Sk8man

The two party system no longer works; both parties are totally out of it when it comes to representing the best interest of the United states and its population. Politicians on both of these dysfunctional entities are mostly self-serving, corrupt, and dedicated to propelling their own careers and managing their "perks". Moderates are a thing of the past or those left an "endangered species". Government is totally polarized and inept.. A strong third party is needed along with the outlawing of lobbying and making it a felony for both the politician or a lobbyist to exert influence on the process via money or perks. None of the news channels or the newspapers are reporting accurate unbiased facts....it is all slanted. The Wall Street Journal has the best writing and most objective editorials in it but how many people read it? How many folks in the U.S. know much about history, or geography anymore including our own President? We have a lot of things to improve on and to wake up to in this nation, but it is still the best alternative on the globe.

Now there is a real "dreamboat"

Which is an example of what I was saying not all kids..... This current situation is not a political one per se. it is a cultural one that has been brought to a head. The situation is highly complex because many of the issues have been "festering" as a cultural undercurrent for a very long time and there are not quick easy solutions to them . The problem I have is that too many things are being thrown in the pot which is being heavily stirred by folks with varying agendas. On top of this is the anarchists making their statement, and the opportunists (e.g. looters) taking advantage of the chaos and creating more where it suits their purposes. The spark to this current flame up is the inappropriate use of lethal force by police and the issue is a legitimate one, but the reactions have been all over the map and in large part non-productive in terms of corrective action for that particular issue. It is obvious that when folks are shot in the back while running, and police holding down someone and placing their knee on their neck those actions just by themselves say that some police are not being properly trained; and especially so with regard to the use of lethal force, and the use of physical intervention measures. (you never place a knee on someone's neck). There are physical techniques that can be used safely to prevent physical escalations and choke holds are not part of that scenario. I was trained as a military policeman (as well as training hundreds of staff in crisis intervention procedures including physical interventions later on) and it was drummed into our heads repeatedly that deadly force was to be used ONLY as a last resort when all other measures have either been tried and failed (or impossible to carry out), or others are in immediate life threatening danger, or your own life is in immediate danger. It is not "optional" and certainly not to be used with unarmed people running away or unarmed people resisting arrest. If someone is either shot or killed where that standard is not applied then we would be subject to legal standards appropriate to the situation including manslaughter or murder charges. We fully understood that going into any situation and it always guided our actions no matter how stressful. This guidance is missing from some current situations, procedures, and actions and necessary accountabiity is being thwarted by unions and others protecting their "turf". I am fully supportive of law enforcement and the need to keep order and hold those people accountable for their actions (looters, anarchists, arsonists etc.) but accountability goes both ways. I apologize for the fact that this isn't about fishing but it has been on my mind for awhile.

Good summary Bill

It is a mistake to lump all kids (or anyone else for that matter) into one group for many reasons. When you generalize without taking this into account (i.e. generalizing) it does a disservice to those people who do not fit the mold or fall into the category. It is not only inaccurate but it is unfair to those folks that doesn't fit the criteria. There are people within America both young and old that do not represent what the flag stands for by their behavior, and some do feel "entitled" and are without regard to the rights of others, there are people that feel disenfranchised so that they justify their criminal behavior by pretending to align with legitimate protests. The flag is a wonderful though emotional symbol of America and the freedoms that not only our very insightful forefathers lined out for us, but that so many Americans have given their very lives for. As veterans we took an oath when we entered service, and that oath was and is to defend and protect America and those freedoms that we enjoy and is a life-long commitment represented by the American flag so it is not just the flag itself but what it represents that is crucial for understanding and not everyone in America is on the same page in this regard and it can be frustrating.

Some great fish right there It might help their survival rate when releasing to not put hands or fingers in gills and hold them horizontally. The rainbows are pretty fragile and especially when the water is warm as it is. Thanks for releasing.

The spineys will come off that way but not the fishhooks

Nice going Stan. Guess derbies can be like some other things in life...the excitement is the anticipation befforehand. I know before the old ESLO derbies on Lake O i couldn't sleep at all the night before

Congrats Mike sweet ride!

It really isn't quite that simple or easy. With some lines (e.g. Sea flee) you can usually do that with the spiny fleas but not the fishhook variety as they stay there no matter how hard you smack it against the water and you are stuck with gathering them up in a clump and pulling them off (wire is more taught and it is a little easier on it than mono or braid).

Thanks for the pic Schreckstoff. As the old saying goes "A picture is worth a thousand words"

Might want to get a transom transducer mounting plate (plastic) and then you can move around the transducer to find optimal spot. Not easy to see with the white background but is an example. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/transducer-mounting-plate

If it is blue/green algae (even spots of it) be very careful as that stuff is very toxic to people as well as animals (e.g. dogs etc.) so don't let anyone swim if it is present. I believe there is also a hotline for reporting its presence.

Yes there is also substantial stretch in the Sea Flee line. After using it several years ago I changed about a dozen rods to it and it is all I use on my rigger rods...(1,000 yd spools)