Bass XL

I'd be fine with releasing them into a natural lake or river once they outgrow my tank That may work, but just letting lose something that's been a pet very rarely turns out well (that is if you're interested in the well being of the animal after it's a pet). Look at it this way, if I released my dog to just survive out in the wild...would it? Maybe, but more than likely not. Like fishermantony said, no instinct to survive in a real lake.

It'd be cool, but only for so long until it out grows your tank and you're looking at green water.

You had over 10 fish in a 20 gallon? No wonder it would collapse in a blink of an eye, and I would expect you to get a skimmer with that kind of bio load. Let me say, I do appreciate your help, but I am definitely not the only person that does this without a skimmer. If you are doing weekly water changes you can maintain good water quality without a skimmer. They're great, I'm not dismissing that, just not a "must have" if you can keep up with water changes on such a small tank.

As for right now with only a 14 gallon, I just cant see justifying or it even being necessary. I mean sure it will help, but the skimmer itself will be bigger then my tank. I'll stick with water changes until someone wants to give me one

No, no, and no to all haha. I'm currently running/cycling a 14 gallon biocube, so theres really no need for a skimmer. The BioCube brand skimmers are garbage and I can get more out of weekly water changes. My buddy and I are getting a place here in a few months, and want to make our own frag tank, so we'll see how that goes. Just have to invest in some lights for the tank!

Wow, glad to hear I'm not the only one! bigfruits: reefcentral is a pretty cool place. I'm a member over at nano-reef.com and those guys are awesome. Matt, that's exactly what I'm talkin about!! You have a pretty sweet clam there. I'm wanting to start out and get some Zoas here soon, but water parameters arent the greatest right now. Still have some ammonia, but hopefully soon. Like they say, when it comes to aquariums, nothing good happens fast. It's such a cool hobby. Fish Chris: Funny you mention the Octopus. Ever since I saw this video- I've wanted one. Not anytime soon, but when I get out of school, this guy is going smack dam in my living room. They're so awesome, and a good friend has one as well. Very entertaining creatures!

Anyone else here have Salt Water aquariums? My friend introduced me to this great little hobby about a year ago, and I'm full on addicted. It's so fun setting up tanks with coral, fish, and live rock. It's also great to learn about water parameters and the importance of those parameters. Anyone? I had a 10 gallon set up, but recently purchased a 14 gallon BioCube. Fish aren't in it yet, as the tank is still cycling, but here's what the current set up is Actinic light only: . And both lights.

They're ability to get bites is undeniable. Hey bird dog, I like your siggy!

Bass here in MO are tricky right now. Welcome though!!

That's super cool!

Like many have pretty much summed up. It's more important to put that lure in front of the fish than worry about what color.

Exactly! It's nice to talk to a professional of Brent's caliber, and completley relate to them. He knows a ton about Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, and La Cynge (have always wanted to fish there), and just fishing techniques in the Midwest in general. Mike Webb is one heck of a guy. I was fortunate enough to fish with him a few years back on Table Rock. The guy is a master at catching fish while watching his graph, and he was the one that introduced me to the ever-so-famous Shakey Head. He actually had a special segment on the Tight Lines products, and I personally, was very very impressed. It kind of blew my mind in a way. It sounds like a gimmick, but you know, I think this could be something big in fishing. Definitely going to be getting some UV plastics very soon.

Got to meet Brent Chapman, who ended up placing 5th at the Classic. Super cool guy who talked about spring fishing some of the local lakes around here (He's from Kansas). Did manage to talk 1 on 1 with him about jig fishing, and learned that he doesn't believe in any alteration of your jig. That means, no weed guard trimming, and no skirt trimming. Also got to chat with Mr. Jimmy Houston and local pro Mike Webb. Great experience, but the place was just packed full of people.

I'll be there at the end of march in a tourney. Bring your jerkbaits and wiggle warts!

It's people like him that make you wonder what's really going down in every tournament. On a side note, Mark is a great fishermen. I had the chance to meet him and Dion at a Heartland tourney on LOZ not too long back. Hope he can seal this one!

Well, at least this isn't that Tormanen guy you used to talk up all the time before he got busted cheating everybody in those Heartland tournaments. ;D Oh don't even get me started on that guy.

Not too sure about that statement either. But hey, Mark and I both are from the same area, so congrats to him!

I think that was Aaron's wife... she definitely didn't look happy. Can you blame her - we are talking about $500,000 ! That's some big coin . . . . . A-Jay 2nd place isnt something to be mad about though. She's still gettin bank!

Everything he does, makes me laugh.

From what I hear, he has pancreatic cancer, and was given 1 year to live. Which hits close to home with G-man, because Swindle lost his brother to the exact same thing

Thanks guys!

...because no one really care about B.A.S.S. anymore, just a matter of time.... Are you implying that most anglers prefer FLW over BASS? More money on the FLW side. I personally wish FLW got more attention. A ton of superb athletes that go completely unheard of.

Why don't you want Bobby Lane to win?

Gary Klein just stated on BassCam that his best 5 today went about 17 pounds. Looks like the fishing is getting better!