DogBone_384

I own Abu Garcia, Bass Pro, Fenwick, G. Loomis, Dobyns, Kistler, Diawa, 13, St. Croix, and Powell, in all shapes and sizes. I assume I’m like others who try different brands until they find their ‘fit’. I’ve really grown to like Kistler for their build quality and overall feel (not forgetting they’re made in the USA, have excellent customer service and Trey Kistler answered the phone one day when I called to pay an invoice), but break out the Abu’s for certain applications. My wife has one custom made Kistler. She’s smarter than me…

I wear a Milwaukee M12 heated hoodie or jacket. They work great. The jacket has heated pockets for my hands.

My #1 is a Kistler 6’9” KLX with a 7.3:1 Tatula SV on top. My #2, for winter, is the same spec’d spinning rod with a 2500 Vanford beneath it.

I don't remember my first bass, but I started fishing while in grade school, in the mid '70s. Eaton's Pond was the local pond we fished and skated on. That evolved into riding my bike from home, in Quincy, MA., to Wampatuck State Park in Hingham, MA. I wasn't addicted to it back then, but fished on/off until college. I still fish Eatons & Wampatuck at least once a year, just to go. I took our daughter fishing when she was young, but she didn't show much interest. Family, and working two jobs took most of my time anyway. When Kathryn went to Jr. High, I got back into it by myself, and right down the rabbit hole went I. I started with a BPS Pro Qualifier and Carbonlite rod. Discovering this forum aided my ascent too. More rods, reels, baits, and my first fishing kayak sealed the deal. Fast forward to '22, I own custom Kistler rods, two FeelFree Lures, too many rods & reels, almost everything Matt Allan and Tim Little preach, and a Ranger RT178. And it only took 8 years! I still work two jobs, but with Kathryn graduating college this Spring and the house nearly paid for, I get out at least once or twice a week in SE Massachchusetts. I try to fish with @Fishing Rhino, @Saltysmalljaws, and @Mr. Aquarium at least a few times a year as well. My wife's finally on board too, though she's much smarter than I am. She has one setup (a custom Kistler with her nickname on it) with a LV500 on it that she calls 'her fishie'. She sits on the back of the Ranger and just enjoys being on the boat, regardless if she catches anything. THAT's why she's so much smarter than I am. So to answer the question, how many years? I'd estimate 30 of my 55. No Mike, she created MR. AQUARIUM!

I drove to Hedges late this morning with my auger, tip-ups, etc., in hopes of some nice SMB and yellow perch. I was surprised to find the ice only 2-3” thick. It was very sketchy on the SE area where I have my best luck. I err’d on the side of caution and returned north. On a whim I stopped at Little South, where the ice was much better. Almost 5 hours, a LOT of holes and a LOT of nothing, I gave my shiners to a beach-chicken (seagull for you ‘inlanders’) that hung out with me. With the upcoming storm, this’ll likely be my only ice fishing trip for the foreseeable future.

Nope. The last repelling I did was in my Fire Academy 20 years ago... I'll dust off my auger & unpack my ice fishing gear.

Any open water out there, or should I break out the auger?

Super Bowl or not, congrats to the Bengals for winning their 1st playoff game in 31 years!

No. I had my kayak.

I had to drive to Sheep Pond in Harwich to find open water. I fished mid afternoon to dusk. I landed 8 small yellow perch, all on a gold Damiki blade bait, in 25+ ft of water. I hooked, but lost, one more on a TacticalBassin’ crank bait (burn, burn, burn, pause… if you watch their channel). Water temps were 40.x and the air pressure was 30. It was nearly calm and mostly cloudy. I drove past Bloody Pond, Hedges, and Snake ponds. The first two were locked up solid. Snake looks like it could open back up with a couple warm days. Unfortunately, that’s NOT this weekend’s forecast.

If you’re selling privately, check the gun laws of each state you want to sell the gun in. If you want to sell it to a dealer, they can answer your question. Gun laws vary from state to state in New England. Is it semi-auto or bolt action? If it’s bolt action, I know you can sell it in MA. Here’s Massachusetts’ answer to your question: https://www.mass.gov/guides/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-assault-weapons-ban-enforcement-notice Good luck.

X2

No, you’re not alone.

I have a 6’9” M/MF Kistler KLX casting rod I like for jerkbaits so much I had them make a spinning version to the same specifications. Other than that, I’d recommend any medium rod in the 6’6” - 6’10” range that fits your hand and budget. Best of luck with your choice.

That's sure not a bad thing... '21 was the only year since '17 I didn't catch fish in open water in MA. Dunno what happened in March '21, but I couldn't buy a bite in any water, from my boat or kayak! Poor @Saltysmalljaws and @Mr. Aquarium suffered through my ranting and complaining (that's why they're ALWAYS welcome on my boat)! ... tomorrow's another day....

My ‘21 big bass came on 24 August via a green pumpkin Z-Man creature bait, T-rigged, while fishing with @Fishing Rhino .

I have my best luck in the W/SW corner about 2/3 the way down from the beach. It’s a little hike by wader, but usually worth it. You can reach deeper water wading there and there’s some grass near shore.

Swimbaits, jigs, and drop-shot will be on the list for ‘22. My biggest weakness is deep water fishing. Patience will be the key: I have none. I’m going to force myself to play by “1 rod, 1 bait” rules and grind it out until my 5W bulb lights up…. I closed ‘21 at Hedges, in Plymouth. 3 SMB made it to the kayak and lost 1 when I let up ‘just enough’. The biggest just made 2 pounds and all four still had a little fight in them. All fish picked up a gold Damiki blade bait sitting still on the bottom. Water temps were 41.x when I arrived and 43.x when I packed up at dusk. It was overcast and nearly calm, with an air pressure of 30.0. If weather allows, I’ll be back at Hedges early next week. Happy New Year to all! I don’t think I caught 20 pounds of SMB in all of ‘21…. Also, don’t fish too close to @Saltysmalljaws either! He’ll catch all the big ones! Looks like Wequaquet …. See you there in the spring!

I use both, depending on lure, weather, etc., though I prefer B/C.

I have Lowrance’s Ghost on my boat. It’s networked to an Elite ti2 9” and 7”. It works great, keeps me in place when I need, and is whisper quiet.

Bummer.

@ATA Beat me to it. TW has the SLX DC for $189 ($US). Best of luck choosing a reel.

Merry Christmas!

The more the merrier!

Bernie’s General store, three blocks from home, has the best sandwiches my city. Their steak-egg-cheese does wonders for a hangover.