Deadeye-1

Have you tried fishing with a worm? Simple rig I used to use in ponds growing up for years is use a 2/0 or 3/0 worm hook tied on. Place a single Splitshot weight about 18 inches above the hook. Cast out and let it sit on the bottom. Leave your line so there is a "bow" in it. Watch the line for movement, you may not feel a bite. Let it set a few minutes then lower your rod, take up the slack, and raise your rod back up. This will pull the worm along the bottom for a few feet. Repete all the way back to you. When you cast stand in one area and look at the water like it is a clock and you are the center point bewteen 9:00 and 3:00. 1st cast at 10:00, then 11:00, then 12:00, then 1:00, then 2:00. If you havn't caught a bass yet, move 25-30 yards down the edge of the pond and repete the process. Worms come in many colors and manufactures. Usually a purple, black, or junebug color works in in most areas. Try this out and come back and tell us how you did.

I have started to wear long sleeves when fishing as well. Living and fishing in FL the sun can be brutal. I have had several older folks show me the result of the sun beating down on you for years in this climate. I have found that the ones with the mesh backs and sleeves let the air pass and you do stay cooler.

This actually was something that I took into consideration after having both read and been told that there were problems with the early versions of the reel. But it seems whatever they did to it must have fixed the problems. I no longer hear any complaints about them at all. In fact I sold the exact combo we used to a man and his son after they both threw it. They live on Lake George here in central Florida and the son uses the combo to fish litterely everyday. They have been back in to purchase several bags of bait and another reel for the dad. They have nothing but praise for the outfit.

Ok, now the results!! Hard to say that there was a "loser" when your dealing with combos of this quality, here is how I ranked them starting with the worse: #2, KVD Series. Right off the start I noticed that the balance feel was different, not bad just different. The distance was not bad, just not nearly what the other two had. We even upgraded the crankbait from 3/8 to 1/2 oz and it did improve but never reached the same range. The #1 & #3 combos were surprizing very simular. I was able to reach 3-5 yrds further with the Curado/Falcon combo IF I put more effort into the cast, not much more now mind you but still more effort than the Skeet Reese combo. The first time I threw the Skeet Reese combo I was shocked at how well and easily the line flew off the spool. A merely flick of the wrist and the lure was sailing down across the parking lot. Everyone that threw said it was extremely smooth and commented on how far it went with so little effort. The same could be said for the Curado/Falcon combo. Extremely smooth and fluid with the delivery. Actually there were some that refused to throw it because of the price and they were afraid that if they threw it they would want it. So which one won between the two? Well there were things that we could not test like: Time, how long would each last and perform at that level. Most believe that based it the Shamano history the combo should last for many years. The Skeet Reese units still fairly new to the market and I have heard both good and bad reports on the Victory reel. Fishability, we were throwing these in a parking lot and no Asphalt Bass were caught that day so how would each do in a real world situation? How would the bite feel, the hook-set work, and the fight? There is no way that we could accurately measure that. In the end one might just look at cost. At a difference (at that location) of $160.00 it was cause for consideration. That would relate to being able to buy two Skeet Reese outfits for the price of one Shamano/Falcon. So which would I choose? If price were not an issue and I could get either one for free, I would place the Curado/Falcon rod in 1st Place. If money was factured in, there was so little real difference in the end result between the two, with the Skeet Reese rod performing with what felt like less effort, I would have to give it the go ahead nod. One other thing to mention is that the Curado Reel used was a model still built in Japan. Shamano has now coverted their manufacturing of ALL their reels to Maylasia, with what has been reported by some to a lower standard of quality. So a new model curado may not perform the same results. All these things considered I would have to say that the winner was: #1 Combo Skeet Reese!!!!

I have seen several Combos for around $100. The Abu Garcia Pro Max has 8 Bearings and comes on a 6'6" M rod, The Abu Hank Parker Special also has 8 Bearings and comes with a 6'6" MH rod. There is a Lew's Speedspool Combo with a 8 Bearing and 6'6" MH rod. These are are available at my local Wal Mart, so they might be in yours as well. All are good decent quality outfits that would not only allow you to learn on but if taken care of will last you for years. I would spool whatever you choose with 12 lb mono. Trilene XL is a smooth casting line that is very forgiving, you might want to try it.

Wal Mart, Gander Mountain, Thought Bass Pro did too. Might also try Dick's. They seem really nicely built, well balanced, good looking rod.

First I'd like to state that I am in no way promoting any Company, their prices or any Brand. Different dealers can and do charge different prices on the same equipment. One may charge $90 for reel X, while another charges $110 or $75 for the same reel. The only reason prices were included were to give total costs of the outfits used in this experiment at the location it was done. Second, I agree that you do not have to have like branded reel & rod combos to acheive the best results. I have many combos that are made up of different manufactures, because they work the best that way for me. The reason we paired the Signature Series Reel & Rods was that in both cases Skeet Reese and KVD not only put their name on it, but use it themselves. Not sure about KVD, but Skeet helped to design the ones that bear his name. So it was sort of a Signature Playoff, with the Shimano Curado (known and respected quality reel) and the Falcon (known and respected quality rod) thrown in for good measure. Hey this was OUR Experiment, if you want to do one and ask what people think about it, by all means go ahead Anyway, I'll let a few more weigh in their choice then I'll reveal what we found in ours.

