The Maestro

Then he really wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. He might as well have just told you there's a bunch of tournament caliber fish on that spot. But then a lot those guys feel entitled to the lake just because they fish tournaments.

Excellent post especially the last part.

It doesn't happen often but like I said when it does they're just about certainly idiots that won't catch anything no matter the spot.

There's people that will just rip full speed with the outboard and jump right in front of you. Luckily most of those guys are clueless and don't catch much anyway.

Go back and read the OP.

Trust me I do the same thing.

The thing about those clowns is they're the type to blow up spots since it was so easy for them to 'find' them they won't be nearly as careful as you are to try to keep them on the down low. Before you know it you'll be showing up with people anchored up on your spots catching them on a worm and bobber. Most of those idiots are to dense to understand that.

I wish I could say it didn't bother me at all but it does irk me a little bit. I think part of it is that I found the vast majority of my water by just putting my head down and fishing because (1) I felt more satisfaction doing it that way and (2) because I just really like all aspects of fishing with finding them being one of the best things about it. I feel people who would go that route are either tournament guys with limited time on the lake or guys who don't have that real passion for fishing and "just wanna catch fish".

I know 'stealing' isn't really the proper term since you don't own them but how do you guys feel about guys who go out and seem to make it their fish locating strategy to drive around and watch where other people are catching fish? I'm not talking about happening to see someone catch a fish and then returning there later, but rather guys who are doing it blatantly and on purpose. Does it bother you when people are doing it to you? Would you consider this unethical behavior in regards to fishing?

For the price of a DC reel you're better off jumping up a model and getting a better reel.

I did at one time but not anymore. I run mostly braid and don't completely trust it to not weaken or damage the line especially with how long braid lasts.

"Worth it" is completely subjective. I will say that once you've owned some it's hard to go back. My experience is with the new Shimanos (Bantam and Metanium) and I can honestly say that they're a substantial step up in terms of overall feel and refinement. They can be fine tuned to a greater degree which can make it a bit of a hassle when changing baits but make it feel like you're using a precisely made tool once you have them dialed in.

Another thing that I've noticed can happen with certain rod and lure combinations is that the rod will load up and then the tip will snap back mid cast and stop the bait mid air which is what you're describing. This is usually just a matter of adjusting your casting technique more than adjusting the reel.

I'd estimate I burn through north of $1000 worth consumables (baits, line, terminal tackle etc..) per season which is only about 4 months here. That's not even getting into gas and money for boat related stuff. Fishing's a pretty expensive hobby. When looked at like that, high quality, high end rods and reels that will last for years and can be sold for decent money after years of use it doesn't seem as crazy.

Back's looking sick AJ!

I took that to mean it's pretty pointless if you're only accurate to a very short distance. You still need to get the bait a reasonable distance from the boat in most cases.

Motivation wanes and is therefore unreliable. Some days it's high and you're all amped up to workout and other days you just don't feel like it. Sticking with it ultimately comes down to self discipline. Doing it even when you really don't want to. This is also why I think it's important to find a form of exercise that you don't completely dread doing as you'll be a lot more likely to stay with it long term.

Whatever Shimano's flagship reel is at the time so right now an Antares.

I put about 10 years on my mid range gear (Curado/Crucial level stuff) before upgrading and I have no regrets. The difference is I bought this stuff slower and sold off a lot of my older gear so it didn't sting so bad compared to buying a bunch of combos in such a short time when you're building your first real arsenal. I also feel like it would've been a mistake to jump right into high end gear as it takes some time to figure out what you really like and what works best for you.

This past weekend I decided to give squarebill crankbaits a serious try and was pretty blown away at the number of fish I caught. Must've been 50-60 fish, mostly smallmouth. I was chucking a small Xcalibur in Rayburn Red, fishing mostly up tight to the bank. Don't know if this was typical but I can tell you it won't be my last time throwing them. Also what are you're go to squarebills and what do you guys like chucking them on?

Can't stand using line that stretches. A softer rod and less drag if you're concerned with tearing the hooks out during the fight.

Username checks out

Pretty sure the fees are connected to the value of the item(s). I think it's 13% HST + a brokerage fee but don't quote me on that.