Mobasser

Pad fields can be deceiving. There could be a fifty foot wide pad field, but only a small section will hold fish. The part that does hold fish is because there's something different in that area. A small dropoff, some rocks, a sunken log that you can't see from above etc. It's the structure and cover below the pads that makes a difference. This is where the fish will hang out.

There was a well known pro angler named John Powell, who fished in early B.A.S.S. tournaments under Ray Scott. He always fished shallow, regardless of conditions. His main bait was a Creme Scoundrel worm. He took some friendly teasing from other guys who said he fished in a tractor rut full of rain water. But he qualified for six classics, and won or placed in the top ten many times with his shallow water approach.Fishing shallow was his style, and he did very well with it. They say there's always some fish hanging around the shallows. I think it's true.

I'm sending positive thoughts your way. Hoping your wife fully recovers.

I have a small fire pit in my backyard. A few times from spring into the latest fall, we'll make a campfire, and sit back and enjoy it. My favourite time for this is in the fall, when it's cooler. On every camping trip I've been on, the campfire is always the gathering place. Folks always like to sit around the campfire, and just talk about things while staring into the fire. With a campfire, I'm always reminded of my older brother. We camped out many times by the big pond on our grandfather's farm, and we were allowed to have a small campfire, while we set out lines for catfish. I loved a campfire back then, and I still love them now. There's something special about a campfire with family and friends. Do you like campfires also?

I like lighter rods overall. More comfortable to use. I sometimes swap reels around on different rods to get the best feel.

Jar, I sure hope you get feeling better soon. Sounds like a really bad deal you've been through.

I'll say rods also. Rods have become so much lighter and more sensitive than when I started.

My grandfather's pond, on his farm in Chillicothe Mo, later 1960s. My older brother fished with me there and taught me the basics of bass fishing there. Many fond memories of that pond.

After a good rain or storm, followed by bright sun. Tough conditions.

No. I've had Diawa and Shimano reels over the years. Both make a good product.

I learned something here. I assumed that all mono lines were a single filament. I didnt know that they were co poly also.

I fish a lonesome lake often, and fish mostly from a 17 foot canoe. The small lake is mostly surrounded by pine and oak trees. There's an ancient wooden dock that's rotting away and caving into the lake. The water is clear and clean. I love this lake. It's a special place for me.

This time of year, I'm into shorter trips also. 1 rod, and a small box I put into.a waist pack. I carry probably about ten baits of different types in my small box. But, it always comes down to a plastic worm. Low and slow is about the only way I can catch any bass.

For my entire fishing life, I've used monofilament line. I've tried most of the standard brands out there. For the last four years, I've branched out and tried some co polymer lines, mainly because of folks recommending them here on BR. These lines work, but after I've used them extensively I can't see much difference between co poly lines and mono lines. Some of the co poly lines handle worse than mono, and have a larger diameter than comparable mono lines, making them stiff and they don't work great, especially on spinning gear. At least for me, the sensitivity claims of co poly lines seem over rated.I feel I can still detect a light hit on mono equally well. For the co poly fisherman here, what is it that makes you choose them over monofilament lines? Do you feel that co poly lines really help your fishing, or, like me, do you think you can do just as well with monofilament lines? I'm still undecided on co poly lines.

My best shallow summertime spots are shelves that were formed when they dug out this quarry lake. The shelves start at around one foot near the bank, and end at about eight or ten ft, before they fall off into deeper water. I catch fish on the shallow shelves early in the day. There are four shelves like this, but the two best have deep water close by.

I use my intuition often. You'll be fishing, and get a gut feeling about something. It could be something small, but often is correct. I think my intuition is built from past experiences that were good.

Here's my dad's take on marriage: marriage is a commitment, and we have to realize that we're only human. We all have good and bad days. Try to make more good days than bad ones, and you'll make it work. My dad was correct. And, this applies to hobbies, interest, and everything else. Be upfront and honest, and it will work.

My wife goes fishing with me a few times a year, and always enjoys it. As far as purchasing tackle and fishing stuff, I just let her know I would like to buy it. We've been married forty years. I wouldn't have stayed married that long trying to sneak around buying things behind her back.

My dad used to say," we can't stand in the way of progress". Time will tell how this will all play out. In the meantime, as I've said before, I hope it doesn't divide us any more than it has already.

It's one of the very hardest things to do. You'll have great memories of that good boy, and thank you for taking such good care of him through his life.

Spankey, you might look at the Charlie Brewer website. They have a 3" paddle tail grub in smoke bluegill color. Basically clear with green flake. I'm following your post, because I've thought about finding some clear plastics to fish LM in a clear quarry lake I fish. Good post.

Catt, I'll try some of this.

Well, since I'm watching my weight, the fried fish is not the most healthy thing for me to have. I won't eat nearly as many as before. I'm sure my wife will keep my portions in check...

This is fact. If you plan on eating fish, ice them down as quickly as possible. I wish we had yellow perch and more walleye around here. We have some walleye, but I don't know many guys that really go after them.

I was told years ago that most freshwater fish taste better coming from colder water. I think this may be true. Anyone else think so?