BridgerM

Not so much regret for stupid things i've done. I don't know if regret is the right word, but I look back at opprotunities I never pursued and wish id taken that chance and experienced more. Expanded my comfort zone if you will.

I ordered a couple of his stocking stuffer packs for christmas and I was very impressed with the jigs. as mentioned, the wire tie is great, the paint looks very durable, the colors choices are endless. You won't find a better jig for these prices at a local shop, I couldn't anyway. I plan on buying more from Mike as soon as I loose them all or catch my first bass on a jig. You won't be disappointed.

i've only fished PV enough to give advice. We had the best results using plastics. Specifically rage craws on a c rig and dropshot, also worms on the drop shot produced. This was mid to late summer. Post up with your results. There aren't many Utah anglers here, I'm curious to hear how you fish Utah waters.

I can't believe no one has mentioned Utah yet. Sure, you can talk unemployment, tax, cost of living and other stats but this is about bass. If you don't want to catch a world record bass or even have a reasonable chance of a double digit bucket mouth, then this is the place! Here are our state record bass Species Year Weight Length Largemouth 1974 10 lb 2 oz 24 1/4 Smallmouth 1996 7 lb 6 oz 22 Sarcasm aside, We have many good smallie and LM waters within 2 hours or less from Salt Lake City. And Lake Powell and Mead about 6 hours away, with good striper fishing too. Considering Utah is known for 'the greatest snow on earth' the fishing here is pretty good.

While im not crazy about parts of the design on the front, your logo on the back and the jig look cool. I don't wear many logo shirts anymore, but I really like your jigs and would gladly buy and wear a shirt to advertise your work.

I don't know if laws would allow, but using some california lakes as examples where they are closed to the public a few days a week. What about not allowing use of a lake or reservoir for certain days. Particularly on large tournament days? Or at least enforce a limit of non-pro/spectator boats. Im new the the WHOLE bass thing, but it doesn't make a d**n bit of sense to me to try and look over a pros shoulder in a huge tournament. Sure, if its your home water you want to see how they fish your waters. But there is a point where you become a negative influence and just look silly. It certainly is a distraction when as a spectator you see 50 boats in the background!! I don't see a benefit or reason allowing anyone and everyone on the water for something like the classic.

I don't have a problem buying too much tackle, yet. I definitely took advantage of a few sales over the winter and utilized gift cards. But I did make one purchase I felt might be a bit much or not the best timing with christmas coming up, so I didn't tell the wife. I found a curado 51e locally for $70. I also thought she simply wouldn't care as she usually rolls her eyes when i talk about new gear. I did end up telling her all of this and you know what she got upset about the most? That I thought she didn't care about my interests enough to share something I was so excited about. Go figure.

My main setup that has seen the most use over the last few years is a quantum plazma 20. I've used it steadily over about 3 seasons and its taken a swim once. All of this without any maintenance while performing quite well. I paid 40 bucks for it back in 2005/6. They don't make it anymore, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another quantum.

Congrats to those that have lost weight. About the only advice I can add is to not overlook nutrition. I'm not talking about how to lose weight, but on the water. My focus breaks down if I don't eat every few hours. I've found a protein bar every few hours helps me maintain my focus and keeps my body from telling me to hurry up and find a cheeseburger. Plus, its not enough to require a rest stop and reduce fishing time.

Probably of no consequence, but I noticed the box looks kinda worn on the left edge. Just thought that was odd for what it is.

so what did you get?

I am looking for something to put my rods in to keep from tangling and for transport in the boat or truck bed. I found this rod bag at bps http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Combo-Caddy-Rod-and-Reel-Carrier/product/15114/ but the reviews are not stellar. Its hard to tell if that is due to user error, unrealistic expectations, or a not great product. does anyone here use this? Or use something else?

What were/are you planning to do with the responses? I think it would be interesting to see the stats on something like this. I'd like to see if there is a consensus among the more experienced members on how its done. And if the less experienced are picking up on those 'behaviors', if you will, or just regurgitating something they (me included) read that will not really help them (us) catch bigger bass.

