Marty

Do you know for sure that the pond has a population of good-size smallies? My personal experience is that smallies readily hit any type of lure. So I'd just choose based on depth, time of year, water temperature, sky condition, cover/structure and the like, without worrying about whether a smallie will hit it or not.

I also haven't had problems with the Booyah.

I've used super glue as a preventive measure, not because it was coming apart. But I think bending it closed is a much better idea. Let's clarify the terminology: the lure with this problem is the Booyah Boogee Bait, not the Chatterbait that is mentioned in the subject line. For what it's worth, this interchangeable blade is a worthless feature to me.

That's pretty funny. I saw it on PTI Friday.

I'm not quite sure if you're asking about catching a 9-5 bowfin or a 9-5 anything on 8# test. My answer is based on the latter. I think catching any fish that exceeds your line strength is always satisfying, but I wouldn't call it amazing, as it occurs a lot, especially (obviously) with lighter line. My personal record is a 12 1/2# carp on 6# line.

A 1/2" Trap has a #4 on the belly and a #6 on back. I just checked the belly hook against some Gammy #4s and the Gammy has the same gap, but a little longer shank. Shouldn't be a problem as long as the hooks don't tangle. These Gammys are one of a number of replacement trebles that I've used and they're fine. I've never used EWGs so I have no first-hand knowledge as to how they compare.

I've caught 100s of 'eyes on Shad Raps, but not in gin-clear water. I'd try a natural, muted color, such as shad, and a bright one, such as firetiger. I'm pretty sure that if they're willing to hit a crankbait, they'd hit one or both of these colors.

I'd try 'em both, you can't always predict what they'll take. This happened some years ago, but it was with grubs, not worms, but the principle's the same. We were fishing grubs on jigheads, my partner with a curly tail and me with a split tail. I was getting skunked and he had me 6-0. Finally I switched to a curly tail and caught something almost immediately. The final score was 6-4. It's not everyday that something happens that's so clear cut, but it proves that it can and does happen.

Got a picture or link? I didn't see anything called silkworm on their site.

I use a 1/2" duolock snap attached to the split ring. Many think this messes up the action, but I don't see it. At any rate, I have full confidence in doing it.

Like some of the previous repliers, I've also used different brands and been pleased, such as Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp, VMC, Owner, Gamakatsu and others. I just tend to buy what's available here at a decent price.

Check your reel manual. Both Daiwa and Shimano recommend the above method for their reels with an anti-twist line roller. For these reels, I have found that the baitcasting method and traditional method both work well. If you fill by the traditional spool-on-the-floor method, ignore the label position, it is meaningless. Lay the spool down such that the line comes off counterclockwise so as to partially offset the clockwise twist that occurs when the line goes on the reel.

Personally, I wouldn't use it where a spinnerbait could be used. I'd use it in moderate to dense weeds, letting it fall into holes and at the edges. I think most people buy this for its weedlessness; might as well get what you pay for.

My speculation is that the color selection on commercial spinnerbaits will catch all the bass you could possibly want and thinking one can catch more with custom-created colors will not happen. However, based on this statement, it appears that having YOUR colors is important to you. If you need those colors to fish with confidence, then by all means buy the kit; I would if colors were that important to me.

Last year I tried 10# on spinning, no problems, just not sure it's worth the premium price.

This is a table of estimated number of drinks to reach a certain blood alcohol percentage. If Tony weighs 160 pounds, it would take four drinks to reach .09. Yes, he made a mistake, but he also acted irresponsibly and endangered other peoples' lives. He deserves whatever he gets. http://www.ohioduiattorney.com/drinks.html

Can't talk about the spawn, but I never found them overly fussy. Most of mine have been on grubs on jigheads and crankbaits, because those are the lures I've used the most when they've been around. But I can't see them shying away from many lures if they're willing to hit something.

Not funny, not one iota funny.

I was pretty surprised. That stuff is (unfortunately) expected from players, but coaches/managers are (and should be) held To a different standard.

I have not used that line, but I'm sure it's visible to fish, and I'm equally sure that more muted colors of line are visible too. As to whether it affects the fishing, I have no idea. There are fishernen who believe it makes no difference and others who think it deters strikes. You probably need to experiment and draw your own conclusions and learn whether you can use it with confidence. I can't think of an advantage other than visibility to the angler and can't think of a disadvantage other than deterring strikes, if that is what you believe. Personally, I feel better fishing clear lines, but that is not based on any actual evidence.

I have done a huge amount of fishing in a body of water that is heavily stained. Despite the conventional wisdom about colors, all colors have worked, and rattleless baits have also worked extremely well.

Kennedy was the leader after day 1 and day 2 and his 10 bonus points gave him that edge. 19. 300 POINT SYSTEM FOR ALL BASS SERIES: At the conclusion of the tournament points will be awarded to competitors as follows: · 1st - 5th five point increments · 6th - 10th four point increments · 11th - 15th three point increments · 16th - 99th two point increments · 100th - balance of field, one point each until end of field or points run out · Bonus points 5 per day for tournament leader · Must weigh a fish in the tournament to receive points for that event · Ties Points added together and divided among tied anglers. Standings will reflect ties starting at place closest to first. · End of year point tiebreakers shall be total weights from full field days for season.

I have no idea of what might happen if some of the bluegill were removed. But you know the old expression, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If ponds I fish had 5-6# bass, I'd pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I'd also bring along an ultralight outfit with 4# line and some tiny lures. Ten-inch bluegills on ultralight are truly a delight.

I use jigheads when I want to fish tubes with an exposed hook. I usually use an internal weight of 1/16 or 1/8 when Texas-rigging.

Yes, it's been slow for me for the last few weeks. Often when trying to open a forum or thread, there is a delay of up to 8-10 seconds before anything starts to happen. This tries my patience, but as has already been mentioned, it's probably being worked on.