Crestliner2008

jhoffman - Security setting is correct - Save passwords for sites. - Always use private browsing mode is sellected - in "privatebrowsing": browser.privatebrowsing.autostart;false - and - browser.privatebrowsing.dont_prompt_on_enter;false What a nuisance! Thanks your help anyway.

Recently hot hit with a trojan virus. MalwareBytes said it took care of the situation and that my system was O.K.. However, not I'm having a problem automatically saving my passwords for my fishing forums. To start off with, I'm using Windows 7 Pro and my browser is Mozilla FireFox v.18. in the "Tools" - "Options" drop down menu, I do have the box checked for "Remember passwords for sites". I've tried to un-install FireFox and re-install a fresh download. Still can't get the sites to remember my passwords. PITA, for sure! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Folks! Richard

I've been using Megastrike for a few years now. No actual "proof" that my bait is more "effective" with it or without it. The way I look at it, it's just another step in putting the odds in my favor. And it can't hurt to mask odors. With all the folks I've fished with, I've never been in a situation where the guy, not using scent, did better than us that did use it. So, I guess I'll keep on using it. I do agree however, that spring through early summer - and again fall through early winter - are probably the best time to be using it, regardless of the make. Brand names are only as good as the effect it has on individual confidence. JMO!

We use to use the old "knuckle buters" baitcasting reels back in the day (early 50's), for flying box kites. I wonder how many know what a box kite is. LOL! We used kite string on the reel.

The March/April edition of "In'Fisherman" magazine has an excellent and in-depth article on the use of lipless cranks and blade baits for smallies.

Check this site out: http://www.overstockbait.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Senkos&Search.x=15&Search.y=11

Still got 3 months of ice up here.

Definitely! It reduces the dirt build up on cork between cleanings. Magic Eraser & U-40 once a season works for me.

The 6" is a great striper bait for spring river fishing!

X2 - it is interesting that a lot of folks believe that jerkbaits are only effective at a particular water temperature. All year long I carry jerkbaits with me. Wouldn't think of leaving home without them! Have never believed that jerks do not perform in warm water - or cold. However, under the conditions you were faced with, I believe the smallies were more bottom orientated. You may have had better success with dragging a tube or a drop shot presentation. But hey....it's fishing....isn't it! Edit: As far as leader length goes, don't get yourself tied up in a knot (pun intended) over it. I'd probably opt for 4 to 5 feet. And definitely learn to tie the Alberto.

When using blade baits, it's more of the presentation than it is color. If they are going to hit a blade, it really isn't going to matter what the color is. This is especially true in cold water. I carry both gold & silver. Have never seen one perform better over the other. Great baits in cold water! Especially on smallies.

My all time favorite big bass lure. Texas rigged and tossed where you know a big girl resides will get you bit. Expensive, but worth every penny.

Ditto. Suspending jerks would not be a good idea in heavily stained water. But if you can see down 2' - 3', then I'd give them a go as well. Nothing wrong with the drop shot either in winter.

I don't know why all deep diving lips aren't designed that way? No real benefit to the round lips, especially out deep. Haven't had a chance to try them yet, but if it just reduces hang ups by a fraction, they are worth it. I love bouncing deep structures with cranks, although I don't do it as often as I use to. This new lure design should be a winner.

I know lots of folks that keep the split ring on their cranks, re-tying for every bait switch. If your fingers are young & limber, I suppose that's a viable process. However, I've also heard that where the line tie ends up could make or break you....literally. Like if the tie is close to, or on the split. For me, using split rings is no longer an option. Arthritis inhibits my once limber fingers. I use snaps exclusively. Have seen no ill effects from doing so. Makes lure changes a "snap" (LOL!) too!

Simply lift the rod a tad if you "think" you feel or notice anything different. If the tip stays where it was, lift up fully and start reeling at the same time. If you are using the proper hook, you'll have 'em every time. By "proper" hook, I mean one with a straight point vs. a "beaked" point: Straight point: "Beaked" point: This has been reported by Rich Z many times here, as well as other venues. You won't miss many takes if you follow this advice.

Another consideration is your laws. Here in MA, the state has legislated against the use of any lead sinkers and/or jigs or line weights of any configuration. So, we've HAD to seek alternatives. Tungsten is for the more affluent amongst us, so bismuth or steel are the more viable alternatives. I've been using steel for drop shotting for many years now and it's worked out quite well. You can get steel "bass casting" sinkers at WalMarts for a song & a dance. Drop shot swivels and split rings are available at Janns Netcraft.com. Here are the components to my weight system: This is what it looks like rigged: Simple and extremely cost effective.

I have two of them as well. Outstanding reel. Good size for most bass fishing too. You will not be disappointed.

Have you tried those Beavers on a weighted (1/8 oz.) swimbait hook? The kind with the spring keeper. You can fish it like a shakey head, but it falls more horizontally. Has boosted my catch ration last season for sure.

Law permitting, use two rigs. One, floating a suspended, wacky-rigged Senko in the water column on a slip bobber. Second, fishing a more active presentation, such as the drop shot, tubes, jigs and/or swimbaits, on the other rig. With two guys in the boat, fishing this way, "quads" are not uncommon. Talk about a fire drill! LOL!

Fishing a large, clear, hilland type reservoir here for smallies and I start seening them on beds when the water temps are in the mid-50's. And they can still be on the beds well into June....they just bed a bit deeper, the later in the season it gets. I've seen active beds down to 12' in early summer. So I guess the answer to your question is to start early and use a good pair of polarized sunglasses. (And don't forget the sunscreen!)

For kicks, try a soft paddletail type swimbait, such as the 5" SK Shadalicious. Rig it on a 1/2 oz. weighted swimbait hook (the kind with the screw keeper on the eye). You can rig it flat (sideways) or regular style, either way is O.K.. Make a long cast out. Let it sink to the bottom. Then start a slow, throbbing retrieve along that bottom. Rig it "texposed" and you should not have a problem with snags. If there is a decent bass in the area, it will strike this easy meal. Good Luck!

Try one on the back of football jig as soon as the water gets ice free. Will do a number on smallies.

Holy Smokes! Not one vote for Al Lindner. Probably the finest "all-around" fisherman there ever was. He has probably contributed more to our sport than any handful of the "pros" today. He sas instrumental in developing "Fishing Facts" magazine (along with Bill Binkleman) and of course, the ever popular "In-Fisherman". I've been reading Al's stuff ever since the 70's. And he still is a fine teacher today. I'd give anything to fish with this guy. Not sure why anyone would want to fish with a person who "specializes" in only one or two species? (Unless that's all you care about.) Al goes after anything and everything that swims. And he's good at it too! JMO!

Call your local Fire Department. One of their jobs is to monitor it for safely.