Choporoz

Be color blind - don't fish so shallow

Set your budget and try to stick to it. If you decide to wait and save a little more specifically for this purchase, than by all means, do it. But don't spend more than you budget for. If you had asked for recommendations for a decent combo on here for under $250....somebody (probably many somebodys) would suggest you spend more. You can get a very solid rod and reel without spending more than $150. Can you get a better one for more? Of course! I don't know whether to laugh or scream every time someone asks for a recommendation and ten people tell him or her to SPEND MORE!!!! I admit that I've done it myself. Fishing is a hobby.....and perhaps an obsession, but in the end it is a hobby; a pastime. We all laugh and joke about being mauled by the bait monkey.....but, a little fiscal responsibility can take you a long ways.

+1! I could have written that word for word....lo.

Seems most of the good self-made fishing video lately is done with GoPro

I can usually cast far enough to hit the water. On the other hand, about the only time I cast over 30 yards is when the overhanging branches are 28 yards away.

I am a demanding customer, but also spent a number of years working in retail. I agree with posts above explaining dissatisfaction on both sides of the counter. But, I no longer expect anything approaching expertise from anyone in an entry level job who is paid close to minimum wage. Most of us here, as can be seen from numerous posts, value best price as much as service. Big box stores in any retail segment aren't going to have much expertise in store. Can't compete anymore if they tried to pay wages for that value. Lower your expectations. Sorry. Also, it isn't helping any of those brick and mortar retail guys any when I go into BPS and handle rods and reels and ask questions.....but make my purchase from TW when I get home. The one thing that does routinely tick me off in B&M's is associates who bullchit me. Often it isn't a deliberate attempt just to get me to buy something....it is usually just some poor minimum wage Joe who somehow has decided that it is better to answer and/or suggest something totally wrong or inappropriate than to say "I'm not sure ---- let me find out (or ask a manager)." Seems lately that a whole lot of (usually) young retail workers just make crap up instead of finding out the answer. That's what really upsets me in a store. Not ignorance.

lost and found.....Saturday I hooked a large cat on a DT6 (second one in two weeks) - he broke off at the boat. Some time later, I found the DT6 floating well down the bank I was working - I'm just glad he was going my way....or maybe not - that DT6 hasn't gotten one bass bite yet.

No pricey swimbait loss stories, but a few months ago on the first day that I was trying out an A-rig, I hung it up in rocks. $13 for the rig and another $14 for the heads and tails. Funny....I haven't tossed one since

I noticed a difference when I used flouro. Since I switched to copoly, I still use it....but I admit that on the occasions when I have forgotten to use it, I haven't noticed any difference. Nothing scientific, but I am not convinced that copoly 'needs' it.

Interesting. I KNOW it makes a difference in my confidence...and I believe it makes a difference in bass' ability to see the lure. But does it also affect bass likelihood of taking one color over another assuming it can see both?

I don't get too worked up about a lost worm, however, I am much more careful after having read this. http://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/skinny-fish.html Thanks, Glenn, for linking this last time it was discussed a couple months ago.

Nope. Not yet...

sticks with you About six weeks ago I was having a very challenging day - a few dinks, but mostly frustration. Well past noon, as the thermometer started to push closer to 100, I'd about had it....but, as always...just one more cast in a smallish cove. Across the inlet, there was a couple drifting in the shade with bobbers floating. They were both laying in the bottom of the boat, oblivious to me and anything else. The rod out the back of the boat bent sharply and the dude woke up quick and pulled in what must have been at least a 5# LMB. Still gets under my skin.

Wishful thinking? Sorry, BB, but that cracks me up every time I read it. Mind if I put it in my sig?

I'm one of the guys who rolls his eyes when men start bemoaning the *** of football. I am all for looking for ways to make the game safer. But I can't get outraged about this play. I also don't find a problem with Foles' teammates getting upset. It lasted too long - and that's the refs' fault. But, it never erupted into a real brawl. Baker didn't take his legs out or pick him up and slam him on the ground or anything else that I'd call an 'unnecessary amount of force' - Foles was blocked. Legally. I don't think we need to do more to protect QB's at this time. But, if they do, then put a red shirt on them - don't let them cross the line of scrimmage, don't let them block or make tackles or initiate any sort of contact with opposing players. Until you put a flag-football belt on them, QB's are going to be hit and I'm OK with that.

That's pretty cool. I'll bet that gal by the stairs would have worn underwear if she'd known that this was coming.

I watched the game and was sort of appalled at first. But after watching the replays, I had no problem with it whatsoever. Ball was turned over and QB became a defenseman and potential tackler. Block him out of the play. I don't understand why there'd be any controversy.

Not sure. My waste/ecology perspective on the question became extremely irrelevant to me after reading posts about terrible harm that 'lost' plastics do to the fish. I've never been so careful with used plastics as I have been since reading those.

No! LOL.....I was just joking since there was an ongoing thread at the same time about OCD guys keeping every box neatly stacked and organized....doesn't sound like Raul is one of those guys

Hmmm....what if just a couple words were changed? Doesn't sound so bad to me....

I think there were three times that we didn't pick best path through the 'rapids' and I had to stick one foot in the water to push off the rocks. Warm day and I was wearing sandals. It wasn't much of a problem. If we go back when it gets cooler, I'll need to figure something better

I'm great with the idea and love the location. However, I'm out of town that weekend. Tues nights are generally best for me, but I'll be flexible

The fish have yet to convince me that I need to carry anything other than watermelon of any variety and smokin shad.

Spent most of Saturday on the Shenandoah and had an absolute blast! Wife and I rented a canoe from Front Royal Canoe Co. For less than $50 they dropped us, canoe and gear about 3-4 miles upstream from their outfit. We paddled about a 1/3 mile further upstream at their recommendation. Below the first upstream rapids from the launch, we started hauling in smallies almost immediately. It was our first time on a river and first time fishing for SMB. For not knowing the water, we did pretty well. No count, but in the dozens. Nearly all on senkos and Rage Cut-R's. Nothing for the record books, but a great time. Had to be back to FRCC at 6:30 --- we were still catching fish at 6:29 as we dragged the canoe up onto the rocks. FRCC was a top-notch outfit - we'll be going back.

steve, what water are you referring to? I'm guessing Occoquan, since there's a Fountainhead Park/Marina there. If so, there's a current/running thread on Occoquan that might help. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/133334-anyone-hit-the-occoquan-reservoir-lately/ As to your question, I am not going to be much help. I haven't really tried many ponds in the area.