Big Tom

For me, rest and water seems to do the trick most times.

Me and you both...lol. And it's a personal choice...we do not catch the big ones solely because we do not want to hurt them...

I do most of my spending BY FAR in the winter...buying crap is almost as addictive as fishing.

I take anywhere between 3 and 5. Here is what I have: 1. I got a 6'6" medium bass pro shops pro qualifier casting rod that I use for Texas rigs. Its one of my mainstays. 2. I got a 7' MH BPS Extreme rod that I use for jigs or carolina rigging. I usually always have this with me too. 3. I have a BPS Rick Clunn casting rod - 6'6" medium that I use for small cranks/finesse presentations. This one I take or leave (most often leave because even though its a worm/dropshot rod its about as limber as a willow branch) depending on how I am feeling. Its REALLY sensitive though so its good for throwing jigheads and things of that nature. 4. I have a 6' medium Quest rod that I use for top waters and spinner/buzz baits. Its a mainstay. 5. I have a 6' medium St. Croix Premier spinning rod that I use for just about anything but mostly its my senko rod. Its always with me. I used to have a few others but I sold them. I am due for a serious tackle overhaul though. I just want some new stuff and with winter on its way, I will probably go crazy and buy all new rods and reels .

Looks like we are going to have to take us a trip and find out what you like. We need to go to Bass Pro again.

d**n it Burley, you have about talked me into one. I have never tried Shimano before and this seems like the best place to start.

I have only used Stren extensively and I like it pretty well. I want to try Power Pro and/or Suffix but I haven't made that order yet.

Once you go black, you never go back. With that said, sometimes I will throw a white one.

Thanks for the heads up about Yatesville. I think you will like your Rick Clunn reel. My buddy has one and its been flawless so far.

Don't forget: "Fish hold on 18 times longer!"

This thread cracks me up. I don't mind when people reference smallmouths by saying smallies but for some reason when I hear someone call a largemouth a largie (which has happened more than once) it irks me. I also find myself laughing every time I hear Stacy King or Edwin Evers talk. Those dudes basically communicate in cliche.

I cannot wait to be included in this club. I bet I have to leave Kentucky to do it. I don't mind that too much though. I have already experience the best smallmouth bass fishery in the world and if I have it my way I will return there annually. I cannot wait to experience Texas and Mexico largemouth bass fishing.

I voted both because confidence means you are doing something right and patience means you will keep with it.

I have seen it before but what is the story behind it. Lover? Dentist?

I know I am in the minority here but I actually like Vanish. Used it for a year with no break offs and no problems with casting or holding knots. It is strong and I still use it when I cannot immediately get my hands on P-Line. I like the line diameter of P-Line better. It handles a little better overall.

Good one.

They are all pretty biased one way or another. Its just what happens when corporations buy out our news media and produce topics that are not actually news worthy but instead produce all of this infotainment crap based on ratings. Instead of good stories that actually INFORM us as to the real social strengths/weaknesses of our society, we get to listen to idiots like Nancy DisGrace talk about what the Tot Mom did today for the last solid month and a half. Hey, but if it "bleeds it leads." : Honestly, our current news system is just unrealistic.

I have seen some dorms here at my college that would rival this. On a serious note, thats the nastiest thing ever. How is it possible to live there?

I would say the Extreme is a better value but everyone loves new crap. I like the Extreme reels too. My friend was using his Extreme reel when he caught a 5 pound smallmouth and dozens of 5-8 pound drum during the week we spent at Erie. I haven't got a chance to fish Yatesville much but I would say they are probably getting shallow now. I am gonna have to get back out there.

I have been thinking of getting a Kistler as of late too. My friend just got one and I cannot wait to try his out.

I am a big fan of the Pro Qualifier rods but I have never tried any of the low profile Pro Qualifier reels. If its anything like the old Pro Qualifier round reels then this thing is probably great. It caught my eye not too long ago and it looks like an awesome little reel. If you get it, make sure to let us know what is up. Have you been catching them lately?

I didn't make it through half of this movie. Terribly executed. Beautiful Stratos Boats though. And if I never see another Culprit advertisement I will be happy.

I only have one bait that I won't talk about too much because a friend showed it to me and told me he would appreciate it if I didn't show the color to many people. As far as I am concerned I really don't mind telling people what baits I use because as far as I know there aren't many people here that fish our lakes but I still want to keep my word to him. Other than that one instance, I have no secret baits or colors. I like fishing soft plastics a bunch and keep the colors as natural as possible. That means pumpkins and watermelons.

Nice fish man. Good goin.

That was almost as funny as the joke ;D ;D ;D Zing. Well played.