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It's actually made from strands of unicorn hair.

Advice coming from the guy who froze his pipes this winter....

and the man

The easiest fix would be to break up with her.

I didn't know he went in

I know for a fact that I'm getting a lot better every year and becoming more and more obsessed with it every year! I know this is going to be a year of some absolute HAWGS and the excitement and anticipation is killing me! Bass fishing is my life, I really want to pursue a career within the bass fishing world in one way or another. Whether it be as a professional angler, owner of a company, or someone who is involved with marketing for these companies, I want my job to be intertwined with bass fishing. I plan on going to school for business or something in that nature. I wanna make it happen... I know it's going to take a lot of work but I want it SO BAD!

Spent about 40 minutes driving along the nearest river to me today (currently in Burlington, VT). I was hoping to fish, but realistically I was just looking for areas that seemed like they might be open soon. I wasn't able to find anywhere to actually cast but there were some spots that looked like they'd break loose real soon. It was partially exciting to see how close we are to open water and partially just torture, it made my "bass itch" worse, that's for sure!

First thing I would do is read through all the seasonal fishing articles on the site (not just the season you're in, but all seasons). I know for me, they gave me a basic understanding of how bass behave in certain weather, and that was hugely helpful. Then, pick a basic all purpose lure that you want to start with. I picked the Senko, since you can pretty much fish it anywhere anytime (you just have to change your approach depending on the conditions, which you'll learn about when you read those seasonal articles). Then, invest in a decent rod (doesn't have to be expensive) that's either all purpose or designed for the lure that you've chosen to start fishing with. Then, hit the banks and start fishing. Try all the types of deliveries and retrieves you can think of. Take notes. Write down the water temp, the air temp, what you fished with, where you fished it, etc. Over time, this will become a valuable resource for you to look back on. Once you feel like you have a good handle on the first lure and you're catching fish regularly, then introduce one more type of lure and get comfortable with it. Then just keep adding new lures and learning when and where to use them. Anyway, that's what I did. I used to fish real casually (a couple times a year), but have started to take it more seriously in the last year. Having a focused and methodical approach to learning has really helped me a lot.

It depends on the lake, time of day, water color, weather, etc...

The stronger the return, the closer to the boat. I'm guessing you have a black and white unit. The darker the shading the stronger the return meaning the fish are under the boat. The lighter the shading means the fish are off to the sides or further away from the boat. As far as bottom composition, a hard thin black line is a hard bottom. The thicker the line, the softer the bottom. Weeds and grass will appear differently but you should be able to tell their relation to the bottom. If the unit is color, on the right side of the graph is your color palate. The colors appearing at the top of the palate=the strong return(similar to the black on the B&W unit). The colors at the bottom of the palate=weak returns(similar to the shades of grey on the B&W unit). The cone spreads out further the deeper the water. The diameter of the bottom of the cone could equal the depth of the water ie. 15fow=15ft diameter or could equal 50% of the depth ie 15fow=7.5ft diameter. It depends on the unit specs.

red earth.... you are way off base. 1st of all the X10 was not for my own post. i quoted another post and it was X10 for that post and to all the others who posted the same. and you speak of "tick and moan" say what? and a "douchey post" ? your attitide proves my point. i simply said i don't play music and i have zero desire to hear yours. the fact you say you would turn your music up "to tick me off" truly shows the type of person you are. total lack or respect for anyone else. i don't care if you or anyone else listens to music, i just don't care to hear it. so have a little respect if you are around fisherman don't have it turned up to annoy others. it is called respect. pontoon boats and party boats usually aren't an issue and aren't in the same area. but if they are, i certainly would never say anything to them. ever. they are there to have a good time. sometimes i like what they are playing. my point is, i don't play music, i enjoy all the sounds of nature and being on the water. and my preference would be not not hear your music either. no "tone" to my post. as there certainly is tone to your post. can't say i've ever met an angler i don't like...but if we ever met, you may be the 1st, based on your post and the attitude you expressed. kinda mean and hateful. and vindictive. for no reason.

Here are a couple of the old wooden ones........

The most recent................. Swimbaits being a right of passage

Got a tourney on the rock this weekend... I'll let you all know how it went.