Im with ya on this slonezp. We all fish because we love more about it than what we don't like. Or else we would golf or play badminton or some other silly activity. But in my view it would be unrealistic to not recognize the parts of fishing that make it less enjoyable on occasion. Maybe there is a way to turn a negative into a positive. But probably there isn't. As said above, the cost associated with some items. I need a small outboard for my 14ft tin boat. Looking used and they are still pricey. I just need to not be poor anymore to solve that problem. We have to pay to launch at all locations up here, the conditions are pretty variable. Im in a small boat fishing and someone in a ski boat cruises on by closer than they should be and faster. Sure, we all share the water but common sense buddy. The wind. My main lake gets strong winds from the canyon around noon and can make it unfishable in my boat with the waves that go with it. Oh yeah. WINTER. I can't fish open water around here until April usually. Getting Skunked. I hate preparing for a day on the water with new presentations to try and the excitement that goes with it. Only to find you are in the wrong spot or throwing the wrong lure, but not realizing it until the day is over. This sucks, but it is a huge motivator to go back and find out what I did wrong and do it right next time around. Nothing is better than learning from a previous smelly outing, and applying what was learned. This is my favorite kind of success. Too Many lure choices for a beginner

Thanks Tom. That perspective makes me feel a bit better about the waters I fish

I have no experience catching big bass or many bass for that matter but since you asked.... 1. Location - I think my state record LMB is around 10lbs. So, no trophies in Utah. That being said, you have to fish where bass are known to hang out. I'm still learning how to figure this part out 2. Show them what they want - Present the right lure, at the right depth, in the right way. 3. Stick with the plan or patience - Don't jump to the next lure or color because you get no bites in five casts. Don't be impulsive, make purposeful decisions and understand why your decisions worked or didn't work. Try to learn something every outing.

LOL. I did know this reel was left hand retrieve, having seen the pics in the ad. However, I did not know the significance of the 1 in the model numbers. Thanks for pointing that out.

I had some 12lb mono not being used so I spooled it up to test it. I was able to cast and flip a 3/8oz sinker with relative ease and accuracy on a 6'6 M Vendetta. Reel felt smooth and quiet. Only had one backlash. I grabbed my other bc setup, older quantum accurist ac500 on a quantum tour classic 6'6 MH, to do side by sides. I could flip more accurately and consistently with the new setup vs the quantum which is the only bc setup i've used. way lighter too. Awesome!! I am definitely keeping this one Now I only have about 5 months to wait until I can actually catch a bass with it. Plenty of time to figure out how to clean and lube it

Well I bought it. It has some scrapes and stuff but looks good overall. It could use a good cleaning and oiling. Doesn't look like its been used all that much. Just like its been knocked around during transport and collected dust. Barring any surprises, I think i got a good deal. Now i just need to spool some line on it and give it a throw.

Im going to see it this afternoon. He said its only been used about 5 times, that he preferred to use spinning gear on outings. Never submerged. I don't mind cosmetic wear so much, as long as its solid internally. I'll find out soon enough if ill be joining the shimano team. thanks for the encouragement and advice everyone

Also, I know little about shimano reels. This is one of the smaller models correct? I was thinking it would go well with the 6'6" M Vendetta rod i got last spring.

A used Curado 51E popped up for sale locally. I contacted the seller with a few questions about use, servicing, if its taken a swim, etc. no response yet. He is asking $70 which seems like a good deal to me. especially if i can get it for 50-60. there were two pics in the ad. It looks used but not trashed. I've never bought a reel used before and never owned a Shimano. what would I be looking for aside from functioning parts, cast ability, no weird sounds, etc? My thinking is that even if it had to be cleaned/serviced it would still be a great deal. What do you all think?

Now Wayne and NE...thanks for indulging me. Something about the lure hanging there makes the fish look that much cooler.

Close to body, pushed toward the camera, I really don't care how people 'pose' their fish. Or how big they say it is, unless the scale is included in the pic. There is more to the bass (or other species) than the weight, imo. The coloring/markings on a healthy fish can be pretty amazing. I haven't caught freshwater fish of any significant weight yet, but I do take pics of most because 1. im beginner enough that every fish is fun to catch and i want to remember 2. each one looks unique and im waiting to find that one that looks so cool I have to paint it. That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing more fish pics with the lure still attached.

Back when i was 18 or 19 i saw a leather barcalounger type chair on sale at a department store and had to have it. I 'needed' a smoking chair. It was only around $500, so not a lot of money but a waste nonetheless.