K_Mac

It sounds like the fish was returned to the water immediately. This satisfies the legal question. While I am not a big fan of the A-Rig, this example is not a question of ethics in my opinion. He was only using two single hooks. If this had occurred while fishing an old-school minnow type bait with three treble hooks and the same thing happened, would anyone question the fish as a legitimate catch? I don't think so. Taking it to the scale in a tournament is a different question, although in most cases the fish would be legal there as well. The idea that this violates some sort of ethical "sport" fishing code seems a little self-righteous to me.

I agree. Congratulations.

Seems like only a few minutes ago to me... And yes I am getting old!

Staying firmly planted in the seat on rough water is a very good thing. Those handles are essential if you are going to do that. Your back will thank you...

That just tells us how many are stupid enough to join. It does not quantify how stupid a person has to be to join.

It will have to be aluminum. I don't think even a big strapping young man can tote a glass rig.

It has taken me way too many years to finally learn that working out effects everything! Newbie one thing is sure: The bigger the bag, the more stuff you will find to fill it. Enjoy the burn!

Poisonokie after closely looking at a few pictures, it appears the lever just opens the bail. An expensive solution to a nonexistent problem.

You could be right that it does not simply release the bail like the ones A-Jay and I had. Now you have me curious.

I once had a reel with a similar lever. It is a solution to a problem that does not exist.

Back in the day a reel with 22-24 Inches Per Turn of the handle was fast. The bigger gearing makes much faster IPT possible.

I have weight added to a couple of spinning and baitcast combos. A perfectly balanced combo is far more comfortable when using contact baits IMO. In a perfect world I would use gear that does not require this, but a man has to make do sometimes.

Duplicate post.

I have had a Fortrex 80# for several years. It has preformed well. I fish regularly with a friend who has a MG 100+ 36 volt. I prefer my MK. Many who have the Powerdrive units love them. I do not.

Bass Pro is a very successful operation because of their ability to meet the needs of the customer at a decent price. Their customer service is second to none IMO. They are not always the cheapest and they don't always have what I want, but they are one of my go-to suppliers. Because they are a big chain that depends on volume, they are constantly changing inventory. There are countless baits that worked have worked for me in the past that are no longer available. Tackle comes and goes. Get over it. Bashing a company on this site because they don't meet your needs in content or price is silly as far as I am concerned, and is contrary to Glenn's policy.

I don't have quite as many years night fishing as Catt, but I do have many. Night fishing can be great all night or have cycles just like any other time during the day. I have caught many bass during those "boring" hours mentioned above. Those include my three biggest bass. If you are bored you are not paying attention IMO. Being on the water at night is enjoyable even if the fish aren't biting!

There is no one correct answer. I dislike braid and prefer fluorocarbon, with the exception of crankbaits and topwater baits for which I use mono. You will hear from many who will tell you braid is the only answer. It is not, buy the only way of knowing for yourself is to see what works best for you. Enjoy the process!

I still have some discoloration on the inside my ankles from roasting them on a float trip about 40 years ago. I will never forget that mistake! One of the young ladies with us on that same trip burnt the tops of her bosoms so badly she stopped by the ER on the way home. It is a little funny now, but a bad sunburn is a serious thing.

I've not used that monofilament. When I do use mono I use Trilene XT. I think 12# XT would be heavy enough for your application. Anytime you fish in rock or wood make sure you check your line regularly. Even the most abrasion resistant lines will need to be retied often in some spots.

Welcome aboard badhat. 15 year old gear doesn't seem that old to me...

Congratulations!

Being versatile will put more fish in the boat. Being able to cast accurately and control the bait well is my focus. I don't give how I hold the reel much thought. Sometime I palm it, sometime I don't. If I am throwing a crank in open water, probably not; pitching in tight, absolutely. Right hand or left, palm or not, it's all good!

Well said captain. I have only fished with a guide a couple of times. Both times were great experiences because of the conduct of the professionals I hired. Once was an ocean trip and the other a trout trip on the White River. I tipped generously on both trips because I know that they were committed to making the trip enjoyable and memorable. Exceptional service deserves a good tip. I also think that tipping is part of the cost of using a service, whether it is a fishing guide or a barber or the server at a diner. On the rare occasions that I have left less than a good tip, I have been very clear about why. If I was unable or unwilling to tip a fishing guide I simply would not use their services. The real pros will earn their money and pay their taxes just like the rest of us.

I had a little corrosion at the fuse connection on one of my Lowrance units that caused me to talk to myself for a couple of trips. As has already been mentioned, you need proper voltage to keep your unit working. Good luck.

My wife has had major back issues for years. She has been through a lot. Having watched her struggles I understand how debilitating back pain can be. I will keep you in my prayers Snook.