JPD

Bucktail, If fish are following and not committing there are a couple of things you can try. Color, like mentioned can be very important, especially in clear water so try changing colors of the bait that's getting them to follow and if that doesn't work try changing the size. Last but not least would be the weight size. I have had many days where a 1/4 jig would catch nothing but the faster fall of a 1/2 jig would drive them crazy. It takes some time due to the amount of combination's but there is always something they are willing to commit to. As a general rule, longer casts will also put more fish in your boat since you will have less chance of spooking them. JP

More than likely last years JohnF, this years crop would be under a couple of inches still.

Your thoughts are bang on limeyangler, fluorocarbon does sink and will end up impeding the action of any topwater with the exception of those that you retrieve rapidly. Use a 17 lb mono leader since it's natural properties give it more flotation. Your walk the dog action will thank you for it. For those using fluorocarbon leaders for bottom contact baits or subsurface lures, try a 6-10 foot section. You'll end up with spare to re tie on break offs and lure changes rather than having to re do the joining knot which always involves a knife or scissors... just make sure the knot is nice and snug with almost no tag ends so it can be on the spool and still cast effectively. The longer leader will also act as a shock absorber for those monster hooksets and power dives from the fish. JP

The right to voice one's opinion is a part of life and that's why all networks have "CONTACT US" links on their websites... will they make everyone happy? Probably not but as they grow you would hope their content would improve but if it doesn't to your liking then you always have the option of not watching. Seems pretty simple to me. The problem is when there are unrealistic demands from a network... like no infomercials, original content from January to December, no commercials... that is impossible for anyone to comply with unless the network has a huge paying audience at a big ticket to offset the income these things bring in. I have often told people to contact the network when they don't enjoy something or have a suggestion since I have always felt that a customers opinion is most times the only one that matters and I still will continue to welcome people to contact WFN at any time... feedback will only help them evolve. I have seen Billy Mays Hayes on Spike numerous times and several other networks... unfortunately, as annoying as he is, they pay and bills are a major part of any network. I personally have never been attacked or criticized (aside from the cranky one) here or felt that way and I know Dave feels the same and we definitely don't feel like we need special treatment... we just like to contribute where we can and be a part of this community... I have been a member here for many years, well before I started doing the tv thing. Believe me when I tell you to be involved in this industry you have to have some pretty thick skin or you would never last... trust me on that one! BTW... since GCD owns the water and needs his commissions from us using it I will comply..I think 10% is fair but the only problem is that since my show has no sponsors so we can objectively showcase anyone's product without bias we run a $50,000 deficit every year so GCD... I'll be expecting my check just like a GST refund!! Now what can I do with that $5000?

Good ideas JohnF, all applicable in some way shape or form but can you sell it? You have to get the sponsors to have the money to make the shows! Your next problem might be the emails complaining about wanting to see fish not emails and travel... Either way, being VP in charge of programming is not a job I would ever consider.. I know how hard he works and what he's up against. He's a better man than me for having the ambition and patience!

Bottom line is that 95% of the shows film 13 episodes per year... that covers 1 half hour slot once per week for the thirteen weeks... There are 48 slots available per day on any network and 365 days in the year... that would mean you would need 17520 original shows per year to not use reruns... to make matters worse is when you factor in the 13 episode delivery... it would take over 1300 different shows to fill the schedule!!! Never going to happen in a million years I'm afraid... especially if you have any standards for what you chose to air on your network. You must also see what it costs to make shows happen plus the time commitment for properly done shows... we're not talking about shows that film off tripods, have barely any cut aways or graphics, we're talking shows with some serious production value like Mercer's Facts of Fishing, Scott Martin Challenge, FLW, Lindner's Angling Edge, Jarret Edwards Outdoors, FlyMax, Some of the salt shows just to name a few... and if you look for it you can really see the difference... from underwater footage, cut aways, graphics packages that are custom made, not something you would find in Microsoft Movie Maker, studio work on on site explanations plus the fishing from creative angles... all this takes major time and money... in most cases upwards of $6,000 - $10,000 per episode!!! Don't get me wrong, you could create a show for less but in most cases it would look like you did unless you are one of the most talented Jack of all trades out there. As for WFN creating new shows, there are a couple in the works that are not fishing focused and they will definitely fill a void in the programming but again it takes money to create and deliver!!! The Lowrance / Humminbird stuff will be incorporated into my show this year so that should make a bunch of guys happy. I have had many requests for it through a bunch of emails asking hows and whys regarding electronics so it was a natural fit for this coming season. JP

