CDobber

Hoping to find a spot around here to fly fish for smallies, haven't done so yet.....still waiting for my first hook of any kind with that medium, had some good creek chub action on a hopper pattern a couple weeks ago, and I suspect as the water cools down here this month that I may finally get a bass or trout on something near here.

Trout are my guilty pleasure, and I must say I'm enjoying learning how to walk in the waters I'm fishing versus bank beating or hauling out the toon.....and have even added fly fishing to my repertoire this summer, though I have yet to actually catch a fish via fly/hopper/etc.

Sure, or you can go buy a kit for about $4 that has extra tips and glue to fix it.....I did that to a pole a couple years ago that broke off while beating brush to get to a shore spot....lost about 3" on it but still works fine. Pole wasn't old and probably could have done a warranty exchange, but would feel guilty knowing it wasn't workmanship defect but my own fault. Something like this: http://www.***.com/Berkley_Rod_Tip_Repair_Kit/descpage-BDRDK.html (the stars were from TW....forgot it blocks out site names on occasion)

First one I read a couple years ago was Think Like a Fish by Tom Mann....mentioned previously. Didn't necessarily learn much about fishing tips from it but was a very interesting read on one of the great pioneers of this sport, and I don't hesitate to support the cause when I happen upon an old Mann's lure or jelly worm somewhere, plus I prefer Humminbird (and yes, I am aware he sold the company before his passing so it isn't directly helping his family. Based on a similar thread going into last fall, these were my Amazon purchases from the used department around this time last year, heading into a long, boring, fishless winter here in Wisconsin:

After researching this model here and other places and reading glowing reviews almost universally, and driving over to Cabela's today to play with one in person, I'm about to hit submit on an order for one. By ordering via website, I save myself $50.

What did you hear back on this, flyfisher?

I'm right with you Manny....started from shore and still find myself there about as often as I am from my pontoon.....a lot of it is learning the lake and finding underlying structures (submerged timbers, boulders, weed edges, etc) as well as just time building confidence from the boat. Electronics help (mine is also very rudimentary...fairly certain I couldn't see a thermocline on it before the transducer broke off) bt things like a jig/pig can help you "feel" what is under the water as well. I still have skunk days, but they are getting less and less...and I hope by improving my electronics, it'll help increase the learning curve as well.

Very interested in your feedback....started researching upgrades this week as one of the kids kicked my transducer off of my Humminbird Piranahmax 160, which was too basic to really help me find what I'm looking for anyway. Might as well upgrade....and though I started with the search wide open to brands and models, I'm very much leaning towards a Helix 5 SI model. I fish from a pontoon and have been reading that SI will be of great benefit for the sheer size of the boat.

Great to hear, especially with the way your back/health have been and accessibility issues!

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!

3/8 black with black with purple fleck trailer and skirt has been my #1 lure all season and has worked at times of the day it shouldn't if you read other threads on buzzbaits here. My Dicks (and anything else around here for that matter) don't carry Cavitrons, so its likely always been a Strike King. I find the 1/4 oz a bit too small, especially for casting out with my spinning rigs, though I still try them from time to time.

I'm going on a muskie charter in the morning. I don't target the fish but will be excited to try, especially with help from a pro if/when I land one. I'm not a big fan of toothy critters and haven't handled many fishing solo. I will not care one way or the other if the guide fishes tomorrow. I am not attempting to learn techniques from him or lure presentation, or I'd be watching and listening closely. If it were a bass charter (as it was originally going to be), it would be way different, though I still wouldn't be offended if he were fishing or not.....though I would be grilling him/her much more for what he is looking for depth/structure wise, presentation, specific locations he's going to (and mentally noting them to return with my pontoon), etc. Tomorrow is all about doing something different and enjoying the morning, albeit with temps 25-30 degrees below average to start. I hope to get at least one for the sake of checking yet another species off my list. I guess it really depends on the situation and the attitude and opinions of the paying customer, and if one is in doubt prior, ask questions before booking.

If you see my red Acadia parked along Paoli, stop down for a visit. I'm there many late afternoons a week usually, balanced around my kids after school activities.

I have 2 Stradic FJ's and love them....one I got used in the flea market here, other as a gift. The casting distance, smooth retrieval and quiet, lightweight feel all are so much better than anything else I've tried. I have them both paired with Shimano Compre rods of differing lengths and love them. I haven't found a technique that doesn't work with the two setups for bass, though I have to exhibit a lot more patience in reeling REALLY slow when dragging soft plastics along the bottom.

I was down there for the game.....ugh, laid an egg in the 2nd half. Mostly cordial fans from LSU but d**n they were LOUD, especially in a dome.