Just_Old_Fisherman

Here is a link to the Texas Tackle web site that has a demo on how to use the pliers. These are the best pliers I have found, work and last very well. http://www.texastackle.com/pliers.htm

Had 2 Cruxis, after I tried a Citica I now have 4 Citica's and 0 Cruxis. Feel the extra $20 was worth it. JMHO

Been using Vicious Fluoro for about a year with good results. Like you, I like that it cost 1/2 what many other fluoros do. Some argue you get what you pay for, and in this case you get a good line at a lower cost than most. More expensive does not always make it better, only more costly.

If you want to "see" structure, take a topo map and start driving around and look at the "above water" structure and relate it to what the map shows. The "underwater structure" is just what you see above water except it has been flooded.

I have had good luck with the triple grips. Used to use Gamakatsu, but found the Triple Grips just as sharp/strong and at a lower price. I am like you, $1/hook is way too steep. I just set the hook a little harder---lol.

Here are a couple of Q&A statements from the L&L web site that sum up the difference pretty well. Personally I have used both and have stuck with L&L for over a year and I am very pleased with the benefits of L&L. Saw no benefit with Reel Magic. They definitely are not "Same exact product.". Q: How is Line & Lure different from other line treatments? A: Line & Lure was developed strictly as a fishing line conditioner. Line & Lure is a special polymer blend that becomes part of the fishing line it is applied to. Other line treatments you find on the market are primarily silicone oil and solvents. Silicone oil only temporarily coats the line and solvents can damage line. Silicone oil rapidly comes off the line (on your hands and in the water), requiring re-treatment of the line after just a few casts. Q: How does Line & Lure work if it is not oily? A: The special polymers in Line & Lure are hydrophobic (water repelling) and very slippery. Line & Lure doesn't allow water to draw back on to the reel spool, which eliminates the line drag that a "wet" spool has. Line & Lure also protects the line from wearing out as quickly as un-treated line because it resists the abrasion that wears line out.

I have had 50 Lb braid slip through the gap in some Gamakatsu 3/0 hooks when fighting a fish. Got back the knot was all. That was why I have switched to Owner hooks for soft plastics, seem to have a tighter loop in the eye. At least I haven't had that problem with Owners yet.

I have never had that problem so I may not be fully understanding it, but I make sure the band that holds the skirt fibers is in the middle, then just slide it on, holding & pushing the band primarily. If it is a really tight fit, you might try moistening the bait & band before putting it on. Only tool I have seen is the one Barlows sells that you use to assemble the skirt fibers in the band, not to put the skirt on the bait.

Green Pumpkin & Watermelon Red and of course tails dipped in Chartreuse Spike-It.

Personally, I have been happy with my 7.5 Ft telescoping Diawa I found at Walmart for about $40. I matched it with a Quantum reel with left hand retrieve and flipping switch. All my other reels are right handed, but I like this set up for flipping.

Have you checked the pawl to be sure it isn't damaged? I would try replacing it just to see if it helped. Also be sure the spacer under the pawl is there it is part #830 in schematic.

I have read some place that when adjusting the collars you should keep them balanced. If 2 on make them 2 opposite, if 3 on put every other one on, etc.

I used BPS XPS Fluoro for about a year with no problems then found Vicious Fluoro which is as good or better and cheaper. I do use KVD Line & Lure which makes a big difference on all my lines fluoro & mono. I even have a couple of reels with 20# Vicious Fluoro and with the Line & Lure they are as manageable as any line I use. My lake is wall to wall salt cedar and mesquite so my light weight finesse line is 14#. I use Line & Lure conditioner faithfully.

Here is some good frog fishing tips. 75 Frog Tips from Bassmaster magazine: http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/news/story?page=b_fea_BMM0805_May_reader_Frog_Tips

My old Black and Decker was about to give out. Decided to try a "real" fillet knife so I got a Mr Twister brand. The blades were too dull to cut anything. Returned it and went to Walmart and got another Black & Decker for about $10. Works fine.