farmpond1

Do any of you all ever lie, when someone asks you "hows the fishing?" and say it's terrible, even when it isn't, so you don't attract other competition to your honey hole? I'm much more likely to "lie" like this than I am to embelish a mundane or poor outing. Not that it happens all that often. Is this wrong? Am I being unneighborly? I realize I could be opening a whole new can of worms (pun intended) so please try to be polite.

This may belong in a different thread but when it comes to competition, there are poor losers and also, perhaps more irritatingly, poor winners. I don't fish tournaments but I still know a little about this. I have an...acquaintance who loves to fish. He's invited me to go along with him on several times. Admitedly, he usually does better than me and there are plenty of things I could learn from him. But humility isn't one of them. If I catch a decent fish, he'll dredge out of his past an even better fish that he's caught. Or if I'm having a pretty good day, he's had an even better day the week before. It never fails. One could, of course, argue that I'm the sore loser but it's not much fun to be around someone who feels compelled to "one up me" all the time. I'm sure he has his own insecurities but it still irritates me and I don't go with him anymore.

I have a (very) cheap 7-8 weight Shakespeare fiberglass flyrod and reel combo that I got for Christmas over 20 years ago. It's actually pretty limber, however, and 7-8 weight line doesn't actually match it very well. Me thinks it's time to graduate up to a decent graphite rod. Seems to me, streamer type flies are the way to go. Crawdad flies might work if I can get them down deep enough.

Okay, I realize I'm stepping on thin ice here. I'm afraid of bringing it up. Some bassers look on with disdain on folks such as myself. It's like admitting to sleeping with one's own sister. But here goes: I am a flyfisherman. Not a good one, mind you. I'm really just a beginner. But a friend got me hooked (no pun intended) last year and since then, I've found a new passion. Heck, even catching a puney sunfish with a little sponge beetle is way more fun than I might've imagined. But I love smallmouth bass and that's what I want to focus on. For those other flyfishing aficionado's out there, what are your favorite flies patterns for smallies? My friend ties his own creations similar to a woolly grubber only with shiny tinsel on it. I lost the last one he "lent me" to a lilly pad. I ordered a vice from BPS and am about ready to begin tying some of my own concoctions. I just hope the fish in my river are all far-sighted or are used to seeing mutated baitfish.

How much gear a person has is obviously an individual choice. There are those who can't seem to be happy unless they have every lure/rod/reel in every make/model/color and there are others content to drown a nightcrawler down at the city lake. For those of us who reside in the "real world" and who haven't (yet) succumbed completely to the addiction, we try to find a balance. Which, it sounds to me, you've sought to do and which works well for you. For those who are addicted, seek help. ;D I've fished only one tournament (as a guest-my friend's regular partner bailed on him). It was kind of fun but when I saw the "winner" bring in a bunch of dead fish (the rules in this tourney were apparently pretty loose), it changed my opinion a little. Not that I am opposed to tournaments. I certainly don't wish to ruin someones livelihood. But whenever greed can become a factor, there will always be abuses. I fish because it's fun. When it stops being fun (or corrupts me too much), I'll stop fishing.

Gang, I did a little research and this is what I found. It was written in a way us laypersons can actually understand. I've also included the link from which it came to credit the proper source and for those who want to do some more homework: "A battery can meet all the tests for being at full charge, yet be much lower than it's original capacity. If plates are damaged, sulfated, or partially gone from long use, the battery may give the appearance of being fully charged, but in reality acts like a battery of much smaller size. This same thing can occur in gelled cells if they are overcharged and gaps or bubbles occur in the gel. What is left of the plates may be fully functional, but with only 20% of the plates left... Batteries usually go bad for other reasons before reaching this point, but it is something to be aware of if your batteries seem to test OK but lack capacity and go dead very quickly under load." http://www.solar-electric.com/deep_cycle_batteries/deep_cycle_battery_faq.htm#Major%20Battery%20Types

I would approach it very quietly, and from behind.

I think creating cover is a great idea-especially in a manmade, barren pond/lake/pit. Just wouldn't use a lot of garbage when doing it. p.s., I don't think any anger was intentionally directed at you. Most of the venting seems to be generalized at tourney folks who use "less than completely ethical" practices. Money ruins everything.

