K_Mac

I have not thrown a Senko/knock-off much yet this year. I have tried wacky rigged on a weighted jig/hook (one of my favorite techniques) on a couple of trips with only a little success. I agree with ice and others though that when a Senko is what they want, then I will use a Senko. Diversity is good when it comes to fishing, and being comfortable with several techniques and styles will increase your ability to put fish in the boat. Good luck Comfortably Numb.

I don't know of any bluegill creel limits that are not more than 5. This "foreign couple" has every right to keep what they want within the limits of the law, and you have no right to mess with them. We are not justified messing with law abiding folks, and there is nothing funny about doing so.

I have learned the hard way not remove plastics from their original bags, unless it is to combine a couple of the same bait and color in one of the originals. You may be fine with it, but some colors will likely mutate into an unholy mess in my experience...good luck.

I'm with 38 on this. What we have seems to work pretty well, though if I were king we would have less individual forums than we now have. Glenn has been very proactive with keeping this site the best bass fishing site available. I'm good with that.

Sam as a "well seasoned" angler I am more aware of my mortality than I used to be. I lost a very good friend almost two years ago because he did not take the proper precautions while fishing/boating. I still go fishing and primitive camping alone occasionally but whether I'm alone or not, going for a few hours or several days, I make sure my wife and daughter know all the information you suggested. I also wear an inflatable flotation device, make sure all safety devices are working and up to date, and take along rain gear and extra clothes. As A-Jay saw many times during the course of his career, things can go bad in an instant and survival often depends on being prepared. Thanks for the reminder.

+1 Enjoy!

I agree with WRB that lure choices are probably not the problem; you have to find the areas holding bigger fish. I also agree that a shad (or bluegill) colored chatterbait on spawning flats (pay close attention to the outer edges where the flats transition into deeper water) can get your arm broken when the big girls are staging to spawn. Get a bait into the proper spot this time of year and hold on. That may be 5' of water on a flat or 20' or deeper on the outer edge. Size and speed do matter, but location trumps all-esp this time of year in my experience.

I had to take a Dramamine to look at the pictures, but I like them. While the lights may not be legal by the letter of the law, I doubt anyone would actually ticket you for them since they certainly meet the intent. I would throw the old bow light in the boat somewhere just in case an over-zealous type insisted it be used.

Great post guys. Short of receiving a large sum of cash from an unknown benefactor, I am afraid I will have to make do with the vicarious thrills provided by y'all. Thanks for sharing.

And that pretty much sums it up. Yes there are some differences in many technique specific rods. A drop shot rod is a good example. I use a MF spinning rod that works OK. My fishing partner has a GLoomis rod designed for the technique and it is a much better rod for that task. If I had the space and cash, I would have exactly the right rod for every purpose. Most of us don't, so we find equipment that does many things reasonably well. Nothing wrong with that; just as there is nothing wrong with someone having many rods, with each one designated for a very specific purpose. It's all good. Edit: Just because a manufacturer puts a specific purpose on a rod does not mean it will be what I/you want for that technique. I have rod that a friend gave to me because it says it is a deep crankbait rod. It is not! It is a very good pitching rod though.

Like you A-Jay I have been on both sides of giver and receiver. The reaction you get when you cut off a bait and give it to someone that just saw you catch a fish or two on it is worth much more than the price of the bait. As a younger man I was given a few darter jigs and a bag of grubs along with some on-the-spot training on how to use them in that same situation. Another time I was catching very nice striper hybrids on a roadrunner. I broke off the last one i had. As I was rummaging through my meager collection trying to find something else to use a guy came up and asked what they were biting on. I told him. He gave me a couple and drove off without making a cast. I will never forget either indecent and if I can pay that back along the way I'm good with that.

.ghoti. said what I was thinking... I don't know CrossFit from cross-cultural, but I am a curious guy...

