pkpence

What part of north Alabama do you live?

We are going to the black river area tomorrow. Any tips?

I hear you guys talking about the weak east, and it is to some extent, though I think the Nats will be really tough with Gio, Stras, Zimmerman, and the trade for Fister really makes their rotation really tough. Also, Werth has the highest BA in baseball dating back to July, and if Harper gets better with Span at the top, it could be a really tough team to beat. Also the Mets have the potential for a .500 season this year with their off season acquisitions and the pitching staff that they have. The Marlins should be better this year also with a full year of Fernandez and Stanton trying to get a bid payday. I think the Phils finish 3rd in the division, just due to guys like Utley not being able to stay on the field. I really don't think his knees will let him play 150 games. Rollins is aging, Howard hasn't caught up to a good fastball in 2 years (we will see how that changes with him being "healthy" this year), and their pitching staff is getting tired I think the Braves will still win the division, but not by the margin that they did last year. In a perfect world, Freeman has another top 5 MVP type year, Heyward can work his BA up to the .280 mark, Justin Upton can have a similar year to last year, just a little more consistent, and we get BJ and Struggla up over the .220 mark. If we do those things, and the pitching staff can have a similar year to last year, then we have a good shot at winning the division. Just my thoughts Kevin

Good idea starting this thread. I am in Birmingham and fish lay and gville mostly. I was headed to Tuscaloosa this weekend though to fish with a buddy. Anyone have any recommendations for me down there? Thanks, Kevin

I cannot be more excited to see spring training pick up. I am a Braves fan, have been forever... I can't wait to see how the young guys like Freeman, Teheran and Simmons perform with their new contracts, and am really excited to watch Medlen, Minor and Beachy continue to grow. It will also be interesting to see if our bullpen can continue to be as good as it has been over the last couple of years. Big 'un, you may want to pick up McCann with the Yanks as your catcher, that swing of his is perfect for the short porch in Yankee Stadium Kevin

I am asking the same question . What are your thoughts on the two units? Here is a link that I found to be helpful, though I am still on the fence. http://www.fishfinders.info/review-of-humminbird-859ci-hd-di

All, A friend and I own a 1995 Ranger together, and it has a Mercury 115hp, 2 cycle engine. The other day, my friend, Josh, took the boat out to Guntersville, and the motor started and idled fine. When he opened up the throttle, the motor responded normally until he hit about 2000 rpm, then it appeared to drag, with no additional rpm gained, even though the throttle is all the way down. He mentioned that it felt as if the trim was too far down, but he adjusted the trim and it did not have an effect. He also mentioned that if the boat is not in gear, the engine appears to get fuel fine, as the engine will rev like normal. Any ideas on what is going on here? Anyone had a similar situation? We have owned the boat for about a year and a half, and have had no problems with the engine until now. Also, the last time we took the boat out was the 5th of July, and the engine ran fine. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks. Kevin

I personally do not own an extremely expensive rod (i.e. one over $100), but the *** 13 rod that I bought a couple of months ago has been a dream. I have some friends that I fish with that own some higher end rods, and they are on the *** 13 band wagon. What I have heard from retailers in my area (Simmons Sporting Goods, Woods and Water), is that the *** 13 won't stay at $100 for very long, as it is a great value. Just my 2 cents there.

Tom, thanks for the website tip, they seem to have good pricing on a wide variety of items. Do you pour your own jigs, or do you buy jigs and then customize them? What are the pros/cons? Thanks.

Guys, Me and a buddy are looking into making our own jigs. I know we have to buy the lead, or get it from a tire shop or something, buy a lead melter, etc., but what jig mold have you had success with? There are a bunch of options out there, so what sets one apart from the other? Thanks, and I look forward to your responses.

