Topwaterspook

I just came across this thread. I'll echo what Big Bill said. Get well soon with a complete and speedy recovery. Stitch

I can't help you with any Florida info but welcome to the site. I'm sure folks will share good information with you.

Spend time at the gym.

Don't forget poppers. You might give the "Zellpop" in bone color a try. I've never tried but walking a bait from a kayak it may be a challenge.

I would think the texture would produce more vibration but it's only a guess.

Welcome, Garnet. I believe you'll enjoy this site. Lots of great folks and lots of knowledge shared.

Thanks for your reply. I did some online searching and came across "knot wars". They were testing a knot called the "eyecrosser". It is quite similar to what I've been tying. It tested very well. I may just make the small adjustment and it instead of mine.

To quote an old saying; " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ". It's not that you're incapable of pouring safely, It's just that we as parents and grandparents don't want young folks making mistakes we have. I used to melt lead in my fireplace and pour bullets on the hearth in my gameroom. Looking back it was a poor decision. Good luck with your jig making.

SirSnookalot, do you know of a diagram of that double wrapped improved clinch knot? I've been experimenting with a knot that might be similar. I run the line through the line tie twice. After the 4 wraps I pass the end through the extra loop then finish the "improved" part of the clinch knot. Is this the way you tie your knot? If so, have you ever tested it to see how close it comes to a 100% knot? The beauty of this knot is that it doesn't slide on the line tie. Thanks for the info.

This site feels like home, Glenn. Thanks to you and all the great sponsors.

Ronald MacDonald Houses are great. We have one near Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. We have some personal knowledge of lodging they provide for the families of sick children. The one charity I've decided to support more is St. Jude's Hospital. It is focused on children with cancer. That just breaks my heart. I wish you a wonderfully Happy New Year filled with only good things.

I do hear you, Bill. Plans for the year......?? to appreciate my life, To rebuild my body, to fish more, to break my PBs for smallies and DD largemouth, to be the person my grandchildren believe I am. To let go of old grudges. To do more charitable work. May God bless us all.

I had a wonderful ,early Christmas present. Yesterday, My oldest grandson and I spent the day at the Heinz History Center. He likes history, especially Civil War era exhibits. He's growing into a young man and is a pleasure to spend time with. Merry Christmas, Bill, to you and your loved ones. Stitch

My wife and I wish all of you a blessed Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy your families. Hug those you love. We also wish each and every one a peace filled, prosperous, healthy New Year. I personally hope all of you break at least one of your own PBs. Stitch & Kit

That one sure looks like one of Casey's, Andy.

Hang in there , Bill. You're making progress, I'm praying for you. I agree, I'll be glad to see 2013 pass. First I'm going to relish every moment with all the kids and grandchildren. It'll be loud and hectic but that is some of the "small stuff" I've learned to overlook. Merry Christmas. Enjoy every moment. We've come a long way, Bill.

Ah it all makes sense now. ................I see TV hosts fishing in those tanks without ever seeing another fisherman or boat anywhere in site.

I'm watching Bill Dance's show. He's referring to tiger bass. what the heck are they? They look and are colored like largemouth but appear to have broken vertical broken lines somewhat like smallies. Are these some kind of crossbreed?

I'm right handed and made a conscious decision when I got into BC reels to use left handed reels. Seemed perfectly reasonable to me. Thus started my long association with Shimano reels. Since I've had my right wrist fused and have lots of difficulty casting righty, I'm back to a transition phase. I think it's whatever works best for each of us.

The doc said I could start going back to the gym if I was extremely cautious. I just came from there..................IT'S NAPTIME !!!!

Keep at it , it's a marathon not a sprint. We're all pulling for you. It will definitely be worth the effort.

Bankbeater,I will still reach for a Big O as my first choice. Some of mine are so used that they have no paint left on the front ends. I love 'em.

Kit and I just got back from my doctors appointments. We were surprised when there came a knock on the examining room door. The doctor said , "come in". It was my oldest daughter and her hubby. They just had to come for moral support. They were there when the doc said that my CT scan was clear. This helps to make this Christmas a very special one. Thanks again , everyone for your good wishes and prayers. This proves to me that our God is merciful. Stitch

Laurie, with the southern trip planned, this year will be cost prohibitive. Dwight told me that the road trips coincide with smallmouth fishing in the Spring. This also conflicts with the largemouth spawn down in Mexico. Maybe next year will be my first road trip. I'd certainly like to be able to meet you and shake your hand. The trips really sound like they're a great deal of fun and informative to boot.

Laurie , you must have been a heck of a nurse. The way you put into words; thoughts of encouragement; has had to help lots of patients over the years. Every time I read a post of yours , it lifts my spirits. My Christmas wish for you is the very best Christmas ever. May God bless you with every good thing. He has already blessed me by bringing you into my life. Stitch