K_Mac

I have been using this technique for wacky rigging for a number of years with good success.

This topic always stirs much discussion. I think most of us learned on inexpensive gear. Truth is for many of us the equipment in common use when we started was pretty primitive by today's standards. That even entry level rods and reels today are far better than what I used as a kid is not in doubt. With that said, you can still buy gear that limits your ability to catch fish effectively in my opinion. That is why the advice, "Buy the best you can afford" is the standard advice given. Spending just a little more can make a big difference in making the entire experience more enjoyable and productive. For those who can afford the best, this advice really is too simple. Just because you can afford top of the line gear doesn't mean that it is a good investment. For the avid fisherman with deep pockets it may be. For the collecting enthusiast, sure. But for the vast majority of experienced anglers there is a fairly clear point where the dimishing returns don't justify spending more. The problem for me is the methods and materials continue to improve. While I don't really need new gear, I am always curious about the advances. This is the engine that keeps the wheels turning for tackle manufacturing IMO.

I used 15# YZ for several years. With a little KVD Line and Lure conditioner it works fine. Without it is a still a good choice for baits =/> 3/8 oz in applications that require strength and abrasion resistance IMO. It is relatively cheap, so it is worth a try. Good luck.

Depending on season, weather, water conditions, and experience on the water being fished, I will have 3 or 4 different baits (or more) rigged. I will rotate through those baits fairly quickly in the locations that best match the conditions. It usually doesn't take long to get an idea of what is working and refining from there. The biggest challenge for me is spending too much time in the wrong spots fishing history instead of the moment. A riged commitment to what I think I know often costs valuable time. There are times when I will take Hatrix's approach and just fish the way that suits me. If a man is stubborn enough and not too concerned about numbers this can work too!

That right there is the pattern within the pattern. There are many variables; location, depth, speed, angle, size, color, noise/vibration, cadence, etc. Even line size and type can sometimes matter. Generally by the time I figure these things out the pattern has changed...

One atmosphere weighs 14.7 psi more or less, or about 2' per pound.

One more vote for the 100 series Bandit. It is my go-to shallow crank. In a lot of wood I like the kvd squarebills. I like the 1.5 better than the 2.5 but have had success on both.

16' = ~7 psi of water. Super glue or epoxy is a better choice to repair a leak IMO.

I completely agree JT. Good equipment is enjoyable to use, and most of take a while to find the level that works best for us. Even entry level gear today is far better than was available a few years ago. Investing in high end gear is best done when you've had enough experience to know what you like and need.

I am a big fan of rats drinking beverages that are bad for them . I hate rats.

Great picture! Happy Birthday. Enjoy your trip.

Jmoore020965 the problem many of us are having is that you've come to some nontraditional conclusions based on your limited experience, and you are unwilling to accept any input that doesn't support them. You acknowledge that there is great wisdom and experience on this site, yet seem only interested in convincing us that you've discovered a simple truth that we've managed to miss. The truth is sometimes bass will crush a rattltrap and not take a second look at a chatterbait. They will sometimes kill a deep diving crank and ignore anything else. There are other times when a chatterbait over grass will out produce anything else, or a slow rolled spinnerbait or chatterbait will work better than a crank. The point is many of us have spent thousands of hours on the water to try to figure this out. If you want to discuss these things we are happy to do so. If you are here to teach us about things you think you know, good luck.

Good luck my friend.

John you are a great example of someone who pays attention to his body and responds accordingly. You learned what was going on and took responsibility and appropriate action. Unfortunately many of us don't. Diabetes and obesity are closely related and are at epidemic levels in this country. They kill far more people than illicit drugs, yet the problem continues to get worse. This link will take you to a couple of documentary videos that explore the causes and consequences of our dietary choices: http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com/

Frydog we've been around this bush many times. The increased density of fluorocarbon is the advantage. That not only causes it to sink faster, but also transfers vibration better. I feel more when using fluorocarbon. Is it the best choice for the OP? I don't know. Only he can decide. It is certainly the best choice for me.

I use mono for trebles, and fluorocarbon for everything else. I also do not like braid and don't have it on any of my gear at this point. As you can see, some think braid is the best choice for manageability and sensitivity. I do not. You really have to decide by using various lines and seeing what works best for you. Good luck.

Good information John. My experience has been quite different. Because of my weight and bad diet I had become "insulin resistant". My A1c was over 10 before I figured out what was going on. It took a while even through medication and diet to get things under control. Now through diet and exercise I no longer need any medication to control my blood sugar levels. My experience is not unique. There are huge numbers of people who are eating themselves into trouble. Comparing sugar to heroin is over the top, but there are some similarities in that their use stimulates the desire for more. Yes heroin is evil and sugar used carefully is not. Careful use is not very popular though.

While Ike has grown on me over the years, he would not make a good representative for the power of mind and body control. Maybe Aaron Martens....

With all due respect to Zen master Rick Clunn, using quantum physics to explain abstract metaphysical notions is a stretch I am not willing to make. Yes, attitude is important in staying focused and making good decisions. Implying that fish are more willing or more likely to bite my bait based on my psychological state is nonsense in my humble opinion.

You bring a fresh set of eyes and life experience to the classroom. Those are valuable assets. I expect you to do very well.

I bury them in my back yard. If I ever decide to have a garden I am good to go! It only takes a few minutes and I don't have to worry about the stink or mess.

There are many drinks and food items that are not worth the caloric cost. Coke is but one of them. The amount of sugar in things is crazy. I grabbed a 20 ounce regular Gatorade earlier today after a long workout. I usually drink the lower calorie stuff. 28 grams of sugar! That is 7 teaspoons and is as much as a Snickers bar! There are not enough electrolytes in the sugary sports drink to justify the calories unless you are doing distance training of some sort and really need those calories, in spite of what the commercials say. OK feel better now!

I will pile on with the rest: Precision is the key. An accurate pitch to a hard to get to spot that enters the water silently can be the difference between a pig and a skunk. If you can do this at 25' you are doing great! With practice you will learn what the maximum distance is for you. Relax and enjoy the process. I will add one bit of advice that made me much more consistent. Pitching is like shooting a rifle or throwing a dart. Laser-like focus is key. It took me a while to figure this out. Good luck.

Amen! It is rare that I don't fish more than 4 hours on any trip. If I had to choose a 4 hour slot it would ~8p to midnight, although the cool and quiet of the wee hours are hard beat.