jtmavs

We have a group going to Guntersville in mid March. Not asking for honey holes, just where to start looking. I know getting a guide is advisable, but others don't want to spend the money. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!!!

My fater-in-law had a water snake get in his floating minnow bucket while crappie fishing! He went to push the lid open to get a minnow and met resistance. Pulled it into the boat and discovered the snake. He untied the bucket and let it float away!!!

Fished a very clear (4 foot plus clarity) lake last Saturday. Water temp was 60 - 64, and fish were moving shallow with several on the banks making beds. Starting yesterday, a cold front has started moving in and will be 15 - 20 degrees colder all week. I'm sure by this weekend, water temps will drop drastically. I caught a few last week with a Ned rig and one on a spinner. I assume fish will move off the banks by this weekend, but how far will they go? What do you do to adjust to such changes right as they get ready to spwan? I think I assumed they would not venture too far from the bed if eggs have been laid, but may go further if only preparing beds. Just trying to learn behaviors and patterns. Thanks for any input!

898 is not HD! That would explain it. Can't believe the difference!!! Thanks!

When I power on my HB 898, the brightness is very dim compared to my HB 858. This includes the initial power up screen. I have to turn up sensitivity to be able to see things in SI & DI. Is there a brightness setting that I am missing?

Thanks Wayne!

858 c HD Combo

Sorry if this has been asked already. I have a HB 858 ci combo. I am using the transducer in the TM. What transducer type should I select in setup?

I got a good buy on a Frabill suit at Academy. Get bibs not pants!

I say the lightest weight possible depending on depth and thickness of growth. I feel in pads the most important thing is using braid line.It will actually cut the pad when trying to horse in one them hogs!

Just found Arashi Wake Cranks at Academy in Mobile for $5.99! Has anybody fished these cranks? I've not fished wake cranks before. Very excited to try them out!

I like a Popper style bait when the water is a little slicker. I go to a walking bait when the wind picks up a little.

The feel of the instant turning with the cable makes it more controlable and quicker. The digital steer of the Terrova takes time to turn and instant control is not there. Love the Terrova for spider rigging or pulling crank baits for Crappie. Would like to be able to change them out deoending on type of fishing I'm going to do.

I currently have a Terrova 80 (24 volt) with I-Pilot on my boat. Great for the Crappie fishing I do but not so Bass fishing friendly. Looking to buy a Fortrex 80 (24 volt). I was wondering if they make a removable mounting plate that fits both so I could swap depending on type of fishing I am doing?

Pullin for the Hack Attack, but don't sleep on Ott Defoe. Very versitile!

Bluebasser - Those are some good looking color combos!

IMHO, the Chatter Bait is one of the most versitile baits out there. I have caught them shallow, deep, on docks, in weeds. What is your take and what size, colors do you prefer? Where/when do you like to throw one?

The main reason I like Mono over Flouro for treble topwaters is the floating aspects. Helps the bait work better. I do like the stretch aspect over braid although it isn't a huge issue. Definitely requires different hook sets!

I agree about the versatility of the spinner baits year round. How many of you use a plastic trailer with sb's?

I just bought some at Scheel's not more than an hour ago! Love them as a spinner or chatter bait trailer!!!

One of two things.... Either this guy is just trying to pull your chain and maybe make you adjust your plans, or he is so stupid, he just told you what he is going to do. If he were really going to fish "your" spot, why wouldn't he just try to beat you to it?

McMaster Lake at Snake Den Hollow State Site has some really nice Musky fishing as well as bass. Northeast of Galesburg in Victoria.

Kinda new to this board. I kept looking under fishing reports thread and last Illinois entry was in 2013. Thought no one was getting on here! I mostly fish the Central/Southern Illinois lakes. Clinton, Shelbyville, strip mines throughout Central IL. Been Crappie fishing for the past 6 years and got back into bass fishing this year after the November tornado took my house and all my bass gear. Got all new gear and getting back into it! Joined a local "buddy" club this year and fished many lakes I had never been on. Always fun to fish new water. If any of you have ever been on Panther Creek or Taylorville, any help would be appreciated. Have two-day tournaments on both coming up. I look forward to reading and participating on this board! Wet Lines!!! JT

I'm in Peoria temorarily. I actually live in Washington, but waitong for house to be built after tornado. Have fished a couple tournaments in the Canton area this year. Fulton County cons. area and Lakeland. Had never been on either of those waters before.

Thanks guys. Some nice ideas here!