Buckeye Ron

Doesn't it seem that there have been some really great worms that we all used to catch a lot of bass on that are no longer made? I used to use a Bagley Eager Beaver worm in really tough conditions and always caught bass on them when nothing else would. There have been others just like that. Just makes me wonder if they really catch fish why do they disappear after a while?

As long as it's doing the job and getting you back to the dock safely,who cares if it's not the latest greatest? I'm long past having to have bigger and better even though I can afford it. Guess I like to simplify where I can.

Been playing acoustic guitar since the mid 70's. Mostly self taught and from playing with others in church. As a teenager I was hooked on Hendrix,Clapton,and Johnny Winter. Later started liking blues players like SRV,Albert Lee,and Joe B. Now I just play whatever I like but it's usually something country or bluesy. I used to wheel and deal in guitars and at one time had quite a collection. Now I'm down to a few that I plan to pass on one day.

Well I've decided on a 12 ga. shotgun,primarily because I'm familiar with shooting shotguns(even though it's been a while),and at close range it is extremely lethal. I still plan to buy a handgun in the near future but for now the 12 ga.will do just fine. Thanks for all the discussion as it sounds like I'm not the only one with questions about this. Ron

This stinks. I can't get any of these shows on TWC unless I upgrade to their super duper package that costs as much as a car payment. Which ain't happening. Maybe something will turn up on Roku this winter.

Some pretty good ideas here so far,makes me glad I asked. I do like the idea of a shotgun;simple to operate,definitely lethal,and not all that expensive. On the other hand I like the handgun idea because I can use it as a conceal carry gun should I decide to go that route. Plus it's a gun my wife can shoot too. I'm going to take my time and do my research and I'll let everyone know what I decided. I've got some real good ideas here to mull over. Thanks again!

Disclaimer: I am pretty much clueless about hand guns. That being said the time has come to get one for home defense,but I don't know where to start. I was thinking of going to a local shooting range where they sell different makes,or to a gun shop to ask questions. I'm a big guy and am not intimidated by the size of the larger caliber guns,but is bigger better? I've owned shotguns in the past and always leaned toward 12 ga. guns,but with hand guns there are just so many options out there! Is there a good online resource to just read and learn about the differences in calibers,models,etc? A quick Google search seems to be information overload. Thanks for any advice.

Agree that rings are not needed, but they are my personal preference. Never been a fan of rod tape,again just my personal preference. I missed an Avid rod on eBay and haven't seen another since. 7'3" I think it was. Lew's Speed Stick was another one I missed. There are a couple on the bay now going for north of $250.00 but that's way more than I want to spend.

Did a search but didn't find what I'm after so I'll try this. I'm looking for a spinning rod with a Tennessee handle with sliding rings. I have several glass rods like this but want to buy a couple of new graphite rods with this handle. Would like to avoid the cost of custom builds,so does anyone know where I can buy rods like this "off the shelf"? Thanks

If I'm fishing my local river and I start catching small fish only,I change tactics and focus on deeper submerged rocks or sunken logs using a larger lure and a bit slower presentation. Another thing that's worked for me is if I'm wading I will wade up to a rod length away from tree falls or brush piles and jig a large plastic craw right in the middle of it. I've pulled some large smallies out of these locations. Good luck!!

1) Finding the time to devote to serious fishing like I used to do. I have found that the corporate ladder can put a major dent in enough free time to pursue "worthwhile" activities. 2) The most fun thing about fishing is being outdoors away from the stress of life and just focusing on finding and catching fish. Even if I catch nothing I still come away with a sense of joy for just spending time with nature.

Here in NW Ohio we're having record temperatures into the high 60's. Wouldn't surprise me to find smallmouth congregating around clumps of boulders or even near the banks eating worms that are available now.

I used to use a seine to get my own craws right from the river where I'd be fishing. Now I have so many color options in artificials it's just a matter of finding what they prefer on a given day.

Hello from NW Ohio! Seems like a nice place to hang out and talk fishing while learning a few things. Been fishing smallmouth in rivers and streams plus largemouth in small lakes and ponds for a little over 50 years.