Andy

I appreciate your response. "just looked at a map, guesstimated which locations would make sense to hold muskies and fished them hard" That statement makes perfect sense, but it's one thing to say it, and another to take the time and make the effort to follow through with it. A lot of us are too busy or impatient to put in the effort you do, and spend our time looking for the "hot" lure or blaming the weather, etc. You were rewarded for your efforts, congratulations, and thanks again. By the way, I have yet to catch a fish of any kind on a Believer or Swimm Whizz, and I have given it a far share of time in the water. Andy

Wow! Very impressive. Not looking for secrets, but I was wondering if you'd be willing to share any observations you have made about lures this past season. For example, did bigger lures take the bigger fish, or did you catch them on a variety of lure styles and sizes. I was on a Kawartha lake last weekend, and did well for me, but the biggest I caught was 38". My biggest lures are around 8". I have a bunch of 6" lures that I'm thinking about selling, I find myself wishing I had bigger lures. I guess what I'm asking is the age old question "Does size matter, or is it how you use it?" Andy

This is all you need to properly clean a fish. I'm pretty sure it's Mike Rowe of "Dirty Jobs" pitching it, so it's gotta be a great product. You are welcome. Andy

I've been using a version of that knot for years. I make 5 wraps down to the hook/lure, then up thru the top loop without going between the lines near the lure at the end of the wraps. Super quick and very strong. I use the super Uni for braid. Andy

Aahaa!! I see that your magical lure has a treble hook! It's only a matter of time now before someone figures out your mystery lure. Seriously, a lot of people (me included) would call your slow day a good weekend. I am impressed with your productivity on the water. Andy

I also recommend Smooth drag carbontex washers. I found the company had very good sevice. I wasn't sure what I needed for one of my "not so common" reels, and they found exactly what I needed. I've added the link. http://www.smoothdrag.com/ As far as washing old drag washers, I used WD-40 to clean them, then let the washers dry, worked fine for me. WD-40 is much better as a solvent than as a lubricant. And it's something most guys will have around their homes. Andy

Another possible option? http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_94037_100004000_100000000_100004000_100-4-0

Well done Frank! I've been reading your posts and was wondering when you'd score with that rod. Glad to see you were rewarded for your efforts. Andy

It's pathetic. He tries to make us feel better by giving us our own money back, unless you're one of the dregs who contribute next to nothing to start with...Bitter??? You'd better believe it. Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have.-Thomas Jefferson The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. -Thomas Jefferson Most bad government has grown out of too much government.-Thomas Jefferson I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.-Thomas Jefferson Amen to that. Andy

There ya go, I'm the one whose got the wrong rod. Either way, you get an idea on value.

If I'm not mistaken, you are referring to a Fenwick Canadian Specialties rod. Still on the LeBaron's site, goes for $65.00. I had one in excellent condition and I sold it about two months ago for $30.00. It went quick at that price.

Beauty! Where do tigers fit into the regs re; poss'n limits? Or are they not covered at all?

Thx for the suggestions. I like the look of the Mr T's. I checked them out on Pro Tackle site. Says the deep ones run down to 8'. How deep do the regular versions run? And three sizes......8, 10, 12 "....decisions, decisions.....

I'm looking for a few more jerkbaits. I like my Suicks, but was thinking of something that doesn't need tuning. I'll likely get a couple more 9" Sledges. Has anyone tried the Sand Cats? Andy

Yeah, I know what you mean. All lot of my stuff bled thru the same sleeves, esp. the chartreuese stuff. I put everything in small plastice ziplocks and put them back in. Threw out the badly discolored sleeves. I don't use much plastic, so not a big deal for me.

I'd say it all depends what you are throwing with it. Lures range in weight from less than an ounce to one pound or more.

http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/...2/12858516.html

Except for the one pillar not going up, I enjoyed the technical stuff. I don't know what the circumstances were (who was late and why) but the empty seats in the executive area when the GG was introduced was completely unacceptable, there was no excuse for it, people taking coats off, racing around, setting up chairs. I give credit to the young woman singing the anthem, awesome voice, it just should have been something we could all sing. I was thoroughly disgusted when the kinda different version of the anthem was being sang. There were people in the executive box still missing, and others still talking and moving about,(the woman behind the Prime Minister in the red sweatshirt and dreads should be deeply ashamed for being an embarassment to the nation) and hardly anyone standing at attention. I'm still pissed. The troups in Afghanistan showed how it's done, all at attention during the entire song. I couldn't figure out why the flags weren't waving more than they were, they didn't look right either. Overall, I thought it was good, it just looked like someone tried a little too hard at times, and tried to accomodate too many sensitive people, without getting the small stuff right. But what do I know. Andy

I was there a couple years ago for a wedding. Went to the range, still got the target paper downstairs...It was kinda cool, the range gave me a card, they said in case I set off the detector/sensor at the airport. (residue?? Not sure if they were kidding or not.) Went to Bass Pro, a lot like the rest, picked up a spinner that I could get anywhere, but I did catch a musky on that Vegas bait. We went to see "Ka" by Cirque de Soliel(??), amazing show, and if it's still there I highly recommend going to see it. Also saw Tom Jones, and although I can't believe I'm saying it, he can still put on a great show. Caught myself singing along...If you have the time, and your partner likes shopping, take as little clothing as possible. Jeans, shoes, fragrances, etc. in the outlet malls at prices often near half what we pay here. Enjoy. Andy

Would you be interested in a used rod? I have a two piece Fenwick Canadian Methods musky trigger rod, excellent shape, rated 1-4 oz, medium-heavy, 6'6", works good with smaller bucktails, cranks, etc. New at Lebarons for $62.00. I work in Stratford, I see your from Woodstock. Come to Stratford and it's yours for $30.00. Andy

No, I love the real Senkos and have had good success on the Yum baits. It's anything by Storm that's been a waste of money.

1. Storm plastics. (grubs and "senko" type baits) They'll end up in the garbage when I need the room. 2. 6" perch Reef Hawg. I know they are supposed to be a classic baits, but I can't get it to do anything. I haven't quite given up on it yet. Maybe I just can't fish glider type baits. I was kinda disappointed with my Hellhounds and Phantoms too. 3. Double showgirls and double bladed DC8s in different colors. I have a number of lures that didn't catch a musky last year, but some of them didn't get a lot of time in the water. I threw these a lot, and nothing to show for it. I'd put on a single bladed Mepps and catch fish.

I had a 15.5' Smokercraft with a 40 merc on it, great boat. Only sold it 'cause I wanted something a little bigger and a opportunity came up on a Starcraft I liked. Only issue, if you want to call it that, was that you would have to check and tighten the odd screw. They may not be built as heavy as some brands, but they are a sharp looking boat, I still kinda miss my old one.

Yeah, that's mine as well. Gotta love the turn arounds, especially going in Wed a.m. after the weekend nights. All in all tho, it can open up a lot of time off for short fishing trips.

Just going to bed after a 12 hr nightshift. After 4 to 5 hours sleep this morning, I'll be in a zombie-like state all afternoon, and likely lying wide awake in bed later tonight hoping it doesn't take too long to fall asleep.