Drew_10

It's unfortunate, but it's pretty tough to buy a decent baitcaster for under $70. If you were to be using one only for flipping and pitching, you could possibly get away with buying a cheaper model, and cranking the drag all the way down. But...if you're planning on throwing crankbaits and jigs, it'll be pretty tough to do with a cheap one simply because the lures are often too light. You're almost better off sticking with spinning tackle. Think about the the weight of the lure, generally speaking, if you're casting anything 1/4 ounce or less spinning gear is the way to go. For heavier tackle, baitcasters can work well, but it all depends on the type of fishing you're doing. Even casting a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce jig can be tough with a baitcaster at times. In my opinion, an Abu Garcia Revo S is an excellent choice for a first baitcaster. I think they're $129-139 new, and once you get use to it you can consider moving up to the higher end revo models. As well, if you're just getting started, a fiberglass crankbait rod would be somethingt o look into as they generally have more 'whip' than a graphite rod and will help you cast further when you're learning for the first time. It won't be as good for jig fishing, but should help you with casting distance. It can be tough when you first begin using a baitcaster, and a cheap model isn't going to make for a pleasent experiance. This is just my opinion. Good luck with your decision. -Drew

Eppinger Daredevils, any colour. Cast and retrieve.

I got one..... So I picked up a new flipping stick about a month ago (Shimano Crucial - Best rods on the market) and have been spending some time in the backyard getting a use to my new toy by doing a little flipping and pitching, getting ready for bass season. My roommates think I'm nuts, I don't blame them. Anyway....woke up in the moring to find the backyard littered with cardboard fish! Could have been my roommates....but the smiley faces on the fish have me thinking it was the house full of girls from across the yard. The joy's of living in a student-housing area. I had a good laugh. I should take a picture of the yard.

Floro is also more sensitive than mono, making it easier to detect light bites and to feel out the bottom. This may not be all that important when float fishing, but if you're dragging tubes and trying to jig up walleye it can help.

We feed our yellow lab Performatrin Large Breed. He's 110lbs without an ounce of excess fat on him. I'm sure most people here know this, but just in case you don't - if you're ever planning on changing your dog's diet (from one brand of dog food to another) do it gradually! Their stomachs become accustomed to what they have been eating every day on a regular basis, and going directly from one brand of dog food to another can be very harmful in some situations. When in doubt, check with your vet. This is especially important with large breeds where bloating and stomach twists are not uncommon. -Drew

revo

30lb bag of Canadian Bass!

I love Shimano Stradics when it comes to spinning gear, but for baitcasters, the Revo is the way to go IMO. A top of the line Abu Garcia for the price of a mid-range shimano. I hope you enjoy your new SX!

Join a local B.A.S.S. chapter. Clun tournaments are about as cheap as it gets and you don't need to own a boat to fish.

I'm looking to buy some tickets for the 500, and would have to pick them up at the track. Last minute, I know....Anyone use stubhub.com before and are they reliable / legit? Thanks for any info, -Drew

Hit up one of my favorite lakes today in search of some Crappie. The morning was slow, as expected, but we paid attention to any hints the fish would give us so that we would be ready for the evening bite. We drilled some holes, tried a few different depths, and found a pattern that was working. Enjoy the pics. And sorry...the pics are a little big...I'll make em' smaller next time. We first had to get rid of a couple dink perch The ultralite set-up was key The weather was awesome, not much wind. After doing some searching and learning as much as possible in the morning, the afternoon bite kicked in My buddy Tadd with a slab Concentrating on the light bites while watching my other line The evening bite was great, but it took some searching to find a couple key spots Fishing stool - a must have Action Shot Dinner and Beer

I'm thinking of heading out there tomorow in the am. If anyone is planning on going and wants to meet up shoot me a pm.

The 1 musky I have caught in my life was from shore. I was on a field course in Peterborough last September with my program and the group I was with was staying at a lodge on Lower Buckhorn Lake. Caught it off the dock on my 2nd or 3rd cast with half my class watching. It was just a little guy, maybe 30-32'', but man was I pumped!

Shakey-head those bad boys

Thanks Aaron for putting the episodes online, it really is a pretty unique idea, at least when it comes to fishing shows. My favorite are the smallie episodes on Erie and the Upper Niagara. I also can't wait to see the new smallie episode coming up so where you guys supposedly try something different. Should be a beauty.

Whoops! I didn't know Purks closes for the winter, I only ever that place up in the summer.

You could try Perk's in Bala right off the 169 near the Kee to Bala. They may have some decent size baitfish

Just lots of Tim Horton's coffee in the morning for me, like some of the other guys I usually don't take the time to drink in between casts. Ice fishing is a different story though.

You're probably going to end up with a pile of replies that tell you to not purchase a cheap baitcaster. I agree with this 100%. Even if it's your first baitcaster, and you plan on replacing it, do not buy a cheap one, they simply don't work well and will leave you frustrated and thinking that all baitcasters are junk. Spend a little extra and get something you cant depend on. It'll be worth it. My first baitcasting reel was a Abu Garcia Revo S, they are relatively cheap and go for about 130 bucks and are well worth the money. I have since purchased a couple of the high end Revo's and could not be happier. Just keep in mind when you're buying one there's a reason companies sell $600 dollar baitcasters. That isn't to say you need to spend that much to get something that will work right, but be willing to spend at least 130, if not a little more. It sucks that getting something half decent costs so much, but that's the way it is. Don't think that spending 89 bucks will get you something good to learn on, it will just end up being a pain in the ass. Hope this helps,

IMO, If it's a crankbait bite Bain will have a good shot.

I think I say "there's one" most of the time, and when it been slow and I finally get one I usually say "ahh hell there's one"

Awesome! Thanks for the pictures

Mike, IMO, your best bet would be to join an Ontatio B.A.S.S. chapter. It's the best and most affordable way to enter the tournament scene. Check out www.ontariobass.com, there's a good chance you'll be able to find a chapter in your area. If you sign up as a non-boater you'll have the opportunity to fish with some REAL GOOD anglers. It can be expensive at times, but I really don't think there is any other comparable alternative in terms of the knowledge you'll gain and the friendships you'll make. Look into it, I've fished with both the St. Catharines club and the Niagara club and have really enjoyed my time on the water with them. BTW - those two hogs in my avitar picture were from a club tourney on Erie, i wouldn't have had the opperunity to catch those if I wasn't a BASS club member! -Drew

As of now, all reports are suggesting that there isn't 3-4' of visibility, probably less than a 1.5'. The south-west wind today didn't help anything. I was considering heading tomorow but might put it off for a few more days. -Drew

Can you say artifical reef?