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I don't normally get on here to post pics of my stuff.......but this one I just had to! (Assist goes to Dwight Hottle)

Had a special request for a bit darker, duller bluegill color. Took some cues from some of our gills that come from lakes with heavy weeds that tend to run a bit darker, and a touch of blue for color, and you get my new color, Bream. It sounded ugly in my head, but it looked great once it was put together

Probably a used $200 dollar one..

This is the Bud color in a deep version, up close. I was really impressed with this color whenever I saw it in person. I'm curious if putting a hook size smaller on these would make them suspend or slow rise?

Paging Mr. Hottle ~ Paging Mr. Dwight Hottle ~ Will Mr. Hottle please pick up any white courtesy phone. A-Jay

A wise man once told me "it's the Indian, not the arrow". oe

I see posts fairly frequently saying, "I'm going to flip 3/8oz Texas Rigs... what rod?" It seems that a lot of people don't take into account the weight of the plastics that they will be throwing when considering a rod. I got bored one night this last summer and weighed out a bunch of baits I use a lot and thought that some people might find this useful. I weighted 5 random baits and averaged them. GYBC Fat Ika .38oz Senko 5" .37oz Senko 6" .37oz (weird...) Senko 7" .50oz Senko 10" (Doc Irv) 1.59oz Keitech Swing Impact Fat 2.8 .12z Keitech S I F 3.8 .30oz Keitech S I F 4.8 .39oz Keitech S I F 5.8 .77oz Keitech Easy Shiner 4" .17oz Keitech Easy Shiner 5" .34oz Pit Boss 4" .34oz Pit Boss 3" .19oz Zoom Ultravibe Speedcraw .23oz Kickerfish Tail Slapper 4.8" .46oz Kickerfish Tail Slapper 3.8" .31oz Zoom 5" Fluke .29oz Keitech Sexy Impact 5" .37oz Keitech Sexy Impact 4" .21oz Zoom Fluke 7" .81oz Big Bite Baits Real Deal Craw .35oz Keitech Salty Core Stick 5" .40oz

As I sit here tonight, in the warm comfort of my man cave ( it's -5 outside with a - 25 wind chill) and a little bit of sippin whiskey left in my glass, I am starting to realize how little I know about bass fishing. I've only been on this hallowed website for three years. ( I'm retired ) Slowly, I have began to realize that the bass fishing I knew 20, even 10 years ago has gone way over my head. I have a 15 year old bass boat, a 10 year old truck and the last rod and reel I bought was the year I retired. My graphs are 10+ years old. I have spent the winter going through the many $1000's of dollars of tackle I have stupidly purchased of the years. 300+ cranks, 100+ spinnerbaits, 1000's of hooks and sinkers, God only knows how many lbs. of plastics and up until this year, every " new and improved" lure they thrust upon us. I read what all of my fellow BR members post and I realize that I just enjoy fishing and will continue to chuck my #200 Bandits, my Zoom u-tails, my Terminator spinnerbaits, Gitzit tubes, and Chugbugs. All of my BC reel are Shimano "greenys" over 10 years old and my spinning reels are Shimano Stradics that are the same age. They work as well as my 69 year old body does. I'm not done though, I'm leaving on March 18th for a 2+ week trip to Guntersville. I just can't keep up with all the "new and improved" I really did catch a bass one though.

And you know I had already ordered a Hawgtech Handle for it, BEFORE I could even order the reel! Jeff

I read the comments from a Wilderness Systems Pro Team member who said he helped design it and said when you stand on it, it's like standing on a bass boat. I assume that's one job of a Pro Team member - advertise the boat. And they know their audience. Probably most kayak fishermen are bass fishermen. Still, that comment is interesting and has me pumped up about it.

