K_Mac

Because of the way they are made, strip pits are harder to read than most lakes. You can't look at a bank and visualize what's underwater most of the time. It has taken several years for me to begin to find the prime spots in lakes I fish. I don't have side imaging sonar, so finding shelves and subtle drops near deep water takes time. Pits are not that different than other lakes. Like most lakes, transition spots where grass, rock, wood, etc meet, esp close to relativity deep water, and bottom irregularities are always gold. Fishing your strengths is most often a good plan IMO. I primarily use jigs and plastics and I tend to fish off the bank more than some. It works for me, but a friend has taught over the last couple of years that pitching tight to isolated cover, even in very shallow water can kill. Wacky rigged Senkos/knock-offs pitched to cover is my secret weapon. Moving baits can be effective, though I prefer something slower when conditions allow. While I have caught a few in the 5-6 lb range, I have not yet connected with any thing over 6 lb in my So. IL. pits. I know they're in there. Maybe this year. Good luck.

I can only speak for the 2011 Z-8. A friend of mine has one with a 250 Pro XS. Nitro says 74-77. With the two of us and all our gear it will do at least 75. It may do better, but I am too interested in making sure I stay in the boat at that speed to pay close attention. He says it will do 80+ with just him in the boat, and I don't doubt it. EDIT: Neither of us are skinny dudes. Full figured would be more accurate.

SirSnook you could not be more right.Having worked as a blue collar guy most of my life, I understand that many look on any blue collar workers as somehow less able than they are because of the title they have, the education, the financial success, etc. I also understand that many blue collar folks are resentful of white collar folks for lots of reasons. Like Snook a re-hash of my working life isn't needed, other than to say from starting as helper at a shipyard out of high school to service and sales of medical equipment, I've spent some time in both camps. I worked my way through trade school and college along the way. My pursuit of education in the later years had little to do with what I did for living. I really don't like the idea of "college material." It is usually based on performance and has little to do with ability. When I was in high school many of my teachers and all of the administration would have predicted me ending badly. My issues were many, but they had little to do with aptitude or ability. I think we should teach kids that work, whether blue collar or white, is honorable and that education and training give you options. Too many kids today seem to think that success is a birth-right and is based on how much stuff you have. It is not.

Very cool Glenn. I enjoy reading Don Barone at least as much as anything being written regardless of topic. I admire his honesty. He sees the world through a lens that captures nuance that most of us miss. I hope he is around a very long time.

The short answer is yes it can be too windy. As Dirty Harry once said, a man has got to know his limitations. When it comes to fishing knowing the limits of your gear is also vital. As Fluke said having a big TM gives you more options, and fishing in the wind can be fantastic. I lost a very good friend last spring because he failed to take the proper precautions and was fishing in a small boat, alone in heavy wind, on a lake that is notorious for being dangerous in the wind (Baldwin Lake, Randolph County, IL). Ignoring the danger cost him his life.

I think the advice to ask a qualified professional (or two) is the best you will get. I can tell you from hard experience medical expenses can bury you in a hurry. The problem with medical coverage/expense is it is not fixed, or even predictable. What is affordable today may be unobtainable in the future. Good luck.

6.4:1=6.4 revolutions of the spool to one revolution of the handle 7.1:1=7.1 ............. The number that really matters is IPT (inches per turn). Most 7.1:1 reels have an IPT of around 30". That speed has some advantages. Most 6.4 reels have an IPT of about 26-28" IPT. I have both, and use the faster ratio for contact baits and around heavy cover where getting the fish out quickly is important. It is mostly about personal preference IMO.

Craww I fished for a few hours yesterday at a local lake that has ever increasing amounts of filamentous algae. What a serious pain...

I don't use them as often as should. For years I thought 3/8 was a heavy jig, now I go with 3/8-3/4 most of the time. For me one of the biggest advantages to a lighter jig is it forces me to slow down. When bass are holding tight to cover or structure a slow falling jig can be deadly. The down side is keeping track of it in the wind can be a challenge. I also tend to use spinning gear for 1/4 jigs more than I used to. I get better control with less effort. YMMV.

Faith, family, and friends. Fresh asparagus sauteed in butter and covered with hollandaise sauce is worthy of honorable mention.

I am a big fan of the PQ reels for several reasons, including this one. John G I'm right handed and have only LH reels. I have tried to use RH reels and they just don't work for me. Thank goodness they make both!

Thanks for the heads-up preach4bass. For those of us who have been married for most of our lives, we understand that Valentines day is one requiring careful attention. For those of you who think it is just another day, good luck.

I am with you DVT.

Chatterbaits have produced some of the biggest fish my wife and I have caught in last couple of years. I was skeptical about them, but no more. I never leave home without a few...

I've never had a problem. I would give your supplier a call. You have water either at the tank or regulator.

Whitney was mentioned in a recent post. I said then that when she was at her best she could make angels cry, and when I see her now it makes me want to cry. She was the complete package: smart, talented, charismatic, beautiful, and could have been one of the greats. What a tremendous waste. May she rest in peace.

Goose if they get down in the $150 range even I wold pick up a couple.

I often throw 100 series Bandits, #5 Shad Raps and other light cranks on spinning gear.

“None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license”. John Milton

No. What would change is the rate of fall, with the 1/2 oz falling a bit faster everything else being equal. Extra weight makes the jig a little easier to keep track of in windy conditions, and might give you better feel for a bite...

The power and action of the rod can make a difference. Too soft a rod will not allow you to shake or snap free of weeds. A med-heavy, fast or X-fast action is what I use in weeds. Pegging your weight is worth a try. Many times you can shake it through, sometimes popping or snapping will work better; often applying a little pressure and then backing off will work. In very heavy stuff a vertical presentation may work better. The really nasty, snotty algae is just a pain to deal with. Working the inner or outer edges sometimes is the answer. Grass can be aggravating, but bass love it. Good luck.

Living in So. Illinois, 5 pound fish are not too unusual, but since buying a good scale my 5# plus fish numbers are down a bit. I suspect .ghoti."s 97% statistic is not far off. I have seen "7" and "8" pound fish that probably wouldn't go 5 lb. I wonder what the percentage is for those who consistently catch the bigger fish on public water in their locale? I am guessing that is a small number.

Yep, lip sinking is lame. The SB half time show has a long history being lame though. As far as SBs go it was a good show nevertheless IMO. While I'm not a big M fan, the NFL wanted a spectacle and that's what she gave them. Fishing Rhino I'm afraid it would take a time machine for Whitney. She once had a voice that would make angels weep. Now every time I see her wild eyed and semi-functional it makes me want to weep. She could have been one of the greats...

Great football game. Two very good teams who left it out on the field. Even a good half time show as a bonus. My 20-17 prediction was pretty close. I was one for the post-season!

Great post!