SPEEDBEAD.

I have used both and I dont feel there is enough difference in casting distance to justify not using the XT. I will take abrasion resistance over a few feet of distance any day.

George Welcome, if the lakes are freezing over where you are at, then we Northeastern people are in a serious deep freeze.

Great idea on the baby boat monitor.

Since I saw you mention a big swimbait in your original post, I guess you are not opposed to throwing large baits for big fish. Tubes would be my suggestion for you, but how about a musky sized tube? I dont know if they would be too big for the smallmouth to take, but you may want to try it. Product is called a tiger tube, claims to catch some large ones... http://www.lindyfishingtackle.com/tackleshop/customer/home.php?cat=377 Let me know what ya think. Wayne

You cant go wrong when you deep fry catfish...

Where are you at in the Northeast? While it may be bluegills or perch (which a bass will always eat), I would probably guess you have some shad or other type of smaller minnow in your home waters. What color spinnerbait were you using? That should indicate to you what type of baitfish the bass are keying on. As for your last question, if you are doing the right thing by moving deeper? I think you may want to visit the shallower areas with heavy cover, but that is just my opinion. Move to areas that play to your strengths and stay focused on the fact that you KNOW there are bass in there.

I think exactly the opposite. If a bass in your home waters has yet to see a lizard, then you should be throwing that sucker for all its worth. Its very rare to find a bass that hasnt seen a particular type of lure. Take the chatterbait for example. It combines different characteristics of common baits to give bass something they had not seen before earlier this year. Give the lizards a try, you might just be surprised. Great comment on the plastic worms by the way, I have never seen worms crawling, hopping, with a chartreuse tail or blue flecks in them either. Wayne

I love throwing topwater when the winds get nasty. Heavy buzzbaits are awesome. Keep your casts low and direct. A crankbait will also work well, keep your rod tip low or even in the water to minimize the effect of the wind on your line.

Muddy, depending on when/where you want to have an event like this, I would be willing to help any way I can. Just let me know. I will keep my eyes open for info on here regarding an event in PA. Wayne

Jeez, if he has that bad of luck I wouldnt take him to your honey hole....j/k. It sounds as if he has a lack of experience rather than a lack of luck. Find a day when conditions could not be more perfect....overcast, late spring day w/ a front moving in perhaps? Then teach more than you fish. If, ultimately, you want him to become a better angler, you are going to have to put up with not fishing as much and tending to him a little more. You may also want to have him go out on his own and learn. Just a few thoughts... Wayne

As is often said about a lake being deep, size of bass in a lake is a relative term. In PA, if you catch a 6lb largemouth you are doing pretty darn good. So, if you are catching three pound fish on topwater, I would also say you are not doing too bad for yourself. I have not caught anything I would hang on a wall, but as I posted before, the last local tournament I was in this year, we won on ALL topwater. There is a time and place for everything. If I was seriously looking to break any records, I would agree that topwater would not be where it is LIKELY to be broken. Since most of the fisherman on here are "for fun" guys, topwater will remain one of the most used techniques due to the fun factor of it. Wayne

Darn, Keith beat me to it. It is gonna be hard to catch any fish if you dont put some back in. Think about it....

Whenever I can fish is a good time to me. I catch more toward the evening mostly because that is primarily when I fish.

Without giving away your new possible honey hole, where at in PA? I would guess it is near NJ somewhere....

Good call on the spark plugs, thats a new one...

If you are not opposed to it, and you really want to stick one, have you considered live bait? A live shiner is hard to resist. Did you also consider the conditions at the time. A high pressure situation may have caused them to go tight lipped. Maybe consider waiting for better conditions that may help you out. As a side note, that smallmouth in your avatar is GROTESQUELY OBESE!!! AWESOME!!!

Ok, all you are gonna need is a toilet paper roll, some gunpowder and a little bit of luck....yeah, that should do it.

I have really found that the best way for me to keep soft plastics looking next to new is to not catch any bass with them. This happens a little more frequently than I like to admit...

Following those instructions will definitely be a challenge for me. I would really like to develop the patience to perform those tactics that you describe. I am more of a run-and-gun type, but I have become very aware of my lack of patience. Thanks for the post and reminding us all that a slow presentation will often produce results. Wayne

Great job in all aspects, both questioning and answers. I think I enjoy this place even more every day.

If they are going to make a movie, they should make it about Kerchal. That is an inspiring story with an all too tragic ending. Ike is a tragic ending all unto himself...one of these days I hope he falls off the boat.

I am a pretty big boy, and I like to eat....I always gotta have food with me on the boat. The bathroom can wait, but my gut takes precedence.

guess i cant say that, sorry. kick butt then.

Lane, with your mention of handgun sponsorship, you have made my list for ladies that kick a$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cant watch at work, content blocked. I will take your word on it. Bill Dance does some dumb stuff....but he does catch some hawgs.