desmobob

I'd be happy to take you along for a day's fishing if I was closer. I'm sure someone in your neck of the woods will respond soon! Good luck, Bob

I got out on L. Champlain this afternoon from the South Bay boat launch outside of Whitehall, NY. The surface water temperature is down to 51*. It was a slow but decent afternoon: I only caught eight bass, but six of them were over three pounds (3 lbs. 4 oz. to 5 lbs. 2 oz.). All the big ones took a 1/2 oz. brown/green jig with either a GYCB Flappin' Hawg or a 4" Pit Boss trailer. I caught two dinks on a GYCB Senko, wacky. The weather didn't quite live up to the forecast and I should have brought one more layer of clothes. I was getting chilly so I gave up just a little before dark. That was sort of lucky because it started raining just as I was pulling the boat out of the water. It feels like it won't be long before I'll be putting away the boat and getting out the ice auger and tip-ups. I hope everyone got some fishing in this week! Tight lines, Bob

I have never power-loaded my 17' aluminum bass boat. I tie it up to the dock, back the trailer in deep (the rear wheels of my Subaru Forester are just about at the water's edge), then lead it onto the trailer with a line, hop into the boat, step out onto the trailer tongue and connect the trailer winch strap to the bow eye, tighten it up, then hop back out onto the dock and into the Forester. In the summer, I'm always wearing shorts and water sandals so it's way easier; I just wade in a bit to hook the winch line up. Tight lines, Bob

Ahhh... there is plenty of love for medium power casting rods! I have a decent (SC Premier) 7' MHF rod and plan to get my first really good rod in that same length/power/action. But in the mean time, I'm wondering what to use my 20%-off coupon for at Bass Pro. I was considering a heavy frog rod but now, I think I'm going to look at a 6'8" MXF or 7'2"MF Johnny Morris Signature Series rod first. It sounds like something I could use a lot more than a specialized frog rod. Tight lines, Bob

I don't see much mention of Medium power casting rods here... lots of talk on MH and H. What do most guys use them for (if they use them)? Tight lines, Bob

Nice looking rig!! I wish you much luck with it and the fish you chase with it. Tight lines, Bob

I bought a new Tournament Pro this summer and LOVE it. I'm anxious to try a Lite with the SpeedCast braking. Tight lines, Bob

I get mine at the local pharmacy. I think they all have it. Tight lines, Bob

I did it in the other direction... I had a Tournament Pro and then bought a Tatula. I think you'd be impressed with a Tournament Pro and would enjoy the smaller size, lighter weight, and more involved braking system to play with. You can probably get one for less than the MSRP of a Tatula. I really enjoy using both of these reels. I need to try a Shimano next, and I'm itching for a 50 size. Tight lines, Bob

I was fishing a T-rigged worm this weekend and missed what I thought was a small fish, and lost the worm. I put on another different brand and color of worm and cast to the same spot. I hooked about a three-pound smallmouth and when he was right next to the boat, he spit out my other worm. It sunk before I could grab it. :-) Over the years, I've caught a few fish that had swallowed hooks and the shells hanging out of their mouths, but never a lure. Tight lines, Bob

4" Pit Boss. All the time. Tight lines, Bob

It's a shame so many people can't seem to find a healthy way to relax and unwind. Fishing is a great way to maintain your mental health! Tight lines, Bob

I never see a lot of love for the Daiwa Tournament SS, but I have one of these and it has been totally reliable despite taking a severe beating by some big stripers and bluefish in the salt water. And the reel is the little 1300 size! The drag is smooth and strong and the reel just keeps going and going and.... It's not the smoothest, doesn't have the most bearings, but it is rock solid and dependable. The other reel I have in that price range (~$100) is the older model Shimano Aero Symetre. It has a much more "refined" and smooth feel to it, but I don't know if it could have handled what the little Daiwa has dealt with. In any event, it's an absolute pleasure to use and has served me for many years. I've been so pleased with these reels, I never was compelled to try reels in the higher price ranges. I never used to do much spin fishing though, and I spent my reel money on fly reels for most of my fishing years. Tight lines, Bob

