farmpond1

I think if the air temperature is cold but the water temperature is okay, then why not? I've never tried it, though.

I have to agree with biggerworm. We catch the most with what we have the most confidence in and, of course, use the most. It's kind of like the woman who complains, "How come all the men I date wind up being alcoholics?" Well, it might be because she only hangs out in bars. Ok, maybe a weird analogy but it seems to fit. I'm lousy at using deep diving crankbaits but that's mostly because I haven't had much luck and confidence in deep water and it has little to do with the baits I tie on (or don't). That's just one of my weakest areas.

???????

In my way of thinking, a 10-12 foot jon boat doesn't really belong on a large body of water anyway (for safety reasons). So, as long as you stick to smaller lakes and ponds, a trolling motor should be sufficient. Just get one with sufficient power to fight a strong wind. I'm a little "unconventional" but I bought a transom mount, unbolted the handle from the shaft, spun it around 180 degree's, bolted it back on, and mounted it on the front of my bow of my boat (I can't get used to foot controls). Anyway, it seems to work fine.

Are Bagley's so much more valuable than Bandits that someone would be tempted/willing to intentionally misrepresent? I guess I'm questioning motive?

Dude! Never apologize for a fish!

That is/was a really good pike! I'd have guessed it weighed more than that! Regardless, it is huge!

Sorry. Can't help you there. Illinois has no chain pickerel that I know of. Sounds like a fun tournament though. Good luck.

Ever since I picked up a fly rod, I gained a new respect for bluegill. But they are always fun and I never complain when I catch one! A big bluegill will outfight any largemouth of equivalent size.

Should I sue Girl Scouts of America if I eat twenty boxes of their thin mints? (I'd probably need to sue them because I'd be wiped out financially). I digress. Anyway, I'll admit that restaurants don't offer very many healthy options but it's my choice if I decide to eat there anyway. Nobody is pointing a gun at my head. Our society has become such a bunch of whiners. No one wants to assume personal responsibility for anything anymore.

Oh, duh! The green "here" blends in with the tan background. Thanks for the assistance. Boy, those folks at Verizon sure had a hard time grasping the difference between .002 cents and .002 dollars. I'm horrible with math and even I could understand the difference. They seem to want to ignore what he was allegedly quoted and are fixating on the .002 dollars.

Umm....Where's the attachment?

It looks like a mermaid luring horny astronauts into the rocks to me. But I could be wrong.

Apply it to the loan on my pickup. Once it's paid for, I'll feel a lot better.

If I could get away with it, I'd probably use a snoopy pole. But I think 3 rods/reels will suffice for most situations. But since I like to flyfish and panfish in addition to bass fishing, I add two more outfits to the fray. So, 5 rods is what I usually carry.

Could you define "a lot?" It's difficult to say. Last season was so sporadic. During one period I fished 8 days in a row and then later, when it was scorching hot, I went out less than once a week. And, of course, since it's 2 below zero here, I'm doing zero fishing. But this year I plan to rectify that by ensuring the lights work on my boat and doing some night fishing. Oh, and tomorrow I'm going to try some ice fishing.

Truly inspired!

Funny! And embarassing. I haven't done this before but once, when I was bench pressing, I had something almost as embarassing happen. I let one end drop lower than the other. All the weights tumbled off that end. Then, once relieved of those weights, the other side quickly dropped and all those weights crashed to the ground as well. Fun! At least it wasn't caught on video.

This looks like something my Indian girlfriend serves me. It's good stuff!

Nice fish! Fishing with an ultralight is a blast-whether it be for bass or bluegill or whatever!!! Probably not the best choice for musky, however.

My theory: If you think the lure isn't as purty as it ought to be, you might fishing it closer to potential snags (i.e, cover). So, you'll either lose it (problem solved) or, because you're fishing it closer to the fish, you might find it's one of the best bait in your box.

The kickin' minnow has performed pretty well for me and a buddy of mine. Won't comment on the other products as I haven't used them.

My experience is somewhat limited so take it for what it's worth. I think a 5 weight rod is just about right for the kind of fishing you've described. It would be better, in my humble opinion, to spend the majority of your money on a good rod and fly line and not on the reel. Apart from the drag, the reel is mostly just a spool to hold your line. But you probably already know that. Where I live in East Central Illinois, fly fishing is almost non-existent so the selection at sporting goods stores (also almost non-existent) is very limited. I can't really help you on the best choice(s). Good luck and tight lines.

My2 cents worth: If you reeeeeealllly lack motivation/drive/incentive, you might consider sitting it out for a while and work. This might help in a couple of ways. First, experience and time might help you in determing what direction you ought to go (both professionally and academically). Secondly, it might motivate you as you come to understand the limitations of possessing just a high school diploma. If you decide to sit it out for awhile, be conscientious in the decisions you make. For example, getting married and having children (or just having children) can have a major impact on your resources and energy. There's nothing that says you can't go to school later in your life (a lot of people do it) but if your circumstances prevent it, then you're stuck. Just use your head and don't spend more than you make. Put some money aside.

Extremism is a dangerous thing. But unfortunately, some groups don't tolerate anything but extreme views (so long as they conform). Explain to me again how a science fiction writer became such a powerful religious influence? Tom, if you come upon me in an accident, please call 911 and just keep driving.