Smokinal

I think there is a couple of things going on. As Mark said, I, too, think you may have just a few winds too many on the spool. I always close the bail by hand anyway, every cast, and that can help too. And it does take a couple of days out for it to loosen up a little. But the biggest thing is that you were throwing a weightless worm...it's the weight, or your hand in a rag, to put tension on the line as it comes in so naturally it's going to lay a little loose. Try it on the water; you'll love it.

Strong post to username corrolation..lol. And why do you think we put up with the winters here?...what happens in Maine stays in Maine

Not to hijack but this is an incredible catch! And I love MLF as well. It's pretty cool seeing them on one of my home lakes. I remember when they were here and wanting to call in sick so bad to go out to watch them. edit: And just to make sure everyone knows, that show was just the first of 3 for that area. Then they usually have a "winning ways" show to talk about baits and techniques.

Dude! I'm wicked happy for you! I don't even know you but I'm proud of you as well; proud for anyone who can do that in that stage of your life. My wife is going back to school too and I see first hand how hard it is to do well in school and still run a good houshold. So GOOD FOR YOU!!! And hopefully this won't be you....

How would you tell them apart, may I ask?

This is the answer op^^^

wow! Those are absolutely beautiful! I used to stream fish a lot until I discovered bass; still love to see nice trout though.

Every once in a while I throw a shout out to see if anyone is in the publishing business. A few years ago I wrote a series of 3 children's books about bass fishing titled "Bass in the Grass". They are fun, easy to read books targeting ages 3-11 area. I included safety tips as well as fishing tips. I sent manuscripts to around 20 different publishers without much luck (typical from what I hear from other writers). Well it's always been in the back of my mind how much I'd like to see them on paper. So, I thought I'd throw it out here. Anyone with some connections? And at this point I'm not even looking for royalties, just would like to see them published.

I didn't know about that Oregon; I'm so sorry to hear. May this year bring another step of healing to you and your wife.

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/365-nights-of-sex-can-it-strengthen-a-marriage Seems like a good way to start a year to me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jourgensen Seems like my kind of read! Thanks

That's bada$$! The bigger joy will be when a Larry muckles onto that thing.

I usually read "behind the music" style books; autobiographies of rock artists. I've read about Sammy Hagar, Pat Benetar, Steven Tyler, The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx, Bruce Springsteen, Slash and many more. But I also enjoyed Mike Iaconelli's book and a book called Bass Madness by Ken Schultz. If you haven't read Bass Madness, and you enjoy tournament fishing, you would like it. It's a real eye opening look at the production of major tournaments.

Criss cross...just sayin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxFJp7brcs

^^^These Bud. It's a short period of time and you will definitely be proud of yourself for giving it your all. Plenty of time to fish later. Don't wish you had tried harder on the mat. Believe me, don't leave that mat wishing you had tried harder.

Truthfully, it isn't the best line to use as it floats so you lose some depth, which can be important when deep crankin. I just cant stand fluoro, which sinks, and I love the no memory of braid. I use a fluoro leader and catch tons of fish on my braid so....

I use braid on my cranks. Dead serious.

Don't know as I'd waste too much time doing that because I feel I could catch em better in other ways but still pretty cool.

^^^Yup. I just placed an order from TW for those and all the stuff to make my own Jikas. I would have bought the pre-made ones but couldn't find the combo I wanted. Just as easy to make them up myself I guess and have the hook/weight combo I prefer.

I'm in the same situation you are in OP. I like a thin, warm, not too cumbersome glove. I use a liner like these: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/60814?feat=liner-SR0&page=men-s-polartec-liner-gloves&attrValue_0=Black&productId=1025464 If it's really cold, I'll slip in a hand warmer but I usually don't need it. I have heard, but have not tried yet, a latex rubber glove under a liner glove like this works well too. I'll probably try that in the spring.

They are great looking jigs. I got mine about a month ago but never got to try them. Seem like great quality jigs.

I'm not being a smartalec when I say this but this is why I use SuperSlick and a fluoro leader. I read about everyone using fluoro and loving it so I thought I was being left out. I tried and tried with all the best fluoros money can buy. Needless to say I have a lot of leader material now. Braid is where it's at....don't buck it....feel the flow....harness the good, block out the bad....you pay your quarter and the carousel goes up and down, round and round....circular....all good things.

jika rigs

I saw those Texas Pliers and was leaning toward those anyway. Guess that seals the deal. Thanks guys. And I like your thinking too Hootie. I would think a pair that had the nub come down onto the bottom jaw would work easier than if it came down in front of it.

What brand do you all like? It's time I had a pair but I see many different styles out there.