noxpertjim

Yeah, 3 inches sounds thin, but it usually holds one or two people. Wisconsin DNR says 3 inches for a couple of people, 4 for several. Opinions vary, so you have to do what you think is right/safe. I don't get nuts like Iaconelli out there on 3 inches, believe me!

Rapala Floating Magnum - FMAG9 or FMAG11

The holes I drilled/used last night had 2 new inches of ice in them today when I got there. We gained an inch of ice in about 2 days. With single-digit temps at night, the ice is thickening nicely. Pulled 2 bass out tonight, although they were both under 15". Big bluegill were really active and hungry, too.

We've finally got a bit over three inches of ice on a local pond, and I've taken advantage of it. Last night was amazing, not for the quantity of fish, but the quality... I scouted many locations on the pond, as some homeowners thought there was a drop-off and deeper water toward the western end. They were wrong, but I'm glad I checked. Several holes into the search, I dropped the underwater camera in to see what was there. The bluegill were swarming, mostly the 3 and 4-inch variety, and then they vanished. I turned the camera about 180o and saw why. There was a mad bass coming toward the camera. Not only was he headed right for it, he attacked it! The strike was fast, but I saw and felt it! WOW! After he knocked it, he turned sideways and kept bumping it. Any of you that have an underwater camera know that the weight is roughly a pound. He gave up after a few seconds, but never left the area. We tried to get him to hit, and he did, but we never got the hook-up. I think if we would have had some larger lures handy it would have changed the outcome. Has anyone else used the underwater camera and had a fish of any species attack it?

Rapala - www.rapalagear.com

I found them to be quite "Snag-tastic". It didn't matter if it hit rock, wood, grass; it was going to try and stay there. The components are top-notch, however. They look great, but mine wanted a new home at the bottom of the lake. I also found that my line showed more wear from abrasion than with a standard football head or the Owner stand-up heads. One hook bent, again from a snag, and broke during the re-bending process right at the tungsten head. May be related to the heat involved in pouring the head... No issue with hook-ups. Nice sharp hooks are used. I did think they were a bit high on the price versus the competition. That was my experience with a pack. Your mileage may vary, and I don't want to tell you not to use them. They may work for you. Tight lines.

Daiwa, Shimano and several others list this place (Paul's Bait & Tackle * 4421 Chippewa St. Louis MO 63116 USA 314-773-6221) in MO as an authorized service center. Your reels are most likely rebadged Pinnacles. I would call this place and see if they can help you. If not, I would even try calling BPS Outdoor World reel repair. They are at 417-873-5274. Sorry for your troubles. I hope someone can get you back in the game.

Clayton - Whittle your way through this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1168522460 to get info on secondary points. There is good info in there regarding them. Hope this helps.

I prefer the Curado to the Citica. I was going to suggest the exact same things flechero just did, namely spinnerbaits and buzzbaits with the 100D. He beat me to the punch.

I've had good results with perch, hot mustard and red craw.

Ever since I met Denny Brauer and discussed his new favorite line, I've switched. It is Mustad Thor for all the qualities you're looking for. There's my vote for "other"!

Been a member for about 4 years. I've amassed a collection that includes: 5 Chronarch 100SF 1 Chronarch 100 1 Symetre 1 Sahara 2 Spirex 2 Sedona Do rods count, too? If so, I've got 4 Crucial, 2 Compre and 1 V-rod. I've paid my dues!

From the TW site: Tackle Warehouse is leading the way in quick, affordable shipping. All Ground orders placed before 2:30pm Pacific Standard Time will be picked, packed and on their way to their final destination that same day. All Air orders placed by 1:30 PM Pacific Standard Time will be shipped the same day. All orders over $50 receive FREE ground shipping. All other ground deliveries are only $5.75 ($5.00 additional charge for every 2 rods) within the Contiguous US - no matter how large your order is or which lower 48 state you live in. I picked an Okuma 7'11" swim bait rod, added to cart, calculated shipping as Raul suggested. The result? $5.75 shipping via FedEx Ground. Probably qualifies for the free shipping as their statement above says. I'd call them if there are any doubts. 1-800-300-4916.

