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This year I am just a little more thankful. Besides all of the normal stuff to be thankful for, Wife, kids, family, job, health and giant Bass, this year I am Thankful that this spring my wife bought me an Ancestry DNA kit for my birthday. We kept seeing the commercials and I was always kind of half jokingly telling her that I wanted one. Little did I know, that this thing would change my life in a great way. Besides telling me that I was 2/3 English and 1/3 Irish, it also matches you with other people that have taken the test that share DNA with you (I didn't even know it did this when I sent it in). It linked me with some people that I had never met but were closely related to me. Because of this, I was able to get in contact with a few people that helped me track down my little sister that I had given up on trying to find 20+ years ago, when I didn't have the internet and people were not very cooperative. Our dad passed away when we were little kids. I found a guy that I knew was linked to my dad's side of the family but had never spoken to before. After a brief quiz to make sure that I was legit, he gave me his phone number. He is married to my aunt and I believe it was that night, I called and was able to speak to him and my aunt (dad's sister) for the first time in my life. It was a pretty cool experience and I will forever be grateful to them both for the information they gave me on that call. Armed with what I had learned on the phone call, I went to Facebook and then to Instagram and within an hour or so I was able to find the girl that I was sure was my sister. I sent her a DM to confirm who she was, but it was so late at night that normal people were in bed sleeping. Sure enough, the next morning she replied and I shocked her with the fact that she had a big brother that she never knew existed. So out of those semi-annoying little commercials for I Ancestry DNA kits, I was able to find my sister that I am now extremely close with, I got a new little niece that I never knew I had and a pretty good brother in-law. I also have been able to stay in touch with my aunts (dad's sisters) and they sent me some pretty cool stuff from my dad. Since this is a fishing forum and this isn't really a fishing post, let me add that they first place we ever met in person was the Bass Pro Shops Anglers Inn in Springfield, Missouri. Now it has some fishing in it. (that part is true though) So that's what I am thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I didn't get the chance to try the Power Bomb this year, but will be throwing it come spring. As far as the wire being soft, it appears to be the same frame used on the Super V-Flat baits and having played around with it last night, I'm sure it is. I've used the Super V-Flat for a few years now and have probably only had to tune the frame a couple of times after multiple catches. Although they don't state what type of frame they use on the package, if I had to guess I would say they are using titanium wire. The frame reminds me of the frames used on the pre VMC Terminator T1 (I don't have any of the newer ones.) and the Strike King Titanium Elite baits. Their frames (Megabass) sure have the same characteristics of titanium. (flexibility, snapback) I can also store these and any other titanium frame baits in those Plano Spinnerbait boxes without deforming the frames. (I do not recommend this box for stainless frames.) The next time you find you have to "tune" your Power Bomb, hold the upper part of the frame in one hand, line tie between fore finger and thumb, and hold the head of the bait in your other hand, then twist the head, not the frame. This works on the V-Flat and brings the frame back in line with the hook.

To make a long story short back in the ol days I knew some people who worked at Shimano that were really cool and I had the privilege of taking them fishing. I worked in the industry and fished a lot.....a lot. So was in the right place at the right time and they were very fond memories. Kind of why it will be hard to give up reel and also why it will go on a shelf. I remember fishing a Western Divisional for Oregon and we were down at Lake Pleasant many years ago. I drew this young lad and his tackle was very marginal (nice kid). I believe I gave him at the time a nice outfit to use for the application we were doing. Anyway we both had good limits at the end of the day and I said HERE....he goes what!!!! I had gave him the Lami and an one of those awesome green Shimano's (Curado's) that he was using of mine. I got a warm fuzzy feeling there!!!!! Hope he's still chasing those green fish.

Can someone under 30 explain the whole "review something I haven't used" thing to me, I want to do a review on the Aston Martin on my Santa list....

Part of my order came in today, gotta have some fun this weekend. Oh forgot this is bass resource not crappies resource ?.

