hooah212002

You might want to check the historical context of the word because that is incorrect. The term has historically been used as a descriptor of skin color. But, as with most other racial issues, those with enough privilege seem to think otherwise. Now, whether one wishes to take offense is obviously up to them and I am not saying I do, but that is because I am a privileged white guy. It would be akin to having a team called the Yellowskins with a Chinese person as a mascot or the Blackskins with an African as a mascot (or, more apt, they would called the N******s (self censorship) since that was historically an acceptable name for African Americans). Just because you don't find it offensive doesn't mean it isn't offensive.

BR will most certainly tell you that it is crap because it is inexpensive. It doesn't cost tons of money so that obviously means it is low quality. Everyone will chime in and tell you to "save your money for the $400 Dobyns. Don't waste your money on less than $100 rods". The cynicism is strong with me today.

You are actually going out on lake Geneva on opening weekend? There are certainly better ways to not have fun fishing. Noodling for musky is one option that sounds more fun than Lake Geneva on opening weekend.

Ahh. See, Wisconsin is different. You cannot even target game fish until the first Saturday in May. Obviously, if you catch it "on accident", you have to release it.

I would say this is something you ought to talk to your friend about. To me, if you can catch a fish, catch it. The only time I would say it "doesn't count" is if the fish was stuck in the mud and you just went over and picked it up, you just snagged it in general or you used some other nefarious non-sportsman like method (dip net for game fish). But catching them out of season? Fair game as far as I am concerned. *note that I am NOT advocating the violation of local ordinance by targeting out of season fish. Me saying it is fair game is just me saying that it counts for your personal bragging rights or personal record.

What jig head would be ideal for rocky bottom with heavy grass/weeds? I found a new spot (pond sized) near my dads house that is an overflow or a flood management system for an adjacent (payment required to enter) lake. It is full of soccer ball size rocks and heavy weeds or moss. I did not get a chance to fish it (no IL license yet), but my sons did. I don't have many jigs so I don't want to start tossing them and losing a bunch. Weeds tell me brush style, like http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/index.php/brush-jig'>these Siebert ones, but the rocks tell me football head. I have both styles. I am fishing from shore since I both have no boat, but there is no launch either, so I will be casting and retrieving as opposed to flipping/pitching.

http://www.lake-link.com/Wisconsin-Fishing-Reports/'>Lake Link is what you are looking for.

I'll second this. If not for the stretch, but because it is pure crap. I only bought it because it was way cheap on sale at Dicks. I get more birds nests with that stuff than any other line ever. Yes, this was even with copious amounts of KVD L&L.

Line conditioner will make your life much easier with if you go with mono or copoly. It's a must, imo.

And I am now sorry I actually did that research since it goes unnoticed.

This guy looks pretty red to me. And uncooked.

Isn't this a bit like asking why black bears are black, or why Cardinals are red or Blue Jays are blue? It's genetics more than diet, but diet and location played a role in the past. Go to an area with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procambarus_alleni'>Blue Crayfish and blue hues will be hot in the spring instead of red. An article for sauce: http://www.bigindianabass.com/big_indiana_bass/2013/03/more-fun-facts-on-blue-crayfish.html

That depends on water clarity. It's not a black and white issue (pun somewhat intended lol). As the article indicates:

Here is a pretty good article on it: http://www.midwestoutdoors.com/magazine/article.cfm/44/Does-Color-Make-A-Difference-To-Fish/. (a more in depth reading would be beneficial to get a better understanding)

I barely put any stock in tomorrow's forecast, let alone the 10 day.

It is actually the main ingredient in scabies/lice medication.

IMO, pro's didn't get to where they are because they can't adapt to new water. Double that sentiment since you are talking about "elite" pro's. These guys get paid the big bucks (winnings and sponsors) simply because they can consistently catch fish. Not just on one body of water, but across the country. Maybe, just maybe, back in the old days before all the advancements in technology, the local guys had a shot. But today, given the proper equipment, someone who has never even seen the lake except for his topo map, his graph and a look at local weather patterns, has equal (if not better) chances of pulling in a good bag. Technology trumps lore. Science trumps gut instinct.

Noodling for pike is never a good idea. I think you are only supposed to do that with fish that don't have sharp teeth.

I've just had a far worse time here than anywhere else I've ever been. I never had allergies or asthma until I moved here. My ex is completely looney tunes and is the reason I even moved to WI in the first place, so had I never done that, she wouldn't be haunting me and making me miserable still. The weather is.......southern WI weather. Either be cold or don't be. Stop teasing me with Spring. I am done with Winter, but Winter isn't done with me. All the lakes (ALL OF THEM!!!!!) require boat access, so us shore bound guys are screwed. As I mentioned in the other thread, it seems as though WI is one of the ONLY states with LMB season. Packer fans. Brewer fans. Bubbler? Seriously? I don't understand is that? The beer is good, though. So are the friday fish fry's. Taxes aren't too bad.

Yea, that IS ridiculous. But...I'm not one of "you guys". I am a FIB that just happens to live on the wrong side of the cheese curtain. I seriously despise everything about this vile state. I've been around, lived in a number of places, but WI is the worst so far.

Ok. Thanks guys. VERY much appreciated.

Wait a minute....so if I were to get a small jon boat (under 16 feet) and title it in MY name in Wisconsin....all I pay is the title, which is a max of $22, and that is if there isn't one already (transfer is $3.75). No registration necessary in WI? Yet, if I were to do it in IL, I would be robbed for between $100 and $200?

I probably severely overestimate the thoroughness with which the DNR does their job on the water. I find myself rather paranoid. I seriously envision there to be gov't employees at every ramp checking papers and whatnot, as well as roving boat patrols. I really need to get my sea legs about me.

I like the cut of your jib lol. I suppose I could, I just wanted to keep everything on the up and up, as legal as possible. Plus, like I said, this is all new to me and is a rather daunting task (one that he has placed on my shoulders). If I do it that way, do I need to let someone know I have returned it back once every 60 days? Does that need to be over night? Or is it more along the lines of just saying I did when the Warden asks? Nevermind. So then this way, I would need: title/registration for boat and.....title (no plates/registration) for trailer (if we go with a trailer)?

Ouch. I guess I will lean even closer to a jon boat that we can toss in the back of the truck for now. We don't go on big bodies of water anyways.