines rolled over. I would think other factors would have a stronger affect on the bass, such as water movement; water levels dropping; movement of any baitfish; cloud cover; water temperatures; and the like. You know what they are. So did you catch anything when you went fishing on those beautiful warm sunny days? If so, please let us know. And its Saturday night. Shouldn't you be out partying like the other college guys?

Did not know about it. Am in Virginia so maybe we did not get it. Darn. I hate when that happens and you guys have all the fun.

Good one. Sent to my minister at church. He enjoys these jokes. Great guy. Merry Christmas.

Good luck. Let us know how you do.

Here is what my friend who lives on Lake Chesdin told me regarding the current water level: Sam: Chesdin has plenty of water. Still down a little, but certainly has enough for boating and fishing. Most of the boats are now back in the water. I've seen several fishermen out on the lake in front of the house. Bill So let us know how the fishing is on Chesdin if anyone ventures out. Thanks.

And guys, speaking about weird crankbaits... www.luresandstuff.com/page/page/301876.htm Give some of these babies a try and let us know how you do.

Good one, Matt. But I think it would drive the crazy democrats nuts. Or nuttier. Whatever.

I have not had any success with these "bug" imitations. I guess I like the regular old crankbaits that are out there. May give them another chance this spring.

Tungston is great. But don't forget your brass sinkers with your glass bead. Brass makes a nice crawfish sound as it strikes against the glass bead.

If you are seeking to join a bass club in your area may I suggest contacting your state's bass federation? Just Google "your state and bass federation" and see what pops up. Easiest way to find a bass club in your area.

Finessed that baby, huh? Great catch.

Hands down, no comparision...Bassin. Best bass fishing magazine on the market today. Bass News is also very informative. But Bassin, IMHO, is the best.

Nope. Never heard of them.

Being a humble guy, Basspro48 has said nothing about his qualificatiion for the 2008 Virginia Bass Federation Championships. Basspro48 (48) qualified in his age group in the Virginia Bass Federation Junior State Championship that was held on the Chickahominy River this past June. 48 placed second in his age group to qualify, being nudged out of a first place finish by a young man from Powhatan, Virginia. Congrats to 48 for qualifying for the 2008 Virginia Bass Federation State Championships and I know we all wish him the best in this coming year's event.

Avid, Americans just forget stuff. Something as horrible as 9/11; WWII; Korean War; Viet Nam Conflict; Exxon Valdez oil spill; past transgressions by our elected officials; the cold blood murders of Americans across the globe; the Kennedy assasination; the great things Ronlad Regan did; and so on are just forgotten. Since 9/11 did not affect the vast majority of US citizens, we don't care. We live in our own fishbowl, doing things with our families, friends, churches and coworkers and life just goes on as if nothing occurred. This is why we have corrupt politicians in office; we have more than 50% of our tax dollars going to social programs that do not work and not for the defense of the country; why immigration is out of control; and the list goes on. We just forget the bad stuff. Tonight my wife and I saw a wonderful play, Swingtime Canteen, about five girls on tour for WWII in London. Songs were from the 40s and they were great. Outstanding play if you ever get the chance to see it. But we have forgotten WWII. Very little time is spent studying what lead up to WWI and WWII and their details in our schools. So to answer your question...no, 9/11 was not so long ago. We just don't remember it.

Tipp, Good for you. I am also going on a diet and will be walking in the pool after Christmas. I want to lose 20 to 25 pounds. Let's keep in touch to see how we are doing. Good luck.

A&M vs Penn State should be a great game. I give the edge to the Aggies who have something to prove after their win over Texas and Coach Fran being run out of town. Close game but I think the Aggies will pull it out. Good luck.

LBH - International!!!! The legend continues. Great work. You are to be congratulated.

You know, this is a very simple question with a very difficult answer. Some pros use 90% fluoro while others use mono. Don't get all caught up with which type of line is the best. Each has its own individual applications. Use what you like in the test, color and type (tough, smooth, etc.) you like. Read articles about which line is the best for which presentations and what the guys have already given you as their input. I agree with the mono on a spinning reel and fluoro on a baitcaster. But each body of water, time of year, depth of the fish, water clarity, structure you are fishing, water temperature, your selected lures and your presentations are all factors to consider and until you experiment with both mono and fluoro lines you will just have to do your best with each type of presentation and setup. Man, I wish this was an easy question to answer. Lines are still driving me crazy!

Always looking for drop offs and banks that drop off. Bass hold to these banks and use them as part of their migration routes. This is why a topo map illustrating the depths of the bottom is important when planning your fishing expedition. Buck Perry has a great artilce on his web site. Just Google Buck Perry and read his information. It will compliment what you are now studying.

With Petrino going to Arkansas it makes the SEC West a conference with very high profile coaches. Miles, Tubby, Croome, Petrino, Satan and Nutt. In the SEC East, there are these great coaches. Myers, Spurrier, Phulmer and Richt. That't ten of twelve teams in one conference. I would list the Kentucky basketball and Vandy baseball coaches but I don't know their names. Man, is the SEC a tough conference or what?

Man, is that a beautiful fish or what? Congrats to you on your catch. Now, you have to improve on it in 2008.