Well it's black Friday morning and I slept in till 7:30 ...checked my blood surgars and they are normal. Shocked as I was a "pig" kinda as far as carbs. Anyway...I don't have to go shopping...we have company so we're hitting the golf coarse and then tomorrow I get to hit the lake in the afternoon. Wow...I am blessed to be sure. Had a house full so was hectic...found out neighbor was home by himself so got lucky and he came over too. Love Thanksgiving....now Christmas is a bit more hectic....not as fun. Love the reason for the Season but believe it has changed just a bit!!!

Just bought a Lew's Carbon fire and I couldn't find any reviews for it online so I decided to do one. Keep in mind that it just came this morning and I haven't fished it yet so this is kind of a work in progress review. I'll update it as soon as I get a chance to fish it. (possible this afternoon if I have time to throw my new jerkbait with it before we leave for my grandma's house) First impressions: Looks really nice. You can tell they spent time on the cosmetics. It's not the lightest rod ever, but it seems well balanced and it's comfortable to hold with a lightweight reel on it. Another thing I noticed was the skeleton reel seat; it apparently increases sensitivity because your index finger is directly touching the blank. The guides but they look pretty quality, they're all perfectly lined up, and the rod blank is arrow straight. Another thing I noticed out of the box was that it's stiff. Definitely a true MH/Fast action, which you want for T-rigs/jigs/etc. I'll update this ASAP after I test it on the water. Btw it's on sale for $60 down from $80 at Dick's Sports right now; it seems like a great rod for $60 imo. Tight lines. ?

Black Friday. Well, I'm a made guy now. Threw one of those Bass Mafia Deep 3700 boxes into the cart this morning.

Any $100 spinning reel will handle braid. I use 2 $40 Pflueger Trions with it.

I guess we just have to agree to disagree then. You can't use the Fuji if you have motor issues like from a stroke, like you can with the RTD, and it's certainly not as easy nor as fast. But to each his own.

I don't agree. If the Harley did nothing more than a bike it would be a bad buy. The RTD does nothing more than the Fuji. But those who want to buy a pedal Harley are free to do so. The Fuji does what the RTD does at much less cost, not much can go wrong with it, you don't need two different parts for different size guides, and it works on micros. Someone said the RTD doesn't, but I don't know. You use the Fuji in much the same way you do the RTD, put the line through its loop, then run it down the rod, the Fuji by feel, which works just fine. I'm not doubting that the RTD does its job; I'm just pointing out an option that to me makes more sense for a number of reasons. (Does the RTD work with micros? If it doesn't, it doesn't do the job for the most challenging application). Both of these devices, and for that matter other guide threading devices, work on the same old principal that has been used for threading fly tying thread through a bobbin throat.

Kinda like comparing a bicycle to a Harley.

One can never have too many rods. You made a good buy.

That reel will do just fine Almost exactly three years ago on this date, I caught this huge musky instead of bass. If I went shopping as most people do, I would have never caught this Rod: St. Croix 7'0 Mojo bass (M/F) with Reel: Pflueger 9530 Line: 15 lbs tuff-line braid line with 12 lbs leader. Lure: Black Tube

Tackle Warehouse sale has started !!!!!

Hog on ice. Super hog that is.

First year with the new boat. I loved every minute of it. I was able to spend a lot of time fishing, but when the whole family was together, plenty of room for everyone.

Put a new PB in the boat today!!! My buddy’s been working hard for this fish for a long time! 8.5lbs, 24” I had to play net man on this one, and we were both pumped to bring in a Giant first fish of the day! Rest of the day was an absolute grind. Only three fish total between us. Can’t complain too much for the first fish out of a new lake! We were also the only boat on the water from sunrise to 3pm. One other boat put in, and then a few brave kayakers hit the water just as the wind picked up to 15-20mph and chopped the place up big time. 43° water and less than 3 foot visibility. They were on the bottom, and we could find an occasional school, but just could not get them to eat. Except the important one!

Is it Mardi Gras time in New Orleans already? I like throwing those beads ?

