K_Mac

Hootie I would agree that treating an older person with respect is fundamental to those of us who were brought up that way, and is an important part of a civilized society. I also know a few older folks who because of their bitter attitude have chased off those who would reach out to them. We all have baggage that effects our view of the world, but how we are treated is in very large part dependent on how we treat others.

Here we have two perfectly reasonable viewpoints, and I agree with both. At 57 I am old enough be challenged by brash, immature youngsters. I am also young enough to recognize that cranky, judgmental, and condescending old folk (which I sometimes am) are no fun to be around.

There is no either/or answer to this question. It depends on the fish! How fish relate to structure/cover and respond to different baits depends on many things; time of year, water temps, weather conditions, water condition and time of day, to name only a few. That is all part of the "why" and there are no simple answers IMO.

Roger is absolutely right, as usual. Most of us have spots that we know will produce fish most of the time, and other spots that will produce good fish at particular times. It takes time and experience to learn those locations, and more importantly, to learn why they produce. It is learning the "why" that separates the good fishermen from all the rest...good luck.

Yep. Not that there's anything wrong with that... I believe the best way of storing shad guts is in a live shad.

We have about 8-9" here with a very cold wind. Going to be around 5 in the morning with the cold lasting several days, and more snow Sunday...maybe. It's all good except for the *&$#@! people driving around with a 10" portal cleared in front of the steering wheel and nothing else! What is wrong with these folks? Conditions are already hazardous without trying to drive by feel.

Welcome back Nitro! I agree that checking in here helps to keep the stress of life at bay. My life has been completely off the charts as far as challenges the last couple of months, but I find time to drop in and see what's happening in our community. You never know what Raider will come up with next...

I love the old ones as well-used to watch them back in the day. Dan Akroyd and Jane Curtain doing Point/Counter-Point and Gilda as Rosanna RosannaDanna were as good as it gets. Eddie Murphy doing Mr. Rogers was classic also.

I've quit doing a lot of unhealthy and destructive things over the years, none of them harder than tobacco. Like Slone cigarettes was my delivery system of choice, and like you I quit several times for long periods before I finally was ready. Thankfully it's been a long time since I have had the desire...good luck.

Congratulations Mike.

My original post did not survive the recent site crash, so I'll say it again: I think this list should be a central part of the curriculum of every school in the country . I think we all should read it regularly to remind us that life is what we make of it. Excellent post A-Jay.

Slone I've read enough of your posts to know you have a couple of things that can't be taught, intelligence and a sense of humor. Those will both serve you well as you move on. I also was let go by a company because of permanent health issues. That is just the way the world works. Keep your head up and stay positive. Good luck.

Sure fishing is a sport. The question is, are fishermen athletes? As has been said, there are some who have the physical gifts and conditioning to qualify-most of us do not, even at the highest levels IMO. Athleticism is certainly not required to succeed at this sport. Shimmy's grandfather is a great example of someone who wants to fish badly enough to condition himself to be able to. There are physical skills involved in fishing that some of us will never master, but that does not make those who do athletes.

Great advice so far. I would only add that while going heavier on a jig or plastic is often a good choice, do not dismiss trying lighter. A 1/8 or 3/16 oz bullet weight with a smallie beaver has worked well for me in this situation. Stay positive! I have out-fished and been out-fished from the back of the boat many times.

At my age I am careful not to wish for the quick passing of time-I am on a limited budget. With this said, the short days do wear on me. As John Denver once wrote, "Sunshine Makes Me Happy".

Well said...for a Red Sox fan.

I am in a very vulnerable frame of mind with my team having lost twice to a lesser squad. So no, I do not mean lose again. However, there are many teams that rarely get there-you know curses and whatnot-so if my choice is get there and lose or not get there at all, I'll take the former.

With all due respect to my friend SirSnook it ain't quite that simple. Power and action make a difference. My percentage of bites to fish in the boat are much higher on crankbaits once I decided to go to a moderate action rod designed for the purpose. Many companies label rods for specific techniques. Some of this is just marketing, but using the proper power and action for the job at hand will make you more effective. A MedFast or XFast spinning rod, a MedHeavy or HeavyFast or XF, and a M or MH Moderate action rod for treble hooked baits will cover most of your bases. Some will tell you that one broomstick will work for all things. Unless you are very limited in the water you fish and the techniques you use this will limit your success. Having the right setup will also increase your enjoyment in my experience, and that is what it is all about IMO. Good luck.

My first chance to get back to this thread since the unfortunate ending to the series. I would agree that Boston deserved the win based on performance. Ortiz and company were something to see. Congratulations Red Sox Nation. The Cards are a great organization. We will continue to contend with homegrown talent, smart free agent acquisitions, and outstanding management. This is the second time in recent memory we didn't get it done against Boston. Let's do it again next year.

Goose as a charter member of the PQ fan club I salute you! The only anomaly at evidence in this thread is you my friend. Many of us intend to do in-depth analysis of many things-few of us actually do. At its price point the PQ is a solid winner. Combine that with BPS customer serve and it is an exceptional value in my opinion and experience. Some read your review and feel compelled to condemn for a variety of reasons. We would both agree that all BPS reels do not have the record of success that the PQ does. All of the major manufacturers are the same, esp at the lower end of their lines. You have not tried to make any case here, other than the over-all value of the PQ based on your well documented experience. Well done.

Yep. Been there done that many times! It's a little too cool for me this time of year though.

Cardinals! It should be a great series. I am not a gambling man, but if I were I would bet the egg money that there won't be a sweep this time around. GO CARDS!

Happy birthday Speed! Distinguished is a good word for a bearded philosopher...

Horseshoe welcome to bass fishing. I understand wanting to try to get a short list of go-to equipment and baits. The list may not be that short , but there are some fundamental choices that will give you a good start. Roadwarrior has posted many times his basic equipment list of 3 combos. I can't seem to find it now, but it looks much like this: A 6' 6"-7' MediumHeavy Fast/Extra /Fast baitcast combo for single hook baits (jigs, worms, spinnerbaits, etc.), A 6'6"-7' M or MH Moderate action baitcast combo for treble hook baits (crankbaits, topwaters, etc.), A 6'6"-7' Medium Fast/Extra Fast spinning combo for finesse (small unweighted plastics, shakyheads, grubs, etc.). With these three combos you can fish the majority of bass fishing techniques and baits. As time goes on you can (and will) add to the list based on your preferences.

I played once way back in the day when it first showed up. I think they were still using lead based paint at the time Running around in the woods while getting shot in the face is not my idea of a good time. Funny story though: One of my friends was training to be a police officer at the time. When shot between the eyes at some distance by another friend who shot from the hip at a dead run, he decide maybe he was not cut out to be a policeman. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen, once we determined he was not seriously hurt. He went down like he had been hit with a brick. It still makes me smile..