Sam

Purchased mine through the Bass Pro Shop catalog. The BPS people were very helpful and the cover fits perfect. I also cover my covered boat with a plastic tarp from Wal-Mart just for extra protection. I trust BPS more than the local dealers as the BPS people will tell you all about the different types of boat covers and they don't have a vested interest in a sale.

It looks a lot like a University of Tennessee cheerleader.

Opps! I meant that if you assume more of the risk you will pay less. But please remember the first rule of Risk Management... "Don't Risk A Lot for A Little." Think about it in all of your insurance exposures. Transfer the exposure to an insurance company and sleep like a baby at night, especially for the third-party liability insurance.

Great question; hard answer. There are two types of direct damage insurance for watercraft: Replacement Cost (new for old) and Actual Cash Value (depreciated value). Unless you request and are granted Replacement Cost coverage all boat insurance will be settled on an Actual Cash Value basis, meaning that you will be screwed. Third-Party liability is also a part of your boat insurance and you should have at least $1,000,000. Now, don't go nuts on me before getting the quote for the higher limits. Underwriters know that all boat accidents will be settled for under $100,000 so to go to $1,000,000 is not that costly. Also, if you have assets to protect you need an Excess Liability policy (sometimes called a Personal Umbrella policy) for another $1,000,000 over the primary limits of your homeowners, auto, motorcycle, boat and rental properties liability insurance. As for the premiums, Progressive can give you Replacement Cost coverage for over $1,000 a year while USAA can give you Actual Cash Value coverage for under $150 a year. So, if you want to transfer your exposure to an insurance company be ready to pay the premium. If you want to assume more of the exposure you will pay more. Simple, isn't it?????

Great question, difficult answer. There are just so many refrineries in the USA and their finished products are sold under a number of lables. In addtion, some retailers will have changes in the formula incorporated into their products to make the processing less expensive. I try to look at the ingredients in different products to compare them with the ingredients in the major brands. For example, asprin is asprin. 10W30 should be 10W30 motor oil. 87 octane gasoline is 87 octane gasoline. However, the higher quality brands usually add another additive to the product to try to make it better. All I can suggest is that you look at the ingredients to compare and then make up your mind. Of course, when it comes to my boat I always use the top of the line products as I don't want to be stranded in open water just to save some pennies.

Russ, When you are lying in bed getting ready for the big pond in the sky, you sure won't say, "Man, if I had only worked more." Nope, you will think back on this exciting adventure and the fun times you had fishing. Sam

I was using the pump tube that screws into the lower unit plug. I don't think I could survive doing it with a tube! Thanks for all the feedback. Sam

Bassmaster U is excellent. I am glad you not only got to go but had those fantastic photos taken. Jimmy Houston, Denny Brauer, VanDam, Ike and the others put on a spectacular show and it is worth every dime of admission. I hope you took notes!

Thanks, J-Bass. Don't forget your polorized sunglasses so you can see the vegitation, etc. under the water.

Darn, I know you are upset and disappointed but things happen for a reason. You now have time to devote to academics and to read and watch fishing videos and DVDs. I broke my finger playing touch football 7 weeks before I was to be married. The cast came off exactly one week from my wedding date and my wife was very happy that I could not play anymore touch football and break a leg or arm before the wedding. I agree with the guys that you should try casting with your other hand. Take care and get ready for some fishing in about 6 weeks.

Thanks for the tips. I figured it out and changed out the old lube and put in the new yesterday afternoon. It was a mess but I got it done. Thanks again.

Man, did I have a disaster on my hands today. I tried, for the first time, to change the lower unit oil in my Mercury and I had oil all over the place. I called a buddy of mine who gave me some great tips on how to do it but if you all have any tips please let me know. I smell like a lower unit now, too. Thanks a million.

From what I have heard from some of the old time vendors, the guy running Bassarama was not a "pleasant" busnessman and therefore they decided not to be a part of the event. It seems this thinking is spreading although this year I was told the guy was a little nicer. With the Bass Pro Shop fishing sale right around the corner (February 25) I did not purchase much this year. And I did not win the Ranger boat, either! I hope the event continues but unless the organization makes it more attractive to the vendors it will just fade away.

