EvanT123

I don't know if this applies but I could not tell you how many fish I've caught after a big boat or a bunch of jets skis come rambling threw in there wake. Wether it be on the bank or in my boat; it seems like the wakes sometimes stir things up and get the fish active. So no I don't worry about noise. I also fish dams where many times the water coming over the day is very loud and guess what usually the big ones are right underneath it.

I'm a shimano guy that's just what I choose to spend my money on. I haven't used a new shimano baitcaster with micro module and/or Xship. I don't think though you will be totally blown away. I started bait casting with an abu orra s which I can still consider a good reel. I like the shimano because you can set and forget it and is very hard to backlash. They still break though so nothing is perfect. Buy one try it and if you like it great but I don't think it will be a complete game changer.

It's more like River is flooded have to fish a lake. I think your off to a good start Josh. You might do alright with your other lures in those spot just fish them slower. I have been researching winter smallmouth for a long time but have had very limited luck. I was out today and did not stay out very long due to my own unpreparedness; fishing on the bank also limits me. Anyways give it a shot. Walleye as you know aren't the greatest gamefish and can sometimes be downright annoying but hook into a big one and hang on. Good luck hopefully you find some bronze backs.

Mid April to mid May I like poppers; for me they work better than walk the dog type lures.

If you want a perfect one ask dvt or learn to build one yourself. I enjoy all these threads asking about the best $100 rod for this or that. For 100 you can set yourself up to build numerous best rods for you. The plus the only person you have to blame for imperfections is your self.

Honestly I don't really see the point in changing hooks. Maybe I'm not catching big enough fish which certainly is a possibility but I've never really had a problem with stock hooks. The only time I would change then is if a hook was bent all out of wack and that only happens when I go alittle crazy with the pliers. I mean if money is on the line I guess that's another story but if money was tight I would not worry about it. I've caught plenty of fiesty smallmouth on $1 Zara puppies with stock hooks.

Thanks guys. Just offered the guy $600 he turned it down. As they say " there is a sucker born every minute" especially on Craigslist.

Looks solid to me.

I kind of had that feeling. Boat and motor prices around here an insane. People want 3-4 grand for a rusted rotted 12 foot boat with a beat motor. I don't get it.

Hey guys looking for some advice on the above. They have a suggested retail, low retail and average retail. There is quite a gap between the suggested retail and the low average retail. An example. http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1989/Mercury/25EL/20008919/Outboard-Motors-Values I'm looking at this motor and the gentleman is asking $1500. I can't tell based on the nada if this a decent deal or not. Thanks for any advice.

St.croix of what ever level you want 7'0mlf. Enough back bone to set the hook on senkos and flukes and enough tip to make playing the fish fun. Also excels at topwaters up to 1/2. Dropshot, jerkbaits and many other techniques.

Drop shot

Yes. Needed to get a lawyer and was let go "in the interest of justice."

Well two of my most recent scores are a 1000fj stradic nib for $100 and 2 rx7 blanks for $23 each. I figure it will cost me another 35-40 in components to build them so they should come out to about $60 each. Cha Ching

Don't buy those. They don't work. You need a lucky craft or megabass. Just leave those Excaliburs on the rack

I have two spinner bait rods a 783 loomis imx and a 6'6mf daiwa Procyon. They have the same lure weights 1/4-3/4 and feel similar. Who would have thought? I only use 3/8oz spinnerbaits with and without 3 inch grub trailer.

Congrats slonezp; I remember some of your threads on the subject. Glad you are back to work in a field you are passionate about.

You could also tie on 20 below the hook and move the weight up and down accordingly. I've never really had a problem with excess line below the weight.

I'll admit. I've been that guy. I work a long day and sometimes I can't drive from spot to spot after work to find a free spot and I'm not going home. I'll try and give someone at least 100 feet. Usually it's a member of the bucket brigade and I'll catch a fish or two right off the bat. I've found its a good opportunity to discuss tactics and conservation. Edit: I also sometimes tell people smallmouth are poisonous.

I'd say my average is 10-14 inches. Don't have a scale yet but would say the fish are around 1-2 pounds. Funny thing I noticed this year. Big fish 15+ are difficult to land in the boat. Once they see it they bug out. The small one minus 12 are more difficult to land on the bank. There flipping and flapping everywhere; and vise versa. I'm talking smallmouth.

Good stuff man. Take that new found knowledge and roll with it next year. Oh yea and post up some pigs!!

You can have a spot in my boat anytime your upstate.

I've never caught a fish on a jig. I have done rather well on a white twin tail grub courtesy of Wally word on a football head. Yamamoto makes them as well.

I guess this could go for all types of fishing but don't get caught up on what worked yesterday, last week or last year. i have a spot on my river that consistently produces nice fish but some days they want the fluke some days they want the senko. Some days they are not there. On the river you need to be ready to adapt. I don't waste a lot of time on one spot. I'll cover the water columm with multiple casts and if there is nothing going on; time to move to greener pastures. My opinion is river small mouth generally won't pass up a food opportunity and if my presentations aren't getting bit they aren't there.

That sounds horrible. Best of luck to him and a speedy recovery.