Jig colors are typically selected according to current Water Visibility' (Secchi Depth). However, rather than recommend pet jig colors, I think it would be more useful to focus on 'water visibility' and its components. When lure colors are chosen based on water visibility, we're turning our backs on 'matching-the-hatch' (you can't have it both ways). Nonetheless, I believe that color selection should hinge on water visibility rather than trying to match the colors of prey. (1) You may be dead wrong about the soup du jour (2) Targeted prey is subject to change without notice (3) Bass forage is available in every color under the sun and then some. Although 'lure color' is debatable, 'lure visibility' is not. Ideally, the lure should be visible within the effective Strike Window of bass. The scope of the strike window hinges on Water Visibility and Water Temperature. Cold and muddy water severely compresses the strike window of fish, a scenario that pro anglers despise. In reality, when anglers speak of water transparency and water color they're only addressing water clarity, which is only 1 out of 6 components of water visibility. To accurately appraise underwater Water Visibility, all 6 determinants must be evaluated: Water Visibility - Sun Angle (midday to midnight) - Sky Clarity (cloudless to heavy overcast) - Water Clarity (crystal clear to muddy) - Wave Action (flat calm to sharp chop) - Lure Depth (1-ft to 25-ft) - Cover Shade (open water to dense cover) Be reminded, this post is not a Color Picker, but a breakdown of the components that comprise Water Visiblity. If you believe that lure colors should be based on lighting conditions, this post provides the framework Roger

This post jogs my memory. The Rapala Original Floater was a popular vintage lure, but like Roadwarrior, my first topwater was a 'Propbait'. Unlike Roadwarrior though, my first propbait was a black 'South Bend Crippled Minnow'. The early version I was using was made during the transition from wooden plugs to hard-plastic plugs. I say "plugs" because 'crankbait' was not a word back then. The first plastic propbaits had a center seam that ran around the circumference of the lure. I caught my first bass on that propbait, but got all excited and whacked the standing oar on my next cast (we were fishing out of pram rowboat). Anyway, the impact busted my lure into two halves, and since it was the only lure I had, it ended my fishing that day Roger

I spit some milk on that one. Nailed. It.

Square bill: Diawa Peanut II (laugh all you want, lol) Freakin fish catching machine. Lipless Crank: Spro Aruku Shad, Yo-Zuri Rattl N Vibe, and Bill Lewis Pro Trap Jerkbait: Norman Razor Minnow, weighted to suspend (fav. cold water bait), and the original Rapala minnow #9 or #11 Topwater: Berkley Frenzy Popper....to think, they used to be 99. in the bargain bin. Now they are $20+ on ebay : ( ONE THING TO NOTE from the replies above....anyone see a pattern? A ton of anglers are throwing the KVD square bills and and Red Eye Shads....not saying they don't work but it says something when you see over 50% of people suggesting it. It means when you hit the water, a bunch of fish have already seen heard a KVD square or Red Eye that day or days prior during practice. Try doing something different like gluing the rattles in your Red Eye or throwing a slightly larger or smaller version of the KVD square. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that both of those baits are great, but in a tournament situation, I bet a ton of fish are gonna be seeing them. Try being a bit different.

What's each of ya'lls go to frogging setup? Rod, reel, line, and type of frog. Really wanting to get into this technique this summer.

casting far is a matter of balance between the rod, the reel, the line, the lure and the correct technique, adding weight may help but will end up killing the action.

Fixed it for you

Dang its amazing how a lure can bring back all the emotions of that day.

St. Croix AVS69MLXF

Congo is a freaky movie.

I know but I live in town and it's a good spot next to a water spicket I'd hate to have to run a hose daily... And my dad has a huge garden and feels sorry for me. Lol

I haven't used it yet myself. I just picked it up about 2 weeks ago. Frog Turds (Br member) and myself will be having a river smallie showdown with those hopefully. Pretty neat little lure. The hooks are junk so I put on split rings and better hooks on mine. Frog Turds will most likely sling his into a tree first cast. Yeah man don't lose those lures. Make yourself a nice shadowbox wall hanger and put it in your man cave or whatever you got. Nice little display to hold onto your grandpa's memories in.

I basically use the square foot garden method as a model. By not walking on the soil it is much easier to weed. I will dig in leaves in the fall. I mulch with lawn clippings (don't use chemicals on the lawn) during the summer which also adds to the soil makeup. We mainly grow full size & cherry tomatoes. The kids can never get enough cherry tomatoes. We will grow a few red & orange bell peppers just to save a few dollars. Sometimes we grow cucumbers & green beans. I use a frame made out of emt conduit to grow the tomatoes vertically. After the tornado I'm sure that we will have tiny shards of glass as a new soil lightener for the next couple of years! (eye roll).

Most rivers flow north to south and man made reservoirs are dammed at the narrow deepest area of a river valley, thus the south end is deeper water, the north end shallow. Shallow water warms faster than the deeper water. The north west area usually get the longest period of sun light to warm the water. Hope that helps! Tom PS, most bass jargon comes from the heartland of bassdom, big reserviors.

