Quillback

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.

Yes thanks, very interesting stuff to read. Where the bass suspended in the timber or near the bottom?

The hooks are small for sure, they look to be a short shank #6. I replaced the rear hook with a Dai-ichi #6 which has a longer shank. I'll try it next time out. I was using mono and a fairly slow action spinning rod last time I fished it and was still having fish come off.

They claim the G-Fix can be thrown on a bait caster, so you think you could use heavier line. One of those things that you just have to try for yourself and see if it works.

I guess a feller could do that, spend a heckuva lot of time tweaking one of those baits to get the desired action. or you can just buy one and not have to deal with all that stuff.

These spin baits have a lot less action, the props turn and the bait kinda rolls on it's axis. Jerk bait is going to have a wobble - but the jerk bait may work.

It is tough no doubt about it. Welcome to the site!

I don't know if it will be laughed at - COE sold off the Viney launch and park at Table Rock to the state of MO.

I'd be merciful and take him for a ride (unless of course you want a hat). Hopefully you've got a pickup and you can just put him in the bed for his ride. I'm probably more cautious than most, but I'd tie a few feet of rope onto the door, so that when you open it to let him out you can stand off a bit.

Sorry Bill, I thought you were yanking my chain. Don't mind sharing what I know - which isn't a lot I've been using the Duo Realis 80 (you can get them at your favorite mail order house - TW). here's the link: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Duo_Realis_Spinbait_80/descpage-DUOSPIN.html They've just come out with a slightly bigger version, the 90, and they have a heavier version, the G-Fix 80 - I haven't tried these two out. I've been using a light spinning rod, and 6# mono on the reel. I've been throwing it to surface fish, flip the bail over as soon as it hits the water, and bring it in on a steady medium speed retrieve, trying to keep it in the top foot or two of water, I haven't had much luck letting it sink deep and then slowly reeling it in. They hit it pretty good, you'll know they are there. The bait is small, but heavy, it casts really well on a light spinning outfit. I think I am going to experiment with the hooks, the ones on the bait are sharp, but small, I'd say about half my hook ups get off, hooks just aren't getting it done. I'm a little concerned a bigger hook may ruin the action, but I guess I won't know until I try. I like the Chartreuse shad color, here's a pic:

Congrats!

Latin name: Striperius Eatiumus

I sense my leg is being pulled..