The answer to this question is often muddied by semantics. For this reason, 'structure' & 'cover' should be defined at the onset, so everyone is on the same page: 'Structure' refers to the configuration and composition of the bottom terrain, it's essentially immovable and relatively permanent. Elements of structure include bottom 'projections' (ridges, bars, humps, reefs ~), bottom 'depressions' (ditches, potholes, gullies, channels ~), and changes in substrate (clay, sand, loam, silt ~). On the other hand, 'cover' refers to more portable and more temporary objects that are found upon structure. There are 3 basic forms of cover: 'weedy' (soft), 'woody' (firm) and 'rocky' (hard). In the grand scheme of things, 'structure' reigns supreme. Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to 'always' regard structure as more influential than cover. Prey fish and predatory fish both seek a similar habitat, a menu that evolves from natural balance. So what's more important, structure or cover? The answer can vary sharply from one lake to another lake, but as a rule-of-thumb, the commodity in lowest supply holds the greater worth. Roger

Your weedbed is on a structure. As a slowly sloping bank, it just wasn't the structure you expected or have read about as being optimum. Other factors may be affecting why you find most of your bass in this weed bed too. I see you are in Canada. Could it be that the lake in question contains other predator species such as Pike? If so, this could lead the bass to stay in a shallower hiding place to avoid these larger predators. Also, does your weedbed on the slowly sloping bank connect to the more classic structures you mentioned in some way. Is there a break on one of those structures that extends over to the slowly sloping bank on the weedbed?

Sure thing on the bigguns,I once caught a 14 lb smallie.Trouble is I woke up before I could get it certified. Congrads to all you DD people. C22

...Liar...

Wow ~ Hope you're OK A couple of pieces of advice for you. 1) while on the water definitely wear a life jacket. 2) while in your drive way, wear a flak jacket & a football helmet. A-Jay

Tonight was a tough one. Diesel was the single most faithful Dog we’ve ever had the pleasure of having. You will forever be in our hearts. We will never forget you. A-Jay

Did some canoe-assisted ice fishing today, it was too cold and I didn't last long (wind chill was around 0 degrees) but I managed a nice rainbow. Pretty fish!

Im on my way -got my steel toes on ready to kick Glenn and Fluke in the nuts as soon as I see um

Just got this in.

Right now online at dicks sporting goods, you get a free pinnacle 7mh/f rod with any reel purchase over 49.99. You can not beat this deal with a stick. Get a daiwa lexa or any reel mentioned above, and you will get the all purpose rod you need for free. Do it. Then come back and post the obligatory " what's the best line for my new reel" thread so everyone can yell at each other.

That will make you go blind.

I always pay by PayPal and don't get a confirmation email. I see robster80 found his order in the JLS system but for those who have also ordered this info might be helpful: On your PayPal receipt, you should see an Invoice ID number (lower-left corner). Copy that number then go to this JLS web page: Orders and Returns Paste the Invoice ID number into the "Order ID" box, fill out the other info (name/email) - then hit the "CONTINUE" button. Look around on the next screen and find the link called "TRACKING" - hit that link and you should find the EMS tracking number (assuming that it has been shipped). You can run that tracking number on the EMS Japan web site - or, after the order has been shipped, it will show up in the USPS tracking system. .......I've done this before...

The proper thing to do for any real forum member is buy all three.

The CA largemouth bass record is 21lbs 12 oz caught in 1991. The reason the record isn't 25.1 or 22.01 attest to how difficult it is to validate a record catch without killing the bass. Mentioned the fact that it's illegal to transport live fish in CA, including bass. The 21 lb 12 oz state record bass was caught in lake Castaic and so was the 22.01 lber., where I often fished. My 19.3 lb bass was caught at Castaic in 1993. I didn't have a certified scale and the lake marina doesn't have a certified scale, so the bass gets put into livewell, the boat loaded on the trailer and driven about 2 miles to the Mini Mart for certifed weighing. This is illegal, most anglers do it anyway who want to weigh their bass. Most bass are release their bass into the Castaic lagoon after being weighed because it's close to the Mini Mart. I didn't have a camera and a bystander took a picture and mailed it to me. Today we have cell phones with good a camera, easy to take pictures and my scale is certified. Still need a DFW person to validate the fish and a witness. Castiac doesn't have a certified scale to this day or a giant bass population anymore. Catching a state record bass is extremely difficult. Tom