11/17 - Alligator Alley MM35 (Miami Canal) Got out to the alley again for the first time in a while and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. Only had a couple of hours to fish (6:30 - 8:30) and the temp started and stayed around the mid 60's. Wind was blowing more than I wouldve liked (10 mph NNW) fishing from my kayak but it was just in the right direction to push me straight down the Miami Canal with little to no paddling. The bite was steady from the beginning. Started with a hb frog, then grass pig, then anything soft plastic. All were effective with the exception of the grass pig. Caught a couple early on the frog, and had several other blow ups that I missed. The grass pig was getting lightnight strikes (seemingly cichlids, Oscar's or other exotics) however nothing stuck. Despite being pushed down the canal quicker than I would typically fish the soft plastics were the keys. I fished everything from senkos, flukes, trick worms, rage crass, to some older worms I had laying around that I wasn't even sure what they are anymore. It didn't seem to matter much honestly as long as I was casting to either bank and letting it drop, I would get hit more often than not. There were lots of exotics that trashed a lot of plastics and toothy critters that cut me off a couple of times but in terms of boated fish I only caught nice Oscar. On the day caught 15 LM all two pounds or smaller. Nothing of size but a fun day nonetheless considering I was only able to fish for a couple of hours. 11/18 - Lox Preserve Fished Lox Sunday morning first light until 9am amd while the wind was very calm (<5mph) the bite was not nearly as consistent as the alley. Temp were in the high 60's lower 70's. I fished the flats just north of the lox road boat ramps from the kayak. Started with a hb frog and had a big blow up on the second cast. But no reward. Continued with the hb frog for a while and no luck. Switched to the grass pig swim bait also with no takers. I switched fairly quickly to soft plastics (senkos and flukes) and fished much slower for the next hour or so and only had one bite which resulted in a 1 lber if that. After switching back through the frog and swimbait again I decided to change it up and fish a ribbit frog with a quicker presentation on top. That seemed to do the trick, in the next 30-45 mins I caught 4 LM (all around 2 lbs) , 1 pickerel, and one big ole mudfish that jump up into my kayak and somehow released himself (so technically not caught, although he was in the kayak). At the end of the day not what I was hoping for in terms of size or number of fish but turned out to be a fun a day. Always fun trying to figure out what these guys want and how they want it each time out. We will see what next weekend brings.

All I got was 3000 yards of line

It is definitely a "to each his/her own" thing. I like to think of my enjoyment of 1000 size reels as proof they are not too small or "ultralight" and for trouties only. I am so confident in them that I have no fear of any freshwater fish...in my waters, LOL.

Fuego LT's are great reels for the money. I have a 3000 which is the same as some other manufacturers 2500 in spool dia. I like it because it has a slightly slower retrieve ratio but still a 30" plus IPT. Plenty of torque and only 7.6 oz. It also has a T handle which is more secure to me than fingertip knobs. All just personal preference. @Darren.makes a convincing case for his 1000's. I just feel that I get a bit better casting distance with a larger spool. I'm a bank fisherman so that's important to me.

Cats suggestion looks good.

I’m probably looking to get a Jon Boat to fish the lakes in the area. As for fish finder budget...I’m thinking in the $200 or less range.

I spent $1000 on Tackle Warehouse's Black Friday sale. I replaced all of my lost lures from last season and bought new lures to try for next season, three new rods and one new reel. A solid $250 of savings, so I'm happy!

Yes. DSG and Field and Stream are both offering 25% off all products including megabass. The 110 Jr's are "reduced" to $20 (same base price as TW), so they are going for $15 each. DSG has free shipping, F and S has free shipping over some amount. Selection is somewhat limited. For $15 each I managed to bring myself to try the 110 Jr to see what the excitement is all about.

One normally needs to travel to MD to see this sort of silliness... Did land a 38" one on a 2000 Shimano and 8 lb mono a while back, but not on purpose. You guys get any striped bass this fall? I've heard a lot of crying from down there last few years.

The 2000 BG has a decent amount of weight to it but not overbearing actually it’s still fairly light it’s also a solid smooth reel to pair with a medium heavy. When I pair up a combo I always make sure I’m pairing the right reel and rod with it. The lighter the better isn’t always the case when your reel is so light that you’re rod becomes tip heavy.

lookout... the secondary is beginning to look like a super bowl squad... who dat!

I have a Lure 11.5 and use Scotty rod holders with FeelFree’s accessory mount. I also use an accessory mount to mount my Lowrance control head. Don’t be afraid, dive right in!