I'm assuming you mean 25+ mpg without pulling the boat. But even so, you'll be hard pressed to find anything that will get that kind of fuel efficiency in any vehicle capable of pulling a (heavy) boat. It's something I've had to contend with as well. So I kept my older (paid for) honda civic for my regular day in and day out driving and drive my pickup when I need a pickup. I suggest you keep your Camry (unless you just can't afford the second vehicle) and buy a good used pickup. Just my 2 cents worth.

I know little about this subject so I'm mostly talking out of my arse but can you find a shallow draft, aluminum boat that will do the trick? How shallow do you need to go?

I also agree with Surfer on this one. If you want a truly accessible boat, a pontoon is the way to go. Unless you are quite adept with mechanics (or know someone who is), the boat you mentioned sounds like more like a lot of work and money than anything. You might find yourself not only with a perpetually inoperable boat but also with lovely yard ornamentation. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money. If you can't, this might not be the right project for you. My 2 cents.

Anyone can have a shiny, pretty boat. Embrace your boats ugliness. And consider the extra coats of paint dent resistance.

Ten feet is mighty small for a boat. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but attention must be placed on weight limitations, center of gravity, etc. You probably shouldn't mount the seats too high otherwise you (and your fishing buddy) might go swimming when you lean back too far. Do you really need two batteries? Can you get by with one? Two batteries and two people (unless you are lightweights) and any gear you bring is going to make things pretty heavy. Just some things to consider.

This is more a complaint than anything but I felt it might be cathartic to vent my frustration. I purchased a (brand name-sounds like a state) trolling motor about two years back. The motor is fine. The switches are fine. Even the shaft is durable enough. But the transom mount is a flimsy piece of doo doo. Admitedly, the motor is about as strong as one can find in a tiller steer model (55 lbs thrust), so the mounts is being taxed but anytime I crank er up a notch or two to fight the wind (or whatever), the whole unit lurches to whichever side I've got it pointed. On one occassion it even lurched out of its mounts and I'm performing a "Bill Dance" number (see blooper on video). It seems the company would put some effort into making a mount strong enough/rigid enough to hold the unit in place. Or am I being unrealistic?

Seems to me putting the trickle charger on 30 minutes before pulling out of the driveway was, in essence, too little too late. I am hardly an expert on the subject but I try to recharge my batteries immediately after getting back from a trip and I keep the trickle charger plugged in all the time. A friend of mine has had similar "problems." He says his charger indicated a full charge and then had little juice when he put his boat on the lake. I suspect he isn't maintaining his batteries very well. Don't know about your neighbor, however.

Well, since my car just got out of the shop, my wish list has to be a little smaller this year. But at least I have money to pay for that so I'm grateful.

Ordinarily I'd have some sympathy but since I've never had that kind of fishing success, the green monster makes it difficult. Your photography wasn't too great, perhaps, but the fishing on that occassion sounded phenomenal. Kudos for that! p.s., I'm glad to hear you use circle hooks. You probably spared a few basses lives by using them.

I love it when people pose these kinds of abstract, philosophical questions. Personally, yes I do get burned out. Discouraged. Frustrated. Whatever you want to call it. I'm probably on the medium to far left side of the continuum compared to many of the "fanatics" on this site. (I mean that in the nicest sense). It isn't easy to be a fanatic or to avoid getting frustrated in East Central Illinois where nearly every decent body of water is fished to a white creamy lather. I get the most discouraged when I'm not catching-especially when other people are. I guess you could call it performance ***. Or when I've towed my boat three hours away just to get socked with a cold front or 95 degree temperatures. What's most discouraging is the time and hassel involved with keeping a boat and trailor running safely and well. I'm one of those guys who gets a little too frustrated with tangled Christmas tree lights and trailor lights that don't work just gives me the fits. But having said all that, it isn't long after a "bad trip" that I'm ready to get out on the water again. Alexander Pope said that hope springs eternal and it's no more true than in fishing. At least with me.

