Sherlock 60

Try a weightless Senko along the edges and in the gaps. Use braid.

The recent discussions regarding the EXO and Smoke reels reminds me that until the Revo came along everybody ripped ABU's attempts to make a dent in the low profile reel business. Only time will tell if Quantum makes any progress in the respect department.

I bought a Berkley portable spooling station years ago and always do it myself. They are about $30 and are easy as pie.

You rig your Senko exactly the same way I do, but I always make sure to skin-hook it, too. I use a Gammy 3/0 EWG for 5" Senkos.

8# Ironsilk was the only line I ever used that caused a bird's nest on a spinning reel.

I've had a Daiwa Exceler casting reel for about three years and like it a lot. But, I bought two BassPro ProQualifier reels last month when they were on sale for $79 and absolutely love them. If I had to choose I would go for the PQ every time, even at the full price of $99.

Basser: thanks for the info. For salmon I will take my MH 6 1/2" spinning rod with a 4000 Symetre reel and 20# braid as well as my 7' MH baitcaster with an ABU C4 5600 and 65# braid that I use for lighter mukie lures. For trout it will be my 5 1/2' UL spinning combo with a Symetre 1000 and 4# mono and a 6 1/2' M spinning rod with a 2500 Symetre and 8# mono. I have an assortment of Mepps spinners from sizes 0 to 5 that should work well. Also have some Mepps Syclops spoons from 0 to 3 and some Little Cleo and Krocodile spoons that I picked up for Lake Michigan salmon fishing a few years ago. And I picked up a size 5 Blue Fox Super Vibrax in hot chartreuse the other day. Think I will throw in a Mepps Giant Killer or two just for fun. That assortment should take care of things, but, of course, I will probably pick up a few more lures while in Alaska. tholmes: Sorry. No more room.

The Abumatic is a fine spincast reel. I went through a few Zebco and Shakespeare reels before settling on the Abumatic for kids and non-fishing friends to use. Never had a problem with the three that I have.

Been using Square A's for several years and they are my most productive crankbait. Especially in Oxbow Bream color scheme. Never been hung up, but then I tend to shy away from the weeds when using cranks and just work the edges. Gander Mountain has a bin full of them on sale for $2.99.

I use a 5600 C4 on a 7' MH rod with 65# braid for larger jigs, frogs and swimbaits.

The King Salmon start running in Mid-May. Dolly Varden are the most abundant species of trout in May.

We are going to Alaska the last week of May. It is not, specifically, a fishing trip, but I plan to take a couple of rods and a few lures. We will be renting an RV for most of the trip, and if we camp next to a stream I couldn't possibly avoid the temptation. What would you suggest I take? And what techniques and presentations would you suggest?

Same here. She used to comment occasionally on all my stuff till I pointed out the hundreds of fabric samples she has for quilting that she will probably never use.

I tried the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers last night and was amazed. I didn't realize how dirty the cork handles were. Easy as pie.

I have always used 8# or 10# line for smaller cranks in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz range and 12# line for larger cranks. But I see the pros using 20# line for 3/8 oz cranks and wonder why so heavy? Does the weight of the line help with casting distance? Etc, etc, etc? Your wise counsel, please.

I never buy lures with the intent of just collecting them, but I sure have lots of lures that have never been wet. My wife is a quilter and has often teased me about this. But she has not said anything since I opened the door of her quilting closet and pointed out the hundreds of "fat quarters" and other odd pieces of fabric that she claims she will "need" someday.

Normally I have no problem with other fishermen getting too close. I fish a chain of 7 lakes that range from 18 acres to about 350 acres and I spend most of my time on lakes that range from 100-175 acres, so there is not a lot of elbow room. I try to keep at least 200' or so from other boats. But something changed last summer. On one occasion another fisherman anchored about 50 feet from me and pretended I was not there. And two or three times, while I was obviously fishing, pleasure boaters in pontoons passed within 25' or so without slowing down and seemed to be totally oblivious to my presence. I chalked it up to how rude we have become as a society in recent years.

I am going to really concentrate on jigs this year for the first time and that is the approach I have already decided to use. Thanks for the confirmation of the "keep it simple" approach.

Sears carried a full line of Ted Williams branded sporting goods products for many years. And Ted Williams was a devoted fisherman.

It was a bit odd a week or two ago when the Lindners were using Quantum bass flipping sticks and bass reels while fishing for muskies (after all those years of using Shimano's muskie-specific gear). And they commented about how important it is to use the proper equipment. Go figure...

x2. Tilley hats are great for fishing and boating. And they float! I have the T3 in cotton duck canvas.

Bass Wisdom by "Uncle" Homer Circle is my favorite so far. I plan on picking up KVD's book soon.

Original Gitzits from Canyon Plastics are my favorites. They're about 4.5 inches long. Picked up some Strike King Coffee Tubes to try this year. Any comments on the Coffee Tubes?

I use PowerPro 20/6 on spinning reels. 30# should not be a problem at all.

x3. But even when I don't use a snap I still use a palomar knot.