Leaderboard

To make a long story short, we had the opportunity to get a purebred rottie puppy for next to nothing so we decided to go for it. We have two mutts now who were both rescues and are both at least 10 years old. One is a rottie/chow mix and the other one is a lab/golden retriever mix of some sort. My son just turned 4 a little over a month ago and every boy needs a puppy....

here's how it works: as you can see, it all depends on what kind of fisherman you are. regular joes (blue) are don't know any difference and are happy as clams with a $50 combo or a $1000 combo. interestingly, professional tournament anglers (red) know the difference but most see fishing as a job and don't enjoy the equipment; also, they're so good, they catch fish regardless of what they use. the avid fisherman (green) appreciate nicer gear and have a sweet spot around right around $350 ($180 reel and a $170 rod)...after that, they have to spend much more to gain a little bit more enjoyment. now, for the tackle enthusiast, any combo under $250 barely even registers in their brain...they have to spend at least $500 just to have a so-so time fishing; for them, enjoyment goes up linearly with price.

I think it was around 5lb. Hit it on the sk blood jig. Saw it hit. Was GRAND fun

Lone Star went really well last night. Only 4 boats showed up. Cody and I caught fish from the time we started to the time we got off the water. Jigs, baby brush hogs, buzzbaits, horny toads, squarebills, spinnerbait, and a bladed jig all caught fish. We had a couple highlights of the night. Best one was Cody's horny toad getting destroyed after it hit the open water past a big weed patch. It was obvious it was a good fish and it turned out to be the big fish of the night at 4.89 pounds. For awhile we were catching fish about every cast with a baby brush hog. After it got dark I started fishing a black and blue bladed jig. Got disappointed by a channel cat before I got shocked by another fish, the first Lone Star smallmouth I've ever seen. Conner and Brian took the honors tonight with 5 fish that weighed 9.29 and almost big bass with a 4.29 pound fish. Chris and Ryan had 7.80 and a 3.5 pound over. Cody and I had 7.77 and Sean, who was very limited where he could fish due to a weak battery had 2 pounds.

To celebrate my new job at dicks, I decided to splurge on a live target field mouse (i originally didnt feel the need to spend 11 on one). However, im extremely happy that I did. pulled these two out on my first afternoon at the farm pond with it. The first was open water while walking, the second came from dragging it over mats of algae.

Added the mighty scorpion to the lineup. Cleaned it, added hedgehogs, and threw a zpi handle on there. Will be putting the septon knobs on there tonight. Matches very nicely with the 6'10 cumulus. Put on some 8lb hybrid and really liking this line. I was casting this little 3/8oz megabass a mile...

I opened this thread and thought it was going to be about real football, not college

I know you said 'living' people, but since we're in the realm of fantasy, I'd have to say my grandfather on my mother's side. He died before I was really grown enough to take fishing. Mom says that I inherited this 'sickness' from him. The relatives have said that he'd go out from dawn to dusk fishing. Sometimes he'd go out for days. I know that we'd have gotten along great.

Yes. And. If you dip your nose in either Spike It or JJs your lovely wife will be impressed and let you buy that new bass boat you want!!!

I'm a "reluctant" zoo keeper. Wish my boys took "better" or "more frequent" care of the critters so I didn't have to compensate. Now the "missing Russian tortoises" is a completely different matter. They escaped our beautiful outdoor enclosure on their own accord. Virginia will soon have a breeding population, likely... * I deny any and all culpability *

Indeed, every boy DOES need a dog. Or a really good cat, LOL. For my 4 boys, we've got 3 dogs, a cat, about 14 snakes, 2 turtles, 2 missing Russian tortoises, and a Savannah Monitor. Life is good with animals around!!

They use whatever they can to win.