Never look at what people spec reels at. Materials, smoothness and components are part of the engineering and being "deemed" superior means squat. You can't figure which one is the best until you beat the tar out of it for a few years and see which one is still standing. I put over 100 days a year on the water and have a Chronarch (white one) from 1994 that I still use... for me, that's enough said!

nofrills, there was nothing wrong with the 300 D's, in fact they are virtually indestructible. I punished mine through casting Cleos for Kings at the river mouths, Cats in the Grand and even trolling in Owen Sound for Salmon and it hasn't skipped a beat. Much nicer to cast with the low profile reel as well over a beer can style. Every 3-4 years Shimano like most companies completely redesign their reels and add new technology to them. JP

Great response John, you are right about filling the content... just think if there are a few bad shows on say OLN or Global when they only have to cover 3 hours of fishing two days per week, imagine the challenge of finding 24/7 worth of good content. There are a ton, literally a ton of fishing shows sent into the WFN to be aired but so many of them never see the light of day due to the quality or content... think what they must be like!!! As for your request for a show.. I think I got most of it covered for you guys this year... Electronic tips, Boat maintenance tips, Tackle tips, Technique instruction like last year, rod power and action, reel with gear ratios, proper line per application, new lures, rods, reels, line and gadgets plus some tips for people both well into their game and advice for people starting out their passion for the sport. Comparing gear can be a real problematic area, especially after you torch one in a review... that company may be a bit more than upset at you, the show and whoever carries it...lol As a side note, I don't watch any one channel 24/7, so why should WFN be held to such a high standard? Chanel surfing is something everyone does, that's why there are hundreds of channels out there. When there is something on that I like, like Mercer, FLW or Scott Martin etc... I tune in. Typically after that I have too much work to do so back at it I go... Some people love flyfishing, some saltwater and others only watch the bass shows.. different stroke for different folks I guess... but that's why there are so many different shows on the network.. not everyone fishes the same way for the same thing! JP

Garry2r's is bang on with the American vs Japanese rods. The American counterparts are one level heavier in just about every instance I have encountered. As for the rod... I use a Medium heavy for almost all baitcast applications with soft plastics and vary the length depending on the conditions or what technique I am doing...ie.. skipping docks and trees...6'6"... long bombing frogs I like a 7'6" for extra casting distance. As an all purpose rod I would say a 7'0" medium heavy rated 10-20 lb with fast or extra fast action and throw them on 50 lb braid if you are fishing heavy cover. Open water you can easily get away with 30 or 40 lb braid... in clear water you can always add a fluorocarbon leader. Spinning set ups are awesome for skipping senkos and dingers either weedless or wacky... using a baitcasting set up to skip will take a bit of experience to master. Good luck JP

Dave had them rigged on a Fin-Tech Knuckle Ball jig but the Shakey head will work as well. Fish that rig around the weeds and docks for Largemouth. They will pound them hard!!!!

The Merc 115's can be a real pain since they idle in 2 cylinder mode and run under load in 4. The idle rate should be 750-800 in neutral and 600-650 in gear so look at that when it is idling and in gear and you will know if it needs to be sped up a little. A carb adjustment will be the best thing for it by the sound of things. Using the choke sends a spurt of fuel into the carb throat so it won't do anything that would damage it. JP

Ted, if you want to hold their attention let them have some fun by playing a casting game with them (if they're old enough) with prizes to be won... it will be a great treat after the casting instruction... you may however want to get some prizes that will appeal to kids of that age class. My nephews don't know what a senko is or care for that matter!!! yet! If you are on the water's edge you can mimic what they do at the Sportsman show with the rings and a bell or something to that extent.

Looks like you have the knowledge Bill!!!

