Tackleholic

Lost only the front treble on a Rattletrap to a Smallmouth once, split ring was fine.

Sub Warts really rocked when I used to wade for Smallmouth, I still have a couple tucked away. I remember once I climbed a thorn tree to get one back. Mann's One Minus was another solid winner.

Spinnerbait, Wakebait, Texas Rig.

An empty protein powder container does the job for me.

Billed cap is for additional eye protection from hooks.

What are the rules you set in place for other anglers when in your boat? I'll show you mine if you show me yours. Wear a PFD when the 250hp is running. Eye wear and a billed cap. We leave the marina at 5 A.M.. Catch and release only. No live bait. Don't toss cutoff line (or anything else) overboard. Don't drop fish on the deck. No smoking. No chew. No alcohol. Do not pee or poop over the side. I almost always go out alone and I know why.

I'm 82 and fish alone almost always; inflatable PFD never comes off, I have not fallen yet. I bought a long, wide, heavy boat , a Vexus VX21, for increased stability, smooth ride and adjustable air cushioned seats in the console to aid my back pain. I hit the gym every day I don't go fishing and I know that aids my balance. Even so, when the wind exceeds 12 mph I stay home. I stand while using the trolling motor, sitting on the pedestal seat wreaks havoc with my back but I leave it up and grab ahold when things get too rough. BTW, I'm not insulted when younger generations offer help and call me Sir.

10 or 15# braid, #14 Owner swivel, 6 or 8# mono. leader, 1/0 or 2/0 lightweight dropshot hook, nose hook a super fluke jr or super fluke, keep rod tip at 10 or 11:00, twitch the fluke to keep it on the surface. Seldom miss a hook set.

I would rather deal with offensive odors on baits than salt.

Please come to Bull Shoals and take a few home with you. A-Jay, you're a show off. (Nice fish)

Gar! I groan whenever I hook one. Bull Shoals is loaded with them.

Braid to leader on everything except micro guide rods. Rod length leaders on bait casters, longer on spinning. I like the versatility of being able to change from fluoro to mono and from a thin diameter line to a heavier one. I seldom attempt an Alberto knot while on the water.

Reading past forums I notice that I'm not the Lone Ranger who still uses a Jitterbug. My question is "do any of you other diehards add a split ring to the hooks?"

A good ratchet handle costs more than a regular winch.

Daiwa discourages adjusting the "no spool wobble" on the Zillions. That may be the source of your problem, but once you've messed with it, too late to go back to the factory setting.

I saw Zillions for $198 yesterday; don't remember if it was on ebay or amazon. I passed because I already had 2 Tatula SV 103 on order, $129 each.

Walleye fishermen have an effect on bass populations. They are fishing to fill the frying pan. While they troll around, covering a lot of water using live bait and lures, they catch a lot of bass in addition to walleye. Those bass go to the fillet table with the walleye. Contrary to that are the bass fishermen, many or most of who practice catch and release.

Wade fishing in shoes and shorts, standing in ankle deep water, felt something on my leg, looked down to see that I was standing on the tail of a cottonmouth which was trying to climb up my leg; moved my foot and it took off without biting. I was about two hours from my car and another hour and a half from medical treatment. Lucky.

1st time was when I swatted at a horse fly and drove a 2/0 jig hook into the base of my thumb. 2nd time was when I hooked 2 smallmouth at the same time on a crankbait and did not have a net or a partner, that was pretty scary. I can remember feeling sorry for all the fish I had done that to.

I looked up every one you guys mentioned and narrowed it down to 4 from which I will choose. Thankyou, appreciate the input.

If you don't see them they will continue to grow each time you relate to them.

Thankyou everyone, lots of possibilities. I will check out them all.

Thought I remembered a topic on this but am unable to find it. My Daiwa chain type retriever failed me twice this week to the tune of over $40, so I gave it away. I would like to hear about favorites from other members.

Water has reached low 70's, smallmouth bite has noticeably slowed. Soft plastic craw imitations in green pumpkin with 1/4 jighead, baby poop tubes, ned rigs, try strolling if you like playing video games. If Del Colvin is busy, call Tim Curtis at Hot Dawg Guide Service.

A frog color Jitterbug was my Dad's favorite lure, introduced to him by my Grandfather, probably in the 1930's. In succession, Dad taught me to use a bait caster with a Jitterbug tied on, probably around 1950. Fast forward to today, I still catch fish every year on Jitterbugs; always have a frog color and a black one in my top water box.