I hear this time and time again. Problem is, I've never had a pre-Normark Storm Wiggle Wart, Hot N Tot, etc. to know the difference. My own experience with the new ones has been nothing but positive. Can you quantify the differences for me? As for the Blue Fox line, I've never used any of their tackle, but I'd listen to the differences there just to educate myself. Both of these can serve as a guideline for expectations after the merger completes and new product comes through the chain. Thanks all.

Sorry to hear about that. I would like to ask where the cyst was, because I have one on the humeral head on my right arm. I can't throw a ball or many other related activities for fear of complete dislocation, which I've experienced one too many times. I was wondering if your experience would be similar to mine if I were to choose surgery. I've put it off for years because of costs. My insurance plan isn't going to make the majority of the expense disappear...

There are definite pros and cons to this deal. I'm unsure as to whether Terminator (Outdoor Innovations is parent) makes their products in the US or not. Can someone clarify that for me? Pros: Likely that Terminator products will become more affordable without sacrificing quality Normark gains patent knowledge and expertise in new arenas Innovation for current and future products increase due to merger Cons: If OI does manufacture in the US, Normark has said it will move the operation to a plant in China for some products, as yet unspecified If OI does manufacture in the US, Normark has said it will move the operation to a plant in China for some products, as yet unspecified Don't get me wrong, I am a Rapala fan. 99% of all my cranks are Rapala/Storm. I hope that no one working for OI loses their job. That is my only perceived negative aspect to the deal. That's my two cents...

Could it be a gratuitous "I made it into a national catalog" self-pimping? If so, congrats! If not, spit it out already! Whodat? I just looked again at both pix and saw a common factor possibly. Check out the shades.... You've got to stick your nose to your monitor, but I think they're the same in both shots....

Since I don't have any of these, but find them really intriguing, I watched the presentation on the Vertical Lures site. I see what you're saying regarding the knot tying. Wow. Not for me. But I look at the thing and say, why not just tie the Palomar? Is there any reason that it wouldn't work? Again, I ask because I don't have any for practical experience. The head and eye design reminds me of Texas rigging, really, and I tie on my hooks with the Palomar. With the design, I would run the line through the head single, pull enough to double, then come through the eye from the side in the normal fashion to tie. If you try it or have tried it, how does it work? I'm curious...

It's the 2007 Master Fishing Catalog. Those are nice fish! It looks like a guy that fishes in my local tournament trail, but I know it's not because he hasn't caught a fish yet... And we don't have smallies like that in our event lineup lakes. I'll buy the younger, fatter Rick Clunn likeness. I can see it.

Here's my vote for Bassmaster and Bassin'. I've only seen a couple issues of FLW at the local WM, and no one around here reads it. Might have to check that one out... ***Modified for some really bad grammar***

Give Frogg Toggs a look. I have several sets that I keep in the vehicle, boat and home. They are relatively cheap at $60 or under. BPS and Cabela's both carry them.

Good topic of discussion. Everyone has valid points - there is no wrong answer. Young troutfisher should be commended on his choice. One only has to flip on the news to understand. Some of us, like cephkiller and myself, don't feel very threatened by the prospect of being hunted down and made to fish. I've updated my signature with a location as requested. Here's to more help given and more help received.

I own the Shimano Crucial 7'2" M DS spinning rod and I think it's great. If you can get to a store where you can compare the two you're looking at in person, take a spooled spinning reel with you and try them out. I'd use a small jighead, one you'll be using with it, and toss it out, then work it. See if you feel a difference between them. If you wanted to test the power, hook it on a display shelf (or a willing clerks arm) and gently give it pressure. Only you'll know what feels right for you. On the other hand, if you can't compare in person, I agree with fourbizzle, get the medium. That's my opinion. It is a great rod, no matter which you choose.

I've used the Leverage buzzbaits for a few years with excellent results. It is exactly as Brad said, the benefit is after the hookup. They just don't throw the hook. I've not had to use a trailer hook with them, but I would imagine it could benefit even when using a trailer hook. I don't have any experience with the exact lure you've listed, but I think you're question was more geared toward the leverage hook that I have used. Hope this helps your decision "to buy or not to buy"!

Cranks & Hard Topwater - Rapala Wire Topwater - Reed Runner (Northland) & Leverage (McGuiness) Spinnerbaits - Stan Sloan (Zorro) Soft Plastic - Wave Worms (Tiki Baits), Gambler If I had to pick just one, it'd be Rapala.