So it's true... very interesting! My next rod will be a full-cork grip Avid. :-) Tight lines, Bob

OMG! That is funny and not funny at the same time. I'd have to say it's a pretty good day on the water when you laugh so hard you pass out. :-) Laughter is the best medicine! Tight lines, Bob

I've seen a great photo of Jimmy Buffet standing on the wing of his flying boat, fly fishing. It inspired me to buy a lottery ticket every once in a while. But man... $189K would buy a lot of Senkos! Tight lines, Bob

There may be one advantage to full-cork grips that I haven't seen mentioned: floatation. I knocked my St.Croix Premier/Lew's Tournament Pro rig into the water one day and it was floating when I grabbed it (within a second or so). I honestly don't know if the full cork grip will really float that rig because I don't want to dunk the reel again to find out, but I believe it was doing the job. Anyone have any experience with this? Tight lines, Bob

I fish jigs on 30lb. Power Pro with a 20lb. flouro. leader. I use an Albright knot to attach the leader and have not had any break-offs. I use the same set-up on striped bass in salt water. No problems at all with fish up to 30lbs. so far! Tight lines, Bob

I just picked up a Tatula a while back for less than $93, shipped. It's bigger and heavier than a comparable Lew's reel, but it is sweet! I would not hesitate to buy another one. My only experience with Lew's is with the Tournament Pro. An outstanding reel! Tight lines, Bob

Check out the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 and 140. They are available with a fishing package and are also great general-use kayaks that offer about the best hull performance you can get in the class. I've had the Pungo 140 for several years and I'm really happy with it. I guess a lot of guys prefer the sit-on-top kayaks these days, but I like the old-school types. The Pungo has a huge cockpit, plenty of dry storage and a very comfortable seat system. One of my fishing buddies tried out all the kayaks his fishing friends have and ended up picking a Pungo 120. I think they're a little over $1K. I've used it on small ponds, large lakes, and in Cape Cod Bay. It will handle whatever you want it to. Tight lines, Bob

Yes. :-) Seriously, I guess it depends on what I'm short on at the time. Right now, I have two nice bait casting reels and only one nice rod, so buying a new rod will be more enjoyable. Then, I'll buy another reel, which will be enjoyable. Of course, then, I'll need to buy another new rod, which will also be a pleasure. Will it ever end? Tight lines, Bob

I did four years a Navy Journalist and really enjoyed my job. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone doing a hitch. At the very least, you'll travel, meet and work with people from all over the country, get paid to receive training and work experience, and have a positive thing to add to your resume. I grew up in a very small town and it helped me learn "what's out there.' Tight lines, Bob

After doing a lot of research here and following lots of good advice, the first casting rod I picked up was a 7' MHF St. Croix Premier. I put a Lew's Tournament Pro 7.1:1 LH reel on it and fell in love. :-) Now that I'm hooked on using the bait casting rig, I'm ready to buy another rod. But instead of a specialized cranking, frog, or flipping rod, I want to buy an even BETTER 7' MHF because I know it's probably going to be the one I use the most. Tight lines, Bob

I don't think anything will help you more than time on the water. Put enough time in, and things will start to come together. I just started fishing largemouths this summer and remember several days when I was on the water before sunrise and ready to quit at noon. But I stayed out and kept trying, and had some great days because of it. And for some reason, the most memorable fish might just be the first one I caught on a jig. It wasn't the biggest, but it sort of boosted my confidence. Confidence is what keep you out there, trying your best. Tight lines, Bob

I've broken a few fly rods, but have never broken a spinning rod. And I just started using bait casting rods this summer and they're both still intact. Of course, I just jinxed myself in a really big way.... I know what you mean about the broken rod stories, though. A couple of times, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on an *** or Duckett and the seemingly large number of broken rod stories in the customer reviews section made me hesitate. But you know what they say about reviews... the majority of satisfied buyers usually don't bother to post one. The smaller percentage of folks with bad experiences are the ones who tend to post. Tight lines, Bob