The laws of diminishing returns are against you when it comes to rods. Below are just some generalizations on that school of thought...... Is a $400 rod double the rod of a $200 rod? NO...... Does a Custom Rod make you a better fisherman? Maybe..... A rod made to your specifications sure makes your confidence go up. Does a rod that cost $100 come with a warranty that compares to the warranty some rods have that cost $300? In general, NO. Sometimes service costs you as well.... Is an expensive rod more indestructible than a cheap rod? Maybe but in general no. Do you catch more fish with an expensive rod? Most of the time, yes.> But a guy with an awesome boat, lake knowledge and a sensitive fish finder, that fishes with low end equipment will always win this battle. One last thought/story, I use to fish with a guy for many years before he past away, that would go to BPS with $500 and buy six new rod and reel set ups every year. He would go at the beginning of the year when they had their annual rod and reel trade in sale. Usually, he would buy the Tourney Special rods and the Pro Qualifier reels. This guy would fish 3-4 times a week from March until November with a Tournament each weekend from April till September. By the end of the year his reels would be shot and at least one rod would be out of commission. He never serviced or oiled his reels. In contrast, another fisherman I have known all my life (that fished the exact same amount), would spend about the same amount each year on one rod and reel set up but he would service and keep his equipment in top shape. Over time, this fisherman had so many rod and reel set ups that he stopped buying them and used his extra cash for weekend trips to places he had never fished before. Both of these guys were great fisherman and each caught a lot of fish but they each had different approaches to equipment. Did some of his rods and reels die from use? Of course. But over all I think this method improved his quality of fishing or his fun factor (depending on how you look at it). Bottom line, I sort of look at this way. One thing fishing has taught me, is patience. If I can save up $150 in 6 months for a rod, then I can save up $300 in year. If a $300 rod is really what I want, then I can wait and enjoy what I have until I have the money. No sense in letting money burn a hole in my pocket and spend it right away. I would rather put a plan together and get the best price and bang for my buck> on my terms.

Now of only there was a Rage Mouse I could buy.

Used boat for sale, comes with one brown seat...

No.

Biggest LM - 10lb-14oz Biggest SM - 5lbs 0oz Still looking for upgrades of both! Jeff

You changed shirts, put on a buff, and a hat, all in the same afternoon?

I'm happy where I am....RETIRED!!! Hootie

Oh c'mon us guys that aren't near an NFL city need something to look forward too. I can't root for the thunder all year. Dallas is the closest NFL team to me. Case closed.

Some places have it but you won't know they do unless you purchase a firearm in that caliber. It was that way when I bought a Ruger SR-22 and I was given a couple of choices for .22 ammo. I chose 1625 rounds in hollow point.

Man, that´s not a good name for a Rottie, something with more macho in it, like ... Cupcake ! And don´t get a Bulldog, unless you want to help your veterinarian to pay his mortgage, they can get quite expensive, ask me, I´m a veterinarian. God bless Bulldog owners.

To me its all about having fun, and relaxation. Fishing is a stress releaver, and a way to be out there with mother nature. There is no place I would rather be, then on the water on a early morning, as the sun comes up, with a good friend, and a tug on the line. I doesnt get any better then that!!!!!

Had an awesome time last night. If only we could have put 2 more that would measure in the boat! Definitely need to keep that lake in rotation!

Had a great time last night guys. It was tough fighting the wind but the fish were on and I'm glad good fish were caught by all. Here is my 4.29# kicker that we landed at 8:50 in true tourney style right at the buzzer.

