OldManLure

Seeing several rods standing against a table, I stopped at a yard sale last weekend. The rods were in sad shape, but spread across the table was quite a collection of baits. There were a number of Rapala lures, new in the box, marked $1.00. I bought all 13! Among them were 6 or 7 saltwater jerkbaits (XRap long cast, Twitchin minnow, and Xrap subwalk). Would you consider throwing them at bass with the single hooks, or would you automatically replace them with trebles?

Loomis expects to pay for your mistake. It’s a selling point. That is why they so meticulously included it in their replacement policy.

Is there another way?

No. Group size refers to the battery’s physical dimension. Differences in specs among same line (e.g., a battery maker’s Economy line) are usually insignificant.

I have the same model/size reel on 3 different brand rods. I hold two of them with 2 fingers forward of reel stem, and one of them with 3 fingers forward. It has nothing to do with the position of my index finger in relation to reel spool; the difference in 1 finger’s position has zero affect on my ability to pinch the line for casting. For me the position of fingers has everything to do with how the rod handle with reel feels in my hand, and the effect it has on my wrist when casting. The rod that I hold with only 2 fingers forward has a little more weight in the butt of the handle. By moving my hand/wrist 1 finger back, the rod and reel feels more balanced. It is all about comfort.

I own 3, each one purchased with a very specific use in mind. I live in Maryland and spend a lot of time fishing the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. I have a Lure 11.5 sit-on that I use for the stretches that are relatively accessible with slower, flatter current and might have a few class I,II rapids. I have a Perception 9.5 sit-in for the stretches that are more difficult to access, but have some prime spots for smallmouth. These spots are among some of the rockiest parts of the river and require negotiating some Class II (and a III) rapids to get there. These are spots that boats, including jets, and timid paddlers don’t go. They have produced 5 PBs. And I have a Lure 13.5 sit-on with trolling motor that I bought for use on the TVA lakes of Tennessee River at least 4 or 5 times a year when I visit family, and occasionally on some of the lakes near me in Md, Va and WV. The Lures also allow me to stand and fish, including fly fishing when the mood strikes.

I’m curious. Are you wondering (suggesting?) if disappearance of wildlife in your area may be associated with the appearance and spread of COVID?

I carry a Queen 3-blade pocketknife that has been with me everyday since college. I strap a diving knife to my lower leg for ‘emergencies’ when I’m in my kayak, and among my tackle is a Rapala fillet knife I carry to gut invasive species that periodically beat smallies to the bait.

Right on. For some reason I thought you were near Pickwick. I grew up fishing Pickwick to Guntersville.

Growing up near the Tennessee River in the late 60s and 70s I can remember launching at some of the backwater areas and feeder creeks when the water looked like this. But then when we got to the main channel, it sometimes looked like the ocean. Are these pics on the main river?

At nearly $20, I don’t think I’d throw it anywhere near structure. And if it was the $45 version, I think I’d probably just mount it above the fireplace.

I pack a large duffel, a small duffle and a gym bag for a weekend road trip. There is no way I can go fishing with only a single 9x14 container for tackle.

I purchased Field and Stream chest waders from Dick’s 3 years ago, for less than $70. I can’t count the number of times I’ve used them, and they are still in great shape. If I had to replace them, I’d buy the same again.

Is it legal to harvest fawns in Minnesota?

Google ‘collapsible boat hook’. There are quite a few, and enough variation in them to fit your needs.

I’m betting the bass were fleeing a real threat. Does your reservoir have tiger muskie? They can be vicious.

Feeding the bait fish is not helping Mother Nature. It may, in fact, be complicating her efforts.

You may be correct about her being spooked by boat. I, too, have seen some nice fish turn away when they got close to my yak. But a while back I realized I had a tendency to alter my retrieve when the bait, and not just jerkbaits, got to about 10’ or so from me. I was speeding up on the reel and raising my rod, I guess to get ready for the next cast. So I consciously stopped doing that. I can’t say with certainty that it has been the reason, but I have noticed I am hooking significantly more fish in that 10’ circle around my yak. I’ve even been splashed on a couple occasions when my topwater was hit.

If it was hooked through the lip, I believe the chances are good it will free itself. If it was a deeper hook, though,……?

That’s funny. Seneca Lake was one of the first places I took my son when introducing him to fishing. He was 7 or 8. One of his first questions was “why are all those floats in the trees?”.

I guess it depends whether they are in the woods or in the attic. I have a family member out west who hunted and trapped into his early thirties. He gave it up and started using his knowledge and skills for outdoor photography. He also guides other photographers. And he can ‘capture’ the same animal more than once. I had no idea it could be so lucrative.

Catch and release hunting is called wildlife photography.

Clear enamel nail polish. When I was young, metal-lipped crank baits were my favorite. I would sneak my mom’s clear enamel nail polish and paint a thin layer on the lips. It worked great, and the male bass loved them.

I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who buys tackle they don’t intend to use, but then I’ve never attended a meeting of Anglers Anonymous.

Welcome. I admire your willingness to not give up on a hobby you obviously enjoy. Don’t give up on your goal of a 20”er. Good luck!