David P

Yah the place I fish 90% of the time is only 15 minutes from me. That and I will start fishing the delta which is less then an hour. The farthest I'd go is an hour and half away (berryessa and clear lake). I'd much rather get a 14ft because of the safety concern, but I have a feeling that'd be pushing it.

I'm looking at 98+ Toyota Tacomas, but they come 4cyl or v6 and I can't make up my mind, I'd rather get the few extra MPG, but how much do jon boats weigh??

Any suggestions on trucks? I know tons about cars, nothing about trucks. would love to get in the 20's if possible, even low 20's is better then the teens. Also something that is reliable and won't break down. and under 7,000 if possible. also is a 4cyl truck ok with a 12ft boat? and will a 12ft boat have stability issues on the water? Or is it pretty safe?

Thanks man, that would be great. I'd love to use a trailer, but what's the point if I can't use it at the main place that I fish. The Delta, Clear Lake, and Berryessa are all about an hour away, and Lafayette is 10 minutes so many days I just go to Lafayette. Can a 10ft jon boat fit 2 people safely? and is it ok for the bass boat conversion, or would you recommend a 12? Also, can a 4 cyl truck do alright with the boat in the bed, or must it be a v6 or v8 truck..

Ok, one reservoir near me that I fish more then any other place, has a rule that you cannot bring a boat in on a trailer. I'm looking at 10-12ft jon boats and hopefully will be getting one soon. But before I do, I'm also looking to buy a car, but figured if I could get a jon boat to fit in a truck bed, maybe I should get a used truck.. I also would hate to use a trailer and what not, so it would make things a million times easier just to get a used tacoma or tundra or something before yr2000. Could this work?

From what I've seen, they look amazingly realistic.. And be creative and add an extra hook to the back end of the snake if that's a concern. The snake targets LARGE bass, from what I've seen 4+lb bass, they shouldn't have a trouble taking in the whole thing.. I haven't fished one, but have seen a kid fish them. Didn't catch anything, but they sure looked good. Buy a pack and see how you like them.

3.5-4lb, but none the less, that's still a good quality bass and it's something even more to be proud of because you're now getting confidence in a great bait! Congrats!

Hey guys, I spoke to them this morning. I re-ordered the rod so that I will get it early next week.. Then I am sending my rod back today and they will just refund the price I paid for the new one. That way I don't have to wait for 3 weeks for me to ship them my rod. California has no BPS Stores so unfortunately I can't go to the store, I sure wish they had one! They were great! Thanks again guys.

Hey, I just got a Shimano Stradic 2500, it has that little Port in which you can drop some lube or whatever it is they give to you with the reel. I was wondering how often you do that.. Also, My reel sounds a bit strange reeling it in, it's not completely quiet, makes a bit of a hum or something, is that normal?

about 4 inches starting from the tip down, SNAPPED while setting the hook on a below 5lb bass. Not sure if I set the hook too hard, or what, but I don't understand?!!?!? I just got this rod on Monday, fished it today, had a blast, and with 30 minutes left in the trip, SNAP. How is BPS with returning rods, and customer service? anything I can do to hurry the process or get extra goodies out of it? I'm really pist. I had a big fishing weekend planned, now I have to use my only other garbage rod/reel.

I watch my line 90% of the time while fishing but I mostly feel the tap tap or when I raise my rod I feel a bit of resistance and can feel the fish. 90% of the time, I feel the tap or resistance without seeing any line movement. The second I feel that tap I set the hook, so maybe the line twitch takes an extra .2 seconds.

I use Flukes all the time. T-Rig them weightless, let them sink for a few seconds, then give it a few twitches, let it sit for a few seconds, then twitch again. They make very spastic realistic movements.

Lmao, that's one of the longest bass I've seen. Hilarious.

Regardless, the fish is gorgeous, and GIGANTIC!! I'd take that any day! Many people live and die wishing they had a 15lb personal best, and you have the ability to say it's not even your PB. That's just crazy. Congrats on yet another monster.

Well said, a 7 or 8 lb bass is something d**n well to be happy and proud about. If you have the money, and don't mind spending it, who's to say it's not worthy of having a replica made. I remember catching my first 5lb bass, I skipped the 3 and 4lbers and hooked a 5. Made me extremely happy and excited, not to mention a memorable moment. Living in California, I'll probably wait till I hook a double digit bass. There's no shame in having a 7 lb bass replica made though.

How long of a leader would be good? I was kinda looking for the same info. What's average length for a leader, and with the knot, you don't reel it into the first eye do you? I usually go from 6' to 8' or so - - - a well tied Albright or blood knot makes a very tidy little connection, and it will barely be noticed going through the guides. I used a uni to uni knot. I put 2ft but I'll trim it down a bit.

There's tons of things that can make one bass look smaller, when in reality it's bigger. Some people hold the fish right up next to them, while others push the fish out and hold their arms out, thus giving the image of a bigger fish. Cameras can also play a role. Then again, people could lie too. I think it was Ls1Jay who totally threw me off. I saw 3 fish of his, all I figured to be 6lbs-7lbs, turned out (sorry if I'm wrong jay), but they were all 9-11lbs? Something around that. Point was, I was WAY off. Some 5lb bass I've caught looked like they could easily be over 6 in person, and when photos were taken, they look like they would be lucky to be 3lbs.

How the hell did you get so lucky?

Yah, take a pic like this. It helps people see how big the fish was. If it's just on grass a 18in bass can look 8in. None the less, great fish man!

Great thread, my answers are in bold.

I think you have the job that the majority of members on these forums could only dream about! Lucky guy!

Nice nice, I worked at a UPS store for around a year. Hated it. Seems like quite a few guys work or worked for UPS here.

Hey guys, just curious what other fishers do at the work place, besides think about fishing. I work for a Bmw auto shop.

Thanks guys, big help! I'll post my first top water once it's done. Probably won't be for a few weeks as I'm busy with work and such. Thanks again guys!

Man, if you only knew! I'm going out tomorrow to beat the bank at a local reservoir. I got Pline CX in 10lb and Power Pro in 20lb I'm going to spool one line of just Pline CX 10lb (I wish I had got 8lb just rushed the decision), and the other is going to be 20lb power pro but with a the CX leader. How long of a leader would be good?