River bass fishing up north is very different from reservoir bass fishing below the Mason-Dixon Line. Smallmouth spawn starts around 58D ends about 65D and river bass live in constant current conditions. You need to study and learn current breaks, seems in the water where current is slack between faster moving water. To spawn, bass need the water to be still or very slight current protected areas with gravel bottoms in rivers. The Niagara river has fast moving current, the deeper holes should hold pre spawner's, look for protected current areas near the deeper hole areas where the water is about 2' to 4' deep, sandy-gravel type bottom with good sunlight. Tom

We can our own tomato soup concentrate. Have not eaten store bought tomato soup since.

If this lake was man made there will be a topographic elevation map file before the lake was made. You need to go to your county office and request the map. Try to get at least a 5' or less elevation map. The surrounding terrain should also give you clues to what is under water and the lake bottom looks like, it doesn't change because it is covered with water. Tom

It really isn't that hard to do in my opinion....i can't even eat the jarred stuff anymore after making my own. It is especially good when you roast your own fresh tomatoes, talk about ridiculously good flavor. I am growing some San Marzano tomatoes specifically for sauce this year.

you only have 1 magazine????

WOW! I think we have a winner.

its a very personal decision to make.....i have been involved in a few in my life..never even involved me,just saw those who couldnt defend themselves being attack by animals.people who search for weak prey.... when you are taught as long as i was your taught your not just learning this for yourself.You become this to always be ready to reach out and give the weak a hand up,to stop senseless violence on those that cannot defend themselves.The weak,the old,the very young,women......

Look at it in the practical since. You say two group 27's run you all day. They are probably close to being 105 amp hour batteries, so figure 105 Ah @ 24 volts, that's pretty close to 2,500 watts of power. Now you figure good group 24 batteries are probably in the 80 Ah range, so figure 80Ah @ 36 volts is going to be close to 2,900 watts of power. Then you can also figure the 36 volt motor should be noticeably more efficient than the 24 volt motor, (how much, I don't have the figures, but I would think the difference should noticeable, but even if not, your still getting more available power) so it's not going to put quite the drain of the batteries to get the same speed you would be running with the 24 volt motor. So, looking at it that way, what do you think? Understand one thing, unless your current batteries are very new (rule of thumb, have been charged less than 25 times), you will need to buy three new batteries, even if you stick with the groups 27's or you will for sure have battery problems. Anytime you are running batteries in series, they all need to be the same type, size and age because the same load is being felt by all three batteries. Even if trying to add one more of the same make type and size. As a battery ages, it's internal resistance changes and if they are not all three about the same age, the internal resistance of the new battery is going to be different than the other two. Internal resistance creates heat, so if its not even, if the new batteries is greater, it will over heat, or if the new batteries is less, the other two batteries will over heat.

I've got to give that a go, John. I'm usually a LC Pointer or finesse jig kinda guy.

So I finally dropped the ball and went out and bought myself a glass rig this weekend. Spent Saturday giving it a clean up, lubrication, checking nav lights, etc etc. Ended up spending just a little more than I wanted to, but it could have been worse. Small rig being only 16.5 ft, but it's plenty big for me considering 90% of my fishing will be solo and in smaller waters. Brand new 24v minn kota. Bluewater LED's. New 2 bank on board charger. New batteries. Just needed a little TLC on some of the deck lids. Still needs a good buffing on the gel coat. The only major issue is the seats need a complete replacement. Though I'm in contact with a company who is offering me a hell of a deal to replace them in exchange for some before and after photos. All that's left is to install the electronics I have at home and drop it in the water. Looking forward to that in a few days.

Okuma Guide Select 7'11" MH

Stratos is a good boat company. It's amazing how safe and durable companies can build a boat these days keeping us in mind. Check out what Ranger brings to the table. Even with a huge piece of the deck cap cut off (considered a large support) it's still good to go. Even with holes cut through the bottom the boat stays upright and level

That thing looks awfully clean for a '96! Congrats!

The Hookers' Union A dedicated Teamsters union worker was attending a convention in Las Vegas and decided to check out the local brothels. When he got to the first one, he asked the Madam, "Is this a union house?" "No," she replied, "I'm sorry it isn't." "Well, if I pay you $100, what cut do the girls get?" "The house gets $80 and the girls get $20," she answered. Offended at such unfair dealings, the union man stomped off down the street in search of a more equitable, hopefully unionized shop. His search continued until finally he reached a brothel where the Madam responded, "Why yes sir, this is a union house. We observe all union rules." The man asked, "And, if I pay you $100, what cut do the girls get?" "The girls get $80 and the house gets $20." "That's more like it!" the union man said. He handed the Madam $100, looked around the room, and pointed to a stunningly attractive green-eyed blonde. "I'd like her," he said. "I'm sure you would, sir," said the Madam. Then she gestured to a 92-year old woman in the corner, "but Ethel here has 67 years seniority and according to union rules, she's next!"