I have a 1996 Evinrude 40 hp with 2 carbs. When I bought the guy that had it told me to always start the motor with the idle lever in the down position, then raise it up after it started. Often I had problems getting it to run or stay running until warm. However, when I had to take it to a local shop to get the carbs super cleaned after the Ethanol distroyed the insides of my fuel lines (I was using Stabil Marine at the time, now I only use Star*Tron) I talked to the owner. He has more years working on Johnson-Evinrudes than I have been alive. He told me with the older motors the Timing Advance does not work until the engine starts. To over come this and make the engine start easier (even when hot) raise the idle lever All The Way UP. This manually advances the timing and allows the engine to start better. Since I started doing this my motor starts like never before. When cold I prime the bulb, raise the lever, push in the key (choke), and turn it over. Usually starts right away. He also told me to bump the key (choke) a few times when first starting. You will know how/when after doing it a few times. Hope this helps you with yours as well. Also note that with the new EFI motors this is not needed as the system does it all for you.

Ok it's not everyday you get to play with different set up outfits to see how they do, but that is what I have had the opportunity to do lately. When they started sending in some better rated equipment into our department we set up a few and took them outside to throw. Here are three. To keep it fair all were set up with Original Stren 12 lb Mono, with a 3/8 oz crankbait (with the hooks removed). #1 Skeet Reese Signature Series. Reel by Victory (79.99), 7 ft Spinnerbait-Worm Rod (89.99) by Wright & McGill. Total cost $170 #2 KVD Signature Series. Reel (99,99) and 7 ft Medium Action Rod(139.00) by Quantium. Total cost $240 #3 Shimano Curado Reel (199.00) Falcon Bucco 7 ft Medium Action Rod (129.00). Total cost $$330 All three were adjusted for a smooth easy steady drop, with the braking system set to not allow backlash. So in your opinon, Which of the three had the Best Distance and the Smoothest Casting, with the least amount of Effort? I'll be back later to see your responces and reveal the answer!

I use Kick-n-Bass in my bags of worms, let it soak into them. Really seems to work. Also use Berkley Bass Attractant. Just squeeze a little onto the bait. I've caught bass when the other guy using the same bait did not, when I used this and he did not.

Setting on 140 right now. Usually get one day a week on the water, some weeks two. Largest this year to date is 4 lb 5 oz. Lost one at boat that would of been around 6 lb and had one that wrapped me up on the motor and got off that was the biggest bass I've ever personally seen.

I have fished both and have had good and bad days on both. Years ago I had access to many local Farm Ponds, not managed just private. I fished these about 3-4 nights a week on a rotating basis, so not to over presure any one of them. Had a blast. Got to be the first to fish a pond that had been built and stock with fingerlings by the owner 5-6 years before. Caught a nice one on every cast! Boy that was fun. I will say that due to my success I thought I was a great Bass Fisher. Then I got my first boat and hit my first public lake. Figured I clean house, now that I could move about the water. Boy I got schooled quick. Whole different game fishing from a boat and in waters that get pressure. In time it has improved me as a fisherman and I enjoy success now. But if I had the chance to fish private waters again, I would. It is a blast. What gets me though is the guys that fish from their back yards in private waters with live shiners then tell the world that they are as good as KVD.

Very nice fish! Congrads to the man that caught and landed it.

Well only you can make the decision and you did what you did. If it ever happens again you already know how you'll feel if you choose the motor. If it is a Club that you belong to, and not an open water type of conservation club, you may want to be pro-active and let the Club President know. People are people and in every club or orgaization I have been a part of there is always someone complaining about something. This time it could be about you.

Are you using braid? reason I ask is that braid has little to no give and I know of one guy that has told me he has broken several hooks hard setting with braid. Some guys use a "shock" leader of mono or fluro to ease that. I believe that Power Pro even states to do that in their packages, or at least they used to.

I'm not so sure the "cash" offer works as good as it used to. I knew a guy that used to be a new/used car salesman. He told me if you wanted the highest price possible, then tell him that you were paying cash. As it turns out they not only make commission on the sale, they also make a commission/bonus based on the loan they get you to sign up for. If they knew they were going to miss out on the extra money earned via the loan they would not work with you to get a lower price. He said that IF you are going to pay cash, DO NOT tell them until the deal is done. Anyway that is what he told me. NADA is a good choice, so are sites like boattrader.com to see what dealers in your area are selling boats for. Another one is boats.oodle.com. I looking at buying next year as well. I'm looking now to see what they are going for AND to be able to know if they have been setting on it for awhile.

