x-trued

Do any of you know of a good book on fresh water fish ID?

My son has been saving for a BPS Crankin' Stick. We were going to order a 6'-6" mh, but they now only have 6' m or ml. He will be using his Ambassador C-4 on this rod, fishing cranks baits and spinners. Do you think a 6' medium rod is heavy enough?

ReelMech, I was hoping you would chime in. Do you know what kind of line this is on this reel? Thanks for the responses.

Actually, I think my post was misleading. I am far too sentimental to be rid of this rod and reel. It is going on my son's wall. I am just curious if it is valuable at all. Probably not, in monetary terms. We are remodeling the family home place that my grand dad built. It was the house my dad was born in. When we finish it, my son wants his room to have a fishing theme. What better place to display this rig?!

I was digging around in an old barn today and came across this old reel. It was apparently my Grandfather's. Any idea what it may be worth? It still has the old cloth looking line on it. I believe it was manufactured in 1951.

Until a few years ago I fished ponds almost exclusively. Once I got a boat, the fun of boating and locating the fish became much of the fun I find in fishing. There is a farm pond about 1/2-3/4 acre in size about 3 minutes from my house that no one has fished in years. It is about a mile down a dirt road and is not visible from that road. I can't remember anyone fishing it in the last 20 years. I have often wondered if there were any large bass in there. Perhaps I check it out this fall and gove an update.

This was going to be my suggestion. I have seen this happen before. Like Cart said, be sure to fill the overflow tube. Wouldn't hurt to run the aerator too.

2001 17' Xpress bass boat w/ 90 Merc. Also still have my 14' fiberglass Stump Knocker w/ 25hp Johnson electric start, tm, graph and dual pedistal seats that I need to sell.

That's funny. I like your sense of humor.

Hey, LBH, I am waiting with great anticipaton to see you response to this post. Is seems like you live on the water. I am most envious.

My son and I take the boat out about 3 times a month. We shoot for every Saturday, but that just isn't always possible. I wish I could go more, but life's responsibilities call sometimes, you know?

Live it up man...and enjoy it. I think this is a great thing for you to spend you time doing.

Okay, that sounds much better. I think I misinterpreted what you were saying. If I get 3 or 4 bass this time of year I have had a great day. I think I have a lot to learn, but I am getting better. I also don't think the reservoir I fish is know for high production days. But it is close, and I know it fairly well and is not usually overcrowded. Focus on the fact that you are doing something relaxing. And remember that when you are having a bad day, some one some where is having it worse.

I am 39 and fished exclusively for bass in high school. I mainly fished t-rigged worms with a free floating bullet weight. I also used crank baits and the ocassional top water lure. Most of my success was with soft palstic worms. I had to leave my main high school and drive to another one at lunch to take a drafting class, and finished out my day at that school (wasn't that a screwed up way to run a school system?). On the way I would drive by the back side of a large mill pond. I would often stow my fishing gear in the back of my mustang and stop on the way to the other school to get a quick fishing fix. If I had any luck, I usually didn't make it to school for the rest of the day. :

Hey, don't be so negative about this man. It doesn't mean it is all you. I don't have answers to all of your questions, but even the pros have a hard time getting bass to take their lures at times. A lot of stuff comes into play other than the fact than it is you making the presentation. Be patient and keep at it. And have fun! The way I look at it is this: If I have to catch bass every time I go out to enjoy fishing, then I am going to be dissappointed at times. Enjoy the challenge. If it was easy, it wouldn't be as fun for me. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy it a lot more when I have a good day, and who doesn't love the feeling of hauling in a lunker? Just don't get discouraged when it doesn't happen.

Man, I can't even imagine catching 20 bass in a day. I have been fishing off and on most of my life, but have just gotten really serious about it in the last two years. If you enjoy fishing, then that is all you need to worry about. It sounds like you average more than I do. I think you can always learn and improve your skills and results. A lot of it has to do with where you are fishing. NOBODY in my area is hauling those numbers this time of year.

I think the effect of the moon is not related to wheather or not it is covered by clouds or not, it relates to the gravitational pull. But I think you were onto something in your earlier post about tidal waters being affected much more than ponds, lakes, etc. I say fish when you can fish.

Don't know about the craw fish hatch, but the moon phase does make a difference. However, I fish when I can fish. If the chart says it is going to be a bad day, I still fish if I can, and have had good success on some of those days. I suppose there will always be the rebellious fish who refuse to conform.

Hook Eye...

Congrats to the kids and hats off to Kevin and Mrs. Lovins. I have an idea: How about posting a photo of george so we can all remember him a little more tangibly. If I were one of the kids who won some of his tackle I would want to print the photo and keep it in the top of my tackle box. I would pull it out and thank George each time I caught a fish on his takle. Plus, It would be like taking george fishing.

I'm in too. I'll get my 9 year old son, who is a bass fishing junkie to tho a little of his mojo on it too.

I fish what I think will catch bass. I think catching bass is more fun that fishing a lure. That in no way discounts your practice, it is just my preference.

Run Forest, run.

Welcome to the forums. You should love it here.

I joined last month and have nothing to compare it to. However, I find the magazines very informative. They apparently used to be far better, but they are far from junk to me now.