farmpond1

As has already been noted, unless you've exhausted other options and the bass still won't bite, I wouldn't worry too much about "matching the hatch". Bass are opportunists and will gobble up just about anything that will fit in their mouths. Just look at plastic worms. They don't really resemble anything ordinarily found in fresh water and yet they are terrific lures. Or a buzzbait. What in the heck do you suppose a buzzbait could look like to a bass? But they work (sometimes).

Sluggo's are no longer the "new kid in town" but they still work well for me (if/when it's what the fish want). As far as colors go, I believe the water color/claritiy and, of course, the fish should largely determine that. I think they perform at least as well as most of the Johnny come lately's.

Puke on your boss and see if he lets you go home again.

Ummm....I'd have to say "both."

Ditto! Good to hear you didn't make an unexpected trip to the land of Oz. A prayer goes out to those who did.

If you have a new baby boy/girl and you're worried you might have to throw it back because it's outside the slot limit.

Looks marvey so far! Are you using treated lumber?

I know there is a fishing flea market section devoted to buying/selling/trading fishing gear but this isn't about a specific item so I took certain liberties. Wouldn't it be great fun to conduct a giant lure swap? It probably wouldn't go over very well here in Central Illinois because too few (sometimes too many) people fish in this region. But in some locations, it could go over pretty well. Has anyone ever tried such a thing?

Around these parts, it would have to be a floating Rapala (silver for clear waters or chartreuse for stained).

I'm sure there are others who feel differently but IMHO an inflatable boat rarely makes a very good fishing platform. It would do in a pinch when you need to portage through the woods or when your transportation won't carry something else but you'd probably enjoy something more stable and which sits higher up in the water. Was that a sentence run on or what?

Grip it just behind the head (as the (other) picture indicates) with a towel or an old leather glove.

Betcha money there'll be people connecting wires with alligator clips to the electric fences and bleeding off electricity for their own purposes. Or at least they would if they could.

I don't know the specifics of your situation but they need to stop shoving you from position to position. And they need to stop assuming you already possess the knowledge/skills to do the job. Or, at the very least, they need to stop getting huffy with every mistake you make. If it's as as you say, however, it may be a good thing if they are moving you again. I don't think I'd care to work where you're currently located. I'm with Low Budget Hookers. Speak up. Ask questions. If they are unwilling or unable to answer/address your questions and concerns, the responsiblity will at least lie with them.

The sleet would be the hardest thing to contend with. But a little "rough" weather can make a hunt more memorable. It always feels soooo good to come out of the cold and into a warm house!

Same here. I just prefer to not get skunked. Most of the time that happens but not always.

Thanks for your feedback. I hear that the washers on the lower unit screws should be changed in addition to the oil. Are they difficult to find (purchase)? Are they a standard size or will I have to find them for my specific model of Evinrude?

I was listening to a fishing guide this week. He was talking about his new sonar and how he can tell at a glance when the crappie have left a brush pile. That, I think, requires a high level of sophistication from a unit. It sounds like, for those who can afford them, it can really tip the playing field in their direction. I just hope they save some fish for the future (and for the rest of us schmucks).

I was at a fishing/hunting/boating show this past weekend. Was looking at the prices of a new outboard and that prompted me to think about better maintaining my own motor. One representative from a Marina said I should have my outboard serviced every year. But what if I use my outboard only once in awhile? Shouldn't servicing an engine be based more on a actual hours of use rather than on the calendar? How often, in terms of HOURS used should an outboard be serviced?

Sonar unit? As near as I can tell, ALL fishfinders and flashers are sonar units. Can you be more specific?

Which show was/is it where the artificial lure (obviousy the one being promoted) is mentioned in every sentence (and sometimes twice)? Was/is it Shaw Grigsby? If so, that's the worst one. Can't say about the best. I don't have cable or satellite so I don't watch anything anymore.

Howdy and welcome! I think fishing is a great way to begin bonding with another person. Particularly when things are awkward, there's nothing like actually doing something and sharing a common goal to foster a relationship. IMHO, it's usually a good idea to begin with panfish (which are usually hungry and less timid) and then, if the interest blossoms, graduate up to more sophisticated fish and/or techniques. Nightcrawlers and/or garden worms/or crickets under a bobber are a great way to get some action going. And there's nothing like actually catching some fish to motivate and keep a kid's (or an adults) interest.

In-line spinners? Check in any muskie catalog.

It limits you. Although it isn't always the case (and there are many exceptions), crankbaits are good searching baits and cover a lot more water whereas soft plastics are usually slow moving, "methodical" baits for working a smaller area thoroughly. Soft plastics are generally more appropriate for days when the fish are neutral or disinclined to bite and are tucked deep in heavy cover whereas a crankbait can call in fish from some distance. IMHO, there are far more pro's to having both than cons.

I use kryptonite weights when I'm going up against superbass.

It does look like it was purpose designed and built to be a bait. The place where the screw eyes go in seem to be reinforced with extra plastic. But will it run true and catch fish? Hmmm.