"hamma"

I have done both, in plano's and not. Some plastics "may" warp the planos in a year or two. So what I ended up doing is, ones that "need" the original packaging? I put in tackle wraps, The zippered tackle logics, or now plano has some too,,.... and the plastics that come dry? I put in the plastic plano boxes. Seeing as a co-angler situation is a consideration, prefishing will be paramount to be proficient anyways,... So just get a tackle bag that can handle both wraps and hardboxes, and stock them with what you found successful while prefishing. If you cant prefish, stock them with what you feel you will need, Co-anglers usually bring one bag and several rods to be reasonable towards room in any boat they may end up on

Excellent way to start the year off!, Nice bass, congrats

As some have stated the goods and bads, what it really comes down to is ,...is it effective for the lure your to present? I have a effective 1/8 oz pins minnow that just kicks butt around here as it looks like a small smelt. For a several years I was using a 5'6" light action rod with 6 pound stren mono, which would produce a "somewhat" long enough cast for the clear waters I fish it in. I wanted even longer casts and went to a 7' light action rod with the same line and it did acheive the casts I wanted, and as I sharpen any hooks I'm using, the effectiveness of the bait didnt fail at all. As for hooksets? keep your hooks sharp, your drag set correctly, and hooksets wont be a issue. As for fighting and landing big fiesty smallies? I mostly use a shimano fighting drag reel for most of my smallie fishing. It allows to properly preset your drag for the hookset, then the ability to adjust the drag during the fight, (I loosen it just a bit so to not unbutton, or break the line), then when all is done, go right back to the presetting instantly and be ready for the next cast/hit. And if Im fishing a rod without a fighting drag reel on it, I still loosen the drag some after the hookset, just do my best to get the drag back to where it was by listening to the amount of clicks the drag makes when I loosen it, and reverse that to get back to where it was. A lighter action rod should not deter you at all if: you use it properly, sharpen your hooks to be extremely sharp, and know your quarry.

The major difference is just as one would think,.Lakes are much bigger, therefore, offering more area to fish, This can act as a boost or bane, meaning there can be more fish within its shores, but then yet there can also be more unproductive areas as well. If I were you, in this crossroads, I'd follow Flyingmonkie's thought on building your "arsenal" but be ready to add some to it as the larger waters may require a couple deep water techniques such as deepwater crankin, dropshotting,etc. from a boat. Shore fishing lakes "can" be a exercise in futility due to their shear size. Your best served to fish lakes from a boat, and they alone will add techniques and tricks to the arsenal you comprise. So get effecient with the ways you fish now, become acclimated to your tackle and techniques as they will be the platform you will start with, as you graduate to a boat.

Thanks for the reply Tim.,...I have some powder coating, and painted up some lead jigs (before the ban) the powder coating needs a curing after application which is done by placing the jig in a small toaster oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or so. The time Im not sure on anymore because it was a while ago I did the powdercoating. But,,.....tin/bismuth alloys melt at 290 degrees, not allowing a curing, so the coating is now compromised and brittle, almost falling off the jig. I tried a lower temp at a longer time,with a store bought tin jig., and the results still ended up being an inferior coating, brittle, and falling off by touch alone.

I thought I asked this here before, so i did a search but found no results so here goes,... With the advent of my states lead ban, and being a avid bass angler, I am stuck fishing without the varied and multiple jig styles I need, or risk negative ranger involvement,...lol I fish bass jigs,in different weights, flipping, skipping, casting, and swimming. Jigheads that will vary in weight, round ball, darter, football, standup, and swimbait, as well as underspins. Now, Ive never even poured lead, but I have researched some. I will use the right safety gear, goggles or face mask, heavy gloves, long sleeved heavy shirt, denim jeans and boots, maybe even a welders apron if I can get one. Proper ventilation via fans in the windows of my shed, and a heavy bench top,...no water present, and careful steady hands. I searched robometals for a viable tin/bismuth, but found none that I can powder coat (correctly anyways), so im thinking of going with a pewter. My questions,...is there something saftey wise im missing? Is pewter a viable alternative? and will it act like lead, or differently?,. do you know of a better way? and does pewter weigh comparably?..then of course there will be questions reguarding certain molds which I will ask later as to not ask to much at once. Please feel free to reply with whatever your thoughts may be

