NYWayfarer

I might have spoke too soon. Its supposed to crack 60 degrees next week. The cover can come off the canoe faster than it went on.

I am afraid the end is here for me. It is snowing right now. I am glad I got the cover on the canoe last weekend. Can't wait until the spring. I might try ice fishing this year for the first time I will keep you posted.

Great show. I watch anything fishing related, River Monsters, Monster Fish, Chasing Monsters, Wicked Tuna, etc. Love them all.

Zman Zinkerz are extremely durable because of the ElaZtech construction and around $5 for a pack of 6 they are a great deal. I also like the SK Ocho's with the coffee scent. SK Shim E Stick are decent as well. Nothing beats the original GYBC Senko's though. I usually wait for them to go on sale and bring any coupons I have for Dick's/Field and Stream to lower the cost even lower. Example: Dick's had a sale $6 bucks a pack of senkos if you buy 3 or more. I bought enough to spend $25 since I had a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. Got 5 packs of Senkos for $20 that day.

I use, 3" and 4" for drop shotting and 5" for everything else.

Going through someone else's belongings takes a lot of nerve. I can't imagine doing it. I remember my Dad chewing me out because I was sitting on someone's car. He gave me a lecture about respecting other people's property that I still remember today. I have had the same talk with my son as well.

Forget the fish, she is the real catch here my friend.

That's a nice blade. Since my Co-pilot has been discontinued I was thinking of getting this next. I have a Delica with the nylon handle but I prefer the stainless steel models like the paramilitary. I am going to go with the straight edge as all of mine are serrated.

Even with the wire keeper I use the gel super glue on the part where the bait rests against the jighead. Those TRD's don't go anywhere after that.

Makes me sad that I put my canoe in storage for the winter a bit too soon. Great video and nice looking canoe setup.

My President is on a St Croix Premier 6'8" Medium Light I don't own a Stradic...yet.

I usually carry a Spyderco copilot. I also have a Spyderco ladybug clipped to my keychain.

Good idea. My friend once weighed a fish in a Wal-Mart bag that he had in the boat.

In situations like yours I increase the weight on my dropshot sinker to get the bait to the bottom faster. The deepest I fish is 40' I also use a drift sock to slow down my movement. My last trick is I switch from spinning gear to my Quantum baitcaster which has a "flippin switch" It basically lets out line as long as you keep the thumb bar pressed. No need to turn the handle or thumb the spool. I let out line this way as I drift to keep contact with the bottom when in the strike zone.

I dream of catching one that big. I can only imagine the fight. Great fish, congrats!

Those are some great northern smallies. Looks like your dad had a great time.

Nets are important, unfortunately having one doesn't always mean you are going to land the fish though. On my fishing trip on Wednesday I lost two big bass. One was because my drag wasn't properly set and while tightening it the bass exploded from the water and shook the hook. He was literally a foot out of the water when he spat it out. The second lost bass was due to my net being just out of reach. I had to stop reeling to reach for the net and that slack line was enough to lose the fish. I was fishing super clear water so I was able to see the size of these Smallmouths and I was heartbroken. Two bass lost to operator error. Tight drags and close nets are the lessons learned this week.

My son and I we're able to take the canoe out on the river between rain showers this weekend. After an hour and a half of paddling I came to the conclusion that I want to buy a trolling motor for it. That's my goal before Spring next year.

I am the same way. My soft plastics brand loyalty lies with: Gary Yamamoto Roboworm Zman Strike King I have found baits in these brands that have consistently landed fish for me. I dabble with other brands but I always seem to return to these four.

I recommend a palomar knot or improved clinch knot for tying lures. Split shot are useful if you notice your lure gets caught in current and you need some weight to get to the desired depth. With trout I generally cast upstream past where I think the fish are and reel the lure in through the strike zone. Let us know how you do.

The wind and rain in the northeast this weekend made fishing undesirable. I was able to get the canoe on the water for an hour and a half on Saturday for some paddling exercise with my son. We forgot the poles at home though! Next weekend looks crummy so I am taking a vacation day either Wednesday or Thursday to get out on the water. Sad to say but that will most likely be my last outing until next spring. After Columbus Day we start getting ready for winter and the toys have to be put away. Like A-Jay I will be living vicariously through my southern brothers at Bass Resource.

I go through Senkos faster than any other bait, except maybe Strike King dreamshots. The only way I know to make them last longer is to wacky rig them with an O ring. When I do texas rig them they don't last long so I carry ziplock baggies with me to save the tattered ones. I then cut them in half to use on drop shot and ned rigs.

Amen! I have so many memories of catching Sunfish with canned corn at the end of a bobber line as a kid. Cheap and 1 can will last the whole day and then some.

I enjoy the change of seasons where I live. Hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Just around the time the seasons change I am sick of the prior one and ready for the new one. Love my fishing, boating and swimming in the summer but I am ok when winter rolls around and snow cover gives me a break from yard work.

I would suggest the Lew's American Hero Graphite Spinning Combo for about $30. It comes pre-spooled with 8lb line which you should factor into the cost savings. This rod and reel should handle what you describe and more if you decide to do more than just drop the line. As an added benefit a portion of the profits on this combo go to organizations that support our vets.