Marty

That curl in the line is a telltale sign of knot failure. I mentioned earlier that I have no fluoro experience, but I think I've heard that fluoro and the Palomar knot don't do well together. You might want to check that further.

Mine doesn't do well, even a mild breeze moves it around. It's an ultralight and I don't know how much that has to do with it, but I know the fact that it's got lots of freeboard is a big factor. I've never been in a kayak, but I'm pretty sure it's less affected by the wind than a canoe.

I think you need to look at the various causes, since hooksets shouldn't break lines. Poor quality line Line damaged from scraping against cover or defective guides Drag set too heavily Poor knots or poor tying of good knots Probably others that escape me at the moment. By the way, I have -0- experience with fluoro.

Not a particularly exciting slate of games other than the title game.

Since my long-time barber shop closed, I've been going to Sport Clips. I tell them to check the computer and give me whatever cut they gave the last time.

I certainly think that if you're looking at an alternative to Plano, you should take a look at Flambeau, which is a company that has been around a long time. If I remember correctly, they were a KVD sponsor in his earlier years on tour.

Unfortunately, I didn't buy a canoe until about 15 years after I started thinking about one. I was in my 60s when I finally pulled the trigger. For various reasons, a trailered boat was not an option and it was a canoe or nothing. Because of my age, it had to be an ultralight and I got a Kevlar Wenonah. It's been a pleasure to be be able to get out on the water without depending on an invitation from a boat-owning friend. Fortunately, I have access to some waters that hold big fish (big by New York standards) and I've caught many more big ones while fishing in the canoe than other boats. I also fish a couple of large lakes at one end if the winds are right. In the area within a few hundred yards from shore it's pretty weedy and motorized boats are rarely in the area. Kevlar canoes are expensive, but I don't regret it one iota and I'd buy the exact same boat if I had it to do over again.

Sorry Max, but it's a tough time of the year. Start next April and your chances will be a lot better.

You'd probably need a psychologist to provide the answer. On the other hand, if you can afford it OK, it's probably harmless.

Given the fact that you'll be fishing tournaments on larger waters, I'd get something else. Virtually every other competitor will have a bigger boat and you'd be at a disadvantage as far as ability to get to your spots and you wouldn't be able to handle rough water as well as the others.

I can't help you, but I'm curious as to what you're looking for other than something newer. Bigger boat? More powerful motor? Other things?

I agree, Blue Fox Vibrax Minnow.

One went for $142 on eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-TACKLE-Heddon-TadPolly-Box-1920s-NICE-/120752943459 There are sites that deal with antique fishing tackle.

The Do Not Call registry exempts charities and politicians. However, I've gotten many illegal calls from commercial organizations. My theory is that they ignore the law because it's so hard to get caught and punished in some manner. I have made numerous donations to charities in lieu of flowers in the memory of a deceased, but I've been more fortunate than the original poster. I've gotten subsequent mailings and e-mails from many of the organizations but no phone calls to the best of my recollection.

I think you can have both, but within certain limitations. Put on your trailer and then above it attach your trailer hook in the usual manner. In my personal experience the trailer should have a straight tail. When I've tried a curly tail it gets wrapped around the trailer hook.

Those could've been my words as well. I own two of the grips. Not sure if anyone other than Cabela's sells them.

I know taking one lure could be good for learning, but I've never had the guts to do it. I want to maximize my chances every time out even if it costs me some learning experience.

Well, the line you buy has been stored on spools for who-knows-how-long. But I never had a problem storing line on reel spools and the line can be good for years. I can speak for braid and mono, but have -0- fluorocarbon experience.

If you want absolute reliability, get a quality spring scale. If you're willing to take chances, get a digital. I'm in the latter category. I've used Rapalas and Berkleys and they both can be very good until they fail and I've had a few fail. Compactness is also a requirement for me and good spring scales are too large.

When it comes to tackle bags I always say the same thing: of the reputable brands, choose the one that best suits your needs with regard to capacity, number of pockets and pocket size and configuration. I have a Cabela's bag in their Advanced Angler series which I like very much, but the fact that it was designed for my needs was more important than the actual brand. I'd say similar things about the boxes. Those are both reputable brands that likely would stand behind their product, so once again, decide your needs and go with what fits them the best. I'm sorry about the theft of your gear.

They will readily hit any lure you own, from topwaters to bottom crawlers and everything in-between. If I were targeting them I might choose a spinnerbait, but nothing would be a bad choice if you were in the right location. Hope you get your five-pounder; my best is 4-1/2.

Most is pretty obvious stuff, in no particular order. Pliers Sunglasses Tape measure for shore, measuring board for boats Scale Scissors for braid Camera A stringer to keep fish in the water while I set up the camera for a self-timer picture Cheap lip grip to hold fish for weighing and for removing treble hooks Bottle to pee in Probably other stuff that doesn't come to mind

I haven't used a silent lipless in 35 years, probably because I never see any. However, silent crankbaits can be fabulously successful (examples: Shad Raps, Strike King KVD) so it follows logically that silent lipless can also be successful. From personal experience, I haven't been able to conclude anything about rattles vs. silent.

You can always live it up and visit the Cornell library.

Congratulations, RNF, quitting smoking and losing weight are the two best things you can do for your health. They're both great for our economic health as well. "Reuters is reporting that obesity in America is now adding an astounding $190 billion to the annual national healthcare price tag, exceeding smoking as public health enemy number one when it comes to cost."