bassnleo

99% of the time a bass takes its prey head first. If you nose hook the bait with an open hook you will stick these fish. The finesse widegap hook is the perfect size so that it will not take away from the fluke glide but still offers plenty of exposed gap. You can skin hook it or use a hitching post. I also use braid with my fluke, and it really helps turn those long range strikes into hooked fish. In the clear river water here you can literally see the fish eating the fluke. It seems to me that the ones that don't totally commit to eating the bait are eating the back half of the bait. Those seem to be the ones that blow it back out quickly. I think in that situation the finesse hook will have the same results as an ewg. None the less, I'm still gonna try it! I agree that smallies usually eat the head of the bait. Those fish are usually hooked.

I'm like most of y'all. My 4 year old is learning discipline and respect. My wife and I refuse to have it any other way. There have already been numerous times that we have absolutely stopped what we are doing and disciplined or took away something that our daughter wanted or wanted to do. Example, we made it all the way to the parking lot of a restraunt one evening. Our daughter had a toy with her that she insisted on bringing in. It just wasn't the place for a toy. We told her twice to leave it in the car. When she said she was bringing it, I put her back in the car seat and we drove home, no dinner out. She cried the whole way home because she wanted to eat out. Sure, we the parents wanted to eat out also and suffered as well but if that's what it takes, then so be it. She rarely talks back now...... Now, on the subject of lack of discipline, you'd be absolutely amazed what I've seen. I've had calls at work to see complainants about problems with kids. We show up and it's parents wanting US, THE POLICE to discipline their kids. What a crock, accept responsibility and do it yourself. You were adult enough to have kids, man up, I'm not your kids parent YOU ARE. I refuse to scare a child, not my job. The last thing I want is for a child to be afraid of Police. And, may I add, I was on the receiving end of a belt, paddle (even in grade school, LOL), and hand, many times. I deserved each and every swat I got. Not condoning abuse but IMHO there is something to be said about a good swat from time to time.

Seriously, a finesse wide gap hook? How does that help prevent the fish from exhaling the bait, I'm curious? I may have to give that a try. I often also experience fish blowing the bait out quickly. My solution has been to use a scent (Smelly Jelly is my choice) which does seem to get the fish to hang on a little longer. I guess I'm opposite of some others. I've tried many rod and line set ups for flukes and my best producer has been a 7' m/h spinning rod and 10 lb braid, I do sometimes use a flouro leader if the water is very clear. It seems that I can take up alot of slack and have little stretch thus getting the fish hooked when they bite. Sometimes you just have to be quick when they bite. IMHO, them blowing the fluke out is just inherent of that bait.

I'm a wuss when it comes to electric, I hate getting shocked, I declined the ride at the end of training. Never tased anyone yet, hope I don't have to. Tell ya one thing, I have painted a few people with the taser lazer when they decided to be arsses. That little red dot on their body usually does the trick.

I was at work when it started. Me and the other officers on duty were huddled around the TV when the Chief got off the phone and came out of his office. He received a call from the FAA instructing us to lock down our airport. Our small airport has commercial commuter flights. Upon our arrival, the US Army reserve station which is beside the airport was already locked down and soldiers in battle dress stood outside. We and the soldiers placed jersey barriers at the airport driveway entrance as well as theirs. We stood there till relieved by the next shift. There was talk about small to medium sized jets landing here due to the all the flights being ordered down. All we had was the radio to listen to the reports from NY, but that was plenty. I remember feeling really empty when the towers fell and thinking about all the lives lost. I'll never forget.

Until I see visible and obvious changes, there is no way I would ever go back to BASS. As far as the TBF and bush league comment, I ask, how do you really know? Just from what you've "seen"? I've been with TBF since it's ***. I've been a participant in a Divisional tournament that TBF ran. A close friend has been to the TBF national championship. I've also experienced the same on the BASS side. The TBF does an excellent job with their events. As far as the whole can't get answers comments, I've called and received an answer immediately every time I called. I even have Robert Cartileges (sp?) cell phone number from one occasion I needed an answer. He called me direct and told me to save the number in case I needed anything again. With what BASS has done to it's amateur members and kids over the years there is no way you'll see me back. I also wouldn't be holding my breath over BASS new owners, just my opinion......