I dont see you as simple, you had the wherewithall, to first buy the book, then read and apply its teachings, to a point that it appears to be mainstay with you... Not the actions of a "simple" man, dedicated yeah, but not simple imho. Self taught? I more or less transitioned what I read in magazines to work up here. Back then? when I was "learning" I hung around with the snakes, turtles, and neverending mosquito's, whilst fishing from my canoe in the boggs of Middleton. Maybe the critters of the swamp influenced me some towards the effects of deet, and the gunlaws of Massachusetts,..as I wish I had a little automatic .22 for them dang snakes that would make a run down the oar as you pushed off a log.

Heal up,.. so I can fish more than I did last year, 6 times out just didnt really do it for me. Im grateful for them 6 days, but need to add a 0 to that, and multiply it by 4

Not to continue the hijacking of this thread, but,... Radar and sonar were both a military invention first. Much like most of todays technologies come from NASA I often wonder where the fishing world would be if todays technologies were available back then, finders, four strokes, boat hulls, composites, etc. Now that Im thinking of it,........ We owe it to our following generations, to educate, and preserve what we have now. The understanding and execution of proper structure interpretation, is a key element for any bass angler no matter where they fish. The availability of today's technologies along with that interpretation, "could" be a devastating and detrimental entity within our community. (I said, "could") Proper harvest and creels will need to be adhered to, much like a deer hunter ensuring a proper deer harvest. Providing a healthy environment for the quarry in mind. We as bass anglers,.. I'm pretty sure,.. already practice catch and release, and replica's of PB's already a well established industry. Are essential elements to the insurance of future angling adventures. And I for one applaud the industries diligent efforts. You may be thinking "What's this got to do with learning about structure fishing" I'll tell you, the shallow waters are pretty much well defined for bass anglers, it's the deep water game, that many struggle with. The advent and available deeper water imaging will now open up a new door for us, understanding of the deeper water game will now act as a welcome mat for anglers to either tread lightly, or not. Proper management of fisheries will need to be paramount as the deeper waters are now, not so deep anymore. I understand that many state agencies already have a excellent grasp on management of fisheries, its the ones that dont that Im concerned for. Up here?, its more the trout fishery that receives the attention as a portion of licensing goes to hatcheries, and rightfully so. To facilitate hatcheries isnt free, and im sure this is why some southern state agencies, service bass, and so on, maybe mid northern states, walleye and musky. My state has become better at bass anglers concerns, and does facilitate what they can. Catt,... your knowledge of structure and interpretation of such is an exceptional occupation. The understanding of Bucks teachings, and application of them, a valuable tool for any and all to be a consistent and successful bass angler. I respect the heck outa you,.. and would love the chance to fish with you at some point in time. (same as some others here) I just need you to know, I'm not attempting to be "rainin on ya parade", or disrespecting you in any way, shape, or form. I was given my nickname as Im one that has the ability to see the forest thru the tree's. I (typically) "nail it" whatever "it" may be. You all can probably be sitting there sayin,...'He's outa his tree",. or "He's got a point there",. or "Another marathon post, c'mon!",. nonetheless, whichever it may be? Be assured,..I care about this sport,.. I love it, and if I see something I need to be concerned with? I'm gunna voice it. This is something my grandfather taught me back in the 60's, and I believe there was a reason for such. He taught me to guard, and protect what you love, for if you don't, you will loose it. In my younger years, I neglected this, and payed for it, dearly, and have ever since. Nowadays, I look for what could pain me so, and guard it like my rottwieler protects the household,...lol,...(and he's got some choppers on him, nobody messes with Spike),...get it? Hamma, Spike,... I wish grampy was still alive so I could take him fishing,...BTW? Being a governent employed electrician, he wired the first radar and sonar for the governments military services, but "loved" to fish. kinda ironic pic of spike before he "filled out",...would you mess with that dog?

