Windknot

www.americanfishes.com I put it in my "favorites" when it was posted ealier last year. I use it often for a reference when painting. P.S. How's it been going guys? I kinda took a hiatus from baits, as I suffered from a bit of a "burnout" (too many buddies wanting stuff...and not enough time to figure things out proper..ie..swimming/weighting/etc). Now, I'm back

Well, I really screwed that one up..just go to www.pennstateind.com and check out their lathes :oops:

Just another one to look at. I'm planning on going with one of these. Seems to have a good warranty, and made in the U.S. (No, I have no problem with foreign goods..just like to see the "U.S.A." sticker on some of my stuff [/http://www.pennstateind.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TCLPRO&Category_Code=url]

:oops: Yup, Folk, I didn't catch the date that the thread started until I had already submitted my post Just goes to show..'puters and beer don't mix well

Wow, I figured this one would have had some feedback by now LaPala, I'm VERY new to making hardbaits.."well seasoned" in tying flies, and , have wet a line enough to be comfortable with putting in my 2 cents on fishing topics Anyhow, with my flies, and now my hardbaits, I only worried about ONE persons opinion of my baits..MINE! I gather, from your work and from your help and discussions that YOU are likely your BEST critic. As far as field testing, I am fairly confident that you look at as much, or MORE, criteria as any other manufacturer. Quality of components, craftsmanship in assembly and finish, action of the lure, hooksetting abilty, and durability of finish LOL (This one has been kicking my butt with the Pike) I guess, in closing, I'll share something I was blessed with learning right at the start (This April) I was down to the river , with a friend, testing my first glider. At the first cast, I was dissapointed cause it didn't swim like "all the others" I even commented about it to my buddy. Second cast, I was working the bait in, watching the action, and complaining about it's "swim" when BAMMM! a Musky of the low to mid fourties come up and smacked the bait. Now, he didn't get the hooks..but he (or likely "she") lit a heck of a fire in me And it happened on a "crappy" bait. Just my 2 cents..and , if you're still looking for a tester, I'm still happy to add more baits to my box :grin: Bottom line, I think you..and those crazy looking fish you catch, are your best critics! Peace, Bart PS. will pm ya soon..been busy :oops:

Sounds like a great time Aaron! I've had the same thing happen in my canoe, on the marshes here. It's a blast! One thing (this is the "overly cautious dad ,in me, talking) I'm hoping that life jacket isn't being stuffed inside your hull, but being worn properly Kayaks are tricky..especially when you're wrastlin' them big 'ol Bass! Take care, and keep catchin' 'em! Bart

Me Too! Me Too! I want in!!

Thanks guys, went went the aqua view VT50 . I know it'll come in handy for ice fishing, and I believe it'll be a good tool for reading the bottom..and I BET it would be a blast in the girls bathroom Joke!!!! Anyhow, no-one had anything to say about the "Atlantis" plus I couldn't find much for info (their website left much to be desired) so am confident I got the biggest bang for my buck Thanks again, Bart

Ok Guys, decided I wanted an underwater camera for my birthday. I plan on using it primarily for goofing around, seeing what the blips on my sonar really are, ice fishing, and keeping my kids occupied (checking bottom types and cover too :oops: Anyhow, for those who have monkeyed with these contraptions..a question Which one would you recommend? I'm undecided between the aqua view and the Atlantis I'm also open to suggestions. I am primarily looking for durability, good lighting (stained water here..so will likely go with the L.E.D. lighting system) ease of use..and oh ya..functionability! Thanks for your time..and YUP, I know it's cheating..but I promise I'll only use my powers for good! Windknot

wsswesty, if you are near any fly shops, you can take a look at "Larvae lace) I have a small amount of black that does the trick..easy to use too

Clemmy, don't know if it's what you're looking for (prolly not ) But check out Jann's netcraft and look in the ice jigs category, they have a thin type solder that may work for ya.

Finlander, try Rollie and Helens (Muskyshop.com) for the larger eyes..They've been pretty good to me and I get them fast!

Dude! I think we mighta went out when I was stationed in Kodiak AK, with the USCG LOL..Kudos for for throwing egos to the wind..especially for a good cause!

Wow, maybee I'll save my coin and forgo the Power Pro Has anyone used it in the higher tests? I generally spool up with eighty plus for Pike and Musky..not so much because you need it (caught my first fourty incher on 14 lb mono) but, at 20 plus bucks a pop for baits, you wanna make sure you can keep 'em on Now that I'm making most of my own baits..I REALLY don't wanna lose them!! Ask my buddy, he watched me tip my canoe trying to save a ratty jerk bait ,I made, just the other day :oops: Lost the bait anyhow, and got a wet behind to boot . So, how bout it? Any "high poundage" lines to compare with tuff line or the old Berkley Whiplash?

Happy Birthday Thanks for a great site, and for ensuring it stays that way!! I have learned soooooo much in the short time I have been visiting, and am absolutely shocked at the creations I am building..all because of you guys and your know-how have a great one! Bart -CUSTOM LURE BUILDER