Daniel My Brother

This happens to me sometimes when I'm trolling. The forward momentum of the boat can really make a small fish feel huge.

Great pics. Looks like a trip to remember. 8-)

Congrats Fletchero! I couldn't be happier for you!! :) :) From Link: I lose a fishing buddy (well she'll fish but like her Mom I'll be taking the fish off) and I might lose a die hard Redskins fan but like her Mommy, she'll watch the games and do her best to understand it all. Hey Link...this is 2008! Girls fish and play sports just like the boys. You'll soon see.

That's not a fish, it's a football! Great FAT bass.

Shouldn't this thread be moved to "Everything Else"? I'm just sayin'...

Rock Bass...but around here we call 'em Goggle Eye. Tasty little fish.

Quick and painless. Thanks for the heads up.

Congrats! I've tried to fish swimbaits on several occasions, but I guess I just don't have the patience to wait for that one big bite. Congrats again!

Here's one thought... When I'm fishing soft plastics in shallow water I get a lot bluegill bytes. Often it's a rat-a-tat-tat type of byte, or a fast little tap...Usually they just peck at the worm by the tail and if I try to set the hook, the bait will come flying back at me. If they're actually bass short striking a fast moving bait, try following up immediately to the same spot with a senko, or other weightless soft plastic.

That's great news. We'll keep pulling for him.

I've had similar success with these frogs. They make a bigger wake than the ribbit frogs that I used to use, which I think triggers a more aggressive strike. I've seen fish come completely out of the water to crush these baits. Perfect for fishing in the slop.

A big thumbs up to any and all posts that bring back memories of my grandparents. Thank you!

My guess is that when the new green ones come out, retailers will have a hard time moving the old silver ones and there will be some great clearance sales. So how patient are you?

Great fish and pic! Certainly one to be proud of.

This is my routine as well, but instead of tieing off, I beach my jon boat next to the dock. It's always easier to load and unload in the summer, when getting a little wet is no big deal. I'm a little more careful about walking on the tongue when the water is cold.

I'll echo what everyone else has said. Great reel regardless of price.

Welcome. There is nothing that weighs heavier on your heart than a sick child. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.

Welcome. There is nothing that weighs heavier on your heart than a sick child. Here's hoping for a quick recovery.

On the rods I use regularly, I'll change mono about once a month, or 6 to 8 fishing trips. I continually check the first few feet and remove line that's nicked or kinked. I don't remember the last fish that broke off...knock wood. I would prefer to use Trilene Flouro, and change line more often, but that can REALLY get expensive fast. Big Game is cheap and strong and works well for my needs.

Bluegill are fine eating. Deep fried fillets are the way I prefer 'em. It takes 2 to 3 big 'gills to make a meal for me. I slice each fillet in half. that's 8 to 12 chicken nugget size chunks of meat.

I pray God gives them the strength to survive this. I can't imagine.

Sorry, no giant here, just this little 8.5 pounder. ;D Considering that I've only caught 1 fish over 7 pounds IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, I find this to be the funniest line yet. Sometimes I feel like I'm fishing on a different planet.

Unreal! Congrats on a great day!

Just about impossible to tell how big she is from that pic, but a beautiful fish just the same. Nicely done.