I have several multi tools, but then yet I fish bass, trout, stripers, take the kids fishing etc, so I have many venues to need such. The ones I found valuable have pliers, scissors, a file, knife, and screwdrivers. If a multitool doesnt have at least the first four? I dont buy it.,... I do have a leatherman in my truck. But most of what I use for fishing I think are gerbers I got at lowes for around 20 bucks apiece

Thats Awesome! Congrats

I have NOT read the book, I know, I know shame on me. When I find a copy I will own it, and read it. It was, after all, written by the record holding Buck Perry. And I for one really enjoy big bass tuggin my string. But I do have a question, and it does entail a man made reservoirs bass, my interpretation of their movements, and prey species. First, allow me to explain the setup. The reservoir in question is Quabbin, the first of its kind, its the largest body of water in my home state. Damming up the Swift River created Quabbin, and offered it a very large abundance of fish species. Its said that you can most likely find the next freshwater state record of any species the state offers, within its extremely clear, varying depths. And I for one have no doubt, other than the states largemouth record. Lets face it, a largemouth up here over 15 lbs isnt anywhere one can fish in this state. Quabbin is exceptional, but the biodiversity of its make up doesnt have all its takes to produce such a pig here. Its a different water type that may. I digress. My question is,... Does Buck discuss the effects of weather and the suns influence in relation to structures positioning in his book? And I mean (to clarify) say theres a L shaped hump on a map, and it appears that the top of the "L" points north and the bottom points east. (just as a L appears), and another "L" hump closeby top points west, and bottom pointing north For I have noticed that in Quabbins very clear waters this does make a huge difference as to how bass relate to structure, and available prey species.

spinnerbaits, maybe a crankbait out deeper if its during a hot summer day. But wind and clouds? equals spinnerbaits for me

Conditions dictate what topwater I throw. But,. for me? early am, on prime smallie water. When that topwater just barely gets sucked under, tells me its a nice one. When they hit like a freight train? its "usually" a cookie cutter,..I say usually,.. as sometimes a pig will hit hard. But not often. That vicious topwater hit is the bomb, and can get anyones heart a pumpin. But when I see that bait get lightly sucked under? My heart skips a beat, time seems to stop, as well as breath, and the evident hookset gives me new clues, still breatheless, I evaluate the weight on the end of the line, loosen my drag just a bit so it doesnt break off, I finally breathe again, anticipating the ensuing battle. Whatever is on the line, does matter to me, but,.. its that lightly disappearing lure thats the ticket for me.

Berkley 7" red shad power worm texas rigged with a 3/8 oz screwlock wormweight second? Berkleys 4" black/chartruese tail texas rigged with a 1/8 oz screwlock worm weight

LOL,... awesome! I often wondered if you used a go pro to record. Now I know its your very "patient" wife,...lol

Excellent reply Whitwolf! This is one aspect of this whole thread that,...yet again ,..I didnt expect. Reading your post I was thinking, "I hope some gain this input, for themselves to use when taking others out" Thanks Whitwolf,.... astute observation! Paul Roberts, post was along the lines of my original posting. Our quarry can be as cagey as any other on the planet. And I have found that applying some patience when its needed can be the ever so rewarding key to success Much the same as Pauls bull elk story Some great replies, and thank you for "your patience" You've come this far, and have exhibited alot by now. Patience "may" seem to be just a small piece of the bass fishing puzzle, but without any at all? proper concentration lacks, then confidence fades. Before you know it, your thought's turn to the old looney tunes, PePe Le'Phew!

21st sounds good to me, Johns got a hike to traverse, so I'd think somewhere around 1 pm would give him time to get there, and we all can still head to the diner when the noon rush is over. Thoughts?

