K_Mac

It is hard to imagine how both drivers walked away from this. Unbelievable. The way they build the safe zone, and its ability to protect the driver is amazing.

Even though the Senators gave all they had, it wasn't enough to get past the Penguins. It really was a great series, and game 7 was an exciting battle with Ottawa taking a beating but refusing to give up. The Preditors looked great against the Ducks. They've had a couple of extra days to rest and that will serve them well against the Penguins. It will be interesting to see if they can use their speed and aggressive counter attack to shut down the big guns of the Penguins. I'll take Nashville to win the Cup. It should be a great series. How about y'all?

Turtle135, I take no offense. I agree the chatterbait is a novelty bait and its time has past...just like the internet and polymer handguns! The chatterbait is a big fish bait for me. Just ticking the top of submerged grass, ripping it through clumps of grass, or around wood where others are throwing spinnerbaits has produced both numbers and size for me. Y'all keep throwing spinnerbaits, I'll take a chatterbait most of the time.

I hate braid, but like fluorocarbon a lot. I use Red Label more than any of the others. It is not very abrasion resistant though. If your hooks are coming into contact with it, that could be a problem. I use copolymer for jerkbaits. I did get a roll of 8# that cost me some hardware and a couple of good fish. Over the years I have had rolls of mono and copolymer do the same. If you're doing everything right and still breaking off for no good reason, I would try a new spool. Relax about the banning. Disagreement happens often here. A spirited exchange of ideas is what keeps things interesting. RoLo was just expressing his views. It's all good.

A flipping stick will work fine, especially in heavy cover. I like a tip down retrieve with a 6'-6" MH or heavy rod when I can get away with it. I prefer a walking motion most of the time, and a shorter rod with a little softer tip works better.

The Preditors need one more and it's a coin toss between the Senators and Penguins. One thing is certain, if you're not watching you are missing some exciting hockey. Turn off the basketball.? We all know who's playing for the Championship there...

Many of us did. I picked them to beat the Rangers, but I really didn't give them much of a chance of beating the Penguins or the Caps. They think they can win this thing. They may be right.

The Senators may not win this series, but they were the better team tonight. It will be interesting to see if the Penguins have anything left. The Senators don't seem to be too concerned about being the underdog. The Ducks don't seem to care that all the experts have picked the Preditors either. Some great hockey being played by all four teams.

Ok, I'm done mourning for the Blues, Caps, and Oilers! I'm not really sure a fan ever gets over what the Caps have done over the last couple of years. Next year lets have the Blues and Caps in the Cup Finals! We'll just pencil that in.... I'm taking Nashville in the West, but I would not bet a Bandit crankbait on it. It ought to be a good series. In the East I think you have to take the defending champs, but with Crosby's head injuries who knows? One thing is certain: If you like hockey this time of year is as good as it gets.

There is an upside. This fish was not weighed, measured or photographed. It can be as big as you want it to be. As you get older the fish can, and will, grow in size. By the time you get my age it will have grown in your memory to epic proportions. You can then share the story with your grandkids... repeatedly. It's all good!?

LOL. Do you really think a $1300 CZ is dreaming big? And for the record, my vehicles are a 2000 Durango and a 1995 Ram. ?

Roger I am not, nor ever have been a member of the Nazi party!? I am a big fan of Ruger though as well as Sig and Glock. I would probably carry a Sig if I could find the right one for a good price. I prefer a DA/SA, a DAO, or an external thumb safety on a concealed carry pistol and don't own a Glock. If I were going to war, a Glock would suit me just fine. Thebillsman, the original question is not really clear. If I could only have two pistols, Glocks or something similar as I mentioned in my first post would absolutely be my choice. I want something that is easy to repair or replace that I know is going to work flawlessly. A beautiful custom 1911, Python or high-end CZ target pistol would be nice additions to my collection...after the basics are covered.

Wow. The Oilers were up 3-0 with less than 4 minutes to play. The Ducks win it in 2 overtimes. I thought Edmonton was a lock in this game and series. It is a good thing I'm not a gambler...

Well, hope springs eternal for the Blues! Only two more wins to get to the Conference Final. I can't really figure this team out. Tonight without Steen, a very good first line forward, they played their best game of this series. I guess I will just enjoy the ride while it lasts. Go Blues! Go Caps!

I like handguns, from rimfire pistols to big bore revolvers. The most important function of handguns for me is self-defense. A compact 9 mm and a subcompact .380 give me the option of concealed carry in almost all situations. I have a Ruger SR9c and LCP that serve that purpose well. I see no reason to fix what isn't broken.? Give me the option of two additional handguns with cost no issue, and I would take a custom 1911 and a pristine Colt Python. I can't justify the expense, but if you're buying...

I'm afraid barring an unlikely turnaround, the Caps will once again prove you right Sam. Even without Crosby playing Pittsburgh looks like the better team right now. Unfortunately, my Blues are on track to join the Caps playing golf in the near future. The difference between the two is the Blues are playing with house money and no one really expected them to win anything this year. We just don't quite have the horses or the discipline. The Caps though have enormous talent, and have played well all year. Both franchises do have a history of raising expectations and not delivering... I'm done with predictions this year, although (heaven help us) Pittsburgh looks like they could make it two in row.

The Washington Capitals must be wondering if they have done something to offend Lord Stanley. While the series is not over, the Caps threw everything they had at the Penguins tonight and got thumped. For the record I mean no disrespect. I've wondered the same thing about my team...

The magnetic brakes on a dual brake reel are not useless. They come into play at the end of your cast, while the centrifugal brakes prevent overrun at the beginning. I usually have one or two brakes set and only use the mag brakes when wind makes it necessary. How tight you have the spool and line size/type are the other things that have a big impact on distance, along with the size of the Senko. You should be able to throw a 5" Senko farther than you can effectively fish it. Good luck.

With one game played the second round looks to be very exciting! The Blues looked great, except for the second period and Allen was not quite as sharp as he was against the Wild, which was to be expected I suppose. This series is far from over, and I am still picking St. Louis. It will be interesting to see how the Caps respond to loosing a game they should have won. They've been here before... I like the Canadian clubs in the other two series, but would not bet on either one.

Women love a project tipp. I know this because my wife chose me, in spite of knowing I was a work in progress. It has only taken her 41years, and I'm still a little rough around the edges. I'm glad you're doing well, and wish you the best with your new lady.

The Caps really looked good to finish off Toronto. It was a tough game, and I still think they are the team to beat. 42 games in the first round, with 18 of them going over time. "A new league record" to take a line from the movie Bull Durham.

Well the teams in the West are set. The Blues and Nashville will be a serious battle. The East could be decided tomorrow, but I would not bet on it. I predict the Senators close out the Bruins, and the Maple Leafs force a game 7. Only 12 more wins to the Cup! Go Blues!

I also wish you well. Good luck.

The Blues add drama as expected. Chicago gets swept. Peguins and Ducks advance. Some great hockey being played...Let's go Blues! Toronto is my dark horse. They still think they can win this thing. They may be right. It will be fun to see.

Your question is about balance. For quite a few years you've done what you want. It is clear that competing is important to you. My question is this: Is it the fishing or the competition that you need? Fishing is far easier to find time to enjoy when not committed to a rigid tournament and club schedule. You've entered a relationship with a woman who has some baggage from her last relationship. You undoubtedly have some of your own. Working through all that is more important than competitive fishing right now in my opinion. Once she knows that she is your first priority, you'll have plenty of time to fish. Good luck.