Pepe

That is a great rod. Sensitive and light. I couldn't keep my wife from using mine and finally had to buy another one. I don't think the more expensive NRX is any better than this IMX model with 6 or 8 lb line. Someone will get a good deal.

Good for you in teaching your son to buy what there is cash in hand for. I hope you find the perfect vehicle. My wife and I completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Coach training in Nashville last year and are working through our church to help get that message to young people before they get buried in debt.

We are heading to the lake tomorrow and are hoping to get some fishing in during this coming warm spell. Anyone know where we can find some of the 2.75" Rapala JiggingRap ice jigs in any of the local stores?

Has anyone observed the effect of a hot nail on a Zinker? I am wondering about making a bit of a channel for the collar.

I try to stay aware that I "live in a glass house and have no business throwing stones" but some of the self-important clowns I have seen on this lake really give you tournament guys a bad rep. I'm talking about when some hot shot runs in, comes off plane 10 feet from our boat to jump in front of us on a point, only to explain that he is "in a tournament", as he makes a half dozen casts and then races off. On the other hand, the guys who really are proffesional seem to be just the opposite. Lily and I were catching fish near point 16 last year when a pro in a wrapped boat and jersey idled up, shut down and politely asked if he could fish about 50 yards from us. He said he had some luck in that spot the previous day but was happy to go elsewhere if it bothered us. Of course we agreed and though we pulled our lines out of the water and backed off we stayed near enough for him to explain in detail what he was doing and why. The man was competing for a check, with some class, and doing a commercial for a couple sponsors at the same time.

I am happy to make you some. I should get some shop time this week as it looks to cold tohead for the lake. Lily & I aren"t as tough as some of you are . I watched an In-Fisherman video recently where they were slaying smallies on "clown" colors also. I might tie up a few of those, too. Mike

you have mail

I was planning to make some. You want hair & silicone or just hair? Crawdads coors, I assume?

It will be a little bit but I'm happy to make you some more if your out. Drop me a note about color.

Happy to send you some. Just let me know

Finesse hair & silicone jig and shad bucktail

The olive color on the 1st jig doesn't show too well against the dark background. The trailer strip has the hide attached for adding scent. I read that just a bit of Scent paste works well but to keep it off the soft bunny hair.

Lily's influence. Purple one is as long as my hand.

Owner hook with trailer keeper and bunny hair. Gulp or Powerbait trailer may work best

You are certainly welcome here. I understood the words Champ wrote (since it was in plain language) to prompt others to contribute when they have been on the lake. That's a win-win.

Thanks for posting and welcome to a great forum. We would love to hear from you when you make it to the lake, also.

I plan to be back in the Skunkworks again, mostly making hair jigs and ??? Most of you know its just a hobby for me and what I cant use or give away goes to raise a dollar for charity, so please let me know if you have an idea for something and I will see what we can make of it. Happy New Year.

Great report. Thank you for taking the time to share that information. I am looking forward to taking my grandsons when they get a bit older. I hope they take to it like your boys.

Like most things good or bad, it is the people involved that make the difference. You all make this forum a welcoming place to visit, learn, and share. While there are many fishing boards, it is the people here that make this one a real gem. This place is one of the many blessings in my life and I thank you for that. Lily and I pray that you, and those you love, have a Christmas full of joy and peace. Mike & Lily PS: "you still can't have my Bud Lite"

Great Idea. I will plan to be there, even though I'm not really a tournament competitor. It sounds like an opportunity for a great time

Your a good man, Jim. Merry Christmas

LOL

I had no luck on it today throwing a McStick 3-5 ft model on bluff ends and points. Virtually every place I intended to stop had a boat on it the first time I went there, so I spent the day moving on and doubling back later; fishing behind other folks. I dont know that it made any difference as I was never sure how many times to jerk the bait or how long to pause so I just mixed it up. I had one bite. Loaded the rod, shook its head and was gone. How do they spit out those sharp treble hooks? Those hooks manage to grab every other thing they get near:) I'm going to stay with it but I miss my jigs, worms and soft swimbaits.

Committing to the technique sounds like good advice. I will do that. Thanks guys.

Thanks for the help, Bo. We hope to get on the road tomorrow and be on the lake thu-Sun. I do struggle to stay on top of fish that I spot on the graph, though. Mostly they are gone, or not showing, when I get up on the troller.