Jonn Graham

I sure wish they would make that Pro Lite reel in a lefty model There are a few oddballs out there like me that do not switch hands when baitcasting.

I have worn alot of pairs of sunglasses over the years. I have liked a few, and hated many others. I have had cheap pairs and expensive pairs. About a year ago, my buddy Tim told me how much he liked his new sunglasses. They were made by a company called Fisherman's Eyewear. One of their labels is also called "Guideline"........you may have seen that label in Cabelas or BPS. So, on Tim's reccommendation, I searched the companies website and found glasses to my liking. Ordered them late last year and wore them immediately when fishing or driving. I got the Photochromic brown lensed "Cabo". Photochromic meaning they change lens tint to match sunlight intensities. WOW! I absolutely loved them. I had never had a pair of glasses that fit like theirs did. In addition, I was consistently able to pick out stuff under the water that others around me could not see with their glasses. I was sold whole heartedly! Then came this morning. I grabbed my glasses, put them on, and then put on my pullover style jacket. For some crazy reason, the glasses broke. I mean really broke........right on the frame. A clean brake. Now, keep in mind, I immediately knew that it was not a defect from the company as I had worn the glasses for at least six straight months without a problem. I knew that evidently I must have done something to weaken the spot where they broke. I figured I would still call the company and see what they could do. I talked to a person right away (no waiting or "on hold" and no machine) and told her my problem. She quickly found my order and told me that the frames were under warranty. I expected her to tell me to ship back the old ones and then they would ship me another pair at maybe a reduced price. Nope! She said another pair would be in the mail today!!!! I asked her if she wanted the broken ones? Nope, she said........no need. Why am I telling you this. Well, if you are in the market to buy a pair of glasses, give this company a shot. They make a ton of different models ranging in price from less than $20 up to around $90, so their glasses will not break your bank account. www.fishermaneyewear.com

Ken: I don't want to get in a pissing contest with you, but I must say that evidently you are not keeping up with the problems shimano reels have had with COUNTLESS ANGLERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!. If you don't think Shimanos bind when they get wet, or the anti reverse quits when it gets cold, you are sadly very mistaken!!!! I went through all of these problems. I had many, many shimanos and will never own another one. You need to open your eyes to what other anglers have experienced with Shimano reels..............not just your experiences. Check out www.riversmallies.com and then tell me I am making everything up.

Paul: Evidently you don't go to www.riversmallies.com. Search on there for many, many threads talking about how shimanos bind when they get wet. Matter of fact, many of us on the site call the company "Shimbindo". That is why I got rid of them. I expect a reel that cost over 100 smackers to not bind up when it is simply raining!!!!! Or the anti reverse quits working when the air temp is below 40 degrees!!!! Unacceptable!!!

Ron: Excellent advice!

Dan: Glad you enjoyed the seminar. I really had a good time. That group of guys was one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable bunch of anglers i have every spoken to. WHAT A NIGHT! Looking forward to tackling Quinn's multi-colored swim jigs.

Ken: I have talked to Shimano directly in the past and they did not want to help me. Because of this all of my shimanos are gone. I will not buy another. I believe in good customer service. If I don't get it, then I don't use their product. If you take the time to read about the issues many, many fishermen have had with Shimano, you will understand where I am coming from. Riversmallies.com has many threads concerning how Shimano has turned their back on the common angler. I am sure that you have had good luck with Shimano's customer service as a result of being a vendor. There is no sense trying to change my mind. Shimano is OUT for me and I will continue to steer anyone away from Shimano if they ask my opinion.

Ken's comments regarding baitcasters are solid except for one thing..............Shimano's customer service track record is not that great. For proof, talk to me or check out riversmallies.com. Plenty of guys have been "stiffed" by Shimano as was I. If I had to suggest one casting reel, it would be the Quantum Accurist PT. It is around $120 and is a real beauty. It has the flippin' switch but I am yet to use it. Great reel at a great price.

Whenever you can, take some pictures of the smallies you catch with my swim jigs. Leave the jig in their mouth for the picture. Send the pics to me and I will send you some free jigs. Glad you had some immediate success with them.

Mark: I have quite a few in all three of the smaller sizes - the 65, the 85, and the 100. Don't mess with the 65 for sure! The 85 and 100 are the best sizes for smallmouths. After fishing the Sammys for a few years now, IMHO, the 100 size is the best size. It casts great and walks effortlessly. I would like to try the next size up this year - I think it is called the 115 size. I always throw my Sammys on casting gear. My favorite color (if it really matters, which I don't think it does for sure with the Sammy) is the American Shad.

3rd grip pole holster..........I don't think anyone has mentioned that one yet.

Bill: Glad you liked them. I know the smallies will like them as much as you and I do. Good luck and thanks for the order.

Funny you should mention painting cranks. Just painted up a real beauty last night. Turned an old Bandit 200 into a real nice crawfish, red hue.

Here is my latest color pattern that I am officially adding to my stock color list: This color is called Chartreuse Shad. It is a take off of the widely popular Chartreuse Shad pattern that Lucky Craft came up with. Thoughts?

I prefer the 10 pound on my spinning reels and the 20 pound on my casting reels.

I have tried many superlines over the years. Here are my feelings concerning a few: Power Pro was fine when I used it, but it lost its green color. But, I have a reliable source that tells me that the line has been reformulated and WILL NOT lose its color anymore. Fireline: Simply did not like it. Seemed to fray and lose its color rapidly. Suffix performance braid: Absolutely love it! Holds its mint green color and casts and handles like a champ. My favorite for now. Cortland Masterbraid: Just got a new casting reel filled with this at Strictly Fishing due to the fact that they did not Suffix. I figured what the heck. The folks at Strictly Fishing spoke very highly of it. I have only used it a few times and it seems ok. ONly problem is the line itself does not have much coloring even when it is new. Now maybe they make the same line in green? I am sure Ken can help us out on that one. That is my take so far on super lines. Keep in mind it was not long ago when I was not a big fan of superlines. Then I found Suffix and fell in love with it. I don't think superline is the best line choice for every fishing application, but for most of them it seems to do just fine.

If the hole is small enough, super glue works wonders. I have a small hole in one of my pairs of waders that was fixed with super glue and it is still holding after 2 years.

Bill: Not set up with Paypal. I would much prefer if we talk business over the phone, if you don't mind. Give me a call at 309-399-7055 and we can finalize your order and I can give you price and mailing details...............thanks.

Ron: You are right, access is difficult. I was wading a little section last year with another ISA member and we were asked to leave.

For the Fox with its stained water, I would choose the following four patterns: Threadfin Shad (White/silver and just a little yellow) Nuclear Frog (bright green and white) Bull Gill (Black, purple, blue, and orange) Clown (Red, chartreuse, silver) These are only my opinions. YOu can order any color you wish. Please respond to this reply and let me know. thanks. jonn

I must agree with Jim K. I will be throwing swim jigs until I die. Matter of fact, I love them so much I have been known to sleep with a few under my pillow. Eric: You are right.................I hate the word "deep". It is all dependant on the flow one is speaking about. I have had people ask me what is the perfect depth for smallies in a river? That question is impossible to answer. Depends on the river and the season.

Ok...............somebody has to play the dummie. It might as well be me. WHAT IS CENTERPIN FISHING!!!!!?????????????

Funny you should mention that bait. I saw that bait in the new BPS catalog and was thinking the same thing - SWIM JIG TRAILER! Will have to give it a try.

My search for the Spence Scout is over. I found two suppliers and have some on the way now. IF you picked some up for me, Rich or Rick, let me know and I still will take them. But if you have not picked any up, please do not bother. Thanks for your time and effort.