NoBassPro

Yes, their site does redirect you to authorized service centers for reels they no longer service, however it looks like most of the calcutta's made before '05 are no longer supported by them directly. Really, it doesn't matter much to me, I no longer own one. Good reels, but definately not the only fishable option out there.

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/customer_service0/Repair_Services.download.-mainParsys-0021-downloadFile.html/PNLA%20LIST%202011.pdf there is the full list of reels shimano no longer services, you will note there are stellas and calcuttas on there. not b.s., just not what you want to hear

That I did not know

the jigheads for giant tubes all are on 7/0 or 8/0 hooks, the red october and musky innovations tubes also come with an 8/0 treble stinger hook

That was my only argument. He was Illinois big man this year, lots of height, not much else to make him a #11 pick

But what does Leonard have?

yea, thats what i was getting at. it takes both, however this "declining genitic vigor" just seems wrong to me without further explanation or evidence. its not all one thing, though

But do you really think Sullinger was more of a gamble then Leonard?

That reminds me, my wife keeps wanting a good quality pink light action pole and pink tackle bag. No joke. what is somewhat embarrising is when she outfishes me by choosing lures based on their "cuteness"

The one issue I have had with the Calcuttas, and to me it was a big one, was if I took my thumb off the thumbar on a hard cast the reel had a tendency to engage. I have heard of others with the same issue. Being used to Ambassadeurs, I just didn't like it, I expected more out of a $300 reel. On the other hand, they were much smoother and easier to use with say, deep diving cranks, than the ABu even with the power handle on. Both drags have been smooth and reliable for me. When it comes to spinning reels, I have both Shimanos and Daiwas and can't complain about either one.

You do realize that increased nutrition has led to an overall increase in the size of the average human, correct? Its having all the factors come together that will allow a fish to achieve its maximum genetic potential that allows for world class fish to grow and be caught. In the introduced L Michigan Salmon and Steelhead fishery I was referring to, alewive abundance does appear to be the primary limiting factor as to the size of the fish caught, with little evidence average size has decreased over time due to lessening genetic quality despite the fact that the fish used for reproduction have come from a limited portion of the fishery. The term "declining genetic vigor" is most commonly associated with the problems due to inbreeding. In reference to world record smallmouth coming out of Erie, you will also note that Erie has colder winters than the waters the world record fish came out of. Thermal burnout can be a concern with fish, but so can a shorter annual timeframe within which to grow.

Out of curiosity, what exactly do you believe the chromosomes of a wild type subspecies that already contains a decent amount of genetic diversity are reverting to? And why do you believe that is the reason for a decline in catches and not the factors that allow a fish to achieve its full genetic potential - and that allow a fisherman to catch it? Using Lake Michigan as an example, from what I have seen the greatest influence on size is relative prey abundance, with changes in catches most closely following prey cycles and stocking. Its not uncommon from what I have seen for introduced species to have poor recruitment due to lack of suitable spawning and rearing habitat moreso than what I believe could be attributed to a decline in genetics.

For the most part, someone who is looking to have fun and more concerned with figuring out the fish than competing against me. Its a big plus if they have some basic knowledge.

Yes, there are times when blade color makes a major difference. Silver, gold and painted have all produced. I really should try copper, its one of my top colors for trout, don't know why I've never put it on a spinnerbait. The biggest difference I have noticed is that there are times when I can't get a bite on gold or silver blades, then put on a painted blade and start getting fish. They seem to have done best for me when fish are up on very shallow flats in spring or fall.

I have not known anyone to try making sauce with "slicer" tomatoes, didn't think about that.

Might have to try adding tomato paste to it. I prefer melting velveeta cheese with salsa when dipping tbh. Also, if your recipe includes cilantro cut back, it has a soapy after taste to me anyway.

I know there are other gardeners on here, so who else makes their own salsa? With the weather we've been having the main things that seem to be doing well for me are tomatoes, peppers, and some herbs. Going to be the year of salsa and spaghetti sauce I guess.

No. IMO if you are serious about trophy hunting, beyond just searching records, looking at genetics, environment, and available prey will give you some good ideas about where you might find that fish you really want. I don't know how common, or rare, 10 + lmb are, never really went after them, but with the fish I have gone after, persistance and getting to know the bodies of water you choose often provided better results than going willy-nilly "chasing rainbows" after the next hot bite you heard about.

http://www.uaex.edu/...astresearch.htm scroll down and they have some pics. they are common both in the wild and as bait

they look like golden shiners to me

Is there an accepted water temp where fishing for bass becomes unsafe for the fish? The way this year is going I could be seeing some all time high water temps for me. I know some guys that fish for other species proclaim there reaches a point where even seemingly healthy fish will frequently die after being released no matter the precautions taken, but have nevre heard of similar concerns for bass. Are there any?

I'd be doing the same thing. Is there any kind of bait you can use to attract them?

I honestly believe most of my PB's have had a large amount of luck involved. They either came when targeting other species or otherwise totally unexpected. That being said, I've spent a few years and who knows how many dollars chasing that next bigger one of a couple different species. My personal advice is don't take a trip just for a trophy. Once in a lifetime fish are called that for a reason, they are rare. You may get one, but odds are you won't. So, unless you are willing to take multiple trips at times and places known to kick out big fish don't wait out for that 10 lber. Find a place with a decent shot and go for the fishing and experience. Also, there is no place close to Wisconsin with a decent shot at a 10'lber. IMO your best bet in the states is to find a way to hook up with Big-O from what I have seen.

If anyone is interested and unaware, bass pro shops is offering weekly drawings for a $250 gift certificate through their facebook page for the month of july.

If you are trying to get it down and grind it through weeds, a single willow is your best bet. The tandems foul up too much imo, but can come through just about anything else.