VolFan

I'm a BassResource Pro Staffer, and this thread and site is better than any of the others. BassResource Unofficial ProStaff

Either sliced into strips and fried or kept in bigger chunks (it helps to catch bigger ones) and grilled. Usually just salt and pepper, but I have put Old Bay in my breading mix before. They're more of a meaty texture and pretty sweet like lobster.

With baits that big, I'd get a bigger reel. If your Chronarch holds 100 yards of 20 lb test, you could use it, but you're stretching it. Maybe get a 300 or 400 sized Cardiff for that rod? Probably wouldn't cost you any more than a custom spool.

Too much info! Preserve the Aquarium from the fly fishers!

What size lures are you using? If you're around or under 4 ounces, maybe drop down to 20 lb line or even 17 if you'r not fishing DD water with a lot of cover. If you do drop down, use a quality line and be diligent about changing it out. You could also back with braid and use a 30-50 yard top shot of mono, but make sure that connector knot is very, very solid.

I know...and I assumed you weren't bank fishing Blue Plains...there's only a few left after that...and only one has that mud.

I know that warmwater discharge (I think)...lots of carp? was he directly across from where you walk up under the weeds or was he near the overhead structure? There's usually one on the far bank. As far as fighting, they seem a lot like pike to me. Real good initial burst and power but then they just kind of roll over. They are delicious though.

If he won't take the Pappy, I certainly will. I have tried most by virtue of my previous employment, and they are not to be missed if you get the chance.

I'd tune and trick the Cardiff to your preference, but that's just me. I tend to like the round shimanos better than a lot of the low profile reels because I find them more comfortable to fish with.

20 lb yozuri hybrid. You will lose more lures with braid as you get into bigger swim baits from cast offs than snags unless you are really really good with your bait caster. I use 17 for baits similar to the ones you referenced.

I could've bought a house off of West Millers Cove rd in Walland about ten years ago. If I had, I'd probably still be there.

Traveler - Land Between the Lakes is between Kentucky And Barkley Lakes in western TN/KY. Nice area, but it's not very scenic. Go outside of Knoxville/Maryville TN. Cheap, beautiful country and you can fish for whatever freshwater you want. You could even fish while tailgating to watch the most wonderful college team in the country... Now you owe me a fishing trip... :-)

LL Bean tends to have a good selection of styles of PFDs if you need a reliable store and aren't near a canoe/kayak store. Make sure that it is comfortable, or you'll never wear it. Also, make sure you can fish comfortably with it on. My first one rubbed my lat raw while fishing. As far as a paddle, since it's a SOT and is kind of wide, get a 240 cm paddle. Bean is a good place to check these out for size as we'll. Sierra Trading Post can have some good deals as we'll, since you seem to be value conscious.

Get a place on the upper end of Tellico lake in TN; you can fish for a multitude of species, and the scenery is great.

Look for any dents with creases in the plastic and any gouging. Check to make sure none of the hardware screws are stripped. Other than that, those boats are basically Tupperware. The low temps shouldn't affect it much. I had a Dagger Delta that spent alt of time outside in VA, CO, and TN with no real adverse affects other than some sun fading. And some resident spiders.

1. Identify the spots that can hold big fish, from bank or from boat, you can access them. And at the right time. 2. Approach said spots with great stealth, and place your casts with the same stealth. Don't cannonball a swim bait right on top of a bass' head. 3. Fish the exact"spot within the spot", the prime area where a big girl would be if she's there. Before all the others, have fun. Because if you're not having fun, what's the point?

Then get the 9 inch.

Pretty sure this is a troll..."I kept it out of water for 5 hours then put it in the sink and then on ice to filet...but then I decided to release it"... Zombie smallie?

9 " is actually a good compromise and a great bait. You'll still get some smaller fish on it, but smaller will be 2-3 lbs. great great baits for waking, fishing over shallow submerged grass, and pretty much any where you'd use a square bill.

I think maybe my guesses are backwards...3.5 in your hand and 5.2 on the ground...

5 lb 4 oz in your hand, 3 lb 2 oz on the ground. I think people are waaaay overshooting this.

You can't put lipstiick on a pig...also known as trying to polish a turd...it's just an inferior product. Since you've been on here a while, I'll take it off your hands to give you more room in the boat. I'll even pay the shipping. All sarcasm, just in case anyone isn't sure (but I'll take it if you're giving it away)

It's really hard to keep lit, and the buzz isn't that great.

Toad! And from a kayak no less?

It's certainly not going to explode in your hands if you throw 1/4 oz lures on it; it just might not be the perfect tool for the job. Abu's weight rating would suggest it's not, but I find moderate actions to be much more forgiving with regards to weight.