Look for a medium power rod with Extra Fast action for the applications that you are looking to employ. Try to go with a 7'0" for casting distance and hook setting power. I agree with the Compre for the money... great rod, high graphite modulus (IM8) and lifetime warranty.. the best part is if you need it fast the warranty center is 40 minutes from BPS in Peterborough. JP

If I had to pick and keep it around the $500 mark it would be as follows... 1. Shimano Compre 7'0 Medium Power, Extra Fast action spinning with a Shimano Symetre FJ 3000 loaded with 15 pound Power Pro and a 12 pound Fluoro leader 2. Shimano Compre TC4 7'0" Medium Heavy, Moderate fast Crankbait baitcasting rod with a Shimano Citica E 200 loaded with 15 Pound Fluorocarbon line 3. Shimano Compre 7'0" Medium Heavy Extra Fast Casting rod with Shimano Citica E 200 loaded with 50 pound braid for flipping and heavier applications. Total would be around $600 US... okay not quite $500 but the best warranty and quality for the money hands down... all would last a lifetime. My personal picks for my three in my current arsenal... 1. G-Loomis CBR906C - 7'6" Crankbait casting rod - medium heavy, moderate fast with a Shimano Curade E5 200 loaded with 15 lb Fluorocarbon 2. G-Loomis BSR852 - 7'1" Medium Power, Extra Fast spinning with Shimano Stradic MgFb 3000 loaded with 15 lb Power pro and fluoro leader 3. G-Loomis BCFR954 - 7'11" Flipping - Heavy Power, Fast Action with Shimano Curado E7 loaded with 65 lb Power Pro Would gladly fish with either set but absolutely love the power and weight of the Loomis rods... Garry2rs obviously feels the same way. JP

Your speed on a X15 will be from the GPS not the transducer. If the problem with depth is happening while you are under throttle it probably has to deal with the position of the transducer... if it's while the boat is stationary it may be the transducer itself. Roy makes a good point... if you show a close up pick of the mount the guys here will have a good idea if it's a mounting or position issue. JP

GCD, yes winning a tourney does take work and lots of it, I have spent 5 days pre fishing for an event, waking up at 5 every morning and fishing till 5 to try to figure things out in rain, cold and wind the time is the reason we couldn't go... just so you know I also run my own business and have for the past 16 years. What I do aside from fishing pays for fishing, it's that simple so between that and trying to do the show I just didn't have the time to put in nor did Dave. Hopefully our schedules will be better next year. BTW... I would really appreciate it if you didn't try to put words in my mouth with your answers or assume there is something more to my answers since I have never met you or had the chance to speak with you. JP

Congrats Summer on an awesome fish and it's great to see you and Mackenzie having some fun on the water... keep up the good fishing and wicked job landing that Northern! Not a bad job by the guide either JP

Hi Darsky, I can't speak for Kulik but for myself and Dave, unfortunately our schedule just couldn't work with the time we needed to take off... I was really looking forward to this event as was Dave but sometimes work has to come before play Hopefully next year we'll be able to get out there. JP

Never thought you were theRJ, just trying to help a bit. JP

The length has nothing to do with the power... your 7 footer has no backbone because it is a medium light power and quite possibly slower in action which will reduce the amount of backbone... going medium power with extra fast action will make just the tip section bend first and leave more back bone for moving the fish and setting the hook. The length is a major bonus for casting distance, hook setting due to line pick up and handling the light line load better when fishing finesse for larger fish. Go with the 7 and I promise you you won't be disappointed. JP

theRJ, Make sure the rod you choose is medium power and has at least fast but preferably extra fast action. In two piece rods I would highly recommend the Shimano Compre 7'. It is well under $150 and is one of very few rods on the market at that price point with a lifetime warranty. The fore grip on the rod is also shaved out to give you direct contact with the blank for extra sensitivity when finesse fishing. Other rods under that in price but still offer the warranty are Shimano Convergence and Clarus but the Compre is the best bang for the buck having IM-8 graphite and Fuji Hardloy guides. The 7'0" one piece model CPSX70MB is Extra Fast action and one that I use and recommend the 2 piece 7'0" model CPS70M2B is Fast action which is still very usable but when you decide to go 2 piece you tend to lose action. Good luck JP

Looks like a great time Bob... keep hammering them!

Sounds like a great time Cliff... it's nice to see the little one have as much fun as you two!