It always amazes me how we still find reasons to fondle our gear, even when they're not getting put to good use cause we can't be on the water. Gotta love it

I'm a larger person also, not as large as you as I'm 6' +/- and 225-230# I honestly cannot compare the ATAK to the Big Rig, as I've not paddled the ATAK yet. I do have a Ride 135, and the ATAK supposed to be more stable and faster than the Ride 135. Here's a comparison. I have paddled the Big Rig, so I can say the Ride 135 is faster than the Big Rig, but less stable although the Ride 135 is a very stable boat. So I would say the ATAK will be faster than the Big Rig, and will be comparable in stability. If you are interested in the Big Rig and possibly the ATAK I would wait for the ATAK to come out paddle both, and put an hour or two of seat time in each. I'll pay good money for a good kayak also, and I've paid over $3000 for kayaks before, but I don't think I'll go with a motor. I won't rule out not ever getting a motor, but at this time I feel if I'm going to get a motor then I may as well get a boat. Jeremy

I was certain i knew a ton about bass fishing until i spent several days fishing with a 2 time bassmaster classic qualifier...it was then i realized i knew very little and that my casting accuracy was terrible lol

The berkley lightning rod shock series casting rod I have is well built nice finish and excellent action ad sensitivity. Great bang for the buck

^^^ on their 'PROMOTIONAL' staff. Op I had the Rosewood 7' mh worm/jig rod. Not what I'd expect out of a $190 rod. There are much better choices out there. Some @ $100

Dear Megabass, Gan Craft and Deps, Why must you so ruthlessly tickle my fancy and constantly demand so much of my attention?? Just when I think I'm finished, something sexy comes up and WHAM. I'm back to doing your bidding. This has to stop. You've got to quit while I'm ahead. Please, for the love of God stop churning out so much ridiculously sick gear this instant- or sponsor me. Sincerely, Master Bait'r

My favorite post game interviews always came from this guy.

If you consider yourself a good fisherman get the bigger net. The first big pike or musky will prove it was the better choice.

Rod weight classes and price ranges, seems like a lot of work to post replies

Tie it to the back of a car and drive away.

That's a position that has great hours & sweet benefits ! A-Jay

I don't know that I'd release it for anything other than the personal satisfaction of doing so. I figure a Northern LMB that has grown to 10+lbs deserves to live out the rest of her days where she started. She was kind enough to let me take her pic, I'd feel bad killing it.

This should fire you up

I hit up the surplus store tonight on the way home from work. 2x6 sheet of pegboard and 10 hooks ran me $12. Cut it to size and screwed it to the side of my shelves. Got some plastics out of a milk crate on the floor. I needed to crate to make a lid for the crate I made for my kayak. Looks a little better this way too.

Join a fishing club. Doesn't have to be a tournament club. That will put you in contact with guys who fish all different ways. You will pass on some of your techniques, and you will pick up some of theirs. It has worked very well for me. If you can't find one, start one.

You've likely already caught more fish over 5 than I'll catch all year. Having 3 kids under 4 puts a crimp in my fishin' time

Pm bluebasser86. You won't be disappointed.

I think this gentleman means 2lb braid

I managed to write it in both!

http://www.bassmaster.com/video/bassmaster-classic-live-promo A-Jay

I bought a Ranger 619VS in 2007. I love my boat I can fish everywhere any bass boat can. The only thing is that boats like mine are not speed demons. If you need the speed, don't buy a multi-species glass boat. My boat fully loaded with a 225, 9.9 kicker, Terrova bow mount, filled live well, three batteries with two people will max out at about 54 mph max on a calm day. I still love my boat even if I'm not the first one at the spot.

Kinda shows that most of todays lures are geared towards catching the fishermen, and not the fish

Back in the day, the "redhead" as it was called (white plug, red head) was the most popular color scheme for plugs. And today 'red & white' plugs are hard to find?? Sends a pretty clear message about the importance of color Roger

Get a 20' bass boat. Lol.

if it aint broke dont fix it