Smokinal

While I agree on the aluminum being the better option for a 50, I have to ask if that one particular lake is that important to you to make a decision like that. I have a local lake I fish once in a while that has a 9.9 limit. I found out who the warden for that area was and asked him about it. I explained I'd like to take my Nitro in there just to have electronics but it has a 75 on it. He said "Just don't let me see you fire up the big motor and you'll be ok". So, is it small enough that you could just stay on your TM the whole time? And not that an aluminum is a bad choice, but if I had my heart set on a glass boat, I'd have to think long and hard about that one lake.

I hate the cold but I love to fish so I have narrowed down, through trial and error, my system. Wool socks and thermo boots; I like a base layer so I wear a base legging under a pair of insulated skiing wind breaker pants, then my Cabelas wind pants over those. Upper body gets a base layer, wool shirt, insulated jacket, then Cabelas wind jacket; hat and gloves if needed. I can be out in 30 degrees in wind with this setup and fish comfortably. And I always wear my PFD over my final jacket. I'd like to recommend people to see a ski shop for insulated wind pants. They were one of my best clothing purchases ever. I feel that if you can keep the wind out of your clothing, you've won the battle! Stay safe and warm my friends.

Well I saw all the deals you guys were getting and just had to go back. DT10's for 2.50 ea, tungsten worm weights for 2.98 per pack and Trilene 100% Fluoro for 9.98. Just can't go wrong.

Good point Grant; there are some great savings on anything ending in .93 or .97. Good to see some of you getting some good deals!

omg...talk about a want

My river bait is a white fluke. The smallies up here just love em. The water circling behind the rocks is easy to fish a weightless bait in; the circling water kind of holds the bait right in there. You can usually fish them as slow as you want. Be careful this spring bud. Don't be in too much of a hurry to get out there.

Just the Rage Cut R worm. I learned a lot last year so I think I'm going to just fine tune some of that stuff.

I have gotten myself conditioned to give a quick, light touch the second after I cast; just to slow the spool a hair, then I stop the spool completely when I see the bait hit the water. My thumb isn't on the spool the whole cast, just that one quick touch. IMO, 17 lb mono is going to be harder to cast than some other lines would be. The memory you're going to have with that line is going to make it spring off the reel easier than a smaller lb test line would. Personally, I'd put on 20lb braid, tie on a rattle trap and go to town. That's some of the easiest setup to learn with. If you are insistant on using that line, just tie on a heavier bait; one that doesn't catch too much wind. Watch some vids on how to set up a baitcaster, do what they say in the vids, and you'll be fine.

My son is a Senior in HS, going to college for Criminal Justice. Wants to join the Army after and be a Ranger. He eventually wants to be a sniper as well. My son did a book report on it and I read it after; can't wait to see the movie too! Also ibtl...

What are the features and benefits to a round b/c reel vs the typical low profile style? When would one be better than the other?

If I had to choose 1 it would be Red Craw

I was in there today and saw they had their Field and Stream Tec Spec Elite rods on clearance from $79.99 down to $69.97 with 75% off for a total of $17.48 each. I grabbed 2; a 7 m/f and a 7-6 h/f. I know they are not great rods but, geeze, for $17 I'll keep em as spares. Moderator Note: Title edited. This is a family friendly site. Let's keep it that way.

One thing is for sure, if you use that hook with fluorocarbon line, no fish would ever see it...

X2 With the quality and cost of Siebert's jigs, I'll never make one myself.

Welcome D! Lots of good people on here.

Welcome. I'd love to hear the hook in the finger story sometime.

Just don't forget the maintenance wipe....

And here's the 2015 BR Roadtrip...

Sorry if repost

I came in expecting to see a wardrobe malfunction. Left unsatisfied.

Well it's probably only a medium heavy and only 60lb braid....

He sure is a beauty!

And just for fun