I've tried expensive and cheap sunglasses, and saw no real difference., But back when Northern Bass supply was still up in NH. I bought a pair of H3O's from Sandy, (probably 20 years ago) They come complete with a clear plastic box and two extra lenses that are different colored for different levels of light,a cleaning cloth and a lanyard. I still use them to this day, and am very pleased with them. Now I do occasionally buy a couple strike kings at walmart, just to have polarized glasses in my truck and a few extra's on the boat for my kids or emergency backups. So, in summary, if you can find suglasses that offer spare lenses and some different colored lenses, Id say give them a shot.,.. The different colored lenses are worth it

Nice bass! did you weigh it? she's a beauty

A great read,... I remember those tough times as well, Kudos to Geralds actions, a stand out guy for sure. Have a safe and happy holidays

LOL,...I get the time constraint thing, and those are some witty replies. I got a good laugh. thanks for that by the way,..But,.. I did notice something that I didnt expect. Catt replied he did have patience, and Catt is quite successful as a bass angler, anyone have any doubt? I dont., WRB, catches some huge bass in California, but he states patience isnt a strong trait for him,. Any doubt on Toms abilities?,...Me either! A-Jay see's patience a "relative term",. Did you see the pics of A-Jay's late season smallies? anyone doubt his abilities? I dont either. I always figured that we all as bass anglers have to at least have some patience. I could be wrong. .But ,.just for the mere fact that we: Will subject ourselves to a myriad of conditions, to,.. do what we love to do. Get up at god awful hours in the am to be on the water before sunrise, to do,... what we love to do. Spend all kinds of money, to do what,... we love to do. Put forth a diligent effort to educate ourselves, to do what we,.. love to do. Bass Fish, and sometimes to only sqweak out just 1 fish I once knew a angler that had most horrid organization skills, garages tools everywhere, and either rusty, or greasy. Cellars mancave just looks like a bomb hit it,.. But, as a bass angler? That boat and tackle was simply immaculate.,.. And,.. when I'd tell him to clean up his act? he replied, "Check out my boats compartments, their spotless" and I still fished with him.,... God knows ,...I have patience,....lol Thanks for the replies guys!

