Michael DiNardo

I have been looking at boats for quite some time on different websites. I don't know where you guys are looking to find aluminum boats cheaper to buy than aluminium. If you are comparing a 12 foot jon to a used Ranger, then yes, it will be cheaper. But for comparable boats, it seems to me you get way more boat with fiberglass. I am only talking purchase cost. Am I looking for love in all the wrong places, or has anyone else noticed this? Mike

Since you are just getting started go to a flyshop. But do some research first. Don't let them tell you that you need to spend $1000 just to catch some bass on a popper or streamer. To start get Cortland 333 weight forward floating line to get started Use any of the premade tapered leaders that just about everyone sells, anywhere from a 1X to 3X or 4X. Since you have the rod and reel already, you should be able to get plenty to catch fish for under a "hundy". Of course you can easily spend 10 times that amount, it's all in what you want. Good Luck. Mike

Cheis, Are non boaters accepted? If so, can you pm me some info? Thanks, Mike

Along with feathering the line, also try raising the rod tip slightly before the bait/lure/A-rig hits the water. Mike

I will try to be very concise. Learn to use a computer. Learn to use a computer. No, that wasn't a typo. Learn different applications such as Excel, Access, etc. I don't just mean using it, but programming. Secondly, good communication skills are vital. Being able to speak to a group of people is very important. Also, learn to be proactive in dealing with all your tasks be it school, hobbies, or a part-time job. Never take any job or class for granted. Go after your dream and don't let anyone talk you out of it. Good Luck, Mike

KVD, Tim Horton, and Rick Clunn.

I think it was a tip from Denny Brauer that read something to the effect of: spring and fall look to the crreek arms that feed the main lake and summer and winter fish the main lake. From my own tip in rivers fish current breaks. Of course these are huge generalizations, but it's a start. Good Luck. Mike

Go to the St. Croix website, they know muskie rods. They have a ton in different price points. Mike

If it is a river with riifles and pools, run a buzzbait across the riffle, awesome strikes. I would wait until the water was in the high 50s or 60s. Mike

I would think the only advantage is the line tie split ring. I don't think there is any advantage where the trebles are concerned. It is much easier to tie a knot when you don't have to be concerned with the line slipping into the gap in the split ring. Mike

Scrutch , would an ND Irish rod be SWEET!!!!!!! Mike

Since you are going to start with one outfit see if you can find a reel that comes with a spare spool. If you fish a creek or small river for smallies you can use 6 lbs test. If you fish a lake with cover or use a heavier bait you can have the second spool loaded with 10 or 12 or braid and a leader. I also would recommend a 7 ft MF rod. Welcome to the site and GOOD LUCK and have fun. Mike

Can you give any more details about the river? Mike

I agree with Kansas about switching the wacky and crank setups. Mike

I think BRUSHHOGGIN has it right. I try not to keep the rod high over my head. A fish jumps and that lure is coming back at you like a bullet. Use wide sweeping motions to keep the head down, if you want to land the fish. Mike

My problem sounds like the majority of others'. I will fish a spot to death if I think there should be fish there. Mike

I have never had any problems with my Quantum. It casts wonderfully with a wide range of baits. With that said I love my Calcutta's even more. They are so SMOOTH. I thought it was frowned upon to use round reels (ha ha). Mike

If the hook did not penetrate the worm, you did not have the fish on. Two questions: are you "Texposing" your hook, and are you sure they were hits from bass? Maybe the rod caused one maybe two misses, but ten, I heavily doubt it. Mike

Thanks for all the replies. I was hoping they were sensitive, looks like I have a orange stick in my future. Mike

Fish Dhris, great job. Mike

Thnaks for the info. Mike

Great looking boat, good luck with it. I love the look of the Stratos boats and the old Javelins. Mike

Good Luck and Godspeed! Mike

I have seen the videos, good stuff, look them up. Mike

Depends on how serious he is about his muskie fishing. If he is going to be throwing the big Double 10s, he will definitly need a reel specifically for them. I would go with a Revo Toro(Winch) or Shimano Trax with the 4.6:1 ratio. If he is fishing for muskie with "normal" minnow baits and large bass spinnerbaits and buzzbaits or bucktails like the Mepps Muskie Killer, a Shimano 200E would work. I use the 201 myself. It is a good size for bass as well. Even medium muskie baits can put mucho pressure on reels. Mike