Tom Bass

Hmmm, saw Bass packs here in NC last weekend. They wouldn't touch my lures. They were very pretty moving along the shore line.

Congrats on your new toy! Try some deep running crank baits or some Rapala Shad Raps just outside the casting limit areas where everyone else has been fishing. It would be a good idea to find out the depths of the lake so that you don't over do it with deep running lures and snag 'em up. Good luck and have fun.

I consider any bass over 5# to be big. Any less, is nice too. I like the 2 pounders in a fight. They seem to really go for it!

Yeah, it works....I've done this with nightcrawlers.....It does work. I think the bass like plastic baits where "dead stickin'" with nightcrawlers might get you a bass or a catfish or a bream or even a carp..... Sorry Pards, I just couldn't help myself. ;D

If you go into your Profile and click Options you can put your location under Personal Text and that will put your location under your Avatar. OR you can put it in your Signature.

I put mine under my Avatar.....Now I just need to get a picture in my avatar. I like the one that's there now very much but since this is a fishin' forum I need one with my mug in it holding a really awesome bass.....Now, to catch an awesome bass and have a picture taken.......I gotta go! ;D

Very Cool article. Nice lookin' Lady with my fantasy job! I wish you great luck Ms. Rubin.

Outstanding photos JB and a great message too! God Bless America!

I think it was probably a catfish. Most of my Carolina rigged hits have been when I was pausing the bait after dragging it to reel in the line and WHAM. Fish On! .....But, It's not always WHAM, sometimes it feels like some weight or a snag, but it's always when I am taking up the slack. Flatheads and Blues will smack bait pretty hard. I have only caught one catfish on a lure and it was a Rapala shad minnow.

My worst habit while fishing? Not thinking enough about planning the crime of the century or picking the winning lottery numbers or the invention that changes mankind so I will be wealthy enough to quit work so I can fish more!

That's a nice boat. Enjoy it! I truly hope those photos are early morning shots just before taking it out for some fun and fishing.

Spraying the bottom of the boat? The outer hull? With Rhino liner? Bad move. It adds weight and resistance. If you're worried about keel damage you can add a keel protector...I can't think of the manufacturer but you can do a search on Overtons or West Marine. That might help. All of the "bed liner" companies you refer to are for lining the inside of a bed...or boat. I would stay away from lining the inside of your boat with these products as well. They put a lot of weight onto the surface they are attached to. They are great for truck beds but I am sure they don't help boats.

nb1226, I see you're from New Mexico but if you ever make it out my way in the Carolinas I'd be happy to take you out fishin'. Thanks for serving our country. God Bless You.

Nope! A man has got to know his limitations ;D

I'll join! I also say that there should be no rules. I say we make up the rules as we see fit so that no one can use our rules against us!

Wow! Very cool! That looks like fun!

You got that right! I drive past the Bass Pro twice a day here in Concord and in weak moments the Bait Monkey nudges my head to left as I exit I-85 and my eyes gaze upon the Bass Pro Shop....I steer right but the Monkey wills me left...I fear that I am cursed but it is a curse that I can live with. Just gotta keep that Monkey at bay.

I am humbled! Yet I am elated! I have always been a part of a Brotherhood.

Throw a shad colored Rapala floater. Let it set and then crank it in....Like its a stunned minnow. If ya get no hits try twitchin'it but twitch it slow. Cast it, leave it set.....for a minute or five......then twitch it....leave it set.....twitch it.... If it's overcast try a blue shad Rapala floater. or Try a small Red Devle ...bounce it off the rocks.

I always keep a little Victorinox Swiss Army knife in my pocket and one in my tackle box. It's the one that sells for $8 in most stores and has the little scissors. They work great for most lines and are adequate for braid lines. Here it is: http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Product.htm?category=everyday&product=53005&

Raul, You just named the addiction. You aren't the cause of the addiction! ;D Thanks for putting a good name to it. I had the "bait monkey" as a kid in the '70's buying lures. My Dad thought I was Looney Tunes because of my affinity towards lures and fishing techniques....and expensive tackle that we could not afford. His idea of fishin' was purely for food and the occasional Muskie. For those of you who have lived through this question before please forgive me for bringin' it up again. I didn't figure it was worth a search...but it is fun to find out that I am not alone with the Bait Monkey!

Thanks guys, I thought that little voice that wanders in and out of my head at odd times might just be the Bait Monkey. He was workin' hard on me this past Saturday. I was in Bass Pro and picked up 3 more lures that I have no room for. My wife says "You're buying more lures?" I said, "No, the bait monkey is...he needs 'em real bad...." and then I grinned my best grin. She just shook her head and walked away..... NOTE: Once I blamed the monkey she had no arguement!

Another thing. Are you casting with main weight of the bait up near the rod tip? Try letting the line out to where the weight is about half the length of the pole and casting it that way. It may help.

I think I know....I just want to make sure I am correct when the wife questions my obsession with purchases and acquisitions of the fishing and marine kind. I do need to blame something for my actions and blaming things on a monkey seems pretty logical.....doesn't it? I mean c'mon...A monkey? They're cute, they chatter, chicks love 'em. Am I goin' down the wrong path? ;D

Hmmm...He got two bites with one fish! ;D