Al Wolbach

I am interested in the Matt lures swimbait. I want to fish humps in 20-30 feet of water. The Bluegill series sinks at 2 feet/sec (according to website) and is not what I'm looking for. I am looking at the Baby Bass series but the website does not tell the sink rate. I want to fish on or very neat the bottom. Will the Baby Bass sink fast and stay in contact with the bottom this deep? Thanks all...............Al

I agree with Lucky Craft Man on the uses. On topwater baits floro will sink. If you are fishing the topwater baits fast this may not be a problem but if you are fishing slow or making long pauses this will be a problem as the line will sink killing the action of the lure and preventing a good hookset...................Al

Outboard should be near vertical when filling/draining. 1. Place a container under foot to catch fluid. 2. Remove lower drain plug. 3. Remove upper plug to allow air to replace fluid. 4. Allow time for oil to completely drain. While it is draining wipe the plugs clean. The lower plug is usually magnetic and will have metal attached(normal). After draining is complete 1. Pump new fluid into bottom drain until fluid is running out of top plug at the same rate you are filling from the bottom. 2. When full replace the top plug. 3. Remove the filling tube/hose from the bottom and replace the magnetic plug at the bottom of the foot. Some fluid loss is expected but speed is important replacing the bottom plug. There are o rings or gasket type seals on the plugs. You should replace these however they can normally be reused several times before being replaced. Be sure to inspect drained fluid for water. If water is present it will separate from the oil. If water is present you will need to replace shaft seals. This is the condensed version, but the process is quite simple, and you will understand as he performs the steps. Hope this helps..........................Al

Yes, I believe you are right. That timeframe sounds correct. At my age time seems to go by fast, just didn't seem that long ago.................Al By the way if anyone is interested, the older version that you need an allen wrench to remove the side plates, is marked down on the website to $199............Al

According to their website they had a limited introduction in Jan. 2006 and a national introduction in Dec. 2006. If this is correct, they have been on the market 2 years or less. If my memory surves me correctly this is about the same time the new curados and citicas hit the market. Still a relative newcomer................Al

Had to go check- 5739= $114.78 since Aug 23, 2006............Al PS- I work there part time, practically sign over my check. Plus numerous Christmas presents...........Al

I have been using Vanish for 3-4 years without a hitch for jigs and worm fishing. I am really happy with this line and will continue to use it. I'm not sure which formula I have used but it has served me well since I started using the Trilene knot. Prior to changing knots I did experience some line failure in the knot. Zero failures since changing and I have been told the palimar knot works well also..........JMHO...............Al

I recently purchased two of them. The only info I can provide at this point is they cast a mile and don't backlash easily. The true test is still a few years away. I took one apart and they appear to be built very well, but only time will tell. Three year warranty and American made. They are a new company and it will take time for word to spread about this reel and I feel sure it will be a winner. One drawback, at this point they do not make a left hand version, it is due out later this year (around June). They also have a spinning reel due out towards the end of the year. I have let several of my tournament fishing buddies cast mine and the overall response was wow! It truely does cast that well, and no I'm not paid to say that. This reel is a threat to the Japanise market, finally a quality American made fishing reel. If you have specific questions about this reel e-mail me at awolbach@aol.com and I will try to answer them, be sure to put ardent reels in the subject line or I may accidently delete it........................Al www.ardentoutdoors.com

Ditto................Al

I use a trailor hook anytime I throw a spinnerbait or buzzbait. I normally use a 2/0 trailor hook regardless size of bait, but I don't think it really matters what size you use as long as it is 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0. I would avoid anything larger or smaller..........Al

Welcome, always glad to have new members................Al

Thanks for the heads up. I have done this once with my V-Max, without damage, but I won't try it again...........Al

Petition signed and confirmed...............Al

I think it is a very good deal. One suggestion I would make is adding a water pressure guage, especially if you are fishing shallow weedy lakes...................Al

I fish hair jigs here in E.TN for largemouth and smallmouth. (I make my own). I use Netbait paca chunks and Zoom super chunks. Very effective year round.............Al

Since we (members) fish different areas of the country with different type of lakes and different types of cover our rods and lines preferences will differ a great deal. I switched to Vanish floro a few years ago and have never looked back. Simply put, it works for me. On one lake I fish regularly I flip/pitch a great deal due to numerous laydowns and brush piles. The only way I know to consistantly pull heavy fish from deep in a laydown or deep in a brush pile is heavy line and a heavy action rod. A lighter action rod and lighter line will work most of the time but not consistantly on the bigger fish. I don't feel I can afford to lose the big ones. JMHO.............................Al

This is my preference: Deep cranks- 4.7:1 Shallow to Med cranks- 5:1 Jerkbaits- 6.2:1 or faster...................Al

The Sevierville store does.............................Al

There are numerous clubs in the area you are talking about, Newport Bassmasters and New Market Bassmasters are two that come to mind, but there are several others as well. Stop by Bucks'N Bass in Dandridge and visit with the fishermen that are there, they can provide you with more info. A lot of club members hang out there and at one time used this tackle shop for a meeting place.......................Al

I always use a trailer. Netbaits Paca Chunk, Sr....................Al

I'm not an expert on this but I have done it with some success. It is primarily a winter technic, water below 45degrees, however it will work anytime. There are usually more effective ways to fish when the water is warmer. Most fishermen in E. Tn. use a long ML spinning rod ( 7.5' to 9.5' ). Basicly a crappie rig with 4-6 lb line. Using a small jig, about 1/32 oz. made with duck feathers fished 6-20 feet below a float. The ripple of the water will normally provide all the necessary action. You normally fish along bluffs or steep points. Hope this answers some questions. If you have more specific questions ask away, I'll try to answer. By the way, this technic is about as exciting as watching paint dry 99 per cent of the time, however it will catch big fish also. It will catch almost anything that swims........................................Al

Rod: Loomis MBR844c (GLX) Reel: Ardent XS Lure: 1/4oz hair jig w/Paca Chunk Sr Line: 20lb Vanish

Forgot to mention why- Loomis does what they are designed to do and do it extremely well. They are also very light.............................Al

My favorite is Loomis, but I also use St Croix.................Al

Forgot to mention- The items in the bargain section are frequently not available in the stores(BPS). They are usually discontinued and no longer in stock.....................Al