grimlin

;D I never thought about that till you said it.

This place is definely a good place to ask questions and learn.Before you'll know it you will understand all different types of bait usage and how to work them to catch some good size bass. It gets even more addicting from this point on.

I know a guy who bowfishes carps...but he eats what he catches.Also he does abide by the law and limits.Michigan is loaded with carps as well...good way to get rid of a few of them.I think it's a limited season when this is allowed...not sure though.

I like to match them for some reason...Not to the exact color,but pretty darn close.

I fish alone all the time,i find myself singing in my head though.Nothing like enjoying a day of peace,quite and nature. Although if i could find somebody to fish with me around shore that would be cool too,somedays i find myself getting so bored i start saying "here fishy,fishy,fishy".

i really need to save for some rain gear...only problem is i wear a hearing aid and can't get it wet.I tend to avoid water as much as possible specially rain.Taking off my hearing aid is a big NO for me...i like hearing things. I'm thinking a shower cap...but i'd look plain goofy...so screw that....

I don't worry too much about this unless i'm storing away for a long period of time.I'm definely gonna make sure i'll do it just as a precaution though.Seems like a good idea. Now as far as fighting a bigger fish,i alway loosen up the drag a bit...i learned the hard way with a drag too tight isn't a good thing.

Absolutely. It has happened to me on a number of occasions over the years and yes it is very awkward. I have a few places where I fish alongside of poor folk. I'm talking cane poles and straw hats. I will always share a few eatin' size fish with them. Other than that, like you I just say "nah, I'm just here to keep in shape for a big tournament that's coming up. It's bad luck if I keep any fish" Then I just start yammerin away about all my superstitions. They sorta look at me funny as they slowly take backwards steps. Works like a charm ;D I'm gonna try that next time,although it's gonna require me to tell a white lie about fishing tournaments since i don't fish tournaments.But who cares.

yeah i got the same problem...you know what i usally do? Leave.....sadly enough.I'll go to another fishing spot away from everybody.This is why i like fishing alone.The lake i fish everybody seems to keep everything they catch and i can't figure out why.

Loose slack scares me....i never seem to be fast enough to set the hook sometimes and it'll either get spit out or swallowed deep.I think i fish jigs a little too fast sometimes as well...i'm learning to slow down.

well i've kissed one to date this year...after 6 months of catching nothing i ended up catching a nice 17".I was so happy i did give it a little smooch.Don't tell my girl ;D otherwise i don't kiss fish...

;D That was great....

I second that...

You know...i've never done this....that's actually a good idea. Also if there are any waders in here,instead of casting directly straight out try casting side to side in shallow waters...I've caught some pretty decent fish this way.Came up with that idea after watching a bunch of baitfish swim around shorelines.I've outfish other anglers out there doing that...gave the bass a little different view of how the lure was going in direction.This works best in spring and summer when waters get warm.

LOL @ muddy man's response! Does anybody else have the restrictions for hours on the lakes?I know they have them here...i bet it helps too.I doubt i'd be going to any lakes early in the morning without a partner(now i just need to find somebody)..i usally do alot of my fishing during 8am to 6pm.Usally there is already a few guys out there fishing.Just to be safe i like to go where i know there's people around.

I ordered a few....I couldn't resist the crawfish look...

Green pumpkin jig with matching trailer color.

Yup works too...although i rarely lose weedless jigs.I'm addicted to anything that'll move like a crawfish.Alot of times if you look hard enough you can find jigs @ $1 a piece knocked down from $3 a pop.IMO don't go crazy with colors.I like sticking with brown,green pumpkin and black/blue.Presentation is the key..make it imitate their food source.

learn something new everyday ;D

crack dealers yes,hookers nope...lol : Liquor store right next to the lake..never saw a such thing till i moved here in Michigan.

For me alot of times it's just getting out,but i even enjoy the day more if i'm catching as well.I've skunked out all winter between this year and last...counting almost 6 months in 6 outings i don't like cold weather much ;D.

I'm glad to say i never had anything that scary to happen to me.Looks like now the crooks are figuring out that tackle,rods and reels are worth some money.I fish some very scary ghetto looking lakes here and haven't had a problem yet.I thank the good lord for that.

Fishing is the only thing that is keeping me sane....I think it's a great stress reliever as well. Plus it's something i love doing.

You can add me to the list of complusive buying fishing gear victims on the weekends...baitmonkey likes to visit quite offen.If i ain't fishing,i'm at a tackle store asking my 2 year old what looks good..his answer is "Everything"...he quite right alot of times too.Good thing i only bring a limit amount of money...gotta make sure i have money left over for a ice cream treat for the little guy for helping daddy out.

That's so sad :'(.My thoughts and prayers are for the family of the lost ones. This is the main reason why i'm semi scared of boats...I can't swim and i came close to drowning twice in my younger days.I've just now started wading,but extremely caution when i do so.