The Bassman

Mostly fished smallmouth in creeks as a teenager. Inline spinners, Rapalas, and live bait. Looking back, the level of proficiency I achieved left a lot to be desired. Still it left fond memories.

No music on the water. Whatever I was listening to on XM while driving gets stuck in my head, though. Kinda fun fighting a bass to Van Halen "Jump".

I found the same to be true with the Yo-Zuri. Great looking bait but I got tired of cleaning the hooks after every cast. Tried a BPS Egg but couldn't get the lure to run straight. I've never been too good at tuning cranks. My favorite wake is the Azuma Wake-Z. It's really big and requires a little stouter tackle but it's the real deal on big fish.

They just bailed me out this morning over a bonehead thing I did to a friend's Curado 201B. Forgetting that the handle nut was reverse threaded I stripped the threads trying to loosen it. New driveshaft and nut shipped under 10.00. How do you improve on that?

We had this discussion not too long ago and the rock bass didn't get much respect. I personally love the fish. Where you're at I'm guessing you're fishing the Eel River. Some of my best memories are from fishing rock bass (goggle eyes) on Sugar Creek in Boone and Montgomery counties. For kids nothing beats a half nightcrawler on a #4 Aberdeen hook and a small split shot. And it'll catch everything else.

How better to define such a scene:

I used to fish PP on my older Shimanos with the rounded spool lip and it was a genuine pain. Newer Stradics are much better but I still get the occasional tangle when I least expect it.

I amassed a lot of stories about goofy coworkers and bosses when I worked on crews. I've been self employed since '91 so I'm the only goofy worker on the crew now. Have never really enjoyed my trade. Fishing's a lot more fun.

I use straight braid so I tie my knots to not use up more line than necessary. If I'm careful I have less than a half inch of tag. I still trim it a little because I'm a neat freak.

Beg to differ. Women have always put a curse on me.

Let's not forget. Ralphie struck a kid with yellow eyes. Must make a difference.

And a break from summer sun. Ponds around here are mostly out in the open. I have real issues being in the sun too long since I flirted with heat exhaustion last summer. ( I was fishing, not painting). Just do interior now. Don't know how I ever handled being on the sunny side of a house when I was young.

Buying fever subsides a bit this time of year. Funny, the rods and reels that I think can be improved on during the winter become everyday hard working tools. I grab what I need for the technique of the day and get to work with no issues with them. Go figure.

I have a JDM Zodias 2 piece with spigot ferrule that feels like a one piece to me. I keep it together all the time so I don't have to line up the guides. A lot of JDM stuff is two piece.

Reread this thread after seeing your new one. I've got an different take on this thought. In late summer/fall I've found a lot of activity "offshore" using moving baits like lipless and small blades in mid water column. Wind seems to be a key component. Doesn't seem to work on calm days.

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Same here. It's a holiday for her. Between 50-55 hrs. a week at a car rental agency and looking after her dad she enjoys any what she calls "me time" she can get.

Dynamite for low water creek smallmouth. I've switched to tiny paddletail trailers like Z-Man Slim Swimz. Helps the bait run straight. Caught several up to 16" Fri. on my first real wade of the summer.

I'll give that a shot in one particular pond that gives up cats for me pretty regular. Caught lots of bass today with one nearly 4 lb. but just one cat on a Fat Ika and he was a bullhead. They hit plastics occasionally for me.

And since then I've been unhappily painting away. Not sure if I've impressed anyone. LOL

I've caught several channels while casting and there's no mistaking them. Fast strike, frequently a quick detached sensation as they move toward you, then all heck breaks loose even on small ones. Great sport fish.

I have a Fuego 2500 and 3000LT. Actually prefer the 3000 with the slower ratio. The reel feels a bit freer. IPT is still over 30" because of the larger spool.

It's also stronger at the same stated strength. 6 lb. 832 is the same breaking strength as 10 lb. PP. Should be standards in the industry but there's not.

I've done well with Fins Windtamer 4 and 6 in pink. Supposed to be low vis underwater but the fish haven't told me one way or the other.

Always finished with "So long, and good luck with your fishing."