Actually I am thinning out my fishing gear, after many years of collecting. I am in the beginning stages of the thinning. My grandkids will probably take most of the lures, although many plastics may be remaining. I have many items that could help you out. I will look for you again on the post in say a month. Dan

What's that got to do with fishing?

Looks like a white fish. I have been catching them in Illinois, only the last five years or so. Don't know if DNR has been stocking them or if they are just coming. Pretty sure that's what they are. A couple have been good size.

No question is stupid, welcome.

Read a SPOON PLUGGING BOOK! PLEASE

I definitely agree with the post that tell's you to attach the wieght, lure you are using and adjust the brake so that the line drops slowly to the ground with no backlash. Put the magnetic brake on seven and you should be able to cast. It will not cast as far as you would like, but after getting used to it, you can loosen up the brakes and get farther cast. God bless Dan

Bass need different speeds on different days. I have trolled fast and slow. You need to vary speeds and find the one they like. Dan

If you have some good Gill's then one of my favorites is to fillet them and take a sweet onion and flat slice it, then in a pot or pan, put in an amount of butter. Place the onion and flillets in pot with lemon pepper seasoning. Cook until fillets are white and onions are soft. I love onions, but even those who don't have loved this recipe. Hope it works for you. God bless Dan

I believe it takes years of fishing to find the type of gear that you like. I am 65 years young and started fishing before the internet excited. The only information came from my dad and others that I met along the way. If you have good fishing available to you? Then you will learn faster, hardly any fish, you can watch every video and buy every lure but still not catch fish. Our future depends on getting the kids out there catching fish. Take a kid fishing. God bless Dan

I have used Gill's several times. The main problem is they tend to swallow the bait pretty fast. Please be prepared for this, or wanting to process what you catch. Daniel

Is this a private argument? Or is anyone invited to join? I am so tired of people telling about every single science fair project. What ever happened to enjoying a day sitting on the bank watching a line? I seen a $200K bass boat keeping 6" crappies. Try the small jigs slow and fast, deep and shallow. Assuming you have a rod and reel, or a tree limb. Get some worms or minnows and a bobber, sit down and relax. Enjoy it. Good bless Dan

Nice Trout, bet that felt good. Thanks for the interest in the outdoors, we need everyone to get involved. Take a kid fishing. Dan

Learn the difference between fish. Channel cat fish, blue cat's and flat heads. Channel cat's are the most common and probably what are in your pond. Channels like worm's, chicken liver and minnows, most common. Mostly live on the bottom and don't require a lot of heavy gear. Good luck Dan

I realize that I was very fortunate to have been brought up outdoors. I have a picture of myself standing beside my brother with a half of a fly rod, a small trout on a line tied to the end of it, and grinning a great big smile before I can remember anything. Taught to shoot at the age of eight and you had better not waste anything. Too much knowledge at one time is hard to swallow. When an adult you are thirsty to learn? Yes it can be very helpful. Take a kid fishing PLEASE Dan

It's a sickness that over comes the young fisherman as he ponders whether to go home to his other half or try one more spot. Hey there was a broken fishing rod sticking out of that garage can. I can't pass up those rods at the garage sales. I just really wanted one nice rod and reel. Of course I love my newer bigger boat, but I can't ignore old Betsy, it carried me through so much. Of course I need all these boat motors, trolling motors, fish finder and life preservers. Do you know how much these things cost? Just how many Rod's and reel's do you need? Just one more. I'LL do it tomorrow, have you seen the weather? It's perfect. Don't you know fish always come shallow in the rain. I must say, I have no idea what you are talking about. Dan