K_Mac

Your generalization is generally true, generally speaking. Bright bluebird days will often require presentations tight to cover, more stained water, or deeper structure in my experience. As has been mentioned the problem with generalizations is they can get in the way when fish don't behave like we think they should. Sometimes the reasons for changes in feeding patterns don't fit the norm. My wife and I fished all day Thursday catching fish deep most of the day. From about 3:30-4:30 we caught fish along the same rock banks, but in less than 4' of water. Everything else on the day was caught in 15'-20'. Based on my observations, nothing changed but the depth of the fish. Why? I don't have a clue...

That is a motto I can live with. Well said!

SirSnook I think it is just human nature for us to elevate what makes us happy. There is a bit of elitist in all of us. Bass fishing is certainly not the ultimate fishing experience, but it is the best available for many of us.

Do a quick search and you will find catch and release is a topic that stirs passion in many bass fishermen. I don't mind a meal of bass fillets occasionally. I regularly fish a lake where keeping a few smaller fish is good for the lake, and a couple of times a year I do. I fish though because I love the time on the water, the hunt, the gear, the fellowship with other like minded folks, and a hundred other reasons that have nothing to do with meat. Catch and release in conjunction with selective harvest is a common sense approach to managing a limited and valuable resource. You need to help your fish eating friends see that bass are better left to fight another day, than fried in a skillet.

I feather the line off the spool with my index finger at the end of my cast, much like thumbing the spool of a baitcaster. As I close the bail I lift the rod tip to remove any loose line before turning the handle. Twist issues are far less common since I learned to do this. As mentioned above, I see many people reeling against the drag when reeling in fish. This will make a mess of your line in short order...I rarely use swivels for anything but a C-rig. Good luck!

The idea of a public "secret honey hole" is funny! This conversation illustrates the passion that this discussion always has. It also shows clearly how easy it is to judge others based on our values. I completely agree with SirSnook regarding imposing ones beliefs on others. If a person keeps a bucket of legal fish while fishing at a public lake, it is none my or your business. Whether they speak English or not is none of my or your business. There are many of us who do not have a bucket, but if we did and someone kicked it over there would be trouble. If someone is doing something illegal, get the law involved; if not leave them alone. We don't have any idea what their circumstances are, and no right to give them any trouble.

Tuckahoe the overwhelming majority of us practice catch and release when it comes to bass. Some like you, keep all legal fish, others are religious in their opposition to keeping any bass; most of us keep far less than we legally could if we keep any at all. It really depends on the water and the size of the fish for me. Keeping a few smaller fish in a lake that can benefit from selective harvest is healthy for the ecosystem. Keeping any fish in some waters is unhealthy. Keeping anything over 14" is not something I do. A fish that has reached that size has survived the odds and may grow to be one worth coming here and bragging about. Those bass fishermen who return their catch to the lake you fish do so to protect the future of the system. Keeping legal fish is your right. Making an informed decision regarding harvesting fish is your responsibility IMO. One final thought; all states to my knowledge have possession limits on bass, in addition to creel limits, as has been mentioned. Keeping a couple bass to eat from a public lake is one thing, filling the freezer is another. If you need the meat there are many other species that are better able to meet your need in my view.

I check every hook I throw regularly while in use. If it needs a little touching up with a stone or file, that's what I do. This includes Gamakastsu and Owner. It is hard for me to imagine weakening a hook point resulting in failure. I have caught many fish on resharpened hooks and never seen it happen. I have damaged hook points on other objects, and if they require more than a little work they get tossed. This procedure works for me. I know I'm in the minority on this, but I can live with that.

I sometimes don't focus like I should. This almost always results in a missed fish or opportunity. I was talking to a friend on my cell a while back, when I "'hooked" a very nice fish. My partner saw the fish and grabbed the net. Just before he netted it, it opened its mouth and swam off. He gave me a lot of grief, saying it was a monster. I don't know how big it was, but if I had been paying attention my chances to land it would have been much higher. I think most of us let our minds wander from time to time while fishing. I fish for fun and to enjoy time on the water so an occasional missed fish is not too big a deal. When money is on the line, or I'm fishing in water capable of producing trophy fish I tend to pay closer attention to those details J Franco mentioned. Watch KVD fish and you will see what focus looks like. I believe his success is in his ability to stay focused on the details.