Good question that I and many of my friends have asked and this is what we have found out in Richmond, Virginia. First, who owns the lake or pond? If it is a municipal entity you have to do your research and find out who within the municipal entity is in charge of the body of water and contact that individual to find out what do you have to do to have it stocked. Remember, a city's budget is tight; you will have more latitude with a county or parrish government rather than a city government. And stocking a pond or lake is not high on a municipality's list of things to do. Second, was the body of water constructed as a water runoff retaining pond that has evolved over the years into a nice fishing hole because others have put fish in it. If this is the case, you will not get any help from any municipal entity. Third, if the body of water is controlled by the state you will have a more positive response. In Virginia, lakes and ponds owned by the state are tested and stocked by the state on an "as needed" basis. The state's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (or whatever it is called) will be very helpful and they can tell you all you want to know about of water and its stocking, etc. Fourth, if the body of water is owned by the residents along the bank; a private individual; a partnership; a LLC; a company; or a homeowners association, you will have to contact them, direct. You can do this by checking the tax records within the jurisdiction the body of water is situated to find out who owns the property. Or, you can start stocking the body of water yourself with bream, minnows, crawfish and then small bass. I do not suggest stocking it with catfish. Of course, you will have to make sure there is cover placed around the body of water for the alge to grow and feed the plankton and minnows, etc. But please make sure you can put a raft or canoe in the body of water or you will meet some nice law enforcement officers who will take you away. Finding out who owns the body of water is your most important task; followed by speaking with the owner's representative. Good luck. Lete us know what you find out.

How deep do you put your trolling motor prop? I have been told from 6 inches to 2 feet so something is not right. Ahd to measure from 1) the water line and 2) the top of the deck. Thanks guys. I sincerely appreciate your input and guidance.

Ike's book is very good. It has a good, fast paced story line to give you insight into his life; good fishing tips; and how the future success of B.A.S.S. and professional fishing must be strengthened by the influx of "non fishing" money. Look what NASCAR has done and parallel that with professional bass fishing. When professional bass fishing gets to the level of the NASCAR sponsors we will see some good money for our pros. Have you seen Ike's DVD, "Taking Luck Out of The Equation"? It is very good. Professional produced and directed. I suggest you get it to compliment the book. Happy New Year!

Sorry, but I have not watched any of these videos. However, Bigmouth, Bigmouth Forever and Feeding Habits of Bass from Wet & Wild Images are excellent. Let us know how you liked the DVDs. Thanks.

The disaster to the Louisiana coast from Hurricane Katrina. The introduction of Snakeheads into the Potomac River. Any topics in any fishing magazine, especially Bassin' and B.A.S.S. Write about something the prof has no idea about and you'll get an A. Good luck.

This is a super question. I tow my Tracker with my wife's 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep runs smoother when towing the boat then without the boat. I will be replacing my 2000 Volvo around 500,000 miles (218,000 today). I have been thinking of what vehcile to purchase to 1) tow the boat and 2) use for everyday use. I travel around 40,000 to 50,000 miles a year so I need a safe and comfortable vehicle that gets good gas mileage. The Toyota 4 Runner sounded intersting. Any suggestions?

I continue to wear the same LSU tee shirt I wore when the Fighting Tigers won their last game. This year I wore the tee shirt a lot and it paid off. LSU finished 5th in the country and had the most wins of any SEC team. That's not counting the Miami blowout in the Peach Bowl. Geaux Tigers!

Super, Russ. I hope Charlie takes you up on you challenge. Even if he takes you on one on one it would be great. Good luck and Happy New Year!

My fishing guide friend told me not to use pine trees for brush piles. It seems the bass don't like the sap that seeps out. He suggested fir or spruce trees which give off a sap that the baitfish like to suck and therefore attracting the bass. I have no idea if this is true and would appreciate any feedback anyone has heard or learned. Thanks and you all have a great New Year!

I have no idea if you can see your points on-line. You can call the phone number in my first post and they will tell you what you have. Your receipt from any BPS will also have your total point value printed on it. Good luck and Happy New Year!

You will love the Bassmaster University. I used to go every year it was in Richmond; however it has been moved to Hampton and the weather in Virginia during the latter part of January is always unpredictible so I am passing it up this year. Here are some hints when attending: 1. Get there as soon as the doors open; sooner if possible. 2. Grab a seat up front. The front row is fantastic. I have been as close as the thrid row. Put your coat over the chair before you register or sign-in to secure your seat. 3. Bring lots of pens and paper. Take notes. You will receive so much information that it is overkill. Some guys bring small tape recorders, too. 4. Bring money. You can buy the pro's baits, books and videos. 5. Get autographs. All of the pros will sign your cap, jacket, shirt or their book for you. 6. Bring a camera as the guys will take photos of you with the pros. 7. On Sunday, get there even earlier than on Saturday. Ben usually conducts a bible study class Sunday morning in the room so you can grab your Saturday seat or move closer. 8. Bring lunch if you don't want to travel away from the hotel to get something to eat during the lunch break. Have a fun time and let tell us about it. Include all the new tricks and tackle they recommend!

There are many reels under $50 that you can enjoy. A spinning reel can cost from $20 and up so you should not have any problems with this type of reel. Try Wal-Mart or a local sporting goods store for "off the rack" spinning reels. Go for a 10 LB. test line; green if possible. Use a 3/0 wide gap hook. Get a pack of 4 inch red curly tail worms. Pick up a pack of 1/8 bullet sinkers. Now go out and have some fun!