Jig Man

Here is a knot list for you so you can choose your knot and practice it. Good luck http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Deep open water is about all I get to fish. I use a lot of jigs from 1/4 - 3/4 oz tipped with various plastics and tubes rigged with 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 oz weedless inserts.

You can buy special trailer hookshttp://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Subclass_10151_-1_10001_100010002_100000000_100010000_image_0_1?CMID=FILN_OS_TERMINALTACKLE_HOOKSHOOKACCESSORIES. I normally use extra spinnerbait hooks from my stash. Lately I have been using dressed treble hooks on my buzz baits because of fish not really making contact. I keep them on with a piece of surgical tubing. When I am using a trailer hook, I rarely use an additional trailer since I don't like the way the stuff comes through the water. There really isn't a right or wrong way to do it. Just experiment and see what you like. I prefer to not use one at all if the fish are agressive.

You will get a lot better ride if you go for something with more of a V bottom. Depending on the age of your kids, it could be a lot safer also. The one thing I would caution you about is undersizing the motor.

On the other side of the coin. I run braid on all of my baitcasters. When I am using a craw or jig I put a couple of feet of fluro leader on. I like the feel that braid gives me.

I like the double bladed terminator. It doesn't have clackers but the blades hit each other. The only problem is Rapala bought them out and they aren't available right now. They have been on back order for 7 months.

I am a big Shimano fan in general. They are the only kind of reels I own. I don't have the 1500 but I do have 6 Symmetrys. They are 7 or 8 years old and get used many many times each year. I do keep them cleaned and lubed. I also have Stradics and the big difference is the extra bearing in the handle shaft unless there is a quality difference that is not apparent to the eye. I have only had to replace a couple of clutch assemblies and 1 bail spring. That is not too bad considering the use and time factor.

Yes charge it before you go out and for extended life, charge it everytime when you get back home. Also check the water regularly and keep the plates covered.

I don't know the price of those boats. If I were looking for an alum. it would be the Xpress. They are the best riding alum I have ever been in. In fact I just heard today that a friend of mine bought a new Ranger and plans to sell his Xpress. It is a 19'/200 Merc EFI.

That all depends on what you mean by deep and what structure you are fishing. I fish a lot of stuff with the boat setting in 50 fow. I use a 3/4 oz jig with a craw trailer for this deep. If I am fishing open water or humps I tend to go with a 1/2 oz jigging spoon. If you mean 15' for deep any jig or tube will do.

As the water starts cooling the fish stay shallow longer. Sometimes they are shallow all day long and will hit my favorite baits in the fall (spinnerbait and buzzbait). Once in a while I will have to go back to the jig but mostly it is the spinnerbait for me.

You are right, they 'gotum but they are more expensive than the robber down the road. Thanks for the reply.

Mine is on the fritz. It has no mfg info on it. It is white faced and only says PSI on the front. I would like to replace it with one like it. It came on a 2001 Champion. Can any of you help me find out the mfg.?

I just wish some one would steal mine. It is out of warranty and I only have $100 deductible. ;D

Keep your eye on a specific target. Don't look generally, but specifically, like a baseball pitcher looking at the catchers glove instead of the strike zone.

I have tried a bunch of different spinning reels. I have gotten rid of all but Shimano. Even their $50 reels beat lots of other brands. I since I started using Shimano I won't even look at anything else. I have 13 of their spinning reels. If your budget allows, I recommend the Stradic or Symmetry but like Raul said the Sahara is pretty good for the money.

I use a hand held and a lot in the truck, boat and geo caching. Like stated it eats batteries so I bought a charger and some rechargeable batteries. I always carry a couple of extra ones with me. What ever gps you buy if you don't get one with mapping capability, you will be wasting your money.

Have you considered taking it to a marine dealer and having them sell it for you?

You should get a couple of dozen of all three in 3 or 4 colors. You can't have too many jigs. You also should consider some 3/4 oz in the same colors as the other sizes.

I like a H or MH extra fast because I let them take it then I want to be able to cross their eyes.

I'd say you have been there at least 20-25 minutes too long. Unless it is a long bank I don't spend more than a few casts in any one spot without some action. There are too many other places to fish.

MISSOURI 7 lbs 2 oz Stockton Lake Kevin S. Clingan 12/18/1994

My wife bought a deck boat a few years ago. She loved it. 6 adults could go out and have plenty of room. It had a bimini top and 4 fishing seats. The only problem I had was I like to fish windy places and its high sides wouldn't allow it.

I tend to go heavier than many. I use an IMX 844c for the heavier jerk baits and an IMX 843c for the smaller ones.