OldManLure

AI seems pretty effective at summarizing and even synthesizing data. When it creates its own, I wonder who will conduct the peer review?

I use an LED flashlight for the same purpose. The light mimics natural sunlight better than other artificial lighting, and gives me a better idea of not only what the colors ‘look’ like but also what colors are actually present. I have taken what appeared to be white skirted spinnerbaits from a stores rack, only to see with my flashlight that there are actually some subtle chartreuse strands among the white. And I’ve seen variations in oranges that to my naked eye looked like a jig with only shades of brown. I think I sometimes make some sales clerks’ day when they see some old man looking at baits with a flashlight. And before tying my own skirts, I use my flashlight to check out my combinations of strands. The difference between what they look like to the naked eye and what they look like under my LED flashlight can be pretty stark.

👍🏼

I’m in no way dismissing the benefits of different colors, but those baits you used for smallmouth offer very different profiles/action. A 3” senko looks very different than a 3” chigger craw. I might be a little reluctant to attribute the better results to color.

There are reports that a number of states have made the decision to look at the effect FFS has on harvesting and recruitment in their state controlled waters. And Minnesota seems to have already formed a working group to investigate the issue. Depending on what they determine the future is for FFS on their waters, it could, in fact, become very political.

If everyone gave it up for being unsuccessful when first starting out, this forum would have only a handful of members. The reality is, there are some who have fished for decades who still struggle on some waters. The fact that you’re seeking advice says you’re not ready to give it up. Experiment with baits. Try different times of the day. When you get a hit, wear that bait out. Or, like I said earlier, visit the Fox River and target smallmouth.

As a teen, I fished from a boat nearly identical to this. No problems with standing to fish. Just wondering…was the previous owner a plumber?

I admire your courage. If I fished in the ocean, there is simply no way I’d fish from something that to the monsters below looks like bait.

It’s pretty much routine to go to the courts to challenge a law’s constitutionality. Reporting on where it stands, whether accurate or not, is not by itself political. You may believe it is and that is your privilege. But for most, it is a discussion of costs and the hope that there may be relief.

Why are you trying to make a discussion about how tariffs are affecting tackle purchases into something it’s not?

I looked at Elgin on Google Earth. Leave the pressured ponds. Fish the Fox River for smallmouth.

Both are good options. I’ve bought and sold several using Craig’s List.

From what I see, from what I hear and from what I read, ‘less is more’ is antithetical to today’s angler.

For river smallies… Rapala Skitter Prop for commotion Rapala Skitter Pop for noise buzzbaits, primarily for around mid-river current breaks. 6’8” mh/mf for the Rapalas 7’ mh/fast for the buzzbait

I start with the belief (wish?) that fish are feeding and start with my fastest retrieve. It might well be slower than what someone else considers fast, but I go into it trying to achieve its designed depth and/or action. If that doesn’t work, I’ll slow down. It could be a slower retrieve, or it could be introducing more frequent or more extended pauses. I think the goal is to give the fish more time to decide if it is worth eating. I never burn a lure, at least not as a presentation. My general strategy is that if fish are eating, go fast. If they are interested in only dessert, go slow. If they are full, go home.

Or, you could replace all the lanyards so they match.

So, a jet has unprotected sucks?

Interesting. Do you recall their conclusions? I can think of a few possibilities, but they would be simply guesses without knowing the study’s design and methods.

That is so sad to hear about Lake Okeechobee. From the age of 8 to about 15, packing up the car for the drive from Alabama to Florida to visit my grandmother was each year’s highlight. I loved my grandmother and was always happy to see her, but it was the fishing trip to Lake Okeechobee each year that bred the excitement. I was in awe of the place!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383270109708 Anything look familiar?

I think Karma may have spotted it’s next victim.

You can never have too many Shad Raps! Or Xraps

For anyone interested, Rapala has a sitewide Labor Day sale that ends Monday. Use LDS at checkout for 20% off.

I’ve fished the Upper Potomac (between Point of Rocks, Md and Paw Paw, WV) for years from a kayak, and from the bank when time is short or I just get the urge. The C&O canal towpath is truly a blessing. It provides access to the river just about anywhere between DC and Cumberland, Md. You won’t go wrong anywhere between Point of Rocks and Dam 4. There is a boat ramp about every 4 miles (except between Brunswick and Dargans Bend which is about 11 miles). The ramps provide areas for parking. All you need to do is walk the towpath. You will never lose sight of the river, and you’ll see plenty of places to get to the river’s edge. If you have a bike, take it. On a number of occasions I have taken my bike, 2 rods and a shoulder or waist bag. I park at one of the ramps, and just pedal from spot to spot. When the water level is low (like right now), wading opportunities increase and can allow you to get farther into the river. This will let you target some excellent areas with visible structure that otherwise are nearly impossible to fish from the bank. As far as tackle, I would not go without a topwater lure, a buzzbait, a spinnerbait, a fluke and some crankbaits. Ned rigs and jigs would also be useful. Right now, I would recommend mornings and late afternoons. Good luck if you go. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Additional information would be necessary to reach that conclusion. Without it, one could just as easily say NFPL seems to favor the more experienced angler.