Dave,

I’ve got this Thursday and Friday open. Let me know if you’re interested.

[email protected]

I’ve spoken to the Evinrude people. They say it’s just a spin-off. All the recreational products are going as a unit. This includes ski-doo, sea-doo etc. They claim it will not effect the development of the eTec motor line.

That’s their story and they’re sticking to it.

-Jeff

I find myself using the 6’6″ Medium Light more than anything else. I’ll use the Medium power (taper) with heavier baits and go to a longer rod if I’m distance casting or throwing bobbers. I use Fireline so all my rods have Fast or Extra Fast action tips.

I’ve been a St. Croix fan for years. When they came out with the original Legend I thought it was great. Then came the Avid which was an even better rod. I didn’t think you could top the Avid until I used the new Legend Elite. It’s incredible. Buy what you can afford. They are all great rods for the price.

Redneck, I don’t think one can compare a boat, or anything for that matter, to a handgun.

Imposing a regulatory process on the possession of concealed weapons just makes sense to me. Obtaining a permit to carry should be more difficult than getting a license to drive a car.

Pup,

I take no offense (nor did I intend to single out anyone in my above post). We do share similar opinions. You’re certainly right about the long-winded post . The only real difference is that I don’t think it will have an impact on the crime-rate. People can already arm themselves in their home – including handguns. I don’t see that changing the mentality of criminals.

I’m hoping that, if passed, the law won’t affect me. I will not carry (I don’t own a handgun) nor do I expect any permitted gun to be used against me. The only immediate effect is that I’m uneasy about more concealed guns in public. It’s my opinion that there will be more aggressive men applying for permits than people who live in fear of their lives.

I would hope that everyone issued a permit would have to met the following requirements:
1) No criminal history.
2) Training and testing.
3) Reasonable justification for the permit.
4) Physiological testing and affidavits from close relatives.

Again, I don’t like to government to make decisions for me. But carrying a concealed weapon has serious responsibilities.

I would not carry. I live in a low crime area and feel safe in my day-to-day activities. I’ve never been in a situation in my entire life that would’ve had a better outcome if I had a gun.

I realize that not all people live the same way I do and certainly some crimes would be averted if “law-abiding” people possessed concealed firearms.

My concern is that many of the people who apply for the permits will be doing so not because they feel for they own personal safety but for other reasons (and yes, I’m implying the need for power, control and other macho characteristics). By removing the qualification process it’s my opinion that we’ll see more marginally law-abiding people possessing concealed handguns instead of would-be victims of violent crimes.

The obvious problem is defining the line for proper use of a gun. Everyone will have a different threshold. Certainly when your life is threatened, but beyond that it gets gray in a hurry. Is it when someone urinates in front of your daughter? Cuts you off in traffic? Where’s your line? It scares me to think that I may have crossed someone’s line by disagreeing with them on conceal and carry. Proponents claim it will increase fear in criminals, opponents (like me) say it instills fear in the law-abiding citizens.

I’m rarely in favor of government controls. However, the prospect of having more concealed guns on the streets makes me uneasy. I don’t understand the need for completely eliminating the requirement aspect for permits.

I’ve found a heat gun to be the best tool for heating the jigs to apply the powder paint. A blow dryer or propane torch would work too.

I made some simplistic baking racks out of metal clothes hangers. Cut the hook portion on the hanger off and bend the end sections into legs (leave the long straight section to hang the jigs from). You can fit four of them nicely onto a large cookie sheet. Put foil down first to collect any paint that may drip from the jigs. I bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

The only color I use a white base coat is the glow overcoat.

You guys have some great idea’s, but it’s the Keeper Jig.

B-Fish-N’s Keeper Jig
– The unique head shape keeps the jig in the Strike Zone.
– The stainless steel bait keeper holds bait tight in place, fish after fish.
– The premium Mustad hook keeps the fish on the line.

There ya have it foks. Catch more keepers with the Keeper Jig.

A couple others that made me laugh:
Sticky Finger (because of the bait keeper)
Better than Barbs Jigs

How much longer until the video release party? If you need a test audience I’d be glad to help – Free!

