Smokinal

N N No...don't waste your time with a blade. No fish to be caught on those. jk, I love a blade in cold water; very versatile. And I remove those split hooks, put on split rings and KVD Mustad Ultra Grip short shanks in a 4. And to be honest, last summer I jacked the tick out of em on a blade in 70 degree water. It was the only bait they would hit.

^^What he said. Those are 2 very different baits and, personally, I wouldn't throw those baits on the same rod. For my traps I like my glass rod but for deep divers I like a firmer rod so I'm not working so hard. I couldn't imagine throwng a big billed bait on my glass rod. That's just me though.

For starters, Hootie, I'd feel for ya brother except I went down to my home lake and there is 2 FEET OF ICE ON IT!!! Second, I think A-Jay may be psychosomatic

Good for you man. I know it made for a long day with another trip back but definitely look at the silver lining here. Free cover, free new si, lots of free updated wiring, panel etc... I'd drive 3 hrs for that. They sound like a good team and they'll have it right for you. Congratulations. Beautiful boat man.

You're killin me! Whadya get? Whadya get? I always get a little pleasure hearing someone getting a new boat. I think it's because I want a newer boat but it just isn't in the cards for me right now.

Glad to hear it!

G G G G Giant Bass! sorry

Honestly, I feel it depends most on what type (how big) water you usually fish. Those are very different boats tbh. Obviously the Nitro is going to be better in bigger water. Personally, I don't fish big water so I would choose the VLO (plus I love BlueBasser's). The other thing to look at is maintenance on the dual axle with brakes. My current boat is a 16' Nitro; obviously no brakes and that thing is just a great little boat; hardly requires any maintenance at all. But I'm dying to see what you got!!! 1st to congratulate you!

20 or 30 lb Super Slick with a couple different fluoro leaders; Probably 12lb and 16-17lb.

I'd love to get him on one like that beast!^^

Never doubted ya for a minute! Don't listen to em Raider

Very well indeed! I feel more confident already. I think we will go a few weeks after ice out and I'll post some pics. Thank you.

My friend's son wants to go pike fishing this year so I told him I'd be happy to take him out. I know some really great pike water (used to be really great bass water until they moved in). Anyway, is there a time of year that's slow pike fishing? Better pike fishing? I've never targeted them and I'd really like to get him on a good bite. We are in Maine btw. I plan on throwing some white spinnrebaits, white flukes, chatterbaits, topwater early etc... Any tips are much appreciated.

Tell me about it...

What are you trying to say? lol Ya, they are kind of a cross between a fluke and a senko actually. I used to do well with them. And, yes, the larger sizes work well on stripers but the regular (5" I think) work well on largemouth and smallies.

When I fish in temps like that I have more issues with icing guides and reels than with my braid. I think you'll be ok.

Fall seems to be the best for me.

So I wanted the ‘ol HJ to suspend a little better than it does; they have a tendency to float up. And I wanted a little head-down profile to it too. So, I took 2 of them, filled the tub, cut weights and taped them to the body until I got the right suspension and look; drilled a hole in them, stuffed the weight in, epoxied over the hole, mixed up some of my boy’s model paint and painted it over. Oh and I replaced the hooks with the KVD Ultra grips. And, of course, I kept 1 unmolested one just in case I screwed these up.

Pie plate of a smallie there Hank. Nice job.

BUMPUSES!!!!!

Whether it actually breaks anything or not?.?.; either way it's a good reminder to just handle your fish with care; try not to let em flop around on the bottom of your boat, in the bushes etc... I cringe when I see the pics of bass lying in the shrubs, leaves all stuck to them next to a rod.

That's an interesting color pattern on that one. Never seen one like that before. Thanks for sharing.

One thing I forgot to mention is how important it is to keep intruducing kids to the outdoors. With so many issues coming up about regulations, access to waters etc... it's extrememly important to keep our kids liking and involved in the outdoors so they can continue having a voice in these issues. While you are out you can teach them about wildlife you see, keeping our waters clean from trash and polution, keeping our ramps, launch areas and shorelines clean from trash etc... The future of our sport depends on it folks.

As soon as my boat can go in the water instead of on top of it. I have a spot in a cove where the main stream comes into my home lake that I just kill em at first ice out. That bite only lasts for about 2-3 weeks though but it's litterally the best bite of the year.