desmobob

Ice fishing! And lots of reading, a little snowshoeing, some grouse hunting, and plenty of bass tackle fondling. Tight lines, Bob

I'll put in a "+1" on the CZ-75. I have an older model from back in the day when they were hard to get, and it quickly became a favorite for me. I later bought a Cadet .22LR conversion kit and that makes the pistol very versatile. But as for competition, I'll echo MidTNKayakAngler's thoughts... the nine will sometimes leave steel targets standing if you don't make a solid/high hit. You make up a little with shot-to-shot recovery times, but you also have to deal with stricter scoring rules if you're not shooting a major caliber. If competition is going to be a big part of using the pistol, I'd prefer a .45 (or .40). As for your brand choices, I don't think you could go wrong with either a Sig or an HK! Tight lines, Bob

I use a 7'3" HF for frogging, fishing in thick lily pads/weed cover, and for heavier jigs. Tight lines, Bob Edit to add: I forgot to mention I just picked up a Kistler KLX 7'3" HMF "Frog, Jig, Creature, Worm" rated for lures 3/8 to 1-1/4 oz. The moderate-fast action should make it an excellent big crank rod as well...

I just snagged one more of the older models from Cabela's at $119. I'm old enough to know that a lot of "new and improved" versions of my favorites things are actually inferior; usually the result of a redesign that's cheaper for the manufacturer to produce. That's not always the case, but when I see a product I really like getting redesigned, I like to play it safe and stock up on originals! Tight lines, Bob

I was looking forward to reading some reviews of the new TP. I chickened out and bought another one of the old models. They're getting cheaper... I got mine for $154. (Just before Cabela's had them on sale for $119!) Tight lines, Bob

I have a cart-full of stuff, but no 20% discount showing anywhere. Do we need a code? I e-mailed them earlier this morning but have yet to get a response. Tight lines, Bob

You can pick up a JDM Daiwa Alphas SV105 for a little over $200. As for rods, check out the Major Craft Volkey BFS series. I have the light power version and it is a VERY impressive rod for the money! Tight lines, Bob

I prefer the closed eye because I usually use the Mustard Fastach clips to attach my hardbaits. Most brands don't have them, unfortunately. Tight lines, Bob

How do you get the 20% off? The prices today (Nov. 26) are the same as yesterday.... I have a bunch of things in my shopping cart and want to take advantage of the sale and try out one of BR's newest advertisers! Tight lines and Happy Thanksgiving, Bob

I grew up experiencing those kind of Thanksgiving meals... the traditional meal, plus a HUGE platter of pasta surrounded with meatballs, sausage, pork chops, and chicken parts that were all cooked in the sauce. I hope you guys are going to have some canolis to go along with the traditional deserts! Happy Thanksgiving to all, Bob

Kistler... ~30% off several KLX and Z-Bone rods. Tight lines, Bob

I have a Major Craft Volkey BFS rod (JDM) and it is truly impressive. It won't be my last one.... I'm guessing we'll be seeing more of their rod line becoming available in our market. Tight lines, Bob

I'll let you know when mine shows up... I just ordered one, plus a 7'3" HMF. If you have any questions about the rods, I'd give them a call. The first time I bought rods from them, I called and Trey answered the phone. He chatted as long as I wanted about the rods. Tight lines, Bob

It sure seems that deadsticking topwater baits makes bass crazy! I brought a buddy from work out fishing one evening last summer and drove HIM crazy by casting a frog and then deadsticking it. I think I caught a fish on almost every cast while he was churning the water to a froth and not catching a thing. Dead sticking on the bottom is good, too. I just watched some underwater ice fishing video a while ago that showed about a dozen nice walleyes examining and ignoring a real minnow being jigged. The fisherman later lowered the minnow to the bottom and deadsticked it. The walleyes hammered it. Tight lines, Bob

The blood knot is best for lines of the same or similar diameter. That's usually not the case with a braid-to-leader knot. Tight lines, Bob

Very sorry to hear that sad news! Condolences to you and your family. Keep the good memories close... With sympathy, Bob

I use Fenwick Elite ice rods, as well as rods from the evil, banned-on-BR company. I started off using my ultralight spinning reels on them, but later bought three of the HT Accucast ice spinning reels, They have a longer stem that angles the reel so the line feeds straight to the first guide on the typically-short ice rods. The drag is excellent, the reel is smooth (I have the 6 BB versions) and the best part: about twenty bucks each! I haven't tried braid on an ice fishing rig. I use 3 lb. Nylon mono on my panfish rods and 4 lb. Hybrid on the bigger fish rods. The drag on those little Accucast reels is good enough to handle the occasional larger fish on light line... Tight lines, Bob

I started with the Uni-to-Uni, then Albright, then moved to the Alberto, and have settled on the FG. I resisted trying the FG because it looked difficult to tie, but it really isn't. It's super compact and smooth through the guides. I usually use a heavy leader and I noticed that more often than not, the Uni-to-Uni at the leader failed before the knot at the lure. The Alberto worked much better for me. The FG seems to be as strong as the Alberto, but is much smaller and smoother. Tight lines, Bob

Nice one, Kyle. There is something very satisfying about catching big fish on jigs. Maybe it has to do with subconsciously justifying the money spent on a nice, sensitive jig rod! Tight lines, Bob

I just finished covering up the boat for the winter. It will sit for about five months. How depressing! Thank goodness I have ice fishing to look forward to... Tight lines, Bob

I found a small, unopened package of them in an old, steel tackle box I found in the basement of my house when I moved in. They had to be at least 30 years old. 6" blackberry with a chartreuse tail. I took them out and tried them. Killer worms! I became an instant fan. Tight lines, Bob

Jig and craw trailer! Tight lines, Bob

Cool. I'm going to make one. I ordered a JDM rod last month and the seller shipped it taped to a very nice, brand new, twist-lock telescopic aluminum pole inside the box. Best part is, it will fit in my rod locker. I just need to bend up some heavy music wire to make the "spring" for the end. Tight lines, Bob

I can't find any reason not to like 'em. An FG knot goes through without the slightest hitch. As for the cranking rod, if you like Kistlers, try one of their KLX "Crank, Rip and Twitch" models. I have the 7' MHMF and am liking it more each time I use it. Tight lines, Bob

That is the absolutely best way to taste them... head-to-head. It's surprising how different they truly are when you compare them directly. Line 'em up and sip 'em! Tight lines, Bob