K_Mac

Some good suggestions. For most of us it takes a little trial and error. Once you get a system it is no big deal-at least in the summer. When water and air temperature is cold it adds a little more challenge to get it right. J Franko's advice can save much time, money and grief. I have backed off the end of the ramp a couple of times with no harm done, other than getting soaked to the skin once. I have seen others that were not so lucky.

Being able to put your bait exactly where you want it is one of the things that separates the best from the rest. It has already been said, but it is worth repeating: hitting your spot is often the difference in getting bit or not. It is also often the difference in a keeper or a pig. Functionally it is really a matter of focus. Learning to cast to a precise spot is much like shooting a rifle, or throwing a dart, or hitting a golf ball. Doing any of these well only comes with commitment, skill, and practice. My best advice is fish with someone who knows how to do this, and learn from them. Good luck.

Way to go! It takes serious strength and character to handle those major life changes while going to school. I have great respect, and wish you all the best.

Outstanding work my friend! It is very rare to see such honest and detailed analyses, especially over this long a time. Your attention to detail is well beyond anything most of us could manage, or even consider. Based on your recommendations and usage, I expect my PQs to outlast me. Thank you for a job well done.

A lure retriever will pay for itself in no time. I use the weight and chain type (like the one above). With that said, losing baits is just part of fishing. Buy what works and throw it where the fish are. It is still cheaper than most other hobbies.

Be honest and confident. You have been there and done that. You know your strengths and weaknesses. You also have one thing that can't be taught-intelligence. These things are not as common as you might think.

Happy birthday Speed. Weird beard or not, you are one of the guys I enjoy the most on this site. Have a great day!

I had come to the conclusion that spinning reels just weren't for me before I learned to close the bail while lifting the rod tip slightly as the bait touched down. That, and learning to feather the line to control distance has made spinning equipment an acceptable light line option for me. With a little practice it is as natural as thumbing the spool on a baitcaster.

We have much less chance of sealing the borders of several African countries than we do of sealing our own. 4,000 troops, or 40,000 won't get it done. There are many simple answers to complex problems...and they are all wrong.

I have watched enough media coverage of the threat to come to the same conclusion. Sure it is a dangerous disease and we don't really understand as much about it as we would like. We have to establish better protocols and provide better training. Our world-class hospitals do not protect us unless we train and drill healthcare professionals to properly handle this threat and make sure the proper equipment is in place. There is plenty to be done here in my opinion. I know that many would simply like to stop all travel from anywhere that poses a threat. Sounds good, but as SirSnook says it really is not that simple...

I get a kick out of these threads. Trying to quantify subjective terms like 'effective ratio' may excite the mathematicians, but it serves no useful purpose IMO. How far your hand travels to complete one turn of the handle certainly doesn't change IPT, but changing the handle length does change the way a reel feels to fish. The amount of work done during the retrieve does not change. How the energy required to perform that work "feels" based on handle length is why actual use is the only reliable way to quantify user satisfaction.

While the above post has merit, finding a way to fish with skilled, experienced fishermen and learning to place your bait in spots others can't get to is my advice.

*Hootie I may have to sell a kidney to pay for propane if we have another winter like the last! I am too old to lose any working body parts...

As a lifelong Cardinals fan the 1985 Series is still an unpleasant memory. I would like to have a rematch this year. Whether the birds can make the big show remains to be seen. It does appear that KC is a team of destiny and it may not matter who they play. I can't help cheering them on. They are fun to watch.

I usually change something when I start wearing down. A lot of good advice here. I can say for sure that since I started strength training I am much more able to fish for long periods without fatigue or pain.

I don't think has the legs to last like the saying under discussion, but when applied to bass fishing it is probably it is a more accurate motto. There is no question an easterly wind around here will make fishing more challenging. Once a pattern is found though a good day can still be had-usually deeper or more shallow in the nastiest stuff around in my experience.

I was a runner back in the day. After 3 surgeries and a partial replacement of my left knee, running is no longer an option. After a couple of years of losing weight and getting in shape I am now "fast" walking. I have reached the point where I can keep my heart rate up and find a cadence that allows me to get much the same workout as I used to get, without all the pounding on my joints that comes with running. FWIW speed is no longer a real concern. A 14 minute mile works as good as an 8 minute back in the day. Of course I am much older now!

I would like to vote, but am too old to understand the complexities of the internet.

Congratulations Bluebasser86.

I agree. I once invited a guy to fish from my boat who was struggling with a trolling motor that was not big enough to manage the wind. We had a good day of fishing. I did the asking though. I don't mind helping or giving away baits from time to time, but if you ask me at the ramp I will tell you no. Offering 5 or 10 dollars to cover expenses may get a laugh, but is not likely to change anyone's mind.

That is the other side of the coin: Fishing with someone who has good skills will make you better. Fishing with someone who doesn't may be a good time, but it won't necessarily improve your fishing.

Fishing alone is a great time to learn new things and not have to worry about anyone else. You want to practice burning a trap or methodically pitching to isolated cover? Ripping a chatterbait through grass or working a sqarebill through wood? Spend an hour working a beaver pile or buzz down a bank with the trolling motor turned up? It's all good! Some of my best days of fishing have been alone. How many or how big are secondary to enjoying the solitude and the moment IMO.

For me pitching is not just a heavy cover technique. It is far more about accurate, quiet placement of my bait, especially in difficult to get to spots. A 6'8" or 7' MXF (1/4-5/8 lure rating) are my favorite rods for this when cover will allow. I have a 7'3" HM to use when heavy is required... J Franco starting a novice baitcast user out pitching is probably a good idea. It took me way too many years to learn how to do it well. It was only when I started fishing with a guy who really knew how that I realized how much I had to learn. Knowing what is possible has caused me to get much better. I can catch fish now that were out of reach a couple of years ago.

One more vote for the PQ. I have four well used ones that have performed well. I have no experience with the Carbonlite. I have a couple of older Extremes that are ok, but I will not buy another. J Franco and DVT are two guys with a lot of reel service experience. You can trust their recommendations. The PQ is a very good reel for the money.

Sam's suggestion will solve the problem of the line not coming off the spool. Pitching with spinning gear has its own challenges though... Pitching is not entry level technique. Go back to the fundamental setup of your reel. If it is set so that the bait will drop when the spool is released you should be able to pitch-at least short distances. Do your homework. There are countless articles and videos showing how. Using 3/8 ounce or more until you begin to figure it out will help.