Darren.

Wow! Nice fish!

THIS is what I remember. Elbow-to-elbow crowds, sales reps from Daiwa, Shimano, local guys, etc. Spot on, mate.

Welcome aboard! I'll throw 8# +/- out for a guess. Great catch, either way

We got a solid 2", 3" in some spots today, but it is now melting with the rain/freezing rain.

Yes! Not sure what Johnny Morris is up to... The Classic sales (for me) started going downhill a couple years ago when they shortened it, and reduced the amount of stuff on sale. I'm sure it was a business decision, but I wonder what their stats are now compared to then.

Welcome aboard, John! Very nice paint jobs!

Agreed. Last couple of years it has gone downhill in my estimation. The offerings are just not as compelling to me. I will still try to get to this years' Classic, but nothing jumped out at me from the flier to get me pumped about it.

Welcome aboard!

Well, I'm a bigger fan of the 4" size worms over 5" and up. The 4s have brought me more bass in the 4-6 pound range than others. That said, my PB of 7.5# came on a 5" worm.....

I've made some good "friends" out there with "locals" who fish the reservoirs I frequent. Normally we share info, what works, where, etc., and all of us have benefited. There are enough bass in the lake for us all to enjoy good days. That said, there are "jerks" out there, too, who will ask but you definitely get a "drift" or a "gut feeling" that they're not asking to make a fishing friend...and could care less about you. Those I tend to just wish "good luck" and move on.

Can't help you there, but since this is your first post, welcome aboard!

Great show, but I am so far behind it isn't funny. My eldest son and I are back on season 4, and a couple shows into 5, I think. My wife and our 2nd son are almost caught up. We are a family divided! Work schedules partly to blame. LOL

A balmy 23º down here in Hampton Roads. Mix of snow/rain forecast for tomorrow.

Dang! Nice lady there.

Congrats! And good on ya for buying a scale next...

That's a lotta crud..... Wow. 10B gallons. Sorry to hear.

$$ no object, I'd like to try the St. Croix Legend Elite rods. I've been so impressed by my Legend Tourney Walleye spinning rod, and I got that on an upgrade from an Avid. Unbelievable difference to my hands.

Welcome aboard! I'll suggest a wacky rig setup; however, it won't cover water like a spinnerbait, so that's a great suggestion, too. But the wacky rigged worm will work and likely help you build some confidence in your "game". Grab some worms like the Yamamoto Senko (knockoffs like the BPS Stick-O and YUM Dingers are cheaper and work well, too). Tie on a good hook like a Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse hook, bend your worm in 1/2 and place your hook through the middle of the worm. Cast it and let it fall and do it's shimmy thing. Watch your line for subtle pickups. When you see the line moving, or feel a thump thump thump, reel down and lift your rod to set the hook. Enjoy....

Welcome aboard, Tom!

Welcome aboard, Brandon! I didn't fish Consesus much when I lived up there, but I can say that you can use braid and tie on a heavy fluoro leader (or the titanium wire leader that can knot up). Nastiest creature I've got down here, or at least one of the nastiest with teeth, is the chain pickerel, which isn't as big as your Tiger Muskies... I have caught them on 8lb mono. Also lost them on 15 lb copoly, so all depends on where they're hooked. http://www.basspro.com/Knot-2-Kinky-NickelTitanium-Leader-Wire/product/1305170641301/

Can't help you with your request, but seeing this is your first post here, welcome aboard! I'm sure you'll get some info from those in that area.

I do all of that with braid + various leader sizes. Does well enough for me.

I refrained from moving up to PPSS8 because I liked regular PP good enough. Then I found a deal on a 1500 yard spool of 15# SS8 and bought it. It is great stuff. I have no problems with line-to-leader knots that I normally tie, the Albright/Alberto, uni x2. Everything holds great, just make sure you cinch it down well, as usual.

No, but I guess silver is the new black, eh? I do like the change in paddle, though.

Welcome aboard!