Mitch f

What is the ratio of salt to plastic? I make my own molds and am using a plunger style injector. I'm just bought some plastisol from Jan's netcraft, have you ever used that brand?

A mutual friend tore them up today walking the dog on the Meramec. We'll see if the weather holds a little longer!!

Does anyone out there pour their own soft plastic baits? First time for me and I'm needing advice on which brand plastisol you like best. Also had some questions on adding salt.

Done shot my deer already

:)

Meester Cricket, calling someone a prick does not help your cause!

So the moral of the story is: Don't let this Donny guy or anyone else know the best spots This is exactly why I'm reluctant to give out good fishing spots. In the end, a bunch of well meaning people will turn the place into a tourist hot spot and then you have to take a number to fish your favorite point. I really don't mind giving out general information but not specific spots. That even goes for places out of state. The Menominee river was and is one of the best smallmouth rivers in the US. A local guide service is now taking out several drift boats full of fly fisherman everyday down the same stretch all summer long. The "shore lunch spot", according to a good source, looks like a cow pasture watering hole. I'm not against anyone making money to support their families in this down economy, but I refuse to speed up the process.

Don't think Paul Dallas would ever pick up a fly rod.

Talked with 2 guys from the Missouri SMA and they have both caught their personal best smallmouth in the last 2 weeks. With this rain the rivers should be getting good!

Mid to late fall is my pick as well, the only problem with the fall is the giggers have either gigged the big fish out of the best holes or they have the fish so skittish they won't bite. Not to mention the falling leaves clogging up my jet intake. Anyway when the water temp gets below 60, the fish start to strap on the feed bag and you have IMO the best time to catch a trophy fish.

Phil, Are your jigs tin-bismuth as well?

That's cool! I've been pouring lead for years but have always taken precautions about breathing vapors. I have a "gas mask" that blocks lead fumes and keep a fan to circulate the air. I would pay extra for something like tin-bismuth since it isn't as toxic as lead. There is a Japanese company Keitek that makes tungsten heads that are as good as I've seen but they are very expensive. Here is a link http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpage.html?PCODE=KSFBJH I wish I could find a way to make my own tungsten heads but I'm sure that would require some expensive equipment. The good thing is that the tungsten is much easier to keep a quality process under control. I feel there are only a few jigs in the market that I would consider having good quality/functionality.

Looks like lead to me...what are these jig heads made of?

Nice Fish! 55 degree water = crank bait time!!! those were quality largies! thanks for posting

Try Zipstick on this forum, his name is Nick Hamra, great smallmouth guide. Send me a PM and I will give you his contact info.

I wouldn't worry about anything but the fishing. If I want to drive 4 hours to fish for 4 hours I would do it if I thought the fishing was great.

X2

No complaints from me! If they don't like it they have the option to pay a premium for extra service if they want. In some cases that is what I do.

Al's Lakeside Repair in Edwardsville, IL, 30 minutes from STL. He said as long as you are not looking for a quick turn around . He repaired my motor very reasonably and it works fine. Phone # 618-410-1633

LOL!! I have a friend that uses the word "typically" in every sentence.

Food for thought http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_de28f084-0497-11e1-89dd-001a4bcf6878.html

Video was great but I was looking for something a little more "Matrixy" :)

I was there a couple of months ago and noticed the same thing, couldn't find any name brand rods that I was interested in. They obviously want you to buy the BPS label.

Thanks for posting Jeremy, brings back good memories!

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_a72bb60e-fced-11e0-8560-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=story I've fished this lake a few times