I have fished East Branch, but it has been quite a few years. My success there was on top water baits. I did best on a 3" popper and a zoom super fluke. Work them parallel to the banks. Another thing to try.......drop shot small worms along those steep banks.

I'm sure there are many people that wish their streets speed limits were enforced more often. I'm one of them....... I live on a 2 lane rural state route, but it has houses all along it. The speed limit is 50 mph. There is a passing zone in front of my driveway. Vehicles routinely go by at 70+ mph. Some go by so fast that all you hear is a woosh, can't even tell the color of the vehicle. Kids, pets, people, all live along and use this road. God help the person who hurts my daughter, wife, neighbors, just because they were in a hurry. I've invited Troopers to sit in my driveway, and they do, and I enjoy watching them ticket the people who feel the need to endanger us and our neighbors.

The ones listed for the jurisdiction in which I work are wrong.....so don't speed :.

If you haven't figured it out yet, pro sponsorships are about advertising. Do you believe every add or commercial you see? Same applies for fishing related ones. You have to wade through the "muck" and decide for yourself. I can tell you one thing, most companies main goal through advertising is to get their product name in your head. Studies have shown that if they are able to do that, sometime in the future, you are more likely to buy their product as opposed to one you have never heard of. Y'all seem to know the Duckett name pretty well

It has become a staple here on Lake Erie for smallmouth. Used to be that draggin a tube was the primary technique, now presenting drop shot goby immitation is most likely #1.

First I have the issue with my Tracker and the stringers cracking. I just got that boat back after 2+ months. Now, like I really needed anything else, I lose the prop off my ProCraft.........Yes I said lose my prop. Me and a friend put the boat in today, make a short run, and start fishing. After catching a few smallies we decide to go to another spot close by. I fire up the motor, shift it into gear......nothing. Feels like it didn't shift. I monkey around with the shifter (I have a hot foot) and my bud pulls the cowling. Everythings connected? He tilts the motor up and says "uhh... dude, your prop is gone." Fortunately we were close and could use the TM to get back in. I feel like punching myself in the face over and over again. May have a Tracker and a ProCraft for sale very soon

Yup, because it's too closely linked to politics.....

I've got ideas on how to solve the drug problem, none of them involves legalizing.

My boat is done and has been trucked back to the dealer from Missouri. An employee at the dealership e-mailed me today. He is going to be in my area this Sunday. He has volunteered to tow my boat back to me saving me a 70 mile drive. Tracker has installed a floor kit in the boat (which it did not have when this all began) and repainted the whole boat. I'm anxious to get it back and get the outboard jet put on. It's been a long ordeal, just short of 3 months. I will post another update when I get it back and can run it on the water to see if the fix and changes have worked to my satisfaction.

They're not already?

Read my thread below titled "Really not happy with Tracker Marine". I have not had my Grizzly 1648 since March 13th. Nuff said...... >

Didn't you just buy a Tracker as a project boat, LOL?

I do, but as of yet Tracker hasn't failed to fulfill the warranty. If they do my next step may be that route.

Spoke to Tracker again today. The lady I spoke with was more helpful than anyone else has been to date. Boat is apparently being fixed now. The ribs are being welded and reinforced. New supports are being welded in (like the new models have now). Longitudinal stringers also being welded in (also like the new models now have). Once that work is completed, the boat will be leak tested (it didn't leak before). If it passes leak test it will be shipped back to the dealer. Work "should" be done by early next week, then the test. Trust me, if I were in a financial situation to buy a new boat right now I would. It's still not totally out of the question though.......

8 lb braid, 6 lb flouro leader connected with a double uni knot.

I'll be there Sunday May 16th. My buds tell me that the jerkbait bite was on, tubes, blades, drop shot, also worked. You should be able to find fish at just about every depth now. This time of year you don't need to venture far from the bay. From the bay to Shades Beach is plenty. Elk is a LOOONG run, especially if the wind comes up, trust me, been there done that . Main lake fish should not be on beds yet. There are probably some bedders in the bay.

The return kick from me would have put her to the curb. I agree with others, your being played. Find someone your age.

Guests can fish 3 club events but only for lunker pot. After 3 they are either done or have to join.

Yep, good option also.