BassmanDan

I have drove two and a half hours to the closest BPS to buy something...but I called the store first and made sure they had it in stock. They even put it back behind the counter - imagine that!

It works like a standard flipping switch. Is yours a new reel?

I have the Rockports with the silver mirror amber 580P lenses. Very lightweight, xtra large frame and the most comfortable pair of Costas I've owned. That lens has a slightly higher light transmission than the green or blue mirror. It is definitely better for cloudy days but also handles bright sun comfortably. I've noticed my GM lenses show more "color" and the silver are more neutral. The best bet is to go to a dealer who has all the lenses and find what works for you.

A trickworm, either green pumpkin or black. If I am not throwing it my partner is outfishing me with one so I don't have a lot of choices.

This. Sometimes the bass will smack it around once or twice and then crush it...this seems to happen more with a c-rig then texas rig for some reason. Feel the weight, then put the hammer down.

Since the blue mirror is a grey base and the green mirror an amber base there is a difference in what guys prefer..however the light transmission percentage is equal for both tints from what I've read. In my opinion the green mirror work great for freshwater, and I really prefer that amber/copper tint for my fishing. If you look at Oakleys website they rate the light transmission of the shallow blue lenses at 20 percent, which is pretty high. Both green and blue mirror Costas should be in the 10 to 12 percent range I believe. You shouldn't have a problem with either color.

I just got the 2013 Helios and test drove it today. It's very lightweight and fits my hand well. The size and frame reminds me of my Lews Speed Spool TP's. The braking system isn't hard to set, and I was very satisfied with the casting distance ( I was using a T-rigged trickworm with 1/8 oz weight, and getting the same distance as my chronarch 50mg). This is my first reel with the EVA handles...they are a little strange at first but soon felt fine. I have it on a Powell Endurance 7ft MH rod and it is a sweet combo for light plastics. Time will tell as with any new reel, and this is my first Okuma but I am very happy so far...and the $30 rebate doesn't hurt either.

I have 2 7ft MH...I bought them for texas rigs and jigs but after losing too many bass I only use them for cranks and traps. The parabolic bend goes halfway down the rod shaft...get the Heavy for jigs and T-rigs.

Sorry to hear about the tough day Caylub. Take heart in the fact that this is generally the toughest time of year and in a couple months the hawgs will be snapping. My best advice would be a dropshot and a lot of patience. Finding an area you know is holding the winter bass will help with confidence. Having said that I have been doing those things and the bite window has been really small around here...usually 15 minutes to half an hour in the middle of the day or just before sunset. Try to stack all the odds in your favor by fishing a lake with good water clarity and a large population of bass if possible. This is what has helped me during the winter.

I wouldn't ask for improvements, just bring back the Chronarch 50MG!!!

Lots of good tips already given. I have always found that (in my waters) you should be on the water and ready for the big bite in early March, usually around the first full moon. The biggest females seem to move up in the first wave and may not be up shallow very long. There could be a pre-spawn bite earlier than that depending on what part of the country you're talking about, but since we are both in NC that's my best advice.

Haven't tried this myself but it is another option... http://www.basspro.com/The-Fish-Grip/product/12082905322783/

Just saw the news and the they said a major change in the jetstream means a big warmup for a lot of the country by next week! Temps in the 60's here in central NC by Monday and even warmer after that. Break out the Christmas presents! Anyone else planning to get out there?

I don't know if it's just me getting older but I used to be so consumed by everything bass fishing that it was always on my mind like some of y'all. Now after about 15 years I still fish just as much but the craziness has come down to a more manageable level. I still can't go more than a week off the water without getting withdrawals though. Sidebar to Sam...they are talking about a big warm up in NC by Monday with temps in the 60's, and even warmer after that. You may get a chance to give that rod a workout soon.

My vote is for the Pinnacle Perfecta, and I have a Powell Endurance, Savvy, and Duckett Micro. It really is a matter of personal preference as all are great rods.

Being a native Hoosier now living in NC makes me really appreciate being able to fish pretty much year-round. Saturday it was a balmy 52 and the bass are fat and fiesty. A couple of five-pounders and a few of their smaller buddies just had to have a taste of a Zoom finesse worm on a drop-shot. Don't think I could make it through those Indiana winters anymore.

I bought a 7ft H Perfecta early last year and it has become my favorite rod for jigs and plastics. I would recommend the Perfecta line to anyone looking for a sensitive, very light and strong rod. I plan on purchasing more in the future.

You know the inventory in the Gander Mountain fishing aisles better than the employees.

You have body parts that will never be the same because of fishing.

I'm in NC and yesterday the bass were snapping. It will get tougher but you can catch your biggest bass of the year in Dec., January and February. Saw a guy boat a seven pounder yesterday...it's good to be in NC! P.S....the fish in my Avatar was caught Feb. 27th. Just put on the thermals and go!

I would say 5 to 6 because of the body. It takes more mass to make a ten pounder. Look at the length of this fish, yet it only weighed a little over six pounds. And this is what an NC ten pounder looks like. Get yourself a good scale and be ready for the next biggun.

Since you have to go with what you've got I would definitely still give the jigs a shot. It sounds like you will be bank fishing so be prepared to lose some because you will need to get them into the thickest wood and rock. Just remember to use heavy line and a good M/H or H pole if the place has big bass...those NC Hawgs will break you off in a heartbeat And next time you get to Dick's raid the black and blue jigs and Rage craws (there's none in the Garner Dick's 'cause I cleaned them out). Let us know how you did when you get back home.

The best advice someone gave to me was to spend the majority of my time and effort figuring out where the bass (and their food) live in the waters you fish and why (channels, bottom-cover, prime points, etc.). You can simplify things with just a jig or some kind of plastic (like a senko). Then figuring out where the big fish's living room is in your lakes will make your confidence go sky-high.

They are tearing up a black/blue jig (with a rage trailer) in the wood the last couple weeks. The water temps are in the low 50's and the big fish are feeding up in NC (I'm fishing in the Raleigh area)...good luck!

I know what a hassle jon-boat fishing can be...I've been renting 12ft jons and fishing out of them for about 12 years now. I can suggest buying a good seat and getting the Cuda seat clamp that Cabela's sells...it's heavy duty and holds like a vise. Put the motor on the back of the boat. Then get an extended trolling motor handle and you can stand in the middle section to fish, and circle your body around as the wind moves the boat. The trick is to have the wind at your back, preferably coming straight at your back. I know they say throw into the wind and go with the current but they will bite both ways. You can't always position perfectly on spots, but it does take a lot of the hassle out of it. Hope this helps.