papajoe222

The only times I tend to loose lures is when I fish from shore. Not that I don't get snagged when I'm in the boat, but as a last resort, I can get on top of it and use my lure retriever. I loose mor baits in my tackle box than I do fishing them.

To you and yours, The topic title says it all.

When all the soft plastic choices, you'd think that they are the only way to go. I'll let you in on a little secret I learned years ago fishing central Wisconsin; Use a #7-#9 original floating Rapala on the business end ( or any other high floating/shallow running crank). It's something the fish rarely see and it mimics natural forage so well that it works as both a power and finesse presentation. The 'where' is a tough one to answer as there are likely more variables to consider than choices of plastics. Touted more as a search presentation vs. a target one, structural features ( points, drops, bottom transition areas) are prime locations to target.

By castability, I'm assuming you're talking about how limp or resistant to spool memory it is. Mono will absorb water to some extent, eliminating much of the memory. It will also readily absorb line conditioners, which not only address any memory issues you feel it has, but it also makes the line slicker which contributes another factor into castability. There are many good mono lines, find one you have confidence in and stick with it until it disappoints you. My guess is the only way it will do that is if you raise you expectations

A lot depends on the techniques and equipment you you'll be using. Your experience level factors in to some extent, especially with casting gear. Mono has less memory issues, fluoro is denser and transmits what's going on at the end better. If you only have one outfit, I recommend mono as it can and has been used for just about everything. Although fluoro shines for some presentations, it is a poor choice for others.

Along with reel gear ratios getting faster, so have many of the newer lures and presentations. Even for slower presentations, a faster reel can equate to more casts/fish. The other thing to consider is that to us old farts, catching is only part of the enjoyment of fishing. Only by slowing down will you discover the true joy of the experience grasshopper.

Fish will not only move up in the water column, but seem to expand their strike zone. A crankbait or spinnerbait is my choice if I'm searching for active fish. Top water or a jig if I'm confident that I'm on fish.

Any of the reaction type baits are good choices and that includes a jig and pig, especially when target fishing. A lot of guys don't consider this power fishing, but the fish will almost always commit to a bait that drops quickly in front of them verses one that passes quickly by. Hit your target, let it fall, hop or shake it, reel in and move on to your next target. A fast reel is a big bonus when doing this.

Natural lake?

I'll experiment with topwaters when water temps stay above 50 and keep a dedicated setup on the deck after it hits 60. Pausing a bait with a feathered treble over a bed during the spawn can sometimes produce when other presentations don't get a second look.

Catching is going to be tough until the fish acclimate to the lack of cover and acidity from the die off. Fish it similar to the way you would cold front conditions and you should be able to pick up a fish here and there.

Ibuprofen normally works for me. I'll take two OTC before hitting the water and an 800mg before heading home. If I've been cranking all day, I'll ice the shoulder down when I get home. I'm happy all my parts still work. I'll trade a little discomfort for fishing enjoyment anytime.

RUN OUT OF PLASTICS? Just the thought gave me a panic attack. I have so many, that I need to completely empty a storage locker of my boat when taking a buddy fishing, or it'll be overloaded! Then there's the pegboard storage I keep full of 'extras'. My boat could sink, or my house burn down and I'd still have enough for the rest of your grandchildren's life. I'm an old fart, so I figure using your life gives you a better idea.

My favorite is a Spook My #1 producer is a black, double blade buzzbait

Red Sox and Cubbies World Series would be AWESOME

You have planes flying overhead all the time, what makes drones any different? Don't their owners have the same rights? Besides, the point I was attempting to get across was that the land owner likely feels violated and is taking action.

If the property owner purchased the land knowing that the 'water way' was not used by outsiders only to have someone come paddling through, that person at the very least is inconsiderate of his right to privacy. Look at it this way for argument's sake; You don't have rights to the air space above your property, but I'm sure you would feel violated if unlicensed drones started hovering over your house. I'm not implying that one party is right or wrong, just that the law is open to interpretation and both parties feel their rights should prevail. This is exactly why we have a judicial system. Where else would you have something like this decided? With the landowner and a shotgun? I know that sounds extreme, but history is full of fueds over water rights. Let the courts decide.

You have some quality rods. Why would you mount a Zebco on one of them? It isn't going to add any more fun to catching. If it's fun fishing you're after, pick up an ultra light combo. A good one. Spool it up with 6lb. YZ Ultra Soft and have a blast. Don't bother with the Zebco, it'll let you down at the most inopportune times. You'll hear guys that land 20lb.+ cats with one on a regular basis, but they aren't using the line you would be and they don't rely on a smooth drag the way you will.

Save your torn up Senkos. You can break them into small pieces and stuff them into the body. They will add enough weight to make casting easier, but won't sink the frog. A plus over split shot is they will compress enough to get a good hook-set.

I don't do it on single hook presentations, but I will sometimes on trebles. I started doing that on muskie baits to make both my and their release easier and less painless. Well, less painless for me anyway. If the fish are aggressively hitting my presentation and/or getting hooked deep, I'll grab my needle nose and pinch them down.

Sounds to me like you're campaigning for the bait monkey. Either that, or you're a sucker for a good sales pitch. Not that I've ever been accused of either one.

My wife.

Commiserate? Does that mean trade, because I have a few, precious, parts that are in good working order that I'd be willing to trade.

The old guy here decided to go the new route today......New Rod (7'6" Med./ Fast Forecast spinning blank/split handle casting I built specifically for jerkbaits)' new lure (Rapala XR10S with a splash of orange on the belly), New Line (Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft 6lb.) and New Knot (San Diego Jam). The only things old were my Daiwa Sol and ME. WHAT A GREAT COMBINATION!! The rod/reel casts like a dream, great action from the lure, the line performed beyond my expectations and the knot's tag didn't catch the snot moss. Oh yea, all the above accounted for the five bass and one crappie of my afternoon. I Cant wait to try out my other new stuff. Anyone know where I can pick up a new shoulder, knees, or wrist?

Cotton Cordell Crazy Shad, WoodChopper, Smithwick Devil's Horse