If you haven't ordered a rod yet... The Extreme series for bottom contact baits is a very nice step up, and in my opinion a must. I don't want to wonder what else I could be feeling, or what I'm missing, if you can afford it, or save up for another month then afford it, you won't regret it. IF YOU CANT afford it... Why not a 734 Champion? If you like the 7'4 5 Power Extreme, the 734 Champion is not a bad compromise. Some things to consider... The 745DX isn't a "true" 5 power rod like a 765 Flipping Stick, and it's even a bit lighter in power than the 735 Champion.. The 784ML Jig Rod also, is light in the tip... The 744DX and 745DX have a bit stiffer of a tip than the 784ML, BUT the added length is an advantage with casting distance and moving line on the hookset (I like this rod the best for dragging stuff .. football jigs, c-rigs, football heads with grubs, etc..) The 745DX I use for the same football jigs and such, but I also use it to cast jigs and use it for shallower jig fishing (docks or pitching to specific spots). If you're on a budget and really liked the 745DX, I'd go 734 Champion (great ALL around rod, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, spooks, buzzbaits, etc). If you can afford it and you really liked it, the 744 and 745 are GREAT rods, slightly more power than the 784ML. Ultimately comes down to personal preference, and exactly what you plan to use it for. Personally seeing you want it for 1/4oz an 3/8oz jigs, the 744 DX is probably the way to go, or even the 784ML (my rod of choice for dragging 1/4oz and 3/8oz football jigs). The 744 though is a better ALL around rod, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc if you want. Depending on budget and YOUR specific desire, sounds like 734 or 744 depending on what you want to spend.

Out-Standing Name ! I can hear it now - Biscuit - get off the bed Biscuit - stop chewing the sofa Biscuit - stop eating that Biscuit Ah, the Good Times . . . . A-Jay

Anthony named him.....drum roll please..... Biscuit

Yup, those two answers are very true. I'd only add that rod manufacturers do not "paint" or otherwise alter the gear like you mentioned tennis and pool sponsors. Do the pros use prototypes? Yup. Testing and providing feedback on gear is part of their contracts. Do they use the gear and baits from their sponsors? Yes they do, but for the most part, there's no exclusivity clauses. So they're free to use other gear too, if the situation arises where they need to use something not provided by their sponsors. But you all know this - not one rod company, not one reel company, not one bait company, makes everything for every angler for every situation. So if you see a pro using a non-sponsored bait or rod, no big deal. I doubt any of you exclusively use the entire bait lineup of one single bait company either.

A few years ago my good friend and bass fishing guide Jim Kerr always had me take a photo of him holding up the biggest bass we caught while he had put on his Abu fishing shirt to send to Abu as they were one of his sponsors. Jim passed away four years ago and I still miss him. Jim told me that the pros always hawk their stuff even if they don't use it all the time. If a pro throws Bait A from his sponsor A and then changes to Baits B, C and D from other companies he can say he threw Bait A even thought he never caught anything on Bait A in the tournament. Listen to what the pros say. They will not lie. They just tell you what they want you to hear as there is a lot of money on the line. The old guys, like Parker, Houston, Menendez, Dance, etc. will tell you the truth more than the current pros who have to rely on discounts and monetary rewards. KVD and Ike are very honest but they do not tell us how they modify their baits. It is part of the game. Of course there are pros that do use certain baits and equipment and are very successful with them. Once again, it is a part of the game.

Often times the surrounding terrain can you an idea of how deep a body of water might be - especially a small one. If the immediate area is hills and valleys that slope down into the water, that could indicate some depth. But if the whole area is flat, with little to no elevation change - the lake bottom is more than likely similar; little more than a puddle. Before I hauled a yak in there, I'd fish it from shore once and see what's up ~ Bring a frog bait. Good Luck A-Jay

Aint but one way to know for sure

Nothing that I've accomplished in the past has diminished my desire to do better in the future. 'No', I am not okay where I'm at, and all doors to improvement remain wide open. Roger

I like to texas rig them. 3/0 EWG with a 3/16 or 1/8 oz bullet weight.

I spoke with Big O last week and he recommended tipping The Bug, but what does he know?