As you can see the options are huge! A 6"or 8" Zoom lizard has long been my go-to C-rig bait. A Brushhog or baby Brushhog, and various worms will sometimes get the call. The last couple of years I have been trying various large worms with different tail actions with some success. I think this is an important part of the bait selection process. While either a T-rig or C-rig can be the preferred technique at times, depending on the lake and season there is a size or profile that works best. Finding that is usually not an exact science. Good luck! I have had times when the C-rig has put fish in the boat when nothing else would...

Every time I work the front using a MG I am like a rookie! I am also married to MK-but don't tell my wife.

I have a Minn Kota Fortrex 80 that has served me well for a few years now. I have had better luck with MK. A friend has the Motorguide equivalent and I'm not sure it makes a huge difference though. You get used to one foot control and the other is a little awkward till you adjust. J Franco makes a good point concerning mounting holes, although I think either unit has some flexibility in pattern selection. The new electronic controls are far more efficient than the older multi-speed units. I have primitively camped for several days on one charge several times and still had power to spare. No way would that have been possible with the old technology.

I still use a 6'6" version of that rod for throwing spinnerbaits/chatterbaits occasionally, although it may get retired from the rotation this year. Mine is rated 3/8-1 oz; yours is rated to 1 1/2. For heavy applications like a C-rig or heavy jig, or something in heavy cover it will work fine.

Up until the last few years a 6.4:1 ratio with a 26"-28" inch per turn of the handle (IPT) was a very fast reel. For me the only time a faster reel is preferable is when I want the bait back to the boat quickly to make another pitch to my targeted area. I have a couple of 7.0:1 reels, but most of my reels are 6.4:1 and I use them effectively with all styles of fishing.

My prayers are with your father and all of the family. Sometimes it takes a wake-up call for us to take care of ourselves...

When pitching with a spinning combo I use basically the same motion as I do when using a baitcaster. I have better control holding the bait in my left (rather than the line) and using a backhand snap of my wrist. With a spinning reel I usually use the index finger on my right hand to feather the line as it touches down, much the same as my thumb on a baitcaster. I do sometimes the use my left hand to do the same. I was once better with my spinning rigs than baitcasters. The last couple of years that has reversed but with practice either one works very well. As far as tackle needed is concerned it really depends on what you prefer. For the techniques you mention, I would go with a 6'6"-7' M/XF rod rated in the 1/4-1/2 oz range.

I use a Gammi EWG (3/O or 4/O) hook and skin hook it in the center groove of the bait. Care has to taken to make sure it is rigged so as not put any stress on the plastic. Once I figured out how to do that I rarely have any trouble.

I had the same question when I watched my recorded copy of the show yesterday. After going back and looking closely in slow/stop mode, I am convinced it is just reeled up to the top eyelet and is just a tungsten weight.

I have spent 13 months getting myself in shape. I still have a little more to do, but I am far more aware of the choices I make. For most of us it is more about eating right and getting some exercise than simply eating less. That is not to say I don't still go a little crazy from time to time...

Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread. A glass of milk, and a strong cup of black coffee and you're good to go.

My fishing partner is as good with a baitcaster as any I've ever seen. One day last week he was fishing a pond and set the hook on a decent fish, pushing the spool release as he did so. He had just spooled with some higher-end fluorocarbon. About $20 worth of brand new line cut off in little pieces just like your friends. It happens. Some of my more spectacular messes have come as Sam mentions. Hit something in the boat while going for a little extra distance and the distinctive sound will let you know it's time to get out your knife. I've never used tape because electrical will make a bit of a mess if it gets hot. I may try the Teflon tape just for grins...

Chris I will pray for Josh, his family and friends. Events like this are painful reminders that life is short and fragile, and there are no promises or guarantees. I will not talk about my Christian beliefs although I find great comfort in them. I do have a favorite Sanskrit Proverb that you may be familiar with. It has played in my head many times over the years: Look to this day, For it is life, The very life of life. In its brief course lie all The realities and verities of existence, The bliss of growth, The splendor of action, The glory of power- For yesterday is but a dream, And tomorrow is only a vision, But today, well lived, Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day. I pray for God's comfort and healing in all of this my friend.