Dan:

but remember muddy, we're talking about 7'+ : What brand are you looking at, Muddy? FishEagle 2?

I like MH or H with a fast tip. The MH or H will vary between manufacturers but basically I like a good deal of backbone for obvious reasons. I differ from others because I like the idea of a little bit more softness in the tip to let the bass take in the frog while the strong backbone provides the power to get hook penetration. I don't mean a crankbait rod type soft tip, but something that gives a little.

I don't know why I don't use Jitterbugs more often. Everytime I have used them I have done well but for some reason I tie on other topwaters first.

Wayne, I'll try but I'm not sure I can make either show. Thanks for the heads up.

The old guys didn't make millions of dollars. Also, they have crappy pension plans and high health costs. I'm sure loads of players squandered their money, but lots of players in the early days made less in a season than some modern players make during a timeout.

islandbass, that is a sweet contraption you've got there. I might have to copy that.

Yeah, and then on April 15th we'll get John Brown to lead a raid on the local federal arsenal. Once we capture that, we can make our own tax laws! Come on, dude. :-?

That is hilarious! Thanks ghoti

I got a new St. Croix Reign 5wt Fly rod for Christmas. I went to Orvis and picked up some 5wt weight forward floating line (BTW-SHEESH! that stuff is expensive!). I got a cheap-o reel from Bass Pro Shop (I had a gift card but I still didn't want to spend a whole lot until I know I want to really get into fly-fishing) and I also picked up some 8lb test leader material. I plan to use this setup for smallmouth bass, panfish, and occasionally trout. I still have a few questions. 1) Do I need backing? If so, what should I look for? 2) Do I need tippet? What is the purpose of using a tippet? 3) What sort of knots do I need for: a) tying the backing or line to the reel tying the line to the leader c) tying the leader to a tippet if necessary and d) tying the tippet or leader to the fly? 4) Does anyone have any favorite flies for smallmouth? I am pretty close to Murray's Fly Shop in Edinburg, VA and I wanted to pick up a few flies the next time I'm on my way home from school. Sorry for all the questions but I just have no idea where to start. I took a Fly Fishing science course at JMU last semester but we learned more about trout behavior and habitat than gear selection so I'm still pretty lost.

Cool, I'll check out that free trial. I don't have my own 360, I usually just play on my roommate's console. I'll see if he'll sign up and check it out.

Yeah, the story about them meeting at the grocery store isn't true. Also, I don't think the son has down syndrome. I believe he has brain damage resulting from being dropped on his head by his biological father.

It really is crazy how integrated everything is now. How is the video quality of the movies you stream from NetFlix on your computer/xbox? I had heard that they were going to downgrade the quality so it would download faster. Branuss, don't get your hopes up. If your Circuit City sale was anything like the one where I live, there isn't anything good. They have a sign that says "10-30% off everything in the store." Yeah, well when I was there I ONLY saw 10% off signs. I could have bought COD:WAW for $54 instead of $60.... > I hope your sale is better, though.

I'd like to talk to his cardiologist. It really is amazing how much food that guy can put away. When it first came out I figured he would just be some joke of a tv host going around trying his best to eat impossibly big piles of greasy food but he can really eat.

This is based solely on handling the rods in stores, not from actual fishing experience. Other people may confirm or dispute it. I like the finish on the Zillions. They are at least partially matte black. The Cumara has a clear gloss finish that I believe makes it a bit heavier and insulates vibration. The Zillion feels a bit lighter and crisper in hand and I would assume that would translate into better sensitivity. I like the reel seat on the Cumaras though. I'm sure you would be happy with either one, especially for a jig rod.

Wouldn't you consider the way a house looks before you buy it? What about a car? I would certainly think that if you are spending money on something you would make sure it is something that you like to look at.

That's a great scene. Sundance: I can't swim. Butch: [laughs] Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you!

I've heard that some menthol brands have a history of containing fiberglass. I would be concerned about blood from the lungs...

who said it does?

I have started to like the Yammamoto Kut Tails as well as the Damiki BoBoss. The Damiki's are a bit bulkier and ribbed for more water movement.

Beaver dams are like giant brushpiles that come out of the water. I'm sure they hold fish when fish are looking for shallow wood to use as cover. As for the legality, I know some places that don't allow fishing beaver dams and some that do. As far as I know, the local organizations for those waters made the rules in the interest of conservation and habitat maintenance, so I don't know if there are actual laws against it. It could be different in PA anyway, so the best bet is to get some advice from someone in PA or just call up the Department of Wildlife. You don't want to get busted by a warden because someone told you wrong.

I reached the same point a few weeks ago. I've only been out since then to try a new reel and some baits. I think Lots of my water is starting to freeze if it hasn't already. I'm just going to wait until it warms up. Call me a quitter, but at least I'm a quitter with a warm ***.

Does it resemble a Pflueger to anyone else? I think it looks dang sexy but I'm not paying that much for a reel.

I don't know about the composites but I know a lot of places (including online dealers) are clearing out their stocks of Graphite Plus. Check some online dealers and you could find some at a good price.

because it's not an expensive blank. It's the same as a premier just with a split grip.

awesome, Dave! are you planning on introducing bass eventually? Great pics, btw.