Ratherbfishing

Seems certain shaped weights might work halfway decent for dropshotting

This doesn't answer the question posed however when I tried to share my cranking/starting battery with my Helix 7 fish finder, it didn't like it whenever I tried to start the motor (it freaked out and/or shut off). Your fish finders are okay with this? IMO, it's better to have a dedicated battery for electronics. Then you never have to worry about excessive use (should you forget to turn them off or over use them) and/or the problem I described above.

I dunno. I've seen clackin' raps in the "clearance/discount" bin (they still aren't that cheap) for several years now (at Scheels, anyway and, I think, Field & Stream) and yet they keep appearing. Perhaps they manufactured a HUGE number and need to reduce their inventory? This is simply a guess, however, as I haven't a clue.

Since they are lightweight baits, I think an ultralight spinning rod/reel (for little hands) would work best. (I disdain spincast gear). Ordinarily I'd recommend 4 or 6 lb line but for a beginner, 6 or 8 lb monofilament line is better. The palomar knot is easy to tie and it is reliable. Another good knot (but it's more difficult to tie) is the Rapala knot. This knot creates a loop which allows small crankbaits to have better action.

#2.

and then....It happened: (Note: Sent strictly in the spirit of humor and affection!)

If I wouldn't freeze my ankles off and thought I could catch something, I'd be out fishing.

Yes, a paddle tail swim bait will work in stained water. I WILL say, however, that not all paddle tails are born alike. Some, look good but have very little action to them. I get rid of those (or don't buy them). Others are excellent and I would fish with them all day long. I haven't fished every product out in the market but of the ones I've tried, my favorite is the Keitech Swing Impact. Oh, if you don't mind going down in size the Havoc Beat Shad is tough to beat.

Once the bass is committed, it's COMMITTED! There's no goin' back.

No worries. No harm, no foul.

Yes but if nothing could be discussed, this site wouldn't/couldn't exist and Glenn would have to look for another line of work. But thanks for your contribution (up until this last bit).

Waaaaaay back when in my high school years, one of Field & Stream's major causes was Acid Rain. It was their writers contention that acid rain (sulfur and nitrogen oxide mixed in the rainfall which is produced primarily from coal burning plants and automobile emissions) was killing lakes and ponds in the Northern U.S. and, especially, in Canada at an alarming rate. It seemed that in no time at all, most lakes and ponds would be incapable of sustaining life. Articles on the subject appeared in almost every monthly issue and I was convinced the sky was falling. Has the U.S. and Canada cleaned up its act (emissions wise) or was it not the problem that it was contended to be OR is it still a problem but just not now the "flavor of the month"? Forgive me if this belongs in the "everything else" section.

So there ARE people who purchase BPS branded stuff! I figured there had to be or they'd pull it off their line. I've gotten to be a "middle of the road" snob. I don't usually buy "cheap" (too many bad experiences with it) and I refuse to pay an hours wage on the high end stuff. (I hate to be that grown man who cries because he's hung up in 25 feet of water).

About the easiest knot I know how to tie is the Palomar knot. And the most difficult thing about it (sometimes) is feeding the line back through the eyelet. But that is child's play in comparison to some other knots and it seldom fails.

No problem. Ironically, these two baits are quite a lot different from one another. The first (lipless crankbaits) have to be chased (or, at least, intercepted quickly) whereas suspending crankbaits seem to be at their best when they are at rest. Who'da thunk, right?

The two crank baits which have regularly produced well for me in the early spring are lipless crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits. Don't know how "hardcore" they are as I've never seen them in a naughty movie but they do work exceptionally well.

It doesn't have to be a jig, per se. It can be a worm or about any soft plastic OR a jig. But I agree with the sentiment. There's just something about it!

If you stay at low speeds I'd just keep the transducer where it is. You've already put holes in the boat, after all. However, if you decide to amp up your boat speed, I'd move the transducer OUT at least 8 or 10 inches (between any strakes or ribs). The level/angle seems fine. You'll probably learn to hate the fish I.D.

How about "Inglorious bass turds"

I don't feel so bad for mentioning it, then. Once that paint softens it's pretty much gotta be removed. There MAY be something which will harden it (I'm not a chemist) but I don't know what it might be.

Perhaps this is obvious but you'll probably want to remove all ALL of the soft paint before applying anything over the bait.

Bass are basically lazy critters and nine times out of ten, they will pursue the easiest prey-the one that stands out as sick or weak or injured or just dumb-to the extent, even, that they will forgo a big meal for an easy meal. A few years back I witnessed a bass try to steal a popper out of a bluegills mouth. THAT's how lazy they are.

Am guess you are either young, or inexperienced (or both). Not to put too fine a point on it but it'll happen more and more. One of the hazards of the trade.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a cup holder yet. Oh, and a first mate who looks like Heidi Klum.

BPS was a lot more fun when I had nothing. Now that I've acquired the majority of what I want and all of what I need, price has gotten to be a more critical factor. I'm after DEALS now and apart from a few sales, BPS just ain't "gettin' it" anymore. It's also why I didn't go to Gander Mountain (may it rest in peace).