K_Mac

20# fluorocarbon is maybe a little much for open, clear water and is not a good choice for topwater because of its density. Mono or copoly is a better choice. My guess is that is not the problem though. When fishing gets tough in the conditions you have, I usually choose one of two options: First, is to go deeper with a finess bait, generally a trickworm or finess worm on a shakeyhead; or, fish a jig or plastic like a cut worm or beaver in the heaviest cover available. Sometimes a spook over, or a spoon or crankbait through schooling, suspended fish also works. The other thing to remember is some days you are not going to be successful. Enjoy the day anyway! Good luck.

A 202 on a pistol-grip glass rod that could nearly be tied in a knot. I caught a litte of everything on that cheap combo. Of course it wasn't cheap to a poor kid. Caught a huge carp from the river behind or house. It took one of my brother's help to get it home. I was about 8 at the time. Goose I would give much for a photo of me and that fish.

A_Jay coincidentally that is exactly like the one I used to carry in my 14' tin boat!

As you can see, MassBass you are in good company. I am in the other camp: I don't care at all about aesthetics. How it performs is important, I just don't care if colors match! You guys have perrty stuff though!

Catt I was the one who advised having enough anchor line to make sure the line is not too vertical. I have anchored many times in a light aluminum boat. A little extra length can make a big difference. Just enough to reach bottom is not enough. A_Jay answered my question about naval standards. Thanks A_Jay.

I am not opposed to repairing a broken tip. I have a couple that I use regularly. Repairing a heavy, dead old rod makes no sense to me. For a couple of bucks a replacement rod of higher quality can be purchased. Giving that rod to anyone would not be doing them any favors. I am all for giving kids equipment and tackle, but I would not give them junk.

I agree with WRB, although they might make good tomato stakes. The rods will have a bit slower action since more of the rod will be used when pressure is applied.

You may be a great fisherman or not; on the internet you can be anything you want to be. Your people skills could use some work though.

.285x130=37.05÷.310=119.5 yards of #14 Sniper. Way more than you need, even having lost a few yards for retying.

250 pounds of lumber?!?!! Are you building an enclosed cabin? And 5 batteries?! Yes, it will float until it doesn't. Get someone with a little experience to help with your project. You can make your boat very fishable and safe if you stay within its limitations. Good luck.

If you are not used to using an anchor, the mistake most of us make is not letting out enough line to keep an angle that holds properly. I don't remember for sure, but I think it is around 2 feet of rope for every foot of depth. Of course this will vary according to wind and/or current. I am sure A_Jay can give you the right answer, having spent a bit of time at sea. Good luck.

I'm with you farmer. I spent years driving myself crazy trying to figure out the perfect color in every situation. I now know that having the above basics will do the job, providing I do mine.

I am happy for your good news Snook. I wish you fair winds and following seas my friend.

I have four PQs with hundreds of hours of service that have served me very well. They are exceptional reels for the money. With that said, I really like the Tatula, and it will probably be my next reel purchase. Buy the one that feels best in your hand when mounted on the rod (or one like it) you will use with it. Enjoy!

Everything about this has been poorly handled. The league had to be aware of the problem. It's been going on for years. In an attempt to cover their failure to deal with the problem and the embarrassment of it going public after the biggest game of the year, they went after Brady and the Patriots. Had they just made it clear that this was not going to be allowed anymore and changed the way balls are handled and monitored, this would be long done. Doing this would now would require the league to take some responsibility for a system that guaranteed a lack of consistency and uniformity-two things they say they are committed to. I am not buying it at this point.

Looks good ff! Your enthusiasm and passion will impact the kids in a very positive way. Most of us are lucky to have a teacher or two along the way that make a real difference. You can be that guy. I'm looking forward to hearing about your continued success!

I agree that 20# is a bit heavier than I prefer for most topwater baits. I would not hesitate to use it though, keeping in mind that it would not handle as well as something a little thinner. It might be great for throwing squarebills or blade baits into cover. It would work for heavier t-rigs, although I prefer fluorocarbon for this application. Enjoy!

I am indifferent. I am not a Pats fan, and think their past indiscretions color the lense through which most of us see this. With that said, the NFL has made a real mess of this. I recntly heard a discussion of how MLB handled players using gloves bigger than legal a number of years ago. It had gotten out of hand. They informed the glove companies and the players that this would no longer be acceptable and it stopped. If the NFL had used this model we would not be having this discussion. The NFL has completely failed in its handling of this IMO.

Josh's post sums it up succinctly. As WRB says there is much more information available with just a cursory search.

I understand the love/hate thing. I am an opinionated guy who isn't loved universally! I do agree that paying attention while fishing, and studying the habits and patterns of bass to better understand our quarry is key to success at every skill level.

I knew this was going to turn sour when I read, "I outfish everybody I fish with." There are many good fishermen. There are a few great fishermen. Nobody is the best every time out. LuckyGia if you are always the best, you need to find some new partners. Better yet, take RW's advice and teach some others to beat you occasionally. Then everyone will be better, including you.

I had to loose the biggest bass I have seen right at the boat before I took the advice of many and started using a rod made for the job. I use a MHM glass crankbait rod most of the time. You will get many answers, but a slower action rod WILL make keeping CB fish buttoned easier.

What Slone and some of the rest of us understand is that tolerance and acceptance are much overrated!

With your charm, personality, and way with words it is hard to believe some think you are a little harsh sometimes Slone.

Well said Roger. Nice post Hootie.