farmpond1

To me, the question is a bit oversimplified. I tend to view it from what it means to the angler. Bass may, theoretically have a preference of one food type over the other but to me, anyway, it's the location and temperment of the bass that makes me determine what kind of bait I'll be using. For example, when bass are holding really tight to submerged trees, I'm more likely to drop in a crawdad type bait (creature bait or jig) into their lap-even if the bass may "prefer" shad. But at other times, when the bass may be more difficult to locate and/or they are only reaction feeding, they may prefer a crawdad but I can find and catch them easier with a fast moving shad bait. It just depends.

Sounds more likely that a pike or muskie tried to eat the bass. But I wasn't there.

A little quote from Blind Melon? Love that song.

I generally tell people that if a lake gets a lot of pressure, keeping numerous bass (especially if everyone does so) is like playing billiards, darts, or what have you, and throwing the balls away afterward.

Fright night gets my vote.

You beat me to it also.

When I'm fishing out of my 17 foot jon boat, it seems crowded with gear. But when I borrowed a buddies little two man bass raider the other day, I still crammed everything on it. I hate that feeling like I might need something I don't have.

As it sounds like your question is somewhat rhetorical, I can't say if it's your thing or not. Crazy as it seems, not everyone likes to fish. My IDENTICAL twin will go out with me sometimes and on a good day he'll enjoy it but he doesn't burn with the desire like I do. It's no fun to lose baits but it's part of the game. If it's getting too costly, switch to soft plastic or some of the cheaper swimbaits. I might also recommend you try to increase your repertoire of fishing spots. If you are only fishing public lakes that get hit hard by everyone, I'm not surprised you aren't doing better. I stay away from those places like the plague.

What really amazes me is not just that he's versatile but that he knows if, when and why he needs to modify something. Any schmuck (such as me) can switch baits or techniques if something isn't working as hoped but KVD can usually say why he's switching (or staying with) something.

What does PWNED mean? Owned. What does "Owned" mean?

I agree with Catt. Or if avionics isn't your thing, pick something else. But unless you are are simply clueless about what you want to do, don't let the Air Force pick. Otherwise, you may wind up arse deep in snow guarding some missile silo. In any event, sign up for the GI Bill and, while you are in the Air Force, take some classes through the Community College of the Air Force or at the the local college or online. HOWEVER, only do this if you have no reservations about joining the service. It is a committment of the highest order with some potentially serious ramifications.

Those Tarpon are some intense fish!!! I can't imagine hooking one of those with a fly rod (well, maybe hooking one-but never landing it).

This literally gave me the heebejeebies! You could not pay me enough to climb up that tower. As he was pulling himself up over the "ledge" I about shatted myself.

Sometimes I wonder if, after the culmination of many days, all the bass have learned my old tricks. I know there's one scarred up bass who frequents the shore where I often go. I've caught him one or two other times (one for sure), and now he just stares at my lures like "Oh, yeah, sure! You expect me to bite that?!! Oh, and incidentally, one of the points on the back treble hook is getting dull. Better look into that."

I have a pond that I fish all the time and for years now, it's the same thing-when late summer/early fall rolls around, the bass just seem to shut off. I know they are there (somewhere) but they just stop biting. I've fished at dark with the hopes of them turning on then but darkness, if anything, slows them down even more. Any suggestions?

Perhaps your bass is a dope fiend. bait your hook with some crystal meth (shouldn't be too difficult to find) and hold on tight!

Question: I got some bass magic swimbaits a short while ago. How are you rigging them? I bought some hooks with the spring wire in the eyelet (to screw into the front of the bait) and lead on the shank and I find that if I don't rig the hook perfectly, the swimbait isn't balanced and either swims on its side or doesn't wiggle properly. Am I using too little lead on the hook? Any suggestions?

That's why they call 'em the fish of ten-thousand casts. Muskie fishing is not a sport for the weak or impatient. Nice fish, by the way.

I didn't even watch the game. Great Call, and I look forward to the whining about your horrible team this season. Oh, wow! This comment seems to be getting a little personal and out-of-bounds! Bad call! : (

In Illinois the bass don't go out of season. But I have never done much good past October dragging a bait. Once/if the water turns hard, I go out on the ice. Never thought I'd say it but I love ice fishing-especially with a good flasher. It gets ^%$*& cold sometimes, though!

Are they talking about banning future manufacturing of lead products? Or banning it from use entirely? If it's the latter, I guess I just have to be a renegade 'cause I have waaaaaay too much stuff to replace. Where is the sudden push coming from anyway? Apart from lead shot, I haven't heard that lead is making that big of an environmental impact. Me wonders if this isn't another tactic being used by the "anti's."

It seems like it wasn't so long ago that weddings and births were a central theme. Now it's more about retirements, hospital visits, and funerals. Not to mention the aches and pains. "Sux" ain't a strong enough word. Nevertheless, it could be a lot worse. With any luck, someday I'll be able to garden in my undewear without getting arrested.

What's the battery life on these things (both between charges and long term)? I've contemplated getting one because I actually want to read more but find going to the library a pain and I don't like to purchase books that I read once and rarely pick up again.

Ditto. Still, it's kind've funny. In a painful sort of way.

As to whether I think the knowledge gained is intrinsically worth the money spent, no I do not. Most of it's crap. However, unless you plan to go it alone (private business where your clients don't care about your educational credentials), a bachelor's degree is the minimum most companies or organizations are looking for. You might as well get used to the idea. Otherwise, you'll be banging your head against walls all your life. Plus, college can be fun. Just don't waste your parents money completely.