DogBone_384

Good luck finding a new gig. Since you're a VET, have you considered a Civil Service job? I can't speak for NY, but here in MA, Vets get hiring preferences. Also, do you have any GI Bill benies left you can use to get yourself a higher degree on the Government's dime. Most of my coworkers are vets and more than a handful work towards degrees while getting paid from the government to do so. Anyway, hope you find a satisfying job. Liking your work is key.

Can't speak for Mike's Reel Service, but I've sent many of my expensive reels to Delaware Valley Tackle, a sponsor, and always get my stuff back quickly and in better shape than I sent it in... He'll get more business from me this winter.

X3

About sums it up .... WELCOME TO YOUR NEXT ADDICTION!!!!!!

I have an *** Black 6'10" ML with a PX68R SPR on it. It throws 3" Senkos quite well (EDIT: In back yard). It's so new I've yet to fish it. I had a Core50 on it before that and like the way it handles light baits better than my ML Tatula, which, to me, feels like a light-medium instead of a true ML.

Welcome to the forum. It's dropping below freezing in northern New England now. Head south, perhaps to Florida.... I hear the bass are much bigger down there.

About sums it up. Also make sure someone knows where you are going, a float plan I believe it's called. Just don't try to start a fire on your 'yak ...

Where do you hunt for smallies, South, or West? I might get out for one more go before hunting season....

The best way to stay out of trouble: Shut Up ... Show Up ... Pay Up ...

I'd love to see the Cubs win the whole thing. My father saw the Sox lose '46, '67, '75, and '86. I was just a baby in '67, so I remember only '75 & '86... We've been spoiled here in Boston in the last 12 years or so... it's Chicago's turn.... Best of luck to them!

About sums it up.

Will do. At the moment, my MH/F Veritas paired with a 7.3:1 *** is my #1 setup. Perhaps that'll change...

$117 & change, shipped 2nd day.

No, I didn't weigh it. I have a MH/F Veritas (my #1 favorite) and a MH/M St. Croix Premier and figured I'd give it a try to round out my MH rods. You're likely to find me testing it out at Little Pond, or Long Pond tomorrow morning if I can't catch any trout. I really like the short handle length. The rod itself reminds me of my *** Black.

Congrats on beating cancer. My parents are 6 years free. Getting back to topic, I just picked up a MH/XF Kistler Ti from T***W*** and a 9.1:1 Zillion on flea-bay (CHEAP!). Casting it in front of the house, it feels great. I'm going to take it trout fishing with me tomorrow just to play with, maybe throw a wacky Senko or Jig.

How big a boat? If you're talking about a bass boat, I'd say you're all set. Chrysler's 4.0 is a bulletproof motor (which I'd rather have than our V6), and the Wrangler's drivetrain itself is pretty stout. Our Unlimited has a 3,500 lb. towing capacity.

Sounds about right. I caught bigger fish in '15 than '14, but the numbers were WAY off. My first Larry didn't come until May and October's been a bust, both of which I'd attribute to the severe winter we had, throwing nature off a bit. Two things are a must for me next year: learn how to read my Lowrance better, and learn how to catch bass with jigs.

Looks like it's time to break out the light tackle..... Though I might bring my new Zillion along to practice with.

Hello Mike, welcome to the forum. Lots of great people, full of great info here. Do watch out for the Bait Monkey... Can be quite influential .

$250's not a lot for lures, especially if you're new to artificial baits. A lone Rapala X-Rap is $10-12, for example.

Congrats...

I have an Ascend 128T and FeelFree Lure 11.5. They're both SOTs and stable enough to stand while fishing. This thread might be helpful: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/158454-kayak-boat-control/?hl=%2Banchor+%2Btrolley

An anchor trolley and 3 pound anchor do the trick for me. The trolley lets you position your kayak in the best direction to cast in if it's windy.

It might interest you that there's one for sale in the flea market....