TimJ

the best tubes that I have done this with were the old gitzits. they were thinner plastic and some colours were not solid. the gold would be a dull flash through the plastic. this also kept the spoon action somewhat...much more than the thick plastic I use these days. TJ

I'm with JF on the Hopkins. gold seems to turn the trick here but try stretching a tube over the spoon for different looks. Tim J

I have been using XT for over 20 years on most of my rigs. I used to have XL on the smallie "finesse" rigs but I hooked just as many and landed more with the XT on the finesse rigs and I love to fish crystal clear water. got rid of the XL altogether a long time ago! TJ

I'm not sure about Erie but have a look at icebound StClair in the upper left of pic 2-15-11...d**n! lol nice to see Erie breaking up early though. it will allow better flushing from StClair and the Detroit River. TJ

there is an existing thread about versatility... "however... knowing him he will spend all year trying to master his "weakness" and throw a swimbait in every tourney. probably win again too......" that's how one becomes versatile! lol TJ

I think that most of you have it covered. IMO, versatility is made by continuous learning and practicing of all things new or different from your arsenal...tackle, techniques, technology. TJ

shallower water, a suspending jerkbait. if deeper, a hopkins spoon or some type of blade like a silver buddy. ...and the tube is always good. Tim J

that's why I asked. I have used the uni with braid without one problem. I leave a bit of tag end as well. vertical jigging for smallies and landing incidental muskies over 15...not one loss to a knot...but I will look into the palomar. thanks TJ

bwell...I would rather not wait...does the knot pull free? TJ

can someone please direct me to the article that was posted some time last week pertaining to bed fishing. I think it was reprinted and maybe from a magazine...had info about escape routes, etc. and incl a diver in the research. thanks TimJ

I don't know if they are worth $9 more but they work for me. I still use my bagleys and rogues. they are all part of my arsenal. try one. you don't have to break the bank and buy 20...yet. Tim J

hey Rooster...your internal subliminal messages are leaking to your keyboard! careful... I own 6-2500F symetres and with some simple cleaning, have had no problems at all. my next may be a step to the stradic (a b-day present to myself) but if not, they will be the 3000 size, not for capacity, but for line pickup (a full spool picks up line quicker). after fishing as a back seater in a couple of BASS events on LSC and seeing but NOT learning my lesson, it has been reinforced over the last couple of years and I'm ready. TJ

I may buy baits when I am fishing a "foreign" area. example: I am from Canada and going to Florida...LM baits may run a bit bigger than usual. cool thing is, I bring them back and use the bigger stuff here with nice results! Maybe if I see a lure that I use in a colour that I think will improve my catch back home, I'll grab it. TJ

welcome. will you be going to the Classic? TJ

I used to fish all kinds of lakes from down here up to Rideau, Ontario, Georgian Bay and in between them all. Had some fun on the old OV/GM Pro Bass circuits for a few years. I love the Kawarthas. If I'm lucky, I get one trip a year to that area now. I have been taking my sons to some of the lakes that I fished, like Rice, Simcoe, Sparrow. We fish Long Point at least once a year, early in July. stay in touch. Tim J

hey Don. welcome from just down the 401

if you are fishing in shallow, warm water, especially if it's muddy, you must exchange the well water. best bet, if possible, is to get into open, clearer, cooler water when you exchange the well. the internal water recycling of the well is also important. if you have the choice to do it, go ahead with it. Tim J

Michigan C&R season on LSC: last Sat in Apr to the Fri before 3rd Sat in June...when reg season starts. Ontario LSC season opens 4th Sat of June with no C&R season at all. I dont fish the Ontario side early but I do spend many days fishing the Michigan side during C&R season. Tim J

welcome Tim...great name. this forum is loaded with what you need, just learn away! Tim J

if a bunch of us get out on LSC in the same May period, we should get together somewhere for dinner and a pop or 2...if its feasible. Tim J

I appreciate the help...just to note that we will be bank fishing so the lakes are out. (I guess "off shore" should have read "off OF shore"...or bank...sorry) If things are so good down there, maybe a guide would be a plan, but we will stick with the bank for now. Any bank spots would be appreciated. Its pretty clear that we will end up somewhere around the Miami area. Tim J

I'm in. only shot is in Fla... TJ

we are making the trek to FLA again for spring break and staying in Kissimmee. my sons are asking about peacocks so I'm asking you at BR. I have been following the story about the loss of peacocks since last yrs cold snap and I am wondering how far south I would have to go to get a few peas off shore. its about 3 hrs to Miami so I am aware of the distance. tackle/actual locations can be sorted out later if its feasible. thanks Tim J

Crest, this is a good one for StClair and Detroit rivers. straight up vertical jigging, like spring walleye fishing, is great for smallies and this is just a different step, as well as a c-rig. just gotta keep your line vertical with the electric. Tim J ps...forgot to mention for non-locals, the current is 3+mph in both rivers

we are looking to book a place to stay around Kissimmee. we have a house rental in mind but a cabin/cottage might be cool too. Richardsons is the closest to Kissimmee (city) that I could find. I cant find a website or any solid info like prices, cabin info, etc. any help would be appreciated. Tim J