Smokinal

I know we are all anxious to get out this year but don't forget the kids. About 9-10 years ago, I started a pact with myself that I would take a different kid out in my boat once a year. I called my local Big Brothers/Big Sisters and asked them how I could help. That first year I got to take out a girl about 11 yrs old and her "Big Sister"; they had a blast and were very thankful. Since then I've taken out a few neighbor's kids, some more mentors and their kids from BB/BS, the son of a friend of mine who died in an airplane accident etc... So try to give up just 1 day per year and get someone new in your boat. The smiles on their faces will be all the thanks you need.

welcome Steelie

Yup, as long as you're on the terminals of 1 battery at a time, you're good to go. Leave em in and hooked up and charge away.

I have a couple of rods with micro guides so I was concerned about knots making it through them. I have tried nail polish and UV Knot Sense from Loon outdoors. Both only made the knots larger and actually harder to pass through the guides. On rods with regular guides, I use a blood knot from braid to fluoro and on my rods with micro guides, I use the Modified Albright. I find the blood knot the easiest of all to tie that's why I use it most. Both of these setups cast just fine.

I like a blood knot from braid to fluoro and an improved clinch at the bait. Cool site too http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php

I like a longer leader so I don't use a swivel. probably wouldn't use one anyway. I use a blood knot from braid to fluoro and Palomar on hook, typical setup.

You scared the color right outta him!

I throw my traps on a W/M Skeet S Glass rod and I throw my sb's on one of those Clunn sb rods. For a cheap rod, it's actually pretty decent.

I bought a bunch of KVD #6's but I am scared it may hurt the action. The HJ comes with 3 6's but I'm sure they are lighter than the KVD's. Only one way to tell and that's a month away. That's my plan too.

I use 4/0 and 5/0. 6 seems overkill to me.

^^^That's surprising Dwight. I have had to replace all my HJ hooks because of straightening. I just picked up 2 Shadows and as soon as pulled them out of the package I thought, "I'll be replacing these soon..."

Rapala has always used cheap, light hooks it seems.

ER here I come!

First off, welcome to BR! Second, I've always wondered about this as well but figure the head is going to be down in some muck, sand, grass etc and probably will not matter. I think it looks better to us than to the bass.

3/8 as well but you just let me know if you need someone to test those 3/4 in Maine. I like that idea in deep water.

Thoughts and prayers from Maine.

That's one tough son-of-a-gun right there. I agree about either putting your head in your hands or getting on with your life with the cards you are dealt. I applaud that man.

I'll 2nd these options!

That's a sharp boat too SunFish. Darnit! I want a new boat now!!

Yes x2. And ask away brother! That's what forums are for. It's good to learn how your systems work and to be able to diag and fix things yourself. None of us popped out knowing how to test an on-board charger.

4 years ago a good friend of mine crashed his YAK 52 while re-certifying his pilots license, upon take-off. He and the instructor both died on impact. RIP Mark, I miss you buddy.

^^Dang bro, that's one gorgeous ride!

wait wait wait...What happened to Jose? I used to watch his shows as well and really admired the guy. Just seemed to have all the knowledge in the world about saltwater fishing. Didn't know he had passed. Much respect and RIP.

^^lol, ya those Lews are good reels. I have one, not sure which model but I love it too.

True, but since he's a newbie, and Rule 31A, subset G cleary states that "Newbies with less than 100 posts, coming on bragging about deals found but not enough to share with the group, must sell said item for said price purchased for". So...I'll take that thank you.