Really?? Fish caught from stocked lakes in Kansas, in 2 trips ; 4 3/4 5 1/2 Big double 6 1/4

You'll also need the click plate and click plate retainer spring to retrofit the Core drag star, which are $0.99 each. The numbers for those parts are 2121 and 2120. FYI, the Core 100MG drag star is the same shape as the Curado 200E's aluminum star, and is probably the same thing with black anodizing. The Core 50MG has a slightly more expensive drag star with straight prongs. One other option: If one or both of those reels started life as a Curado 200E, you could have Hawgtech anodize the stock aluminum drag stars. Here are a few examples from Hawgtech's Faceblah page (not my reels): I believe the cost is $15 per part, plus shipping. BTW, I also did a reel not unlike yours, though I started with a Citica E. Here she is:

I hear bass will follow a Hudd up to the boat just to give you a fin bump respect

Did you actually hang around waiting for the reappearance of that snake? All predators prefer eating to starving, so the impulsive "wham" is merely an instinctive reaction (what anglers call a 'reaction' strike). In any case, if you perused the water surface for another 5 minutes, the odds of seeing that snake again ran between excellent to guaranteed (alas, a spent snake can easily get lodged beneath floating vegetation). Later in this same thread, I'd like to relate another personal account regarding bass & snakes that reinforces the same conclusion. Roger

I'm like most, I love the challenge of trying to figure them out. Once you do then it's game on. I know all of us who bass fish love getting on a pattern where we are catching just a few more fish then others. It's the challenge to get a big bass to eat a piece of plastic/wood. The excitement of hooking one once you have presented you lure just right to get the bite. But also, while you are in a mental game with the bass, and as hard as you are working, it's an escape from the outside world and at that point nothing else really matters but you and the fish. That and the fact that all bass anglers are addicted and obsessed with fishing tackle.

Hit Man Two old friends were just about to tee off at the first hole of their local golf course when a guy carrying a golf bag called out to them, "Do you mind if I join you? My partner didn't turn up." "Sure," they said. So they started playing and enjoyed the game and the company of the newcomer. Part way around the course, one of the friends asked the newcomer, "What do you do for a living?" "I'm a hit man," was the reply. "You're joking!" was the response. "No, I'm not," he said, reaching into his golf bag, and pulling out a beautiful Martini sniper's rifle with a large telescopic sight. "Here are my tools." "That's a beautiful telescopic sight," said the other friend, "Can I take a look? I think I might be able to see my house from here." So he picked up the rifle and looked through the sight in the direction of his house. "Yeah, I can see my house all right. This sight is fantastic. I can see right in the window." "Wow, I can see my wife in the bedroom. Ha Ha, I can see she's naked!! Wait a minute, that's my neighbor in there with her...He's naked, too!!!" He turned to the hit man, "How much do you charge for a hit?" "I'll do a flat rate, for you, one thousand dollars every time I pull the trigger." "Can you do two for me now?" "Sure, what do you want?" "First, shoot my wife, she's always been mouthy, so shoot her in the mouth." "Then the neighbor, he's a friend of mine, so just shoot his hoo-hah off to teach him a lesson." The hit man took the rifle and took aim, standing perfectly still for a few minutes. "Are you going to do it or not?" said the friend impatiently. "Just be patient," said the hit man calmly, "I think I can save you a grand here."

A cranky old woman was arrested for shoplifting at a grocery store. She gave everyone a hard time, from the store manager to the security guard to the arresting officer who took her away, complaining and criticizing throughout the process. When she appeared before the judge, the judge asked what she had stolen from the store. The lady defiantly replied, "Just a stupid can of peaches." The judge then asked why she had done it. She replied, "I was hungry and forgot to bring any cash to the store." The judge asked how many peaches were in the can. She replied, "Nine, but what do you care about that?" The judge patiently said, "Well, ma'am, because I'm going to give you nine days in jail -- one day for each peach." As the judge was about to drop gavel, the lady's long suffering husband raised his hand and asked if he might speak. The judge said, "Yes, what do you have to add?" The husband said, “Your Honor, she also stole a can of peas.”