Mobasser

Like many of us, north central Missouri is frozen. Right now temp is -7. Snow yesterday added to what we had already. Dangerous wind chills also. I'm tired of it already...

I stopped using rattles years ago.

My son in law is at the Chiefs game tonight. He got the tickets very cheap, because it's so cold. It's -3 degrees out there.

I still fish a Creme Scoundrel worm, and I like a shorter grip rod for top water spook fishing.

Coated, an older Shimano Clarus. Maybe so. Much like boat rash on reels?

I've been told that a very thin coat of clear polyurethane is good to repair a finish chip on rods. I'm not sure about scratches on the finish? Does anyone have a recommendation on how to repair a small chip or scratches in the finish of graphite rods?

I like Kalins 3" and 4" grubs. Clear glitter and Ron's Craw have been good colors. My jigs are Eagle Claw 1/8 oz with a sickle hook. I also sometimes use a Man's Stingray grub in avacodo color, on the same jig.

I'll second and third the idea of putting these baits in hot( almost boiling ) water, then lay them out on a paper towel. It softens them up, and, they'll come out straight as an arrow.

Aside from the two lakes I always fish, I've gained excess to a nice three acre farm pond I plan on fishing. There's been a couple of woppers taken out of there , and I'm looking forward to fishing there.

Do a Google search of the Charlie Brewer weedless crappie Slider. It's been around for many years, and catches most everything.

A-Jay, take care sir. And, best of luck in moving forward for both of you.

If your going out to party tonight, please be careful out there. Have fun, but be safe also. Each year, my wife and I go up to a cafe near home for a fresh walleye dinner. They have the walleye brought in every year, and it's delicious. Then, back home to relax, and hopefully find a good movie to watch. I'll be lucky to make it to 12:00. If I do, I'll give my wife a kiss, and quietly say " happy new year". Then, patiently wait until winter passes, and I can go fishing again.

Zoom finesse worm, Roboworm 4" and 6", Buzzbait, Storm Chug Bug.

Ned Rig, deep cranks and senko

Mine is free here in Missouri also. Im 66

Catt, I've found that in deeper spots I still have to stay back a good distance.Ive spooked clear water fish by trolling slowly over them. On sunny days, a boat shadow has put them down. Lessons learned.

True. I've watched fish in clear water take off for deeper water if they get spooked. They don't always move into the thick cover.

Over the years, I've read and heard different opinions on this topic. If your trolling slowly along, fishing heavy cover areas, do you like to pitch or cast to the thickest areas first, or make your initial cast to the outside edges first? Some writers have stated that you'll spook fish by hooking bass in the thickest cover, and it's best to work outside first. This could apply to any cover. Docks, weeds, logs, blow downs etc, or a mix of these things. Which method has worked out best for you? Do you like to cast right into the thickest parts, or work the outside edges first?

These rods are USA made in Arkansas. 100 percent graphite, good guides, and nice quality cork grips. They offer a big selection of casting and spinning rods, lengths, handle styles etc. Prices are reasonable also. Has anyone had any experience with Fishin Edge rods?

I guess I'm lucky. 42 years of marriage. My wife knows I love fishing. It's my thing. She never has complained about it. And, I encourage her to go with me.

I'm pretty sure my dad could have found his way back with a compass. He was on a bomber crew in WW2. Compass and navigation skills were mandatory training for all of them. They were expected to grade with a high score in compass training, or you washed out, and couldn't be on a crew.

I don't know about lots of the big lakes, but, as an example on Missouris Lake of the Ozarks, guys have won big by just cruising along and fishing all the docks. Not having electronics will change how some people fish for bass. They'll have to adjust presentations etc. I think it might be a cool idea. Take the sport back to the roots level.

What you'll see most in tournaments with no electronics will be guys fishing every inch of visible cover. I still do it, and lots of guys do it. They'll still catch bass, and some big ones too. Might be fun to see how they do fishing old school.

Merry Christmas

Bazoo, Merry Christmas.The H&H spinners are an old mainstay, and still deadly. They'll catch everything that swims.