MN Fisher

I use snaps with everything. Having only one eye (lost one to cancer), tying knots every time I want to change lures is an exercise in frustration. So it's a need, not a preference.

Being on a fixed income, I have to be. My reels/rods are basic and I only buy the lures that I have spare change for. Three of my rod/reel combos are over 30 years old but still functional, so I use them.

In looking over the Pitbulls, it seems they're like the Rapala DTs - designed to run at a certain depth, or a select range. The 5.5 runs in the 3'-6' depth range according to reviews, so I think the 3.5 would run in the 2'-4' range and the 7.5 in the 5'-8' range (guesses on the latter two models) I would get a selection of models and colors - sometimes the fish are shallower and sometimes deeper. With a range selection, you'll cover all the depth ranges.

From Sharpie's own FAQ https://www.sharpie.com/faq.html "The black ink in the Fine, Ultra-Fine, Twin Tip, Chisel, Retractable, Mini and Super is permanent ink. The principle solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether."

I can see that in a way, but there's gotta be a better option than a Sharpie, something that doesn't leach harmful chemicals into the water that the fish can 'taste' and go "Nope, not biting on what ever THAT is."

I can't imagine any scenario in which you'd want to color the braid. Using a Sharpie is the height of foolishness as it's not quite as 'permanent' as they claim - it'll leak the chemicals into the water and might degrade the strength of the line. Want different colored braid? Buy it and spool it up.

8

None - Sorry peeps, I'm a rocker and metal-head from WAY back.

Thought I'd jump in here - just joined BR a couple days ago and still wading through posts. I agree that Tonka is busy, but you can stay away from the ski/speed crowds fairly easily in some of the back-water areas. I'll be going out this year in a new canoe - find out if I need stabilizers too. A meetup sounds good, a beer or two and gab about the good holes in the area sounds like a sweet time.

At least you're able to get your line wet. Here we still have enough ice on the lakes that cars are still going out on them. As others have said, target the panfish for now. You could also practice casting and even practice your finesse work with the lures you have - rise/drop, twitching and other techniques. Practice now so when the ice is finally gone, you can entice those bass hiding in there out of their cover.

USAF 1980-1984, SAC-HQ, Computer Support

New member who's returning to fishing after a decades hiatus. Bass/Panfish were always my targets and while I sold my old runabout years ago, I have a new canoe that I'll be modifying into a dedicated fishing boat. Hope to learn some new tricks, or relearn ones I've forgotten over the years.