"To be, or not to be, that is,.. the question" and not to go off on a hamlet rant. This actually does have bass fishing relation. And this question came to me merely minutes ago as my dog was bugging my girlfriend for attention, as she's sitting at the desk, on her computer, completing some important online attention for work. She got agitated, and I asked If I could help her, and her reply was, "Yeah,..give me some of your,..Patience!". And that is what this posting is all about,.."Patience". Do you have it? do you need it? can you see the relation to bass fishing? do you feel it has a place in bass fishing at all? and what is the end result if you do, or do not? First do you have it? Think about it for just a minute. Some will immediately state they do, when they dont,.. and vice versa. How can I make such a bold statement not knowing everybody, that could possibly be reading this? It's easy, it's human nature to protect and stand up for oneself. Once someone makes a personal assumption of you, who doesnt "know" you, its typically a automatic defensive response to disagree. Please dont take this the wrong way, this isnt a personal attack on you, just an observation, and something I learned many years ago about human nature from a psychologist that I once worked with,.. No it wasnt a shrink for me!,...lol ,... You see, "patience" is one thing that separates anglers from fishermen. Example: Anglers will consider all pertinent factors and conditions to come to a conclusion as to the what, where, and when, of fishing, using the "angles" to pinpoint their attack, hence the term "angler". Fisherman may employ such, but usually not. Most fishermen, are after the catch no matter how they do so. Perfectly content to sit on the shoreline with a bobber and live bait waiting for a hit, no matter what the why, when, and where,..may be. Or,.. blindly trolling along with a bait or lure trailing the boat,.. again, waiting for a hit. Many fisherman actually harbor more patience than anglers do, as they .,.wait. Many "anglers" do not "always" harbor patience, as they are seeking that hit, constantly considering the angles. Do you need it? I do believe bass anglers need it, you may disagree, and thats fine. Why do I say I believe so? Because otherwise, you will be one of the many, and many, of bass anglers, that are flying down the shoreline with the trolling motor on high, just barely making contact with the best looking cover in your search for a active fish. Many think that they will be hitting more area, therefore the active fish will come all the faster., And there may be merit to that theory, but just think of all the possible fish you past by, the ones that weren't quick enough to hit your bait, or, further back in the cover as to not even know your bait is there. Or even worse, just plain old to fat to move that quick at all. Can you see the relation to bass fishing? As some of you may be tourney anglers, and others not,,.. I can see a possible difference of opinion,.. due to requirements, restraints, and opportunities. And how these could and would direct ones thought on patience, depending on whether they tourney fish or not. Tourney anglers aren't just fishing against each other, they are really battling time. Patience is a touchy element when time restraint is paramount. Questions like,...when should I move to another spot, how long do I fish this dock, how much time should I put into this dropoff. etc,...Are a tourney anglers boost or bane, considering how they end up going with these decisions.,.. Its usually the tourney's 1st place winner that considers these important questions correctly and uses the right lure. Eventhough patience may seem like nothing needed in a tourney, it truely can be the difference between in the money and not. Anglers fishing a tourney that "give up" to early, are just contributing to the money winners pocket. Many of the tourneys I've fished it was the patient, and diligent anger that rises above the rest. On tough days they often catch their fish right in the last few minutes, and on easier days? their "kicker" was usually due to shear diligence And on the fun fishing bass anglers side of the fence reguarding patience? Could be the difference between a personal best fish, or fish of a lifetime,,...or just another day out catching a few fish,..much like I explained in the "do you need it" paragraph. Do you think it has a place in bass fishing at all? This is really a tough question, as many will see this question useless as it really comes down to how you fish. Like,... a finesse type angler would most likely state they have to have patience as its finesse fishing and you are already employing it to begin with.,. A power type searchbait angler will state there's no need for patience as they are after the active fish all day so patience is a mute point. And a well rounded angler will see it as both a finesse, and power anglers view, while fishing each way respectfully. So,........ My answer? yes, I do,... fishing in a tourney or not, power versus finesse,.I believe it has its place in all scenerio's, and even within every technique I employ. End result if you do or dont? Without patience,.. I think one would be off their game, with to many thought's and considerations floating around their mind, clouding up concentration, then losing confidence, and as a snowball rolling downhill gets bigger, so does the impatient anglers losses, and misconceptions, pile up. With patience,.. I think one is clearly and decisively thinking in a positive manner, taking their time to thoroughly do as they are doing. Creating confidence in their presentation, intently feeling everything, due to extreme concentration, able to do so as nothing is hindering their processes. Whether you've caught a fish or not, you've proved to yourself that you have presented your offering in a proper manner. And you are now ready for the next cast and what it's to offer,..Again,... in a proper and positive manner, and so on, and so on, as the day wears on. Now,... I'd give my girlfriend anything I can, wholeheartedly, without a doubt, or question, freely,.. But,.. no matter how much I'd like to, I can't just give her my patience. Its something one acquires, or looses by themselves, and it can be at times assisted by outside stimuli, be it good or bad,...nonetheless,. I'd still do anything for her, eventhough I attempt to be a positive outside stimuli for her to "gain" some patience, I still cant just give her mine. With that being said,.. I cant just give you any of my patience either,.But I can offer this post to you,.. in hopes that in some way it provides a positive stimuli for you to gain some,. that's if,.. you lack any at all. I feel it's a very important element in bass fishing, it's offered me some impressive catches, good times on the boat with others, and alone as well. Also, has provided me with steps and processes in prepping my boat, and gear, before I even leave the driveway for a days outing. I think we all start off with patience in the beginning of our bass fishing lives, but have seen many get on throwing spinnerbaits, squarebills etc,..and becoming search type anglers, and loosing some patience, seeking and expecting that first hit in haste. So,.,... whether it's "to be, or not to be" ,.... Do you have it?

I used to ski, and loved to snowmobile,.. but, they are no longer a option due to injury. Now i'm leaning towards setting up to pour different types of non-lead jigs that I can powder coat, and either tie fur and feathers on, or just use with plastics. Just cant shake the fishing bug, no matter how hard I try, its always there.

Im in, any weekend day you guys choose. No doctor appointments on the weekends,.. and im good with the diner, hidden gems from the phantom works for me