I don't think it's technically illegal. You didn't perform a "five finger discount" and deliberately steal something so the culpability probably lies with the company. My opinion, however, is different on what your personal response ought to have been. Even though Dicks is a big chain store, it's comprised of individuals. It's easy to lose sight of this. It's easy to say, "they won't miss it" or "it was their screwup. Let them eat it" but whenever we do this, it breaks down our society and our morals just the same. How would you like to hear "It's just one consumer, it won't matter in the grand scheme of things." Well, it matters to you, the individual who had to earn that money, doesn't it? You ought to make some attempt to return it. If it becomes a hassle, then I'd wash my hands of it. I'm not trying to give you a guilt trip. I get tired of lines and being treated in an impersonal manner too. And yes, sometimes I do feel like I'm getting gouged by corporate america. But as individuals (which we all are when it comes right down to it), we have to try to behave in a manner in which we, our family, our community, and God would be proud. (Patriotic music plays here).

First, let me applaud you for wanting to take your son fishing. If it's done right (easy enough, really), it may become a lifelong hobby/fascination. Heck, just doing anything with him is a good thing. One can make fishing a very simple or complicated activity. As a beginner to the sport, don't feel overwhelmed by what's out there or even this site. Some of these folks have been going at it for years and with fishing, as in any sport, there is the natural inclination to add new dimensions and levels of sophistication to it. But it doesn't have to begin that way and don't let complexity frighten you off. Some basic gear (see some of the other messages) is all you need. I wouldn't recommend you go too cheap, however. A (too) cheap rod and reel or fishing line can really put a damper on things. I've never been to Lake Beresford (or Florida for that matter) so I can't say how the bass fishing is there. However, for a newby, often the best place to begin is with catching. I don't know how sophisticated your son wants to go or what his attention span is but you might forgo bass for a few trips and concentrate on panfish (or bream as I believe they are called down there). They are usually very eager to bite and require less sophistication than some other species. Once your son gets "hooked" on catching and wants to "up" the challenge factor, bass are a great species to target. They are also (usually) reasonably willing to bite (though less so than panfish) and will chase many different types of baits (live or artificial). Fishing is a great activity for partners. A spirit of friendly competitiveness can develop and as I mentioned before, the potential to add new dimensions is almost limitless. Please try to remember that fish and our waterways are a limited resource and to respect your environment. Good luck with things!

I agree with Tokyo Tony. Sight fishing is difficult when one is sitting low on the water. I don't think a regular float tube would be the ideal choice for sight fishing. But then again, if you are careful and quiet, you might be able to get closer to the fish without them seeing you too. In other words, if you can't see the fish, they might not be able to see you. Oh, if you're going to be out in a tube, make sure your tube has plenty of pockets or you wear a fishing vest. You don't want to get a long distance out and discover you've left the ideal bait choice 800 yards away on the bank (or in your vehicle). Keep a diverse assortment of baits on hand. And don't forget a pair of needlenose pliars or hemostats to release all those fish you are going to catch!

Heres my two cents worth: If the price of a bait prevents you from fishing it where the fish are, then you shouldn't use it. If you want to throw your money away, please send some of it my way (or, more appropriately, to a worthwhile charity).

The answer to this question probably varies from product to product but here it is: Do scents go bad over time? I've got an old bottle of attractant which still occupies space in my tackle box. When I say "old", I mean, over 10 years old. I don't use it often, obviously, but I hate throwing something away I paid good money for. Should I toss it or does it still have some worth?

I think a pool is a great way to test out a new bait and tune it. Actually, I wish sporting goods stores had a pool for testing their products. There are numerous crankbaits in my box which I wouldn't have bought If I'd seen their action first. But I suppose tackle stores want us to purchase lures-not reject them.

I had a somewhat similar thing happen to me. I was on the Middlefork River (Near Danville, Illinois) and I was fishing for smallies with a small Rebel crawdad. I had made a cast near some falldowns and after a hald dozen turns of the reel handle had a solid hit. The fish ran with it and I had to strip line with my left hand to keep from breaking off. Anyway, I thought for sure I tied onto a record smallmouth (or at least a personal best) when after a good battle, I realized what I'd hooked wasn't a smallmouth but, instead, a muskie. I wasn't disappointed at all, however. It was no record, by any means, but catching a 30 inch muskie in some strong current, using a medium action spinning rod with 6 lb line made for a very memorable day. I realize this is a bass forum and some bassers disdain muskie but I just had to share this anyway.