Quillback

Yes, congrats!

Hard for me to recommend a line, as I use different lines for different techniques. 6# mono for the Spinbait (for now, subject to change upon further review), 8# Invisx for jerk baits, 15 lb. Abrazx for C-rigging, 8 lb. Abrazx for t-rigging tubes, small worms..I could go on...

Nice set up! Did you plant broccoli seeds or started plants?

I can understand the reluctance to waste gas. I don't know those areas you speak of - do they get a lot of pressure? You may be fishing for "educated" bass, finding unpressured fish makes things a lot easier. Don't think of it as hitting the road to get skunked, look at it as a scouting trip.

Well until reading up on them, I did not realize how territorial and long lived they are. The one in that photo is probably the same one I've seen around the house over the past 8 years. You know I might just name the one that hangs around the house "Monica".

They have us flanked on both sides. Zebras in Kansas and Bull. Just a matter of time. Maybe they won't do as well down here as they do up north.

Royals keep rolling!

Here's a link to the Slider heads I was referencing: http://www.basspro.com/Charlie-Brewer-39%3bs-Slider-Heads-Pro-Series-Spider/product/46145/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=46145&kpid=46145_Black_1/16-oz.

Yeah I'd give up on that stretch of the James if it isn't working for you. Sometimes you've got to get a map, or use Google Earth and check out streams and roads that parallel or cross them, find a spot where you can access the stream, or talk to some landowners and ask (politely) for permission to cross their land. it will take some driving around and exploring, but you can find places to fish. Sometimes you have to get off the beaten path and do some exploring when it comes to bank fishing streams. I always liked to fish a 1/4 oz Charlie brewer slider head with a black Zoom Trick worm Texas rigged on it. Green Pumpkin will work also. Just throw it at cover, laydowns, rocks, stumps, deep pools etc., throw it upstream or quartering up stream and swim it back. 6# mono for line and a spinning set up that will load up and cast that set up. Doesn't need to be an expensive spinning rod, strikes will be obvious. The slider head/worm will work on ponds or lakes also. This time of year go early or late. Save up to fish in November, that's a great time to stream fish, fish will bite all day. I'd go to the MDC web page and check out MDC stream accesses and Conservation areas that are in your area. Quite a few of the CA's have ponds. Part of fishing is getting out and exploring, finding your own secret spots.

Thanks for the warning, I was eyeballing those baits, but, like you say, for the money, you'd expect something better. I'm not trying to sell you on the Duo Realis 80, but it sinks well, maybe about a foot/second, doesn't rise in the water column, and the props turn, etc., It's a well made bait and functions like these things should.

Usually the trotlines I have a problem with are tied off below the water line, usually on a tree, you don't know they are there until you get hung up on it. I've never run across one of these hidden trot lines that had any kind of ID on them. I avoid trotlines that are visible. Nothing wrong with trotlines if they are fished as they should be. It's the ones that are hidden, unmarked, and abandoned that rile people.

I didn't know much about them until yesterday when I did a little reading. They are territorial and long lived. They can live up to 50 years. it's very unusual to see juveniles.

HAHA, but like Ham, I like the little fellers.

Nice!

Bill I did not see any in Cabelas web site. Hook, Line and Sinker in Rogers may have some.

Good deal, you have to love a top water smallie bite!

Sad to see, what a waste.

Cool, thanks.

They are looking good! Watched the Detroit/Seattle game yesterday, Detroit looked really bad, especially their defence.

This was just posted on Tackle Tour, look at the second video, the one with Goldbeck - he explains the action of the bait, talks about line size and castability. Of course it's a bit of a sales pitch, but some good info if you are interested in the Duo Realis baits. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast14duo.html

Because your pet mink ate them all...

I was wondering what had been getting into the melons. No big deal at this point, it's been a great year for cantaloupe and melons, had enough of them.

Yeah I've read that stuff and tried it that way and didn't have any luck. Best bite I've had so far has been with 6# mono and fishing it faster than they recommend - but this is for surface biting fish. I like 5bites idea of throwing it around docks.