I made it to Lacygne from 9-12 today, when I got there the winds were pretty strong. It was about all I could stand to go 35mph! I had the trolling motor coming out of the water and waves crashing on the bow. But you know me it wasn't long before I was hooked into one. Wrong species once again. :-/ After that I decided to fish a new area I'd marked on the bird the other day thinking "this looks good" it was a place that went from 10-20" with a couple nice ledges and shelfs. I got this one that missed the big girl status by 1oz coming in at 4.15# I also got this one that made big girl and then some!!! She was summertime skinny but I Hope I see her again real soon

Once I started actually weighing fish, the "Trophy" threshold for me was always a 10 plus largemouth & a 6 pound plus smallmouth. I'd have been hard pressed to do here. Thanks to this forum, and a couple of fairly decent dudes, I'm at an 11-11 largemouth & a 6-6 smallmouth. Thank You Dwight & Jeff. A-Jay

Or not.........I once had a boat full of supposedly "better" rods. Such as St Croix Avids, Legend Tournaments, Kistler's etc.....They offered me nothing more over the equipment I replaced with them than an emptier wallet. That being said, if you like, and/or desire to have premium stuff. Go for it, it's your money, and your decision. I went through that phase too, when I thought I HAD TO HAVE better stuff, then I realized some things, things that are often peculiar to an individuals tastes or situation, so I won't bore you with my thought process. But I have since taken my gear budget down a notch or two, and find that nothing has changed. I still catch fish, I still win/cash in tournaments, I still enjoy my time on the water, and now I have more money in the bank to boot. That's just me, and I am just letting you know there are other opinions out there than the " more money is more better" crowd.

OK......5 over 17 lbs 17.4 lbs, Lake Castias, '88 17.4 lbs, Lake Castiac' '91 17.6 lbs, Lake Castiac, '93 18.6 lbs, Lake Castias, '81 19.3 lbs, Lake Castaic, '94 All the above caught on custom hair jigs with pork rind trailers, between 1981 to 1994. Still trying to catch the 20 lb + FLMB. Tom

27 double digit bass 12.8 12.66 12.4 11.5 11.3 And a log jam @ 10+!

I cheat with electronics. I have a Vexilar Sonarphone, which is a castable fish finder that creates its own WIFI network your smartphone links to via Vexilar's APP. I've had it for about a year and can say it works well. I tie it to a MH spinning rod with 30# braid. I've lost it couple times but it always came back to shore by following current. I guess I need to work on my knots.

I'd like to reunite the Scounga Club south of the border. A-Jay

I know you said you don't want to ship them but I highly recommend Delaware Valley Tackle. He does excellent work at a fair price. I was really surprised at how quickly I got my reels back from him.

Nice Job - you know they say the memory is the first thing to go . . . . A-Jay

Ned Rig - Cut a 5" Senko in half and rig it on a 1/8 or 1/16 oz ball jig head. Zman Zinkerz work best b/c they are so durable. Super glue one to the jig head and it should last you all day. Thow that a on spinning rod with 6lb test and you should catch all types of fish- bass, sunfish, catfish. There's no wrong way to fish it - dead stick it, hop it, steady retrieve. My theory is that its like a small non threatening snack to bass - they'll eat it up all day long. Should give you more than enough action.

I will also give you advice. Do not venture to far out in the the bay. If your boat is under 20ft and has less then 150 hp. Other wise you might not be coming back. The bay can go form bright sunny day. To heavy rains and 40mph winds. With 3-4ft waves. With out any warning.

I'll be honest with you, I dont watch those movies for the guys..but it's cool that you do.

You might have chosen a bad time to go. Because in mid September they hold a 200 boat bass tournament. So you might not have much luck. To tell you the true. If you have never fished that place. I would hire a guide. They know the waters. They might or might not get you on fish though. Do to the shear size of the water. Even the guides who almost live on the water. Can not predict were the fish are. Also due to the size of the water. Normal "patterns" do not exist on that water. What I mean by that. Is usually around mid-late October. The fish around me start staging for winter. Sturgeon bay is about a month behind. They are also about a month ahead in the spring. This is due to the size and clarity of the water. Even once the day temps hit 45 in late November. The shallows can still be 50-60. The main lake will be around 60-70 by that time. The canal ALSO doesn't start to ice up in till around Xmas. While local lakes and waters around me. Start to ice up around late November early December. And I am living straight west of Sturgeon bay.

Well, went ahead and got the 6' Avid. Feels very good! Can't wait to take it out!