At our local Ollie's Bargain Outlet, they have Berkley 6' MH Lightning Rod casting rods for $9.99. I picked a couple up for kayak fishing.

Cool, thanks!

The Shimano nasci is $99. I have the 2500 series on a 6’6” and really like it. It’s a great real for the money.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm a little late, still in a turkey coma. I agree with what NYWayfarer said above. I love this place.

Any decent 2500 reel will do. In the salt, we sometimes end up with more fish than one intended on the end of the line. I take some bass guys bluefishing with their bass tackle to get them some hands on on how to fight a fish.

You can use 20 braid on all the Daiwa LTs without any problems the only problem might be the rod being a medium heavy spinning rod may or may not depending on the specific rod can be tip heavy for those light weight reels I would probably consider a 2000 size Daiwa BG for a medium heavy rod for a perfect match and balance.

I know bullet casters use a variety of alloys depending on what is needed for the bullet they are casting. That said, I'm guessing the BHN is at least 11 but more likely in the 18-22 range which is pretty hard. The difference is pure lead has a BHN of around 5 and pours fairly easy. I use a 70/30 mix of hard to soft lead by using antimony, the BHN of the alloy I cast with ranges from 14 to 17 and in my RCBS furnace it needs to be heated to 800 degrees in order to fill out most molds. The alloy melts at 750 degrees but if I pour a jig mold with a ring and barb collar the bottom of the collar never fills out and it is tough going until I bump that temp up. Once you use the higher temp the harder lead pours well and usually won't give you any problems.

Whatever is currently on my reel.

Turns on pretty quick, 3-4 seconds at most. 15% coupon off on Amazon right now. You get the scale and a gripper.

Was just looking at those. What size hook comes with the 1/4 and 3/8 oz?

Happy ^^^^^^ Day ~ ? A-Jay

So most of my weekends this September we’re spent on land rather than in the boat chasing bass, due to construction of a 8’x13’ greenhouse my wife and I built. We’re both pretty green thumbed when it comes to veggies and flowers, and she’s wanted a greenhouse for a while now. After getting a bunch of free windows from a friends house that he had changed, it was the kick in the rump we needed to finally get started and after a blazing hot summer, ( you want a greenhouse to be in the sunniest part of the yard, which is also the hottest place to work in summer), we finally got some cooler weather in September to build it. Here’s the finished product. We’ll, winter has come early and with a vengeance, but we did get some lettuces and assorted greens planted in late sept. Today was a high of -11C and a horrible wind chill, and we have over a foot of snow on the ground, but my wife went out to the greenhouse and took an inside/outside pic. So far, we’re pleased with the results of our build and with any luck we’ll have some fresh salads by Christmas. At the very least, it’s a nice, tropical place I can visit with my lawnchair in the dead of winter and dream of a summer topwater bite ?. Today at 1:00 it was 29C inside!

Hello and welcome to the forum. A lot of your stuff can be put in plastic boxes with no problem. Soft plastics I like to leave in the original package. Then put them in a plastic box or even some large zip lock type bags. The fishing line Needs to be checked to be sure it is still good before you put it on a reel.I have not used the Sterilite boxes but they should be okay.

Last week I bought a Helium 3 7’3” Heavy for $197 and today bought a Tatula SV for $143. Solid deals to be had out there

Best turkey I ever had. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Might be awhile. 2019 season seems so far away with all the white stuff we are getting today. My initial impressions are positive. I tested it a few times and it gave accurate readings each time hanging a 1 pound bag of coffee from it. It is easy to zero out with the gripper hanging from it. The memory works fine and can store 9 weights. I like that you can hold it from the ring on top or the textured grips on the side. The backlight display is not too bright but makes reading the numbers easy. It takes one of those CR2032 flat batteries and the plate to access the battery has an "O" ring seal. I have not tested the waterproof aspect of this scale. It does appear to be able to withstand a splash or two and that's really what I was looking for because my former scale did not. It seems durable but I wouldn't want to drop it to many times.

My Kastking haul came in this week. Had to take advantage of some of the sales they had going on. Getting stocked up for the 2019 season. The scale is waterproof and floats. After my last scale got wet it started acting up so replacing it was a priority. The fact that this new one floats is one less thing I have to worry about when kayak fishing.