Pepe

I can't seem to stop myself from setting the hook too hard, and I broke off the Nanofil on 80+% of the fish the first few days I used it. I have turned the drag down so far now that it sings on every hook set. It works much better that way, for me.

3 times a week? Lucky man! Please post more often and let us know how you are doing.

It sounds like a neat experience, Alex. It would be cool just to see how these guys approach this lake under these conditions.

LOL. I've had too many days where I would be happy as a clam to have that. Thanks for the honest report.

Hey Buddy, hurry down and we will see if we can figure them out together, using some of Mitch's great creations! I'm fixin to fish the only week of the year that I get anywhere close to as serious as these Big Sticks do.

Being good at anything is usually hard. For me, at least, it is a lot harder when I don't know HOW to do it the right way. When I wanted to learn how to plaster, I hired a Plasterer who did it every day. He made it look easy, but it ain't. I didn't get any better watching him but when I worked side by side with him my performance improved. Nothing is quite like OJT A couple guide trips is the ticket.

I don't know how it is in your business, but in my industry the folks who aren't winning are usually the ones who want to change the rules.

Thanks, Sprint. I really hope he gets bit and I need to not let him see me stressed about it. in his terms "it's all good".

Makes perfect sense. Now I just have to actually do it.

I honestly don't know how guides and all you tournament fisherman do it. The pressure to catch fish makes me feel like Iaconelli (on the inside only). I am a ball of nerves. An explanation is in order. I am strictly a C&R recreational fisherman. Work provides plenty of stress and just being on the lake is my greatest stress reliever. I can count on one hand the number of tournaments I have fished in my lifetime and I only enjoyed one of them. I won't fish for money because it would add pressure that, for me, would be unbearable. Every year there is a family "tournament" that involves the cousins, uncles, brothers, BIL's, nephews, etc. There is usually about 20 teams/boats. There is no money involved (thank God) but for all of us it is more important than winning the Classic. We have a large and competitive family! I have missed most of the last 20 years, due to work, but plan to make this years event which is next week and runs Thu-Sat. I am bringing my son, James. James has been looking forward to this and been talking about it for several years. It has been something to look forward to during his last tour in Afghanistan. This pressure to not only catch fish, but catch keepers, is hard on a guy. My hat is off to you guys that do this all the time. You must have something figured out that I certainly don't. I would welcome any tips in that regard.

Thank you for the prompt response and the Two (2) volunteers for the swimbaits testing. Packages are in the mail.

I am looking for solid feedback by next Wednesday. There are small variations in each and I don't want to predispose anyone's opinion based on my theory, but I will share the information here when available. The differences from existing methods in wide use are bound to be subtle, if any. Thanks for your help,

I am hoping for Two (2) volunteers to test these, ASAP. It is a modified 5.5 gram lead-head jig rigged fully inserted with an exposed 4/0 hook. The swimbait is 3.8" at rest and 4.3" with the tail extended. It is soft and should have best action worked slowly. I can get a package with the Four (4) colors and some jigs in the mail tomorrow. Please only respond if you can try them very soon. Thank you. Mike

I am glad they worked well for you. That is great news. They are purposely very soft, which does reduce durability, but also provides some action at rest or worked slowly. Thanks for the feedback.

Those are some good looking baits.

How about the hex of having a Banana in the boat?

James, I am sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. That stress is ugly stuff. I hope it eases up for you.

I included some line spool bands in the packages sent and several folks have asked what they are. This was an idea I got from Matt Reed who uses them on all his line spools, so we made some to see how you like them.

Thanks for the report, Bill. It was a struggle for me. I finally caught a spot on a spinnerbait, but it was the only fish I caught all weekend. My wife and son each caught them behind me but I guess I just wasn't holding my mouth right. I would appreciate any information about swimming a grub. I have never really done it. I think I saw from one of your previous post that you use a darter head?

Gary Yamamoto is a brilliant plastic bait maker without a doubt. I have admit that I am tempted to give it a try

Thanks for that information, guys. That may help us tomorrow

Wow, nice fish! Congratulations. From the smile on your face it looks like you had a great time. I wish I could say the same. My son, came in from Grand Rapids, MI, and we took him up the Kings River throwing spinner baits and warts. He and my wife caught 4 each but I got skunked. We are planning to go out tomorrow and would welcome any suggestions. Thanks, Mike

I would welcome any comments or thoughts on cut tail worms. I had a gentleman request some. He tells me that Kinami used to make them but won't be producing any more. He reported having good luck with them. I could probably make them but would only consider doing so if the bait works well here on TR, and is not available from a commercial source. Thank you, Mike

I got a message from Jeremy and, though I was unaware of it, he has been coordinating this event every year, serving 30+ kids. What a great thing to do! Thanks, Jeremy

I am glad to hear that some of them work for you. I have exhausted my supplies as there was a lot of response. I think I got everybody covered that contacted me by yesterday. Unfortunately, it will be a bit before I can work in the shop again. As some feedback comes in adjustments will be made based on what you guys suggest. PLEASE do not be shy about suggesting changes or improvements. Mike