You should check out the H2O rods from Academy, if you have one close to you. They have worked well for me, and they are in the $60 price range for the mid-grade rods. Also, you should check out the Omen13 rods. They are in the $100 range, but have great reviews. I just bought a spinning set-up that was an Omen13, 6-6 MF with a Diawa AirD reel. The reel and rod were both $80, so I got the combo for $160 and love it. Let us know what you end up with Kevin

Keeper, Me and a buddy went out and got soaked haha. Thankfully, we had some decent rain gear. We started fishing a long island point that was in about 4' of water, with a drop-off that went into 25' that had a lot of timber on it. We didn't catch anything on that point, so we went into a pocket off of the main channel and caught, of all things, 2 freshwater drums... . We fished pretty hard until 2, and didn't catch any bass, which was unfortunate. Thanks for following up.

Do those options include a bibb?

I will be fishing in the rain this weekend, which is a first for me. What are some good rain gear setups in the $100-$150 range? Thanks

Guys, I am intending on fishing tomorrow (Sat, 5/4/13), and there is a weather system that is moving in. The weather has been iffy and unsettled all week here in Alabama, but the rain will finally move in tonight (cooler temps with it), and the forecast is showing rain all day tomorrow. I am fishing on Lay Lake, which is a Coosa River impoundment. What are ya'lls thoughts on how to gameplan for the day tomorrow? I am comfortable throwing a wide range of baits/tactics, but I don't know where to start looking for them, or how to develop a gameplan/techniques to start building a pattern out of. Thanks.

Guys, I was excited to find this topic, as I am in the market. I just want to say that I appreciate the input from all of you guys, and it makes decisions a lot easier, and gives me more confidence in certain items that I have no experience with. Thanks!

Tom, Thank you for the insight. I appreciate the perspective on how to target the fish. This is one of those things that is difficult to put into words, and I think that I can take your thoughts and translate that into a game-plan on the water the next time I go out. Thanks!!

Tom, You are absolutely correct about the location being most important item. I always think of the old saying, "90% of fish are in 10% of the water." I always feel like I fish the 10% of fish in the 90% of the water . That being said, I am hoping to learn how to find those 10% of spots that will pay off. I am just at a loss as to how to find them. I have spent countless hours researching/watching videos on how to find fish, I just seem to strike out a lot with it. I typically fish impoundments in Alabama. Primarily, I fish Lay Lake, and Guntersville. It's frustrating, because I know that these lakes hold good fish, and I see a lot of fish being pulled out of livewells at the ramps, and when I talk to other boaters, they are doing the same things I am (i.e. throwing jigs, cranks, spinners, etc.). The only thing I can figure is that, either they are throwing them differently than I am, and my technique is wrong, or, and more likely, they are throwing the same lures in higher percentage areas that I cannot find. I feel like that is my disconnect, and I hope to continue learning how to find that productive water. Thoughts?

Guys, I could use a different perspective. I have been fishing for about a year now, and I have definitely seen a lot of growth in my fishing abilities, not to mention a lot fewer backlashes... I do, however, seem to strike out a lot on days where other anglers tend to do well. Normally, I will try and look at a map before I go out, and try and consider the weather pattern and identify where the fish will be, and what they will be feeding on. I then try and establish a pattern to work once I get on the water. The problem is, it is difficult to pattern fish when you can't get them to bite... What were some of those changes that you guys made, early in your fishing career, that helped you begin to catch fish on a more regular basis? I think what I would like to do, next year, is to sign on with a local club and fish off of the back of the boat, just to learn. I am not doing that this year simply because I feel that I need more time on the water. I would appreciate your input. Thanks in advance! Grace and Peace, Kevin Pence

Let's see, I think I am about 40 years from retirement... Looks like its lots of working and squeezing in fishing for me

How about, that is cold... Like get a brain freeze from breathing kinda cold.

In 3 months, I'll be in post spawn

What is retired? I need a dictionary...

Man, that is a tough one.... I say break out the salt and the ice pick and find a way! where there is a will...

I am getting burned out on the 12 hour days. I find myself staring longingly at weather patterns and temp changes, and wondering when I will find time to get the boat out of the garage. I'm sure you guys have no idea what I am talking about....