Choporoz

I think the guy in the comments section with the drone suggestion is even better.

To paraphrase Gerald Swindle, I use a blue jig with a blue and black trailer....if that doesn't get bit, I throw a black jig with a black and blue trailer...if that still doesn't work, I throw a blue and black jig with a blue (or even sometimes black) trailer

Thank you much! Appreciate the info, Al. I had read, with interest, the info that you have posted about the drawdown in threads some time ago. I have read much about it, but still find it somewhat challenging to get my head around. We're leaving from DC area this evening and heading that way. Not much itinerary beyond getting a feel for the area. Our going-in list is pretty short: waterfront, bass waters, 'affordable', views would be nice, and we like the idea of being closer to the mountains/hills than getting much farther east. We're going to traipse around probably until late Sun, early Mon.

I'm disappointed.

Nice fish!!! But, I think you suffer a 4 oz penalty for being on the interwebs while fishing.

Any brief, general (or specific) thoughts on living (and fishing) on any of these waters? Norris Powell River Cherokee Douglas Maybe Little Tennessee River or Watts Barr

I've never been down that far. Is there a public spot to launch a kayak south of Lake Ridge?

No worries from me. Forum communication is a tricky deal...tone, idioms, sarcasm, lack of facial expressions...all lead to possible misinterpretations, etc. I, for one, agree with what I think was your main point about the brain being the most important piece of gear and keeping your head in the game....PMA!...ok...I've been watching too much of those Gerald Swindle self-help tapes

I suspect its a matter of tone more than message...I can see how someone might read your first post as: "I outfish everybody. I know more about where the fish are and what they want and I give it to them. I'm focused. Nobody who fishes with me is nearly as focused. But, I'm a gentleman and don't want to hurt their feelings more than they already are by being embarrassed at my skills. If only everybody would think like me, they'd catch more fish." Obviously this is GREATLY exaggerated, but perhaps you can see why some have may bristled more than embraced your message.

I read many/most of the posts and rarely know what forum they are in, so I'm the wrong person to ask...but I have my own question: What's the need? Are trout fishermen accidentally reading a carp post because the title was unclear? How might such a change improve your BR experience?

http://www.katsuichi.co.jp/

I have no desire to get into the conversation that will develop from your question. However, I will butt in here and tell you that YES - do it. Stop thinking about it.

'Swing jig'? Or wobblehead? http://www.wobbleheadlures.com/id3.html If swing-type jig, I have tried using them any way I use a jig and any way I trig. Good ones come through cover surprisingly well and can be flipped effectively. Dragged, they allow freedom of movement of any plastic that you don't get from trig. I especially like Rage Tail Structure Bug and craws.

Spent a few hours yakking from Bull Run Marina yesterday. Went down from ramp. Tossed big worms, chatter, jig, crank, fluke, Cut-R....one bite in the first 90 min..... on a mag worm -- set the hook hard enough to throw a bluegill ten yards over the other side of the yak. Desperate times...desperate measures.....Tied on a Ned Rig and proceeded to boat a half dozen LMB - nothing over 2lb, but I did break off two that I'm sure must have been DD's Of note, I also caught the my first Occoquan Res crappie...can't believe its the first one I've boated in nearly five years on there. Talked briefly to three parties at the ramp on the way out; one claimed 'terrible'; one said 'okay''; third one talked of a tremendous day of bunch of fish, including couple over 4 and one over 6.

I've tried a few different ones this year. z-mans have been pretty good. Two different ebay specials were terrible. Best ones I've used look like this: http://www.fishing-headquarters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Lip-stick-jig-worm-19-Watermelon.png Unfortunately, I don't have the package and can't remember what they are.... Anybody recognize these?

I guess what I'm asking is what might an 8.1 give you that a 7.3 won't? IPT being the same, I'm quite confident that I couldn't tell you the difference between the two blindfolded. However, if the conventional wisdom is that higher ratios mean a 'power' sacrifice, I can't imagine that you'd need an 8.1 over a 7.3 --- IF it means you can't slice your braid through spatterdock as well.....or haul in a half-cove of salad as easily. To me, it seems to be splitting hairs, but admittedly, I can't tell the difference....so what am I doing posting here, slonez?

How many IPT for each?

My wife and I are continuing our search for retirement property and figured we'd scope out Eastern Tennessee over Labor Day weekend. Probably stay around Dandridge or Morristown and put a lot of miles on the car exploring. I have few preconceptions about specific lakes or general areas. I have read a bit about fishing and about waterfront property in the region, but I'm coming with a somewhat open mind. Any suggestions on towns, areas, waters, etc that you think we should either rule out or put at the top of the list? Things we must look at during first visit? Or realtors you might suggest? I doubt we're putting a down payment offer in this weekend, but I'm willing to talk to agent(s) experienced in the region. I've only really considered the big lakes NE of Knoxville, but willing to look at lakes and rivers a bit south and west if it makes sense. Any and all advice much appreciated. Thank you.

I got a huge deal on a fishing yak last January. Took the store all last year and half the winter to figure out that SUP's and whitewater yaks was where the money was at, and they ditched the fishing kayaks for well below cost. I'm a happy yakker.

I, too, am sorry I missed this. If I was going to pay for a guide (and I probably should), I would call either Steve Chaconas' or Ken Penrod's outfits first. I can't read enough from those guys and I'm sure a trip with them or their crews would be awesome.

I don't know how much premium it adds to your cost, but I think the peace of mind that would come from buying the 2011 Triton from a dealer would be worth quite a bit.

Pretty tough to tell much without seeing it ourselves. Most will tell you to have it looked over by a marine mechanic before you buy. But, I will suggest that if things don't work out with the fiance, PM me. Lucky guy!

riva, what line are you breaking? I use Yo-Zuri a LOT, and that sounds like a problem I've had after I mange to 'kink' it. If I get a backlash that causes a hard 'fold' or 'crease', it can break pretty easily. Really the only negative I've found with it.

riva, I've been on the rez trolling out of Fountainhead a couple times since my last post...and two or three times kayaking out of Bull Run Marina. I've been working pretty hard on the deep fish, but results haven't been great. The odd 2 pounder here and there, but I'm a long way from feeling confident about it. I usually take a break from probing the depths and pick up a few with jigs on the deep drop-offs close to shore. Fairly reliable that I can get a couple/few that way, but nothing to pull the scale out for lately. Bull Run has been much more enjoyable, but not a LOT better for fishing lately. The LMB's I do get in the skinnier water have been the ones that are really tight to cover - and the occasional SMB hanging out below rock bluffs. I never get past the feeling that I'm just a couple more bits of experience and knowledge before I start hammering them on the rez. There's very few spots that I can pull up to and feel confident that there's sure bite there. But, no question there's a lot of good fish in there. I'd love to fish waters where I know I'll catch more fish, but I still enjoy the challenge of the Occoquan.

IIRC, there was an issue with someone spamming about these, so they got 'blocked'. I've only used one, but with good results. I haven't thrown it in much grass, but it has done very well in rocks and timber. Hooksets have not been a concern, whatsoever.