Jig Man

I use the Pitzen (16/20) for every type of line. It is quick and I can tie it in the winter with my gloves on in just a few seconds.

I'm one of those guys who mark every brush pile that I pass over. I use a variety of baits in the piles; mostly Trigged plastics or weed less screw lock jigs with worms. I make my own jigs and my brush jigs are made with smaller hooks so they hang up less frequently. I like to use braided line with a 3' leader so that as I pull the bait up I can feel the braided line coming over the limbs. When it gets (smooth) I know the leader is on the limb and I will feel the jig touch the limb in 3 feet. I can then gently twitch it over the limb and let it fall (repeat). Most strikes come just after going over the limb so close attention and line watching are a must.

I have one old Curado left and it only has one job--A rigs. It has been going strong for 20 years.

I don't own a tin boat right now but I have owned them and have several friends who own them. Out of all that I have owned and or ridden in there is only one that I would ever consider owning if I were to switch back to a metal boat and that is an Xpress. They handle lift and ride more like a glass boat than anything else out there. Find someone who owns one and get a ride. One of my fishing buds has an 18' with a 4 stroke Yammy. It runs in the low 50s.

I just went through the boat thing. I looked at several including the new Charger Elite which is a remake of a Champion 210. I wanted a bunch of add ons and was in the mid 70s for most of the boats. I took a look at the Nitro Z20 which has a different hull than earlier Nitros. I wound up buying one with a Verado on it. It rides about as good as my Champion 206 did. It has a good layout and holds a bunch of stuff. I've put over 400 miles on it since the middle of July. If I had to do it over again I'd buy it again.

He was using his cell in a hotel room and didn't see the mistake on that itty bitty screen. Sorry AGM is what I meant. I have been using them for years and don't ever plan to go back to flooded cells.

You have been given good advice on the charger. If you can swing it ATM batteries are the way to go. If not then look for high reserve amp flooded cell batteries.

First you need to understand that not all used baits can be melted down and reused. Secondly if you mix up the colors of baits you will end up with brown. Another thing is baits that contain salt are kind of a pain as the salt settles to the bottom. Lure Craft, Jann's Net Craft, Bait Junkies, Bear's Baits, Barlows and many others offer molds. You will need an open pour mold. You will need a dedicated hot plate and pan or a dedicated microwave oven and pyrex cup. You need some good gloves and something to use as a stir stick as the plastisol melts. I want to warn you in advance that I started out the same way. Now I have several hot plates, pans, microwave, nor por cups, pyrex cups, dozens of molds, several injectors, boxes of colorant and glitter. I have no idea how much money I have tied up but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Before you get to going on this please go to www.tackleunderground.com and read the Don'ts for Newbies. It could save you serious injury and lots of money.

I use their HMGs with lifetime guarantee. I broke one that was 10 years old and they sent a new one.

My boat weighs 2000 pounds, the motor weighs 635, I carry over 50 gallons of gasoline, 4 batteries, lots of baits, 2 power poles and a trolling motor. There is no way I am going to crank that much up with a winch. I always load with the outboard motor but I wouldn't call it power loading as I only have to give it throttle the last foot or so. The rest is just idling up on to the trailer. Proper depth is the key.

There is no way I'd try to winch my boat up on the trailer. It is a PITA and takes up way too much time. People around here would be yelling and honking if I tried to pull that off on a busy ramp. I don't even hook up the boat to the trailer until I am completely out of the way up in the parking lot. If you are not comfortable driving the boat onto the trailer, go to the most isolated ramp you can find when it is likely to see the least amount of traffic and get in some practice. BTW if you buy from a dealer then they should provide you with a loading lesson at the time of delivery if you request it.

That's pretty good advice.

A folding lawn chair

I keep crappie in the early winter. They really make the livewells nasty. I pour a lot of water in them or run a hose to rinse them out. Then I put baking soda in the wells to get rid of any smell. When I get back to the lake I keep the wells open and they rinse out pretty well.

Cadman and smalljaw also sell jigs and are on this forum.

It would probably cast well with 8# line on the reel. I use that same line in 8,12,and 15. My light stuff I tie on to the setup with 8.

My fishing partner has a Procraft. It is very touchy with trim unless you are really running.

Bow to Stern for me. I use it all the time and like Glenn I have had not discoloration on a predominately white boat. The key is to put 3 coats on the boat for a good seal. Wipe it down with a wet cloth and dry if necessary. Put a new coat on every month or so and you are good to go.

Are you fishing down wind or into the wind? That makes a big difference in boat control.

If you are going to fish LOZ get a 50 footer.

That is the only knot that I use and I use it for all lines.

Sure

What ever rod you use that is probably too light of heads for that much water.

Chilled shot contains antimony which makes it harder than regular lead. It is ok to use but harder to work with.

Before you take the plunge, I recommend that you buy some pre cast jig heads in the style you want, (weed guard in or out, painted or unpainted) buy some skirt material and put them together. That will give you a starting place. Cadman, smalljaw, or Mike Seibert may be able to help you get some heads and www.fishingskirts.com has lots of skirt materiall from which to choose. I've seen guys jump in buy a bunch of stuff and not like doing it at all.