OldManLure

I was cited in WV for ‘distracted driving’ for just holding the phone to my ear listening to messages…$125.00! He told me he had just cited someone because they were eating a burger while driving.

Obstructing the operator’s view certainly should be a major concern, and one that needs to be addressed. I think that tournaments, and maybe the states, should also look at distracted ‘driving’. Choosing to obstruct your view is reckless, but to not even be looking is egregiously irresponsible.

How does MLF allow someone who doesn’t possess the required licenses or certifications to fish in their tournament? I don’t think there is any way MLF escapes liability arguments.

Or at least enact a rule with zero tolerance that anyone caught not wearing their pfd at anytime while on the water will be dismissed from the team.

The upper Potomac river is still in the mid-70s, and remains low, slow and clear. Caught 16 on Sunday’s 4hr float, all on topwater. I’m going again tomorrow, and expect more of the same.

I, too, found myself pulling for the Euros, if only to spite the many fans who acted disgracefully. But I also believe this was the weakest US team fielded in some time. There were several who didn’t belong, and played as if it was an international friendly. I can think of at least 3 who were not picked and would have brought the fire and passion that this team lacked.

I’ve used a number of rigging techniques for river smallies, and have settled on the Eagle Claw weighted hooks (red) sold at Walmart in 1/16oz. I use Zoom Super Salt Plus, and insert hook point just at top of nose and bring it out just forward of the belly groove. I wet the weight and bury it in the fluke, and then spin it so I can bring hook out of the back. I tie directly to the exposed eye. In areas around rocks or other breaks that tend to concentrate and speed up current, I have used the 1/8oz version. What I like about this method besides its swimming action, which has been very productive, is if you let it go to the bottom it will briefly stand on its nose and looks like a minnow feeding off the rock. On several occasions I have watched smallies dart in from somewhere and scoop it up while it is in this position. This obviously is not a weedless rig.

I think it would have been entirely appropriate to have politely pointed out to her that MN law requires she have a pfd onboard and, even if only remotely true, warned her that DNR patrolled those waters. She may have been completely unaware of the law, and appreciative that you brought it to her attention. Had she indignantly told you to mind your own business, I don’t think that would have been nearly as unsettling as your reaction to hearing news later that rescuers were looking for a missing paddle boarder.

Can’t help looking ahead to ‘27 Ryder Cup when the US is getting spanked by the Europeans right now. I expected it to be much closer.

This might well be the most condescending post I’ve ever read on this forum.

I bought my sit-on kayhack specifically to target river smallmouth with my flyrod. The opportunities it has provided is infinite. The fun is immeasurable!

The fact that you are losing fish on single hook baits near the kayak when your line is more vertical is pretty much all the evidence needed to blame the hookset. All of the suggestions above can help with hooksets and minimize losing fish, but none will matter much if your hooks aren’t sharp and their barbs aren’t in good shape. If you’ve never fished barbless hooks, give it a try by pinching the barb. You’ll be amazed by the number of fish you hook and don’t boat.

I simply cannot imagine launching my kayak or boat without wearing a pfd. I wear my pfd even when I wade which I do regularly. I’m not sire I could catch a fish without it. And on more than one occasion I have stopped on the drive home to grab food or drink and realize as I’m paying that I’m still wearing my Chinook.

He’s been identified and a couple photos have been posted. In neither one is he wearing a PFD. So finding his kayak is probably not a good sign. https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/missing-college-kayak-fisherman/

Correct. It brings the backbone into play faster than a slow action.

I know nothing about the brand, but seems like an incredible deal for stocking foot chest waders. https://www.sierra.com/adamsbuilt-truckee-river-stockingfoot-chest-waders-waterproof-for-men~p~8gjga/?filterString=shoes~d~4%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod8GJGA This may be in wrong forum, but posting it as follow up to the thread.

Walmart sells kids’ scissors by Fiskars that cost about $2, or did when I bought 6 pair. They seem to hold their edge, and work as well, maybe even better, than those for sell in sporting goods’ aisle. And some are so colorful it’s hard to lose them.

Of course you mean opossums since possums are Australian.

You don’t mention crankbaits or spinnerbaits. I would not go to a lake or pond without a shallow (2’-4’) and a slightly deeper running (4’-6’) crankbait, and similar jerkbaits. Minnow colors like silver or gold are the basics, with other color patterns dependent on local baitfish. And I don’t leave home without spinnerbaits…at least a couple with willow blades and a couple with colorado blades, each in a light color (e.g., white or white/chartreuse) and a dark color combination (e.g., blue/black). Trailers are optional, but there should probably always be some in the bag. Brands, I believe, are a personal choice.

The rods appear to have arrived intact, but I have no idea where. I was out running errands with my daughter today and received notification that my package was delivered (after receiving notification yesterday it would be tomorrow). I excitedly rushed through some of the remaining errands and postponed others to race back home and unwrap my rods. As I pull into the driveway, I see only a box about 2’x 2’ x 30”. My daughter says with a chuckle, “I thought you said they were 1pc rods. It looks like they shipped them in pieces.” Turns out FedEx delivered a box of cat food. I checked the notification to make sure I hadn’t misread it. I find a picture of my rods on a front porch that isn’t mine. I’ve filed a claim, and the FedEx virtual assistant says they are working on it. The good news, I guess, is the photo shows undamaged rod tubes standing up in a corner of the wrong porch.

We’ll have to wait and see. FedEx updated the status late this afternoon to Monday delivery. What is especially frustrating is the rods arrived 32hrs ago at the FedEx facility that is only 40 minutes from where I live. Had I known they would change their mind, I would have driven and picked them up. FedEx has become the Comcast of shipping services.

But you would use it the next time you needed to make a great cut saw cut.

Thanks!!

I received notification that mine are to be delivered this afternoon. I’m like 🙏🏼🤞🏼 🍀

A swivel more than about 10-12” in front of a bait will create a 2nd, distinct, sound signature that bass are able to detect and distinguish from the bait’s. I could understand how this might be ‘confusing’ and put off a fish. But, I would also understand if told that this might pique their curiosity. A hook sticking out of the back of a fluke would be part of the flukes sound signature. Visually, it would make sense that it is either disguised by the bait or is being seen as part of the bait, like a dorsal fin, which I think might be a good thing.