Crestliner2008

Absolutely the best competition on the circuit. I really enjoy watching it. The FLW tour program I do not like. Especially how they handle the fish.

If I'm targeting LM in tight cover, the Mighty Bug is hard to beat. If there's a bass in there, it will hit this one for sure.

I saw that segment! I've always tossed the more natural patterns, but will have to get a couple of these to try.

Interesting to note that the "tilapia" is a generalized term for over 90 species of cichid. The tilapia filets you buy in the store can be a mixture of any of them! An evening news cast had a segment on this not too long ago. Similar to the term "scrod" here in the northeast, which can many different species of white fish.

Good choice going for the circle hook design. It will definitely improve chances of a healthy release. However, as you said, it they've learned to "set the hook", then they are going to hate circles! They will miss a lot of fish by crossing their eyes. If, on the other hand, they can learn to just reel the fish in and not set the hook, then the entire experience will be much better. BTW, try to select "INLINE" circles, vs. the off-set variety. They work a lot better in achieving your goal.

I prefer 10# test PowerPro myself. Have it on 3 spinning rigs now for about the same number of years. No problems, no worries.

I've used both and feel that the KVD version works better for me.

Don't forget to add bladed jigs as well, i.e.: Chatterbaits.

Absolutely. As a matter of fact, the In'Fisherman TV show this past weekend had a segment on the Sick Fish. Very positive. No reason why any paddle-tailed swimbait wouldn't work on a Chatterbait. I use hollow bellies and Swing Impacts now.

Sure do wish I had an opportunity to fish Erie regularly, the way some of you folks can. Our own miniature version of Erie, the Quabbin Reservoir, here in MA is starting to produce a lot of quality 4 - 6 lb. smallies. Although, not in the quantities that I see being taken on Erie, for sure. However, we received some disappointing news that the Quabbin will not open this weekend as originally scheduled, due to the late spring. Can't wait for the revised opening on the 26th. though...then we'll get into those smallies - and lake trout - with blade baits and hair jigs.

I use to work for Colt in Hartford back in the 70's. I ran the small parts mfg. section back then. We use to talk quite a bit about the Python and comparable revolvers, like the S&W. The Python had way too many parts in it, compared to the Smiths. And they were less reliable because of that. Timing issues were big back then. Very troublesome. The Python is definitely a piece of historical Americana and I'm sure they fetch a good price. While I was there, I picked up a fine Colt Single Action Army revolver, in .45 LC, which I still have today. Case hardened frame with blue bbl & cylinder and wood grips. Don't shoot it much though, because of it's value. My shooting these days is done with a Ruger SP-101. Mainly because you can't shoot 'em out with regular range work. They are a tank of a revolver. Very reliable and accurate. Here they both are:

I agree with what has been said. You might be much better off going with 20# - 30# PP instead of the 10# you have now. At the very least, spool it off and put a mono backing on first. For best BC performance, you really need to have the line spooled to about 1/16" from the edge of the spool.

Bubble gum Senkos rock in the pre-spawn.

Yeah, this new is a real bummer. We had planned on the 19th., which was late as it was. But now another week of smallie/laker fishing down the drain. I just hope the water doesn't warm up too fast - I love the pre-spawn there.

Shook the mothballs out of the 12' Duro-craft. Got it rigged up and ready to go. So, my main fishing partner & I took it out on Hampton Ponds today, for the shake down cruise of this season. Launched just fine. No leaks. All equipment checked. Sonar worked fine. Now for the biggy. Pulling the starting cord on the 1970 10 HP Evenirude. She started right up with the first pull! That darn StarTron is great stuff, as most of you already know. And that's the same gas I've had in the tank since last fall! I let it warm up a bit and headed out across the lake. Marked some fish around 6' down over 12' and anchored up. Casting 1/16 oz. jigs with plastic trailers. UL 7' rigs with 2# test Trilene XL. Walt & I stopped counting the rainbows we boated after we hit 10 each. Nothing huge. Largest was maybe 15" or 16". Everything released without netting, so they are still there and in good condition! Equipment ran good. Fish co-operated. The weather was so-so, with a stiff breeze from time to time, but with enough sun to keep us in shirt sleeves. Not sure what the water temp was, but it was pretty cold! Yet, some jet skiers and kayaks were out as well, with about 1/2 doz. boats having launched while we were there. All I can say is Thank God winter is done! LOL!

I agree with Will Wetline, go with a medium-light to medium action spinning rod, if you want to use a jig to tie with. The longer the better. But if you are dead set on using a fly rod, then I don't think I would use a jig. Instead use a streamer hook and wrap the shank with lead strips and tie over that. Just don't use too much lead. The only reason to use lead at all is to get the fly down, if you are tying with bucktail, which is a very buoyant hair. As Will can tell you, there are other materials you might want to consider if you go the fly route. Rabbit for instance. Absorbs water fast, is very flowing and life-like in the water and sinks like a regular streamer fly would.

Probably 90% of my hooks are barbless. The only ones I keep the barb on these days are the drop shot hooks. I guess if you really need to land every fish you catch, barbs are a good idea. Fishing means a lot more to me than just that. Rarely do I loose fish with barbless hooks. And I don't really care if I do occasionally loose one or two. Even the trebles on my crankbaits have the barbs crushed down.

Stock up on some Senkos (4" & 5"). Wacky rig them and probe every inch of the water you have access to. This is probably your best option being land locked. Other presentations will work of course. Depends on how badly you "need" to catch something.

Start off with a search bait like a spinnerbait. Especially if the wind is kicking up. If that doesn't work, slow down a bit and try a Chatterbait type jig with a fluke trailer (white & white works wonders this time of the year). Swim jigs work, but I find the added vibes of a Chatterbait very productive. If nothing still hits that, then slow WAY DOWN. A wacky rigged Senko is probably your last hope. Good Luck!

Thanks guys! You've re-inforced my exact perception. Now I just have to convince him to remove it from his rods! (Not an easy task!) LOL!

Eye-less cane poles were/are being used to catch tons of crappie; 50 years ago and today. The set up you describe is just fine. The crappie won't mind a bit. Once you really get "into" crappie fishing, you might want to expand your arsenal a bit, depending on your budget of course. Take a look at the 7' B n' M Sam's Super Sensitive rods. Going for about $50.00, this rod is very sensitive and makes jig casting very easy. A light spinning reel under this rod, with 4# test mono will do you just fine.

First top water bait I ever threw (maybe back in the early 70's) was a Jitterbug. Great little bait back then and still is today.

What a beautiful smallmouth! Contrats!

Angelina Jolie.

Ice, ice go away....