vtbassin

I usually have one of each rigged up. Then switch between them to see what the fish are looking for that day. I fish them both in the same areas and the same types of cover. If I had to pick one I would go with the jig.

Thanks Hanover -- those look great.

Great video of some great smallies Hanover! Is your net handle custom made? It looks very easy to use

I could use one of those!

I would say my first rod is a quality rod. Nothing fancy but it fishes well. I just build rods for myself to fish with. What you eventually learn to do with finish and wraps and any other custom touches will make your rods look nice and sell well if that is what you are after. Practice will get you there.

Nice fish! We still have a little while to go here in Vermont. The ice is breaking up and open water will be much earlier than usual.

Those look great!! If I had to pick a favorite I think the 4th one down would be it. But I would be happy to tie any of them on.

Just one more!

I saw this post from Crestliner last year. His method works great. Very low cost!

WOW

Are you saying presentation is important?

There is no substitute for an educated thumb. I think the lighter spools will work better with lighter baits because it takes less force to get them going. And it seems to me that an average weight bait casts farther with less effort. That is just opinion I haven't tried to quantify. In any case your thumb is needed when bait casting.

I have an older PQ that still works OK. I think I paid just under $100 for it and it came on a IM 8 rod. This is not a bad reel and it has held up well. I bought a new 201 E7 late last summer for $149. There is no comparison. If you are looking to spend around $100 for a PQ I suggest saving up another $50.

Keep an eye on ebay. sometimes you can find a great deal.

;D ;D I always fish for larger bass ;D ;D I need to find a way to tell the dinks I am with the group that wouldn't purchase any of those reels. I like my Curado E-7 !

I haven't been ice fishing for a few yyears but I always used some kind of ice fishing braid here is a link http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_120485&id=0073385190342a

The plan is to remove all of the bridge parts dropped into the lake. They are starting work on that now. the new bridge is scheduled to open in 2011. I have heard a rumor that no traffic will be allowed under the construction area. So, plan your trip for north of the bridge or south of the bridge but not running under the bridge. Also the boat launch that was under the bridge will be closed until construction is complete. I would be surprised if it is actually finished on time. I am sure we will hear more as we get closer to open water fishing.

man made structure

Great paint jobs & Photos!!

Wac into a 4 or 5lb smallie and I bet your concern for smallies will change

Getting to the ramp at the crack of 9 AM to catch the mid-morning bite is after 2 AM.

Thanks Glenn. Great video!

Very Nice

That warm sun is going to feel great!

Last Sunday.. water temp under the crown point bridge was 45