Smokinal

No rush Glenn. Thanks for update

I'm still getting the black box with small white square in center

Absolutely! Without a doubt I've become a better angler since I started keeping a log; around 10 years ago. I don't have a really fancy, thorough system; just a notebook that I keep date, weather, water conditions (temp, clarity), body of water, number of fish, where I caught them, cover they were in or structure they were on and baits used. And almost more importantly, I'll log what didn't work for that day. Now, if I need to, I can go back before a trip and read what worked and what didn't for the same time period. Doing this has taught me the typical patterns for a given time of year. The thing to be careful of, and this topic may spark a debate about fishing "history" as it always does, you have to fish the conditions at hand. It's just that the log gives you some clue as to where you should start; then adjust your presentaions and baits as the conditions require.

Definitely hypothetically. I guess I'm just repeating what Blue said in that it all depends what you call "good" fishing. I found this little pond up here that has some big smallies in it. I can only manage to catch 2-3 in a morning, but they are good ones. I'll be honest with you , I don't know that I'll return to the place just because it's slow for me. I'd rather spend my time in a spot where my line will be tight, even if it means sacraficing size. I think I need A-Jay up here to show me how to fish this place!!

Came in to say this^^^ In Maine, on most of my home waters, in a 5 hr morning a 15-20 fish day is slow; 30-40 fish day is expected and I have caught as many as 78 in 5 hrs (on Mr Ned btw). So, if I went to California and caught 1-2 bass in a month, even if they were DD's, I'd say it's horrible. When I go fishing I like to catch fish. jmo

Congrats guys! You're going to love our state. Mickey, those 2 lakes are chockerblock full-o-smallies. Along with your baits of choice, I'd have at the ready: 4" and 6" green pumpkin senkos to rig texas and wacky, some perch or gold colored hard jerkbaits, Green Pumpkin and PBJ TRD on a Ned rig, sexy shad Keitechs, some natural colored crankbaits to run all depths, chart/white spinnerbaits. I'd also have some t-rigged worms for largemouth in grass. And don't overlook Webber Pond in Vassalboro. Great largemouth fishery. Can't wait to hear some reports from you guys! Shout if you get stuck.

Beautiful bass! Congrats!

Probably small baitfish, petch etc...nibbling at the tips of the bait

I hate to tell you this but they aren't going to give out some secret prototype baits to 2 random schmoes if they didn't want them out.

Dat Live Pumkinseed doe. It's so beautiful; I find myself staring at it for hours; I could nibble on it myself

Its called vanish for a reason; because that's what your fish do....

I have been absolutely mythed that I haven't seen it in MLF. There is no better platform for the Ned than that. I've seen guys go 8 hours, literally, without a single bite and will not put down the shakey head.

I, too, break the keeper off and super glue the flat end of the top of the bait to the jighead. Works mint like that

Wow! Interesting to hear of the same issue I experienced. T rigged worm would sink to the bottom but my line literally hovered above the water 3 ft all the way back to my rod. Would not have believed it if it didn't happen to me. Was hearing crackling sounds the whole time.

Ouch!! Those are tough to lose that way!

What's been going on guys? Who's been out? I went out 2 Sundays ago to a new, small pond for smallies. Bite was good early, then shut right down for me around 9. Very clear water place which I'm not used to so maybe it was me. No pics but I caught 3 or 4 that were in the 3-4 lb area; good smallies for sure. A few smaller ones and 4 long pickerel. Wait, maybe figured this pic thing out...

Up or down; seam or no seam...doesnt make any difference. The reason you are experiencing line twist is you dont have the bait straight on the hook. Meaning, the bait isn't perfectly in line with the hook. I like to use the seam as a guide while rigging to make sure the worm is perfectly in line on the hook. And make sure you enter the worm, both first and second time, perfectly perpendicular to the bait. Ive taken out buddies who aren't as into fishing as me and i know they are thinking im too anal about rigging my plastics but somehow i always catch more fish than them.

That's one of those baits I had to have but I think I've thrown once? When I want to throw a jerk I reach for the 110. Not sure when I would throw the Shadow over the 110. I guess where there are rocks i could hit lol

Ive caught hundreds of fish on the 1/10

I usually only throw a trap in spring and fall and will only throw the original Bill Lewis in red craw.

He plays for Thomas College in Maine. He's getting his degree in Criminal Justice, then in going to join the NAVY and become a SEAL. He has an affection for gloves. He has 9 and, for the longest time, wouldn't even let anyone put their hand in a couple of them. He has a break in process he goes through and he has them perfectly fit his hand; like a glo... well you know.

Baseball Dad checking in. Had coached my son all through the years now he's playing NCAA in college; uses an A2000 as well. Pic is definitely an ESPN top 10!

The most fish? TRD on a Ned rig; and it ain't even close

More specifically, the 22 and the 26 fters? I need a new super deep cb and saw these; they look good. I'm curious if there is a big pull or casting difference between the 2? Is the 26 a big heavy bait to be lobbing around all day? I have never got a cb to reach its advertised depth so I'm thinking if I get 18 ft out of the 26, I'd be ecstatic! Oh, and either will be thrown on a 7-6 XH with braid/fluoro leader.

Nothin wrong with a numbers day!