Choporoz

I never heard/thought of putting a creature on a shakey head -- should be on the list -- looks great. But, I usually use the baits to pitch into horizontal cover close to shore and always figured a nice slow, unweighted presentation best -- I'd be hesitant to throw a jig head into the thick of a downed tree

Once you've got it narrowed down to one (or 4) favorites, what's the mostly (most successful) rigging? Obviously conditions will dictate, but I'm guessing most will generally throw in similar-type conditions when they put a creature on and end up with one or two regular rigging methods? T-Rig - small weight <1/4oz ? T-Rig - larger weight > or = 1/4oz ? Weightless ? Carolina ? Nail ? Weighted hook (swimbait type) ? I've had only limited success with creatures 'alone' (except for lizards), and have been using most in some sort of trailer configuration.

This thread piqued my interest enough to look up some of these guys on TW's site. I am blown away that there are 124 different creatures on that site alone. And every one of those comes in assortment of colors and most in various sizes. Holy crap. I have probably only used 5 or 6 different ones; so, I've got a long ways to go before I've tried enough to think I can weigh in on this discussion about which might be best. wow.....

Better alone. Generally prefer alone. However, I will never pass up an opportunity to have my wife with me in the boat. She's a great (and patient) fisherwoman. Isn't nearly as fanatical as I am, but never complains we stay on the water too long, etc. I do have to sacrifice some fishing focus, drive her into primo spots first sometimes, etc..... But having her along is time very well spent.

I walk it through - and have had a bunch of great blow-ups. I have had exactly ZERO hook-ups with soft frogs, however.

I was taught 7. Now I've downsized to 6.....because I read that 5 is sufficient for all but smallest lines....and, well....if 5 is good, 6 must be better, right ...lol

I catch far fewer bass from 11AM to 3PM. However, I'd (VERY unscientifically) say that my 5 biggest, maybe 10 biggest have all come between those same hours. Interesting.....I'd never really thought about it in that way. As the bite slows/stops, I'll sometimes come off the water....lunch or cool off or...take a break. Not sure I'll do that anymore. I guess now it means that I'll have to be on the water from 45 min before sunrise until after sunset.

Thanks, RSL. I'm assuming that's used both for leaders and for braid-to-backing?

6.8 on watermelon Rage Cut-R -- two weeks ago I rarely target 'bigger' fish. Never a guaranteed limit on any waters I hit regularly and I'm happy just to catch fish -- I figure if I've honed in on what the 2-3 pounders are eating, I'll probably catch an occassional larger one -- maybe not necessarily true, but I want to believe it because I just like catching.

Thanks. That's a start. But there's holes there, too....from this thread alone, J-knot, double uni, alberto....my head's swimming....I spent over 40 years thinking I was good with my 'improved clinch' and occasional palomar....ignorance is bliss, I suppose

I'm blown away by the number of folks on here with fairly high-end equipment. I've always been a budget guy (read CHEAPO) and only recently bought a combo for $130 which was easily the most I've ever spent on a rod and reel. I admit that I like it a lot, but I cannot comprehend how a $500 rig would be impress me enough to start saving. I do also admit that I've recently come to appreciate some 'better' things, and can at times justify splurging. But for fishing gear, I'm clueless as to the value. I wouldn't buy golf clubs without trying out a number of different lines -- or a car without a test drive. I can rent camera lenses, boats, convertibles...I can buy singles of cigars before buying a box, etc...you get the picture. Where can I rent higher end rods and reels for a weekend?

I'd hoped to find a sticky in this sub-forum that answered all my knot questions in one place (maybe even with pictures ) I found a couple articles, but not one that mentions even half the knots discussed in this and another recent question post. Sorry if this is a repetitive request, but is there a concise single page that you trust has all the knot info you need in one place (here or elsewhere.) Thank you and sorry for the jack!!

I don't think I could do it. I had the same negative vibes run down my spine as when I last contemplated a managed pheasant hunt. I don't begrudge those that do it, but it has little appeal to me.

Appreciate the follow-up. I just talked to an RV guy and he's aware of the challenges and wants about $400. I suspect that Uhaul uses a fairly standard labor addition and I am probably getting off easy, assuming the job is done well -- and I'll try to ensure it is

I was searching for a Curado and came across a 200G5 for $120 with free shipping: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shimano-Curado-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Reel-Right-Hand/20439147 It would appear that this is a pretty good deal

Probably would....however, I'm willing to bet a package of Senkos that when you receive this, the colors won't look like the colors shown in the image. Maybe they've cleaned up this aspect, but I had similar problems with kits of creatures and finesse worms from BPS

Thanks, Mark. I'll take a look at the videos. tnriverluver may have already scared me off, though. I'm the guy down the street that doesn't know a hammer from a crescent wrench. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've substituted each for the other at one point or another.

Bought that kit two years ago. The four inch browns caught fish. No others did. I've got a small pile of pink bubble gum, BRIGHT blue, black/white barber pole....that are headed for the trash. Two packs of Rage Tail or a pack and a half of Senkos/Kinamis are easily worth more than that kit. Wait...I almost forgot...I do still use the 360 box for my lipless cranks....so, maybe it had more value than I give it credit for

I've been mostly fishing from the 'lower end' for quite some time and I have to say that I've had very good luck with Mitchell spinning combos. I've got a MedLite 300 combo that I've used a couple times a week for four years and an even cheaper Medium Mitchell Avocet that is newer, but has been very solid. I've had bad luck with low end Daiwa, Quantum, Pflueger. I've beat the crap out of a cheap Shimano Sienna and cannot get it to break so I can justify that next upgrade

Thank you! What gear ratio would you put on each?

Thanks, all. U-Haul seems to be my fall-back. I've got calls in for estimates to two RV places, as well. I think I'm good with either of them...or the $300 at U-Haul. I'll post follow-up after its done.

I'm shopping for my first boat, but in the meantime, I need a hitch on my '06 Montero. I figure that U-Haul has the experience and expertise. They want $306 to install including wiring, ball, ball mount, and tax. Little higher than I expected, but doesn't seem unreasonable. Thoughts? U-Haul the best choice? Body shop? I went to my mechanic first and he said he'd only do it with OEM hitch and Mitsubishi wants more than three bills just for parts.

I chased a lot of carp splashes before I learned there were carp in these waters around here. Was fishing a Potomac tributary creek one morning and casting to opposite side where there was a ton of surface activity. After maybe 45 min without a bite, I nearly fell in when there was a huge splash just a few feet away, but out of sight, in a little cut-in, behind a tree. I walked over real stealthy like, and right there in about 14 inches of water was a carp which must have weighed 15 pounds. Crazy.

Spent about five hours on the rez Saturday morning. Unbelievable. First time I've been skunked on there in a LONG time. Exactly ONE solid hit - zero hook-ups. I'm still upset.....lol really.....worked depths, flats, coves, drop-offs, horizontal structure, vertical structure....jigs, worms, spinners (in line and reg blades), chatterbaits, jerk baits, lipless, square-bills, deep cranks, Ikas, soft swim baits - weigtless flukes and on spinner jig heads, lizarads, buzz baits, and others I can't even recall right now. Zip Zilch Nada....

I met a guy on the lake Saturday who was fishing from a (motored) Freedom Hawk -12 and absolutely loved it. My wife did, too. She was ready to get us two. I'm not completely sold, but it was certainly intriguing.