In any case, BOTH sound like great boats. I have looked at the Express Boats website and there is only 1 dealer in my area, or at least that is all they show, and they are quite some distance from me. Also maybe because they are the only one their prices are quite high compaired to G3 or Tracker. I have seen some G3 models in the past and they look like decent boats. Tracker is big around here because of BPS in Orlando and another dealer loacted not much further away. Anybody know what year is was that Tracker came out with their Revolution Hull? It is something I would want to consider when buying used. Also anyone have much experience with the Stratos XT models? They are close in price, but fiberglass. Has G3 changed their hull design as well and if so, what year did they do that? Not stuck on any Manufacture, all suggestions are welcome.

At times this is the perfect thing to do. This past Wednesday I had been fishing for quite some time with no fish to show. I went to an area that forms a "Y" that had both current and wind blowing through it. I told myself that the conditions were right for the fish to be located off the point of the Y. As I worked a crankbait through it I finally caught one. My first thought was "if I only had a Powerpole". Then I realised that I did have a poor man's powerpole and turned the boat around, headed up current and dropped the anchor. As I worked that area over I caught a total of 8 bass. Sometimes dropping the anchor to allow you to work an area is the best trick of all.

Alright way to go. It's always nice to catch a new PB. Sounds like you found yourself a great spot, enjoy!

It's not that I only fish shallow waters, It's just that I don't want to lose some of the great spots I've found when I go to a bigger boat. I know that Jet Drives have their place, eastern Pa on the rock filled Susquhanna (?) comes to mind, but not needed where I fish. I see guys running Bass Rigs in there all the time, just sometimes it seems like they are having a little trouble when trying to go slow (and obey the slow-speed minimum wake law, a LOT just stay on plane and run over it). Guess what I really wondered was What Bass Style Boat is best suited for running in more shallow water?

Sometimes when the bottom is soft and the worm gets buried to easily, try swimming the worm. Use a weight that is heavy enough to get it down, but not so heavy that it sinks to quickly. I like to use a 1/32 or 1/16 in this condition. Cast it out towards the cover, let it sink, then slowly swim the worm back to you. Use a ribben tail worm like a Bass Assain or Culprit and retreive just fast enough that the tail flicks back and forth. At times this will drive bass crazy. I have had some of my best days using this trick, Also find what they are feeding on. Right now in my waters the Manhaden are swimming in schools and the bass are tearing them up. I use a Rapala Shad Rap in the shallow version and they pounce right on it.

Well for one thing, fishing for two hours on a public water area, if it has a lot of pressure, and not getting a bite may be normal for your area. A lot of the places I fish I avaerage about 2 bass per hour. However those two bass may acually be four that I caught in 15 minutes at the end of hour 2. Until you figure out what the bass where you are fishing like (and that may change from day to day) you may average 1 or less per 1-2 hrs. Study the points and flats that you have access to and you should be able to find out where they like to be. And remember "There is always a Spot within the spot". Find it and your fishing will greatly improve.

I used to use the Stabil-Marine, until I started having issues. The insides of my lines were all deteriating and there were tiny bits of it all through my carbs. I switched to the Star*Tron and never have had a problem. If you read the bottle you will see that it is better in everyway than Stabil. I have had several boat owners tell me that Star*Tron is what their dealers & Mecanics have told them to use. It TOTALLY Eliminates the ethonal problems, keeps in insides of your lines soft, and will make your enigine run bettter with better fuel mileage. I have also started using it in my SUV. My friend had his wife start to use it (he already does in everything he owns) and within one month she gained 150 miles to a tank of gas in her Caravan. We sell a ton of it. You can find it in almost any Wal Mart sporting goods dept.

My 1996 Crintchfield 14 footer will float in under 1 foot of water. I regularly fish one spot that runs 2-3 ft deep. One of the spots I need to run over to get into one of my favorite lakes has an idle zone on it. I have marked 0 feet on the depth finder, while sometimes bumping the bottom of the motor- even when tilted up. I plan to upgrade next spring to a bigger better boat. One of the guys I spoke with told me his older Bass Boat MUST have a MIMIMUM of 2 ft to float and run. I don't know what the depth ranges are for the new ones like: Bass Tracker PT 175, Straos XT, and others available in the under $20,000 new and $10,000 used market. So I figured some research time was in order. So: What type of boat do you have and how shallow can you be in BOTH on plane and at idle .....and still run/fish? Thanks in advance.

Back when I was a young teen, my cousin and I was fishing in a local pond. We had tried everything we had, which wasn't all that much back then. I had two Roostertails in the box, one in Bright Orange and one in White/Red. I remember saying "Let's try these we have nothing to lose". We did and proceeded to catch a bass on almost every cast. Roostertails are simular to Mepps, in that they are an in-line spinner. Hmmmm. Haven't had one of those tied on for years. Might be time to get a few again.