On any lake a 2# bass is a nice fish in my world. I fish one lake where 1-3# fish are pretty common, and most trips I expect to catch at least one in the 3.5-5# range. A 6-7# fish is not too unusual. This is a limited horsepower lake with a 14-18" slot, so there are very good numbers of breeding fish. No other public lakes in the area produce these kinds of expectations for me. I fish some private strip pits that also produce good numbers and size. Most of my fishing trips I am fishing at or before first light and get off the water with just enough light left to secure things for the ride home. And yes, I would consider a 3-4 hour fishing trip with 4-5 in the 1.5-2.5 range a good day of fishing. I used to be sick when my numbers and sizes didn't compare well with other guys. As I've gotten older, and maybe a little wiser , I don't care near as much. What is funny about that is now that it is not so important, I usually can hold my own with the rest of the boys. Experience and knowing the water do make a difference ...keep up the good work and have fun!

Bass Pro is a site sponsor. Why Glenn chooses to restrict some sites is really his business. He owns and operates this one, and I think that he is fairly liberal in his policies related to other sites and most other things for that matter. I think we sometimes take this site for granted, as if we have a right to be here and it should be run to suit us. We don't and it doesn't. An e-mail or phone call can answer any question that can't be answered here. I am OK with that.

I also recommend you try a few different handguns before making a decision. I ended up with the Ruger SR9c after trying a variety of others. It was the best fit for me, and comes at a very reasonable price. I would also take a look at the Ruger SP101. In either 2.25" or 3" it is heavy enough to handle .38+P ammo fairly comfortably, with the option of .357 mag if you want to make a lot of fire, noise, and have some serious firepower. For absolute deep concealment, I don't think there is a better pistol than the Ruger LCP for the money. It is only available in .380, and for some that is a deal breaker. Not me. A .380 that you can carry is far better than a 1911 that is locked up at home...

I've never put one on a scale, but the Bandit 100 series weighs in at 1/4 oz according to Bandit. I have caught some very good fish on those little devils. I would not let an arbitrary weight limit my selection. I used to throw them on a spinning rig. I now have a glass cranking rod rated 1/4-3/4 with a Pro Qualifier reel that does a fine job.

I am very familiar with that technique. When the fishing is slow, my wife uses it from time to time. She loves night fishing even though she might doze off occasionally. I've cautioned her a couple of times if she loses the rod we will have to make a trip to BPS. She knows that will be expensive... Good story and picture.

I don't think there there has been any "evolving" of pork trailers. The advances in plastics has just about sent them the way of the typewriter; some still use them, but it is more about nostalgia than utility IMO.

For years I was in the 'fast with mono" group. I now use a glass MH (1/4-3/4) rod with copoly line. The cranking rod, with its slower action keeps fish buttoned when using trebles much better in my experience.

Well done Goose. Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy. Good looking fish and a fine story!

A slightly under-powered rod is likely not the problem, unless a guide is damaged. My bet would be either the knot or the line. Even the best nylon line will degrade over time, esp when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. Re-spool with new line (a good copoly would be my choice), check the rod for damage, and have fun.

I use it and recommend it.

Looks like $5 well spent. Good job!

I use 1/4 oz short bills with a 4" curly tail grub most of the time. I have caught good fish ripping them out of grass and slow-rolling them in deeper water. A very versatile bait that you can work throughout the water column.

Yes I will stop fishing if I get the West Nile virus. I will not stop fishing for fear of getting it. I am more likely to get killed in an accident on the way to the lake than contract the virus. Some things just are not worth worrying about. Edit: Tyrius and I think a lot alike. I did not read his post before posting mine. Great minds...

I own an old tin boat that is "best" for me. I can easily pull it with either of my vehicles and it goes where others can't or won't. I often fish with a friend who has last years Z8. While it is nothing fancy it performs well in all areas. It is a fine boat for the money IMO. If I had unlimited means Ranger would still be my first choice, but the newer Nitros a offer a lot of bang for your fishing buck.

In a medium powered rod an XF action is usually my preference. In MH I would agree with bassinbrian that a fast is more versatile, and would work fine in your applications. Just my choice. As in many fishing rear related choices, it often comes down to personal preference. Good luck.

The BPS Pro Qualifier comes in a couple of low speed options. It is a very good reel for the money in my experience. They are often available on sale for $80. A great value.