The problem with the digital line counters is that they don’t do well in cold weather. A weak battery and 40 degrees and you’re back to counting revolutions on the levelwind.

For the same amount you can own the Diawa and enjoy years of use.

You can add Keeper to my list too.

They look like Eggheads to me.

I would use them in still waters too.

Congrats to EFN and Lawrence!

Looking forward to spending time fishing with you this year.

I’ve tried them and can say the pike sure like them. I tipped them with a fathead with tip-ups. I don’t get many walleyes where I ice fish so it’s not a very good test.

Like James said, if the fish are negative a dangling Do should be an enticing tidbit.

That’s a real bummer. I saw where you beached earlier in the week. Whoever took your stuff is not only a thief but probably someone that fishes there often. I’ll keep my eyes open. Again, sorry to hear of your loss. Especially the 100 T-Sticks.

Sounds like a day to remember. Way to whack’em.

Thanks to you guys and Dee Zee for the reports.

She’s a beauty. I noticed there’s daylight in the photo. What type of water did you find her in?

I admire the fact that the gentleman turned himself in. And I do believe that’s what happened… he broke the law by killing 3 birds. Certainly it was an accident but it doesn’t change the fact that he had 2 birds over his limit.

Did the CO have to report the violation? Yes, as it’s their responsibility to enforce the regulations.

Perhaps when I’m 74 I will know to face up to my mistakes, rather than try hide them and live with the consequences of being a less than honest person. The man sets a fine example to live by.

I’ve been out several times in the past few weeks. Lately, the main channel has been produced numbers of fish in deep water just off the current. I haven’t had much luck on the wing dams, however, I’ve been fishing during the day. The backwater produced big a couple of weeks ago but has been slow the past week or so.

You’re not alone Joe. Legal fish are hard to come by for a lot of people including myself.

It’s gonna change quickly though…

Send me a PM if you’re going down again soon.

Four Seasons is selling baby bullheads for $2.50 a scoop. I couldn’t tell the difference but the walleyes might be able to – didn’t catch a fish on them. But then again, I didn’t catch a walleye on anything else either…

Where is a good place to put in on Pool 3?

Congratulations to you and your wife. Glad to hear everything went well.

I’m glad to hear things are on the rise. We had a lot of moisture here in the Cites lately. Maybe there will be water moving this spring after all.

I’ve learned to love left-handed bait casters. I kinda forced myself to use them after my left arm would get tired from reeling in the huge Lake Erie walleye one after the other. I’m serious, my right arm is far stronger than my left and can endure the strain of pulling in multiple 10lb fish on lead core line. It’s a lot easier to turn the reel than hold the pole.

Plus, I don’t have to switch hands when casting or more importantly when I’m bottom bouncing and fish bites – you can’t reel until you switch hands if you’re holding the pole in your right hand.

The problem is finding decent left handed reels with a flippin’ switch.

How far is the backwater channel open?

Spinner Dave,

The reports given here are the best you can find anywhere… on any body of water. If James says they’re not biting, they’re not biting and no report can change that.

Plus, not only do they give the best tips on where to fish, but what the best tactics are – in detail. Sometimes I wish they’d be a little less open about it all

Thanks to the FTR guys for allowing to track the river from 100 miles away.

-Jeff

Give the Fireline a try for cranking (14lb test), rigging (12 lb) and jigging (8lb). Whenever you want more water-cutting ability and sensitivity. The only thing I use mono for is when I want more resistance on the line for shallow water long-line trolling or pitching jigs.

It takes awhile to get used to the Fireline but once you do you’ll be glad you made the switch.

P.S. Florocarbon makes great leaders because of its light refraction, abrasion resistance and stiffness. Use 100% florocarbon. My personal favorite is Seagur.

I’m going to have to go against the grain on this one. I’ve never had the big fish more predictable than in low-water early spring. I remember 2 years back in March and April that you could pull several big fish a day consistantly out of pool 4. Also remember loosing to James and Hougie who claimed the trophy with 5 fish weighing something around 20lbs.

Great job guys! Let me know if I can help. Would be willing to donate some time.

-Jeff