PondHunter

Check out a channel on YouTube by Carl and Alex. They have all kinds of rigs and setups for Carp fishing.

On the contrary, I have actually heard that they're Attracted to Black leaders, and have caught them on those cheap chrome leaders so No, I don't think they're line shy at all.

Look for Pike in the slack water and eddys, under overhanging trees, and other cover.

Carp!

I have 2 guesses. 1. is that your rod is too stiff and it gives the fish a ton of slack if you don't just reel it straight in. As soon as it clears the water, there's a bunch of slack and it just comes right off. 2. Try using a net. Get one with Fine mesh. If you can stick your fingers through it, it's too coarse. It's not all sexy like the Pro's, but you would have landed every one of those fish at boatside if you had one.

Most of my replies were before they added that feature.

I really like using chicken liver, but it's such a pain to keep on the hook, I found another way. Get some Friskies Concoctions cat food in Salmon and chicken liver flavor. Comes in a purple can. Mix in some crushed Wheaties, or just the store brand Bran flakes until it makes a paste thick enough not to stick to your fingers. Better use 3 or 4 cans since there will be a few of you. Bury your hook in a small ball of the paste,rub some on the line just above it for 6 inches or so to disguise the line, and cast it out. Make up some small balls of bait beforehand, and after you cast, throw them all around your bait. Cats and Carp will both eat this bait. I use either a #2 J hook, or a 3/0 Team Catfish Circle hook with the barb pinched down. I agree with Gordo too. Leave the stinkbaits at home. They have never worked as well for me as fresh cutbaits have.

Of the different species I have caught, Walleye was definitely the most disappointing. A 20" fish that didn't do anything until you got it boatside.

These are the worst unhooking tools ever invented. You're going to gouge the hell out of the fish before you even get it down far enough to get on the hook.

I heard at one time that braid needs to be spooled on a different winding pattern than Mono. It looks like the majority of the line is towards the front of the spool. Is there any truth to this? Or does it matter?

What is the best source for rods that are 13 to 15 feet long, and handle lines of between 1 and 6lb test? I did find a couple on Mudhole, but I'm really looking for some more options. What blank makers may have something that fits the bill?

1/8th oz leadhead jig with either a 4" curlytail worm in natural or black, or a 3" grub body in smoke color.

Yeah, I use plenty of spit, but it doesn't seem to help. I will try the other knots that have been mentioned.

Thanks guys! I will try those and see which one I like best.

What's the best knot to use with 1 and 2 lb test lines? I have been trying to use a Uni-Knot, and it just makes too much friction and breaks in tying it. Would the Polomar be better? Thanks for any replies!

I doubt many people could. I certainly couldn't! The only limitation the Spincaster would have for most baits is the wrong retrieve ratio, which might not suit some baits very well. He would still study a map and the conditions for the most likely place that Bass would be, and know exactly wait lures and presentations to use. His knowledge of the task at hand would outweigh any disadvantage in equipment.

Yes, it will work. I have the Heavy version and it is more than strong enough.

Are baits that hook in the roof of the fishes mouth easier, or harder for the fish to spit out than hooks that stick in the fishes lower jaw? I have had really good success with single hooks that stick in the roof of the fishes mouth, however one of the baits I'm looking at using would hook in the lower jaw, and I'm concerned it won't stay hooked as well. What are your thoughts?

I wasted many days of my youth "fishing" with a bobber. Never again. C-Rigs and Crankbaits are just as bad.

The main reason for the Mushroom Head Jig is so that when rigged with a worm, it will let the tail point up and remain visible when it's on the bottom instead of tipping over and laying flat like other Jig styles.

PIKE

In-line Spinners. Never caught anything but snags.

The best bait? Dynamite..............

One of the main reasons I use a leader is to prevent sunlight from "piping" down through the line all the way to the lure. A fish may not be able to see your line by itself, but if it's lit up like a glow stick they will. Obviously this doesn't apply to braid. I have caught Bass in Minnesota on a guided trip using those cheap leaders that are silver and highly visible. On my home waters, it's so clear that using FC is a huge advantage, so it just depends on the conditions you're in as to whether or not you prefer a leader. I use them all the time because it takes that one variable out of the equation. My Flippin' Stick uses Braid only, as the fish usually strike so quick i'm not sure they even see much of the lure, much less the line! On my UL outfits, where I use 4lb test, I just retie a 3ft section of the same line using a blood knot, on like a leader to prevent the light from piping down the line.